Rise (Rock God 1)

“Why are you acting like this? I can order for myself. I’ve been doing it my whole—”

“Why are you a liar?” That makes her eyes narrow.

“I have to use the restroom.” She stands, grabbing her bag.

“Sit down. I have a few things I want to say.” I jerk her back into the chair, our faces inches apart.

“I. Have. To. Pee. You lunatic.”

“Hold it.” I scowl.

She blinks at me, her face flushed with anger. “What’s happened to you?” She stands again. “I’m going to the restroom unless you’d like me to squat right here.” She kicks the chair back and walks toward the restroom sign.

“Fuck.” I toss my cigarettes on the table, pick up my phone, and toss that too. I have zero desire to see what’s going on. All I care about is the green-eyed witch I’m obsessed with. While I wait for her, I look around at the room, grinning at a random lyric that infiltrates my head.

Like a switch on the wall, you turn me on. A smile, a laugh, a wink and nod. And all the while you turn me on.

You turn me on.

“So here we go.” The waitress comes by, jolting me out of Rhysland and back into the real world. She places what looks like two double shots in front of me.

“Thanks.” I smile at her but get distracted by Gia coming out of the restroom. She slides her sunglasses on dramatically as she holds up her hands at a group of people talking to her. And I can’t stop myself from smiling.

I like her a lot.

“God.” She sits. Putting the sunglasses back on top of her head, she looks down at the massive glass of whiskey in front of her and wrinkles her nose.

“Can I get a cup of coffee, please?” She smiles at the waitress and the whole room lights up. I almost reach for my heart.

“You betcha.” She rushes behind the bar area.

Gia pushes the whiskey toward me. She’s put on makeup and smells like vanilla. I lean over to inhale her.

“Here you go, fresh coffee.” The waitress dumps it in front of her and turns to me. “I hope I’m not bothering you and all… but can I get a selfie with you?”

“Of course.” I stand as she squeals, then shyly moves toward me, but she’s small and can’t seem to get us in the shot.

Gia sets down her coffee. “Here, let me.” She takes the waitress’s phone. I sling an arm around her shoulder and smile and the waitress instantly bursts into tears.

Perfect.

I give her shoulder a squeeze. “I’m so embarrassed. But you’re the Rock God.” She laughs and cries at the same time, trying to smile at Gia.

“Nah, I’m just a dick. Ask her.” I motion my head at Gia who is busy snapping photos.

“It’s true, he’s a dick.” Gia smiles at the waitress. “Here, I got some great ones,” she says, handing the phone back.

“Thank you.” She turns as three other waitresses come in with our food.

“Can we—” I stop them because this is how it starts.

“How about you let me eat with my girl and I’ll take pictures and sign shit on the way out.”

“Thank you, Granger.” They all start giggling and grab each other’s arms as they walk out. A bunch of people peek in, but so far it looks like we might be able to eat without being interrupted.

I hold the chair out for Gia who has that look on her face again. “Let’s just eat.”

“Thank God, I’m famished.” She sits and grabs an onion ring from my plate. “Shoot, I was going to ask for ranch dressing, but I can’t handle any more of your fans.”

“Agreed.”

She completely ignores her fruit and toast and picks up the cheeseburger.

“Cured of your vegetarianism?” I raise an eyebrow at her. She’s fantastic, even though I want to strangle her.

She waves her hand in front of her face. “Please. I would never be a vegetarian. I love meat.” My cock jumps as she turns pink but continues, “I just hate you ordering for me, that’s all.”

For a moment, I let that register. I’m so used to doing things my way, but she’s right. No one ever tells me no.

“You’re right,” reaching for the Tabasco to dump on my onion rings.

She stops eating for a second and picks up her coffee. “You know you could slow down, Rhys. Everything moves so fast with you.” Her eyes dip to my plate, which now only contains onion rings. I ate the burger in three bites.

“And I get it, I really do. You’re trying to stay one step ahead of all this.” She motions to the room with her hands. “But if all you’re doing is racing to get to the finish line, you’ll only keep things growing bigger: your music, concerts, fans.”

She sets down her coffee and leans forward, resting her chin on her hands. “Do you ever get to be you anymore, or are you really the Rock God now?”