“Fuck no. I’m not stupid and Cynda is a nice girl. Remember that.”
“I’m not going to hurt her.”
“I hope not, she’s not like one of these women you know?”
He had a point even if it was one I didn’t want to admit. “Fuck.”
“I’m just saying. Everything has consequences. That’s why I do the groupies. I wear rubbers and I got no consequences.” Laughing he walked into the sea of women and disappeared.
I made my way over to get a scotch. Then downing it I poured another, and turned around and into Sweets.
“Hey.”
“Sweets. Fucking incredible show tonight, huh?”
“Yeah. Best ever. Listen, I’m sorry, I don’t want to fight with you. We’re good.”
Looking in to her sad eyes the scotch burned in my gut. I didn’t know what to say, I couldn’t tell her I was pretty sure I wasfalling for Cynda. Talk about rubbing fucking salt in the wound.
I hugged her and whispered in to her ear. “I don’t want to fight or hurt you. You’re part of my family—the one that counts—but you will always only be like a sister to me. I don’t think that’s a bad thing either. I just wish it was enough for you. You’ll find someone who’ll be perfect. I know you will.”
I thought I’d done pretty well until she slapped my face and turned away without saying a word. Fuck. I bet she’d left a handprint on my cheek. She didn’t hold back, that’s for sure. She wouldn’t believe it but I did care about her, but I’d never fall in love with her. Fuck, I didn’t want to fall in love with anyone, it only brought pain, and yet it looked like whether I wanted to admit it or not it’s exactly the fuckin’ road that I was headed down with Cyn.
I’d had enough of this party. I looked for Terrance and finding him over by the door I headed in his direction.
“I’m leaving, but I want you stay and watch out for Sweets especially. She’s fuckin' pissed and I’m not sure what she’ll do.”
“Okay. No problem. What if she leaves?”
“I don’t know,” I said running my hands through my tangled hair. I needed a shower. I felt hot and sweaty and I needed to ease some of this tension. “I didn’t think I’d need to hire a babysitter for her, but I’m worried. I guess if she takes off with someone and they’re not heading to the bus stop her. I’ll keep my cell on if you need me.”
“Gotcha. I’ll bug Wrath first if he’s still here, but he’s into some pretty heavy moves with that chick over there.”
Looking over to where he’d pointed, it was true. Damn. He had a woman with some fucking bright blue hair against the wall with his head buried in her tits. Hell, at least he was having fun. I didn’t even bother to look for the other guys, I knew they had either picked a woman or were working on it.
Nodding at Terrance I ducked out the door and headed for the bus. The quiet in the hallway was a welcome sound. I rubbed my cheek where Sweets had slapped me; it was still a little sore.
The bus door swung open after I tapped in the code. It felt good to be away from all the rest of the shit.
“Hey, Joe.” He was watching TV and eating popcorn at the table. I grabbed a few pieces. It was good and salty.
“Great concert tonight. You guys keep getting better.”
“Thanks. I still can’t believe how wild the crowd was. What a fuckin’ rush.”
“I bet.”
It looked like he was alone on the bus, I didn’t see her anywhere. “Is Cynda here? I didn’t see her at the party.”
“Yeah, said she was gonna take a shower and get ready for bed before the rest of you got back.”
“Cool, thanks, and thanks again for watching over her.”
“No problem. Now you’re back I’m going to go visit some old friends, I’ll be back by morning.”
“Cool, have fun.”
Chapter Sixteen
