I glance back at Mercs.
“Go,” he says softly. His disappointment is clear, but his understanding means everything. “She needs you. Work your magic.”
“I don’t have to—”
“Effa, I’ve waited two days. What’s a couple more hours?”
Andi furiously presses the elevator button, her finger jabbing it like the damn thing personally offended her. When it doesn’t light up immediately, she slams her palm against it and lets out a frustrated huff. Her jaw is tight, eyes blazing with whatever storm is brewing inside her, and I get the distinct feeling that if the elevator doesn’t arrive soon, she’s going to pry the doors open with her bare hands and climb the shaft herself.
I lean in, kiss Mercs on the cheek. “You’re amazing. I owe you the greatest orgasm of your life.” I tug on his earlobe with my teeth, then rush after Andi, barely making it into the elevator before the doors close.
She lets out a frustrated huff, folding her arms.
I move beside her as Raoul joins us.
She groans. “What is this? An inter-fucking-vention?”
“Nope. Just catching up with my favorite bassist. Raoul’s here because he’s cool as shit.”
Raoul smirks.
Andi rolls her eyes.
“What a crock. You’re babysitting me. Did Luke send you? That son of a bitch.”
I sigh. “No. I saw you and thought I’d check in. Want to go to the bar? Have a drink?”
“I was heading there anyway. Join me if you want. I honestly don’t give a fuck anymore.”
Her words are like a slap because that level of detachment isn’t normal for Andi.
We walk into the hotel bar and sit at the counter. The waitress sees Andi, nods, and starts pouring a drink.
Clearly, she’s been here… often.
I scratch my head, then face her. “So… wanna talk?”
She shrugs. “What’s there to talk about?”
“You’re holding onto something… anger, resentment? Have you tried talking it out?”
She chuckles darkly. “This is the problem. People think they can fix me. That talking helps. But they have no idea. It’s not that easy, Effa. This isn’t hippy land. You’re a little fucking pixie joke.”
Her words hit hard.
I blink, trying not to cry.
That hurt more than I want to admit.
I huff. “I’m sorry if Tank liked the blonde more than you or whatever the hell this is about, but girl, pull your head out of your ass before you piss off the entire band. You’re being a jerk. Sort your shit out.” I stand just as the waitress delivers her drink.
Andi downs it in one go, not even looking at me.
Shaking my head, I walk away, stunned. I was trying to help, but she’s not ready. Not even close.
As I head for the elevator, Cooper slides in beside me.
“Hey, Coop. Where’d you come from?”
