He looked at me in a panic. "Don't say shit like that out loud."
I couldn't help but smile. "It'll be our secret."
He looked away. "The guys are heading out to another club. It's all full of rich kids and D-listers and online influencers who like to think they're famous. No one will bother us. Cameron's got us a VIP lounge. You in?"
I had been planning on going home and wallowing in misery, but Noah's words had managed to cheer me up. "Sure. I could use a drink."
He stood and grabbed my hand. "Let's go."
My heart immediately ran into overdrive as Noah dragged me out back. Noah had taken to holding my hand more often. It was such a small thing, such a tiny gesture, and yet it made my heart flutter like a thirteen year old girl with a crush.
The other band members were waiting near a limo, standing around talking and joking with each other.
"Hey lovebirds." Cameron smirked and nodded at our joined hands.
Noah dropped my hand and jerked away as if I were on fire. I tried not to be insulted. He clearly didn't want anyone to know there was something between us.
Not that there was anything between us. Not really.
"There's only one of you?" one of the twins asked.
"His Royal Highness said you were bringing some friends," the other said.
"I guess we'll just have to share," they both said at the same time, identical wicked grins on their faces.
I flushed and laughed at the same time, bringing my hand to my mouth to hide it. What a perfect nickname. Almost as good as Mr. Cranky Pants.
Noah pulled open the limo door with a sharp yank. "Are we going stand around all night or are we going to party?"
We piled into the limo one by one. I ended up squished between the twins somehow.
It dawned on me that I was in the presence of the entirety of Darkest Days. I was surrounded by all five rock star gods. It was hard not to be overwhelmed. I clasped my hands together, trying not to let them shake. When that didn't work I shoved them under my thighs.
"So Jennifer." August spoke my name in a questioning tone as he stretched his long legs out. "Naomi said you were a fan."
"Who isn't?" I said, faking a breezy tone.
As much as I admired Noah, I couldn't deny being overwhelmed by the drummer. He composed all of Darkest Days' songs, and wrote songs for other bands as well. He played multiple instruments and was personally involved in producing not only their albums, but also helped produce other artists.
Whereas Noah was a literary genius, August was a musical prodigy. I hoped to one day be as good as Noah. I knew I'd never in a million years be as good as August Summers. No one could.
"Which song is your favorite?" August's ice blue eyes pinned me down. Was it a test of some kind? I answered immediately.
"Beyond The Lies. Of course, that's one of the earlier songs from your first indie album. Your sound has matured quite a bit since then. If I had to choose something more recent, I'd go withThe Time Has Come."
One of the twins laughed out loud. "Really?"
"Something wrong with my choice?"
"Nope." Brilliant green eyes flicked over to Noah, a smirk crossing his face. I looked from one to the other, lost. "It's just that those are Noah's favorite songs."
"I don't have favorites," Noah said flatly.
"Sure you do," Cameron chimed in. "Those are the only two you don't bitch about singing for the millionth time." Cameron kicked Noah's shin. Noah kicked him back.
The two of them bickered the whole way, Cameron needling Noah and Noah sniping back at him. I sat in silence, trying to ignore the evil grins the twins shared over my head and the contemplative look in August's eyes.
We pulled up at the club. I shifted in my seat to follow the others when they filed out, but Noah's grip on my arm stopped me.
