Suddenly, she yanks her arm free. “Don’t touch me!”
Whoa. I wasn’t expecting that reaction. I lift both hands, palms facing her. “So sorry. I don’t make it a habit of grabbing strangers, but I didn’t want you to turn into road pizza.”
Her eyes are round like saucers, and her breathing is erratic. Shit. Is she afraid of me? Can she sense that I’m a vampire?
When she doesn’t say anything, I add, “I’m gonna go now. Take care, all right?”
I cross the street, and only when I’m on the other side do I look over my shoulder. The woman is gone.
“Vaughn! Over here!” I turn around and follow the sound of my sister’s voice.
I’m still rattled about what happened, but I push it to the back of my mind. I won’t let a stranger ruin my evening. I don’t know when I’ll get another chance to hang out with Annabelle.
She pulls me into a hug the moment I step close to her. “I missed you.”
“I missed you too, sis.”
We break apart, and then she punches my arm.
“You are a real turd, you know? I haven’t seen you in forever.”
“Ouch!” The hit didn’t hurt, but I rub the spot, feigning that it did. “What’s with the aggression?”
She steps back and grabs both my arms. “Hello, biceps. You’ve been working out.”
“Yeah, a little bit.” I smile, then glance around. “So… where are your friends?”
“Oh, they’re already inside.” She takes my hand. “Come on. There’s someone who’s dying to see you.”
Shit. I hope this isn’t a romantic setup.
We cut the line, and at the door, I fist-bump Anthony, the bouncer. “Hey, what’s up, Vaughn? I haven’t seen you in a while.”
“I know. Too long. Who’s playing tonight?”
“Oh, a new band from Boston. Don’t know them.”
A twinge of jealousy pierces my chest. Night Crawlers was Nocturnal’s home base. We had a recurring slot every Thursday, and sometimes Saturdays too. I hate that there’s a new band performing in our place, but I don’t see Nocturnal getting back together anytime soon.
I follow Annabelle to a table in the middle of the club, just at the edge of the dance floor. Currently, the stage is empty, but all the instruments are already set up. I’m staring at it when Annabelle pulls my jacket sleeve to get my attention.
“Beer for you?”
“Yeah, sure,” I reply absentmindedly.
“What’s with you?”
I shake my head. “Nothing.”
Annabelle glances at the stage. “You miss playing, don’t you?”
“Yeah.”
“Is Nocturnal done for good?”
I shrug. “Who knows. Everyone is busy with other stuff.”
“Well… maybe you could join another band.”
