Page 104 of The Twisted Beats

I send Bren the next one.

Me:They denied me access, saying I’m underage. Now what?

Nothing.

I stand frozen off to the side of the opening of the bar.

Callum’s voice spills into the area. “Happy New Year! You might know some of us as Ur Boyz,but tonight we’re here to create nothing but Mayhem!”

The crowd goes wild. Callum breaks into a new song and I already know I’ve lost. I won’t be getting in. I won’t be able to reach them now that they’re on stage.

Tony wraps his arm around me and leads me away from the crowd. “John says there’s no way around the rules now. He said it’s best if we wait for them back at the hotel.”

“At least let me hear them play.” I stop and stare at Tony. “I know it’s not the same as seeing them, but I can tell them how they sounded.”

Tony nods and stands behind me as I try in vain to soak in everything I can about their performance. Women scream how much they love Cash and my brother. Some even yell out to Hawke and Cooper, who are relatively unknown at this point.

When they’re done, my heart breaks and my stomach empties. I missed the first time Mayhem played live in front of a crowd and nothing will ever take its place.

Just like Zara took Callum’s first time with sex, this crowd took Callum’s first time living as who he truly is, the lead singer of his rock band Mayhem.

Once again, I come in second place. Any time after this is only a replica, a substitute for the original.

With that, I turn to Tony. “I’d like to go back to my hotel now.”

“Wise idea. We’ll beat the crowd.”

Tony drives us back to my suite, taking tunnels and back route areas. I barely notice. My heart’s fucking broken. I’m high as fuck, but this still hurts.

I send Callum another text.

Me:They wouldn’t let me in, but I heard you. You were fantastic. Text me and let me know when we can meet up.

Tony and I get back to my hotel a little after midnight. He tries to cheer me up by telling me a few jokes. They’re not really funny, but I appreciate him trying to lift my spirits.

He escorts me into my place. “John said they’re signing autographs and will be out for a while. He said we should relax and wait for them to return.”

“Fine.” I throw down my clutch and go to the bar area. “You want one while we wait?”

“Sure.” He moves my purse. “You got any of the good stuff left?”

“Yeah.” I fix our drinks and return to sit next to him. I get the remaining coke out. “There’s plenty to last until they get here.”

He takes it from me, pours it out, and divides it into seven lines. He finds the straw I was using and does two fat lines, then circles back and does another bump.

I sip on my cocktail and watch in amazement. I’ve never seen anyone do that much coke in one go.

He comes up and wipes his nose. “You know, if I were your guy, I’d never let you spend New Year’s Eve alone.”

“You didn’t.” I smile, trying to ignore the iron forming in my gut. “You’re here and they’re?—”

“Stupid.” He takes my drink out of my hand.

He advances on me, forcing me down against the cushions of the couch so he’s on top of me.

“No, don’t.” I try to press him up with my heart jumping out of my chest. “I’m Callum’s girlfriend.”

“And he’s not here. As they say in these types of situations, he’s busy.” Tony laughs as he takes a whiff of my perfume. “And damn if you don’t smell good.”