Now that I’ve seen Liam and his group, my eyes are scanning the crowd for Quinn. I don’t want to, but I can’t help it. I want closure. It’s for my sense of being and peace of mind, mostly knowing that as I return home I have to go head to head with Roy, and I’d like to know at least some other guy out there liked me, even for a minute.
Kellie’s successful in getting us to the front of the stage where she promptly yells, “I love you, Liam Page,” as if he can hear her over the loud music. My eyes land on the drummer, who looks like an older version of Quinn, which only proves that Quinn is going to age like fine wine. Glorious, sweet-tasting fine wine that can make you feel incredibly sexy. Yep, I’ve never had it.
Instead of watching the band perform, I’m looking at the faces around me, standing on my tippy toes, trying to get a higher vantage point. I’m knocked off balance and fall into the stage. Multiple hands are there to help, only they’re dragging me away from Kellie. I call out for her, but she’s zoned in on her crush.
I’m taken to a back room. It’s dark, dingy and smells like stale beer. The scent makes me want to gag.
“Sit down,” a stern voice says as he points to the chair. I do as I’m told. “Why were you trying to jump on stage?” The man in front of me sits backward on the chair.
“Uh, I wasn’t. I got pushed. I was looking for a friend and someone fell into me.”
“Do you know how many times we’ve heard the same story?”
I shrug. “Being as I’m not in your line of work, I couldn’t tell you. May I go now?”
“What’s your name?”
“Eleanora Boone,” I tell him. He pulls out his phone. His thumb moves up and down, and I’m hoping he’s looking at the guest list, although I’m not sure I’m actually on it or if I’m Kellie’s plus one. If that’s the case, I’m likely booted out of here and she’ll never know
. It wouldn’t be the first time I left without her.
“Says here Carson Macauley put you on the VIP list.”
“Yes, his sister’s my roommate. We came together.” I could add that she’s the one you have to watch out for, but I don’t. I’m not about to ruin her night.
He nods. “Stick to the back of the club. I don’t want to see you up front, harassing Mr. Page.”
Is this guy for real? “Right.”
Another guy opens the door and gives me directions on how to get back to the club. I brush by a couple making out, although, it’s more like a heavy petting session and they’re in desperate need of a room, and a group huddled together. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to figure out what they’re doing.
Back in the club, nothing’s changed. I head to the bar in need of some liquid encouragement, and that’s when I see him. He’s with the two women from before and they’re talking or trying to have a conversation with another guy. I make my way over there, bound and determined to get an answer as to why he ghosted me.
I stand there on the edge of their group with my hands on my hips, yelling “hey” but he doesn’t hear me. At this point, I have nothing to lose. I step into the middle of their entourage, place both of my hands on his chest, and push him as hard as I can.
Let’s face it, I’m weak. Quinn barely budges. He’s glaring at me, but his expression quickly changes into a smile. He pulls me forward into a hug. I inhale, wanting to commit his scent to my memory, but almost gag. He definitely has a nice buzz going on.
Again, I push him away and shake my fist at him. There’s no point in arguing with him about anything because he can’t hear me. So, I walk away. He left me without a word and I’m going to do the same.
Except, he’s hot on my tail. His hands are on my hips and he’s helping me get through the crowd. Outside, girls scream his name, but he ignores them. With his hand in mine, he walks us briskly up a small hill and behind the building.
“Nola,” he says. “I owe you an apology.”
“Huh?”
Quinn smiles. “Do you remember when I told you I joined a band?” I nod. “Life has been crazy, and I’ve been so busy I haven’t had a chance to call you back.”
“Likely story.”
He nods. “Yeah, I get it. I’m sorry. I try not to be aloof and it’s completely out of character for me to ignore someone. It wasn’t my intention. I honestly underestimated how time-consuming the band would be.”
I let his words sink in and decide I don’t really care. My days in L.A. are numbered and I have nothing to lose. I propel myself forward and attack his mouth with mine. His hands are instantly all over my body, and the liquor he’s consumed makes his kiss even more dangerous.
Tonight, I want to live dangerously. “Can we get out of here?” I ask, out of breath. I continue to press my lips to his, waiting for his answer.
“Yeah, we can. My place?”
“Perfect.”