So maybe...
Mercs?
But Tank heads straight to Andi, who’s perched at the bar, looking a little lost in her own thoughts. He drops into the seat next to her, nudging her into conversation.
No Mercs.
I scan the room.
Kristy’s wrapped up in a booth with one of the groupies, hands roaming, mouths busy. That’ll end in the bathroom or the hotel room if she’s in the mood for a marathon.
In another booth, Luke and Alana are deep in conversation. They always are. Talking PR, marketing, and logistics. Alana’s not big on partying, so she sticks with Luke after our shows.
They’re sweet.
They’re also kind of boring.
I do a slow sweep of the entire room, but it’s clear that he is not here.
Mercs isn’t coming.
Disappointment presses against my ribs as I push off my seat and walk toward the bar.
“… so I said, ‘You’re a fucking reptile!’ and she told me to ‘Get fucked,’” Tank shouts, and Andi snorts with laughter.
“No wonder, Tank. That’s the worst comeback in history,” she says, rolling her eyes.
I slide in next to her, catching Tank’s attention.
“Hey, Effa…” He grins. “I was just telling Andi how great the show was tonight.”
“Absolutely,” I reply, forcing a smile. “It was good having Mercs on board. He made it perfect.” I pause, trying to sound casual. “Is he coming tonight?”
Tank shakes his head, sipping his beer. “Nah. He’s a quiet one. Said he wanted to stay back at the stadium. Not even sure he’s in the same hotel as us. Wouldn’t surprise me if he’s crashed on a sofa somewhere. Seems the type.”
I exhale through my nose, frustrated. “Wow. Wonder why he’d do that?”
He shrugs. “People are a mysterious beast, Effa. I mean, check you out. You’re a freak.”
Andi punches him in the arm, and he grins wider.
I smirk. “Thanks, Tank. I’ll take that as a compliment.”
He lets out a laugh. “See? Only a freak would. But that’s why we love you.” He raises his beer. “We gotta loosen Mercs up. Get him to come to an after-party. At least sleep at the damn hotel. He needs to feel like part of the crew.”
I nod slowly, pressing my lips together. “He will. Leave it to me. I have a way of making people love us.”
Tank smirks. “You sure do. Now, I need another beer and some bad decisions. Andi, my love, wanna party with me tonight?”
She chuckles. “Wow, Tank. That’s romantic as hell. How could I refuse?”
As they laugh, I finish my drink in one long swallow and set the empty on the bar. Without a word, I turn and head across the room, straight to Raoul. He’s at the top of the stairs, just like I knew he’d be, arms crossed beside Cooper. Both in black, both stoic. I can’t help but smirk. I feel for them, always watching, never joining in.
Raoul’s eyes narrow as I approach, his brows furrowing. Even grumpier than usual. Still sexy though, with that chiseled jaw, messy black hair, and shoulders like he could crush someone just by flexing.
But no. Raoul’s off-limits. He takes his job too seriously. That’s why we trust him.
And that’s why I’m here.
