Page 20 of Serenade Me

“Um, guys. Shouldn’t we um… talk about things,” I hear my voice say.

“I did say that, Marius. But well, I think we all know each other enough to know, Anca will fit right in.” Dennis says, a frown on his face.

“But…” I start, not sure how I’m going to finish.

“What is WRONG, Marius?” Everyone looks at me, not quite sure what I’m trying to get at.

“Um, I think what Marius is trying to say but not say is… he’s scared I’m going to upstage him.” Anca cuts in, her lower lip tucked under her front teeth as she bites it coyly.

There’s a huge guffaw from the group and Brad chokes on the beef jerky stick he’s gnawing on.

“Yep, she’s going to fit right in.” Dennis winks to Jez.

I’m not as amused. “Is she always like this?” I ask Jez, throwing my hands up.

He shrugs, “Pretty much.”

“Then, no! I don’t fucking want her on the tour with us! She’ll ruin everything!” I yell, much louder than I mean to, and everyone falls quiet.

Jez frowns at me, his mouth falling open.

There’s a deep, red blush rushing up Anca’s face and her eyes glisten. She turns and runs out of the room, her hand coming up to cover her mouth.

I curse under my breath and wonder whether I should wait to hear the abuse from the group or just chase after her now.

“What the hell? Dude. That was really uncool. Why would you say that?” Sebastian demands, shaking his head.

“I’m sorry! I told you guys we need to discuss it, but you wouldn’t listen.”

“But you didn’t have to be so fucking rude.”

“Ugh, I know. She just… ugh she was just all…” I grind my fist into my palm, like rubbing salt into a wound.

“Dude, she was probably just trying to fit in, she didn’t say anything worse than the shit we fling at each other every day.” Jez jumps in, defending his sister.

“I know, I’m sorry I overreacted. But we still need to talk, guys. I don’t… I just don’t want her in the group.”

“So, talk.” Even Dennis sounds upset with me.

Cadence shakes her head and waves her hand, stopping the conversation. “No. Someone should go after her.”

Everyone’s eyes turn to me. Wide. Judging.

“Me?”

“Yes, Dickwaffle, you’re the one who made her cry.” Jez glares at me.

“What if I do it again?”

“Here’s some advice, don’t.”

“Fine!” I surrender. “But don’t blame me if-…”

“GO!” They all yell at me.

“I’m fucking going!” I shout back at them as I stomp out of the room, hoping I won’t be able to find her.

No such luck.