The whole thing was hush-hush for now until a firm agreement could be hashed out. But soon he’d be able to tell Velma.
Then he’d find a comfortable bar he could buy and renovate, and he would use his connections to bring the best bands to Denver.
“Sorry about your phone.” Hans winced.
Brek shifted where he stood. “Shit happens.”
Shithadhappened. Shortly after he’d arrived, Brek had excused himself to call Velma and let her know his plans had to change. As it generally happened, one woman had leeched onto him. She had shamelessly flirted. He’d ignored her. Then she’d snatched his phone and with a coy, “Oops,” dropped it in a pitcher of Budweiser. Pouting her Botox-filled lips, she said something about needing his full attention. He couldn’t hear her exact words due to the blood rushing through his ears at the time.
Needless to say, the phone was fried, and he couldn’t reach Velma. He’d had Botox Barbie removed from the club. That went about as well as you’d expect. She spit and hissed the whole way to the exit. The bouncer had the fingernail scratches to prove it.
Then the next groupie took her place at Brek’s side. And when he shook her off, another, and another.
At one point in his life—hell, a few months ago—he’d loved that part of the business. Now? He had Velma. She may not have been ready to declare her feelings for him, but they were there. He hoped like fuck they were there. They had to be there.
“Brek!” a guy called over the music.
He turned to the direction of his name, scanning the packed room.
Jase shoved through a mass of VIPs and Brek’s chest went tight. What the heck was Jase doing there?
Brek hurried toward Jase, leaning to yell in his ear. “How fucked am I?”
No doubt Velma had handled the dinner perfectly, but he felt like shit for standing her up. Hopefully, all he’d worked for that night would make amends for his screwup.
“Aspen’s in labor,” Jase hollered back.
Brek’s pulse skipped and a headache formed at his temple. “How long?”
“No idea. Velma tried to get in here to tell you, but she got hurt when the crowd went crazy outside. Don’t worry, the car had nothing on her.”
“Car? What? Is she okay?” Brek’s breath hitched.
“Should be home by now. I left her with a cop who waswaytoo handsy for my liking. She said they know each other, and he promised to help Velma to her car.” Jase started toward the nearest exit.
Sweat formed along Brek’s neck, and not from the heat of hundreds of bodies shaking their asses on the nearby dance floor. God, Velma had to be all right. “I’ve gotta get to her.”
Jase caught his shoulder before he could leave. “Yeah. You should know she saw that chick give you her number. Velma wasn’t thrilled. But A-plus for ditching it fast.”
“Fuck.” Brek muscled his way through the crowd.
Which of the multitude ofchickshad Velma seen?
He threw open the thick black exit door. Cool Colorado air provided a soothing balm against the bullshit of the night. The group outside parted only slightly. Brek and Jase had to elbow their way through the crowd. A drunk chick with over-teased hair bumped into Brek and caught his arm. She flashed a fake grin. “What’s the hurry?”
He shook her off.
Shit. There were literally people everywhere.This is insane.
Jase headed toward the street. “The fuck happened tonight?”
Brek matched his stride. “Phone died.”
“You should’ve seen Velma at dinner. She kept looking at the door and checked her cell about a bazillion times.”
“Long story,” Brek muttered.
Jase smacked his shoulder. “Hope it’s a good one.”
