“I told you guys, the Purple Raven is an entire vibe, but it’s also on Colfax,” she pauses dramatically, then adds, “at night!”
All the Colorado natives know exactly what happens on Colfax at night because we’ve all been stupid enough to roll the dice at least once or twice. The Purple Raven is an iconic venue on Colfax, and it just so happens to be right next door to Aarika’s store. We met in art college. She was studying fashion and clothing design. Roxy and I both focused more on drawing and digital art. We work as artists and do colorist jobs here and there for comic books. It’s a pretty sweet gig.
“Oh no, Colfax at night,” Roxy cackles sarcastically.
“Your store is on Colfax though?” I say, confused.
Aarika laughs. “And my man isn’t happy about it, but I might have embraced myI’ll do what I wantpersonality a little too hard. Speaking of, he’ll be here any minute to pick me up.”
“Oh shit, we should hurry and get in line,” Roxy gasps.
She has VIP tickets because of course she does. This is one of her top favorite bands she follows on social media. It’s their first world tour, and in her words, not mine, she couldn’t miss it.
“Roxy, we have VIP reserved seats. You spared no expense, remember?”
We both exit the dressing rooms carrying our bags. I’m planning to go stash these in the car and grab my super small bag before we head over to the venue.
“I know. I want to get in there right when the doors open. Maybe we can catch a sound check or see Cas getting ready.” She’s practically swooning.
Aarika and I look at each other, rolling our eyes, and pretend to gag in unison. “It’s Cas Wilder!” we scream.
“You guys stop it! What if he can hear us through the walls?” Roxy squeals, her cheeks turning bright red.
I’m laughing so hard I can’t breathe—seriously, I might pee myself and then Roxy’s going to be so pissed at me. I fall into one of the scalloped chairs in the dressing area and compose myself. Aarika’s phone chimes.
“It’s the motion detection cameras. My man’s here, which reminds me,” Aarika says, clearing her throat. “If you don’t want either of us to see it, then absolutely don’t do it inside the store. There are cameras everywhere.”
“Why are you looking at me?” Roxy whines. “I feel singled out.”
“I mean it, Roxy. Do not violate my mannequins.” She points her finger at her and wiggles it.
A car horn honks.
“That’s him. Have fun. The door will lock behind you. I stocked the mini fridge full of drinks and snacks. Oh, and I left some emergency cash for you guys here in case you need it for some reason.”
“Gee, thanks, Mom,” I say, giving her a hug goodbye.
“Seriously, just stay alive, okay?” Aarika says as she hugs Roxy.
“I promise to keep her alive.” I hold out my pinky finger to mock her.
“It’s not just her I’m worried about. Be careful hooking up with whoever the lucky man is,” Aarika confesses.
“I promise to watch out for her,” Roxy chimes in, and we both grimace.
Last time Roxy looked out for me, we ended up in a mess and missed the important meeting we flew all the way to Tokyo for.
“Oh come on, guys, we have to let that one go. It’s been like two years,” Roxy complains, picking up on our hesitation.
“Fine,” Aarika agrees. “But if anything happens to her, I’ll never forgive you.”
“Understood. Drive safe.” Roxy blows her a kiss, and so do I.
She blows one back, then walks out the door. The moment she’s gone, I begin pacing. What if I’m not ready to do this?
As if she can read my thoughts, Roxy says, “Come on, let’s put this stuff in the car and then head over. We need to get you out of your head so you relax and have a good time.”
She grabs my hand and pulls me into the warm night air.
