Alex looks across to Nate, who also winces, and I furrow my brows. That’s when I mentally kick myself for bringing up Zaria. She’s not only a sore subject for my brother, but obviously, the way Alex and Zaria met must be a touchy subject too.
Goddammit!“You know what, that’s none of my business,” I quickly add. She waves her hand through the air, a bright smile back on her face, and she shakes her head like it was nothing.
“No, it’s all good. I met Ria at a women’s shelter where I was staying. She came in as part of her charity work, and we hit itoff right away. We kept in contact after she left and remained friends. Ria helped me get back on my feet. Actually, she helped me a lot, to be honest. Without her, I wouldn’t have my apartment, and I wouldn’t have been able to finish my schooling. Shit! Without her, I might not even be here if I’m being really truthful…” she trails off, looking pensive.
Nate grimaces like he expected as much while I sit back in my seat and exhale with a slight nod. “Sounds like Zaria really pulled you from a tight spot.”
“You havenoidea.”
I want to ask. The idea that she was in a women’s shelter in the first-place rings alarm bells for me. There’s obviously a story there.Was she a runaway? Was she abused?I have no idea. But I want to find out. Now, though, this isnotthe right time. Tonight is about celebrating.
“Okay, so congratulations are in order.” I raise my glass. “To my moody artistic twin, who’s freaking awesome in the art world as well as music. Who knew he was so fucking gifted?” I raise my glass higher as he chuckles.
“Did you just compliment me?” Nate asks, raising his glass.
“Take it while they’re coming. Who knows if I’ll be this nice ever again,” I reply, and Alex lets out a stifled laugh.
“I get the feeling, Matt, that you’re nicer than you let on. You’re a big squishy teddy bear deep down, right?” She waggles her eyebrows at Nate, who chuckles and fist-bumps her.
“Hey, no gang-ups,” I demand, and they both chuckle.
“Excuse me,” a soft voice chimes from behind me. I turn to see a brunette bombshell with, I’m guessing, her friend standing there, shyly staring at us. Her cute button nose complements her face perfectly as she smiles, making the dimple in her left cheek sink in even further. I inhale sharply as Nate clears his throat, and I continue to gape at the beauty before me.
“Um… hi,” Nate replies casually.
The brunette beauty looks at me and gives her best shy expression as her fingers dig into the pleats of her white skirt, in what I’m guessing is nerves. “Hi, um… sorry to bother you, but we saw you, and you look so much like them, so we had to ask.”
My stomach deflates a little that she came over, not because she’s interested, but because they obviously know who we are. I glance up to see our security detail, watching cautiously. I give them a nod to let them know we’re okay, and they keep their distance.
Alex rolls her eyes and sinks into her chair, taking a long gulp, looking uncomfortable. I glance over to Nate to see how he wants to play this. It’s his night, so I’ll take his lead.
He half-smiles and looks to the beauty’s friend. “If you promise not to make a scene, we’ll take some photos with you and sign something if you like,” he tells her, and both of their eyes light up as though we’ve given them the best gift ever. They both bounce up on their toes, trying to hide their excitement.
A part of me dies inside as I watch the brunette. I wonder if I caneverland a girl. She has the look I’m after—the elegance, the shy demeanor—but she knows who I am.Fuck!Half the world knows who I fucking am. So how the hell am I going to find a chick who doesn’t want me for the glory that comes along with being with a rock star? Or the money that’s attached to my wallet?
The two girls squeeze into the seats between Nate and me, and I let out a small sigh. Suddenly, all the happiness and fun from tonight have vanished.
“Here, can you take a pic for us, pretty please?” the beauty asks Alex.
I inwardly sigh that she even has outstanding manners.
The girl’s a fucking winner.
“Sure,” Alex responds, taking her cell. I can’t help but notice that Alex is not smiling or looking overly impressed as we posefor the pictures. Once the girls get situated, cuddling into us, Alex snaps away, taking more than enough.
“I really love your music, guys. I’m such a big fan,” her friend says to Nate, and I sink a little further into myself.
“Thanks, we love bringing the music we make to our fans. It’s awesome you like our sound,” Nate explains, and they both nod.
“Oh, we do, so much. Are Danger and Ryan coming here, too?” her friend asks.
“Nah, not tonight. Sorry.” Nate shrugs.
They both smile. “Oh no, don’t be sorry. Meeting Nate and Matt from Recoil is amazing! You have no idea,” the beauty responds.
“What are your names?” Nate asks.
“Trish,” her friend answers.
