And without a moment of hesitation, he vanished and took all the warmth in my body with him.
Colton threw his arm around my shoulder as a gust of cold air made me shiver. “Don’t let our lead singer’s hot and cold attitude get under your skin. He’s always like that.”
“Why would it bother me? I just met him.”
And I meant every word. Damien’s actions, or lack thereof, didn’t affect me at all.
Whatever tension or weird energy had passed between us, it meant nothing.
I would go home tonight to Elijah and never think about Damien Walker again.
“We’re gonna head to the bus and get ready for the show, too.” Hudson turned his head to Colton. “You comin’?”
Colton nodded and looked at Jade and me with a grin. “See you from the stage.”
“Let’s find a table until the show starts,” Jade said as we watched the guys walk out of the vendor’s entrance.
I followed her like a lost puppy to a table near the bar.
I hated to admit it, but being here felt entirely out of my element. The hem of my shirt had risen up my back, so I pulled it down before I wrapped my arms around myself to stave off the chill from the AC.
Now that the climactic event of ‘meetingthe band’ was over, I looked around, wondering if I could sneak out and call an Uber.
Oh my God.I let my shoulders sag, and my eyes flutter closed.Idiot.Was I seriously trying to leave? After Jade had practically begged me to come and share this with her. This is exactly why I needed to get out more. I needed to live a little.
Jade was right. I rarely went out as it was, and even less without Elijah. Clearly, I needed to change that. Surviving a night on my own would be easy peasy lemon squeezy. Besides, I was here with my best friend. I didn’t need anyone else.
I finished my drink, hoping the small amount of alcohol would help me relax. Unfortunately, Malibu Rum wasn’t exactly potent, so I felt nothing.
The first band of the night made their appearance on stage and music soon filled the small space. I winced as a thunderous sound enveloped us. Beside me, Jade moved to the music, loosening up with each beat.
The noise overwhelmed me. The pounding of the drum and the cry of the electric guitar agitated my nerves. I took a deep breath and tried to enjoy it as much as Jade did. The rock band was called Twisted Elements, and their intense sound was so different from what I usually listened to. Something about the tune didn’t sit well with me. It was harsh in my ears, lacking the melodies I craved to hear.
“I’m going to get another drink. Want anything?” I yelled over the music.
“Yeah, I’ll have one more.”
I grabbed her empty glass and walked to the bar.
“Can I get a vodka cranberry and a Sex on the Beach, please?”
“No problem. Anything else?” the bartender asked.
“Yeah, a shot of tequila.”
“Sure thing, sweetie.” A twinkle sparkled in his eye as he looked me up and down.
Rolling my eyes, I turned sideways and leaned against the light chestnut wood, watching the band on stage giving everything they had. I only wished I enjoyed their performance more.
I held onto the hope that Rebel Rebellion would give a better show. Jade wouldn’t be here if they sucked. There was no way I could suffer through this much longer.
The bartender placed the shot and our drinks in front of me. I grabbed the shot glass and tipped my head back. The warmth ran down my throat and into my belly, quickly soothing my restless nerves. I smiled as I set the glass back down, and the bartender pushed another shot across the bar.
“This one is on the house.”
My gaze dropped from the bartender to the glass, and back up again. He was kind of cute, kind of not. He looked like he prioritized arm day at the gym over leg day and he was shorter than I preferred. With spiked-up dark brown hair and matching eyes, he wasn’t anyone I’d write home about.
“Thanks,” I said with a grin, playing my part. I downed the shot with a wink before placing a few bills on the bar, grabbed my drinks, and walked away.
