I didn’t think I wasthat well-known.
With every camera flash and every shout of my name, confidence surges through me. My cheeks ache from a smile that refuses to fade.
I throw an exuberant wave to the crowd, then spin back to the limo, reaching out for Everleigh.
Even though no one knows her name, the crowd erupts as she glides out.
She lets out a husky laugh, striking poses for the cameras and waving like a star. The paparazzi catch the sultry glance she throws their way, and the crowd’s wolf whistles send a ripple of amusement through me.
They can’t get enough of her, and I secretly hope Grimm stumbles across these photos. Since he never shows up at events like this, I might just have to swipe his number from Everleigh’s phone and send him a few myself.
So he can see what he’s missing and all that.
After the surprise of signing a few autographs, we strike more poses for the paps. Titan gets sly, his hand drifting to my hip, fingers hovering near one of the dress slits. He’s clearly hoping Alek will see them and get jealous, but I know Alek won’t even be looking for them. I make sure the cameras catch me, Everleigh, and the three of us together before we finally head inside to hunt for our seats.
We greet people as we go, some familiar, others strangers, but everyone is warm and welcoming.
Right as we’re about to sit beside Blue and the rest of Paradox of You, I spot Alabama and Zed from A to Z a few rows back. Alabama grins and gives me a playful finger wave.
I mirror her wave, fighting the urge to fangirl out loud.
Must act like a professional.
That reminder nudges me to focus on why I’m really here tonight.
Blue’s eyes twinkle as she smiles, her Monroe piercing winking at me in the light. “Can you believe this shit?”
I laugh, wrapping one arm around her in a small hug. “This is wild.”
“I can show you wild later, love,” a deep, whiskey-smooth voice says, drawing my eyes towards her drummer, Bowie.
Blue shoots him a sharp look before glancing back at me. Her smile is a bit tighter, and pain flashes briefly in her eyes before they empty. “Don’t mind him. He’s liable to give you chlamydia if you take a ride on that train.”
Damn. Shots have been fired.
The rest of the band glance at Blue, their faces flickering with longing, guilt, love, and regret.
As much as I want to know their story, I have enough drama of my own, so I just shake my head.
“I heard he’s got no rhythm and can’t please a crowd to save his life,” I tease, grinning as she catches the double meaning and throws her lime green hair back in laughter.
“Never met a woman who’d turn away Bowie’s charm,” she says as we take our seats.
I shrug. “I’ve had enough trouble with pretty boys.”
Our eyes meet, a silent understanding of the ache that lingers between us, before we shift our focus to the figures ascending the stage.
Paradox of You wins Song of the Year for Not Your Just Because, and as they take the stage, I can’t help but shout my congratulations above the noise.
Blue flashes me a quick wink before launching into their acceptance speech.
A dull ache settles in my chest as thoughts of Alek surface.
Wouldn’t this moment shine brighter if I could share it with him?
Titan’s fingers drum against my knee just as my name is announced for Songwriter of the Year.
Holy shit.
