Callum & Harper (Sleepless 1)

“I wouldn’t go out with Sam for anything in the world,” I honestly said.

“Why?”

Well, besides the fact that she’s dating Charlie, she’s not you. “Because, I just never would.” Harper eyed me strangely but turned back to the stage.

The curtain began to peel open, revealing a marvelous Cherry and band.

“Cherry pie!” I yelled out inciting a little dance from Cherry at her keyboard.

“She’s wonderful,” Harper said, laughing at Cherry’s antics.

“I know.”

“Hi, we’re The Ivories,” Freddy said.

Their first song was my favorite because it did wild things to the chest and stomach, filling both up with anticipation, and making the heart beat violently. It didn’t help that Harper held my hand the entire song. I’m not complaining. I loved sensation.

The crowd swayed and bent like wheat in the wind. The Ivories were the reason the crowd was what it was. I watched Harper’s eyes widen with every song they played. They were truly talented but this was something I am newly reminded of living the songs anew through Harper. She was so incredibly charming dancing and laughing. At one point, Cherry reached out and waved at her. You should have seen Harper’s reaction. She was so adorable.

When The Ivories set was over, I pulled Harper towards the back wall to cool off.

“Can I get you something to drink, my dear?” I asked.

“Uh, a water would be wonderful,” she said, smiling from ear to ear.

“Okay, don’t move or I’ll never be able to find you again,” I only half-teased.

The line to the bar was ten people deep but Quinn was tending bar that night which was awesome. Quinn was another member of our group of friends. I lifted my hand signaling two. He threw two waters over the crowd without me asking and I silently thanked him over the awaiting heads.

I waded through the crowd, inhaling a woman’s overkill perfume, stepping on a guy’s foot, which almost got me killed, but finally got close enough to spot a fidgety Harper. I walked faster because the look on her face screamed, ‘help me’. I lifted my head higher to get a better look at her situation and noticed a tall idiot had practically boxed her in, chatting her up.

“That’s amazing, Brandon. You’re their number one salesman, are you?” I heard her say.

I slowed my approach and listened in.

“Yeah,” blockhead said, “I work on commission. I make at least thirty thousand a month and that’s if things are going slowly.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever been so impressed in my life.” I almost lost the water I had just taken a swig from. “Tell me, what sort of car do you get around in?”

“I drive a panty dropper, Jenny.” Okay, that’s it. Wait, Jenny? “I drive an Audi Coupe. Paid cash for it just last week. Cherry red.”

“That’s incredible. I have a friend named Cherry. So, tell me, Brandon, what kind of gas mileage do you get?”

“Well, what?” Blockhead was surprised.

“Gas mileage, Brandon. Keep up, man. What kind of gas mileage do you get?”

“I’m too rich to care, baby.” He cheesily recovered.

Oh my gosh, I’m going to tear this sucker in half. But just as I neared the two of them, Harper winked at me over the guy’s shoulder signaling for me to sit back and enjoy the rest of the show. I stayed close, anyhow.

“Well, in that case, you probably wouldn’t mind driving me out of town this weekend?”

“Depends, is your place out of town?”

Lame.

“As a matter of fact,” Harper said, “I need a ride to pick up my kids. They’re mine this weekend. We were planning on a trip to the zoo. Do you like elephants, Brandon?”