As I round the corner to my building, I bump into a man. He looks familiar, and I think I saw him at Maddox Corp once. It seems a bit strange that he’d be in front of my apartment building, but he smiles politely and tips his hat before heading off in the other direction. I shrug it off and head upstairs.
When I walk into the apartment, Alanna is sitting at the kitchen table, looking lost in her own thoughts.
“Hi babe,” she greets me. “You okay?”
“Yeah.” I shrug. “I think I will be.”
Never. But I can’t tell her that.
Alanna’s face pales. She can read my thoughts too well, and she knows I’m getting ready to run.
“Um, Gabriel stopped by,” she says nervously.
I stoically ignore her comment.
“Do you think Trevor is free tonight?” I ask.
“Uh maybe…” She stares at me in confusion. “Why?”
“I want to go out. Have fun, get drunk. Just the three of us.”
“I’m sure Trevor would be only too happy to oblige,” Alanna agrees.
Two hours later, the three of us are crammed in the back seat of a taxi heading out for the night. Trevor and Alanna picked out the venue for the evening and insisted on keeping it a secret.
They were both shocked when I walked out of my bedroom dressed for the evening. I’m wearing an artfully shredded black tank top with a sheer black back. I paired it with a blue jean mini skirt and fishnets. My trusty red Doc Martens and a rhinestone belt complete the look.
I’ve tousled my long hair into a wild mess of curls that makes me look like I belong at a rock concert. Hopefully, there will be some rock music wherever we’re going because I’m definitely in the mood.
I even applied more makeup than I normally ever wear, with dark smoky eyes to match my red lipstick. It’s clear to everyone I’m on a mission tonight. To forget Gabriel. I’m trying to prove something to myself, although I’m not exactly sure what it is.
The cab ride is long, a lot longer than usual. And I’m growing impatient.
“Trust me, you’re going to love it!” Trevor tosses me a knowing glance.
When we finally arrive, I can’t believe my eyes. It’s a country bar in the middle of New York City, and it reminds me of my hometown in Idaho. Inside, the bar is packed with people of all varieties. There’s even a woman onstage, belting out a Gretchen Wilson song.
“Look!” Alanna shouts over the music. “They have karaoke here! We are so doing that tonight!”
“You haven’t even seen the best part yet,” Trevor adds, grabbing both of our hands. He tugs us along behind him to where a large crowd is looking over a fenced off area. Inside, a drunken cowboy is riding a mechanical ball over a large blue padded mat.
“Oh my God!” Alanna squeals.
“You have to ride that before the night is over.” Trevor grins at me.
“Um, no way.” I shake my head.
“We’ll see about that.” He winks.
Two beers and a shot later, I’m finally starting to feel relaxed. Alanna put our name on the karaoke list an hour ago, and they’re finally calling us up to the stage. I climb up and take the microphone nervously, and Alanna squeezes my hand for reassurance before the music starts. I smile when the lyrics flash across the screen because it’s one of my favorites. Gunpowder and Lead by Miranda Lambert.
***
Gabriel
Watching Victoria sing from a dim corner of the bar, I’m struck with confusion and surprise. She’s a little tipsy, I think.
I followed that scumbag Allen all the way out here, confronting him in the alley. He’s definitely been following Victoria, but he won’t tell me why.
I may have lost my cool and punched him a couple times before he took off in the other direction. I thought about chasing after him, but knew it was useless. I can’t believe a word the scumbag has to say anyway, and I need to stay here and watch over Victoria. I can’t stand the thought of that sleazebag Allen getting his hands on her, or whoever it is that hired him.
As I watch the stage, I notice Victoria looks different. Not really sad, but not happy either. Numb, maybe. I’ve been watching her carefully, trying to get a read on her emotions. Trying to see if she pulled one over on me, just like the rest of them.