“Hi, nice to meet you.” Maggie waved.
“Ah that’s right. Chase told me he replaced me. Fired by my own roommate.” Arlo eyed Chased as he reached out his hand to shake Maggie’s. “But, lookin at you. I get why.” Arlo raised his eyebrows, hit Chase on the shoulder, and walked back toward the stage.
“Sorry, ignore him.” Chase shook his head. Then turning towards Maggie, he said, “I’m gonna go help them try to figure out the sound issue. You gonna be okay hanging out until then?”
“Yep, no worries. I’m good. I’ll just… organize the merch table.”
“Oh thanks, that’d be awesome.” He took a few steps backward and then said, “Hey, I really appreciate you coming.”
Maggie felt like someone had suddenly released a swarm of butterflies inside her chest.Seriously, though, who is this guy? Did I accidentally walk onto a movie set? No one is that nice and good-looking and talented, right?
After setting up the merch table, Maggie noticed people starting to trickle in. Soon the venue was about half full. She tried to absorb it all, but felt like she had walked into another world—especially considering how different her life was just a month ago. She never would have imagined that she’d be here, in a club, selling merch for a musician friend.
As the first band began, Chase went to grab drinks. “What would you like?” he asked her.
“Um… I’ll just take a club soda.”
“A club soda? Just the bubbly water stuff?”
“Yep. That stuff.” Maggie grinned as Chase scrunched up his face.
“You sure you don’t want anything in it like vodka or a whole bottle of grenadine to make it taste better?”
“That does not sound better… Just plain club soda.”
“Alright woman, as you wish.” Chase shook his head as he walked toward the bar.
Maggie was still watching Chase so she was surprised when a brooding, muscle-builder guy with tattoo sleeves on each arm appeared before her.
“Hey, you must be new. I haven’t seen you working at Chase's merch table before. Major upgrade from Arlo if you ask me.”
Maggie gave a polite smile, “Thanks… yeah, I’m Chase’s friend.”
“Nice to meet you Chase’s-friend, I’m Broden Dallas. I perform at some of the same venues as Chase from time to time. I’m actually up after him tonight.”
“Oh okay, nice to meet you. I’m Maggie.”
“Well Maggie, I have a song tonight that I’m gonna sing just for you. You’ll know it when you hear it.” Broden winked at her and smirked.
“Oh….” Maggie had no idea what to say.Am I being fed a line and straight up flirted with? What should I do?Thankfully, Chase appeared.
“Broden,” he said curtly.
“Oh hey Chase. Just wanted to introduce myself to your hot friend, Maggie.” Broden puffed out his chest.
“Well, now you did. Might wanna get ready for your set.” Chase nodded toward the stage.
“Oh don’t worry. I’m good. Besides, you’re the one who's up next.” Broden crossed his arms, staking his claim.
Chase leaned down, posting up with both arms on the table. “Bye Broden.”
Ignoring Chase, Broden gave a broad grin in Maggie’s direction and said, “See ya around Maggie,” as he walked toward the stage.
“What was that all about?” Maggie asked, curiosity brimming over.
“It’s nothing. Broden just thinks he’s better than everyone because he won third place on American Singing Sensation five seasons ago.”
Was that a hint of jealousy?Chase didn’t seem like the jealous type, but there was some serious competitive energy between those two.
