Thomas & January (Sleepless 2)

“Jason, where’s this party at?”

“The Bowery.”

Seriously? Did she do this on purpose?

“The Bowery,” I told the cabbie.

The Bowery was special to me for lots of reasons. I used to perform there all the time with my band, The Ivories, and Callum married Harper there. It was our place.

“See you there,” I told Jason and hung up.

The cab pulled up in front and I could hear the dull bass from the club beat into the street. My stomach dropped a little and my heart jumped in my throat. Just go in there and chill out. I walked up to the doorman.

“Name?” He asked.

“Thomas Eriksson,” I said.

The guy flipped through the list. “Sorry, you’re not on here.” His eyes lit up. “In fact, your name’s under the ‘Do not permit under any circumstance’ list.”

“Is that a joke? What kind of list is that?”

“Exclusively yours, it seems. Your name is the only one under it.” He smiled smugly.

“You’re screwing with me.”

“No, sir.”

“Get Jason Barrett out here.”

“I’m sorry, but it says right here...”

“I know what it says. Just get Jason Barrett here.”

“I apologize, sir, but we can’t,” the bouncer said, stepping in, enjoying his position of authority a little too much.

“Screw this,” I said, reaching for my cell. I flipped it open and dialed Jason.

“Yo!” I barely heard through the blaring music.

“Jason, come to the door!” I yelled.

“What!” he screamed.

“Come to the door!”

He hung up and I just hoped he’d heard me correctly. Five minutes later, Jason walked out and signaled for the bouncer to let me in.

“What was that all about?” he asked.

“January,” I seethed.

“Oh, hoo, hoo,” Jason laughed. “That is rich.”

“You’re gonna let her get away with that?” I asked, incredulous.

“Hell yeah I am! She burned you and she didn’t even have to be there. That girl, I swear,” he said, shaking his head.

When I finally glimpsed into the ballroom, I couldn't believe my eyes. The music pumped loudly, which wasn’t unusual, but what took my breath away was the swathes of billowy cloth that hung from the ceiling over our heads, giving the entire room an ethereal feel. I refused to give her credit for that. Probably someone else’s idea. Jason had abandoned me, distracted by an issue at the front again, leaving me to my own devices.