sipping water like it’s wine.
“So what is it tonight?” I ask Neon.
“Network, perform, or start shit?”
He bites his bottom lip.
“Was supposed to meet someone.” His eyes crawl over me. “But then I see the sexiest fuckin’ complication in New York in a black dress.”
Andrew glances sideways,
somewhere off,
head shaking.
Then he goes back to the clipboard,
as if he’s got real shit to care about.
But I caught the jaw flex,
the microsecond when his gaze could cut diamonds.
Neon holds up a hand. “Now I’m reconsiderin’ my whole damn night… Who you here with? Don’t tell me you showed up with some guy who left you lookin’ like you’re available.”
Andrew huffs a breath that could pass for a laugh if I didn’t know better. Then he scratches behind his ear, muttering something to Jay.
“Trust me,” I say, eyes on Andrew.
“If I was with someone?
“He’d already be draggin’ you out by the throat.”
The vein in Andrew’s neck pops,
a trigger half-pulled.
His chin tips higher,
hand sliding into his pocket.
Whatever smile was left on his mouth evaporated.
I shrug. “But, sure. Lead with‘complication.’
“Real creative.
“No wonder your career stalled.”
Neon tips his head. “Still salty? ‘Cause you and I both know I had offers. Let’s not act like I was beggin’ to get wit' a label.”
Then he leans in.
“Only thing I wanted to sign?—”
“Yo, Allie. You good?”
Nico steps up beside me,
