Surrendering (Surrender 1)

“Well, I’m pretty sure that my sister got laid last night and she’s withholding details,” Ella answers me.

Abbi’s eyes are bugging out of her sockets. “Can you please lower your voice? He is here, you know?”

“Okay, I’ll lower my voice if you spill.”

We all move in closer. “I’m not going to kiss-and-tell, but I will say it was pretty fucking awesome.”

“So what happens now? Are you like a couple?” Of course Charlie has to open her mouth.

“I’m not sure. We’ve been talking for a while and even had a few kisses before last night. We haven’t discussed anything else. I’m kind of nervous about tonight. What if it was a one-time thing?”

“Do you want it to be a one-time thing?” I ask.

“No, I really like him. It’s not just his looks; he’s really cool to hang around. He’s been very encouraging about the externship and he showed up at an art show last week to surprise me.”

“I’ve known him a very long time. He’s a great guy; it’s about time he gets his head on straight. I’m telling you the truth when I say I’ve watched him around you the last few months and I think he’s into you.”

“Raven, please don’t say anything to anyone- including Declan. Let’s see how this plays out.”

“Not a problem. But head’s up, Jimi’s on his way over here.”

We all spread out a little and start talking about the party last night. Jimi slides next to Abbi and pulls her to him. He kisses her on the cheek and smiles at her. Then he grabs me into a bear hug, “Happy birthday, RJ. You look beautiful.”

“Thanks, Jimi. I like this celebrating all weekend thing.”

“Yeah, your boy made sure this weekend was all about you. Fun party last night.” He moves behind Abbi and rests his hands on her hips.

“Are you kidding? It was more than fun; did you not see the karaoke performances?”

“Please, don’t remind me- I can’t get Charlie’s singing out of my head.” He winks at her and she scowls back.

“Don’t be a hater, Jimi; you’re just jealous.”

“If you say so, but you should see the video before you go on tour.”

“There’s a fucking video? Who would do that?”

We all start laughing. I’m not sure who actually taped it, but I need to find out. Like Declan said, a YouTube video would go viral.

Declan joins us, bringing me another drink. I see his eyes move to where Jimi has his hands, but he doesn’t say anything. We have a small discussion about the show in Atlanta next weekend. There’s some noise by the door and I see Mark turning people away. He has to repeat the words ‘Private Party’ several times and I feel bad for him.

“What time are you going on?” I ask him

“About half an hour. I need to steal you for a few minutes.”

“See you guys in a little while.”

He holds my hand and leads me through the door to the stage. When we get to our corner, he spins me around and his lips lock on mine. Our kiss is slow and consuming. His hands are resting on my hips. I’m so close that there’s no space between us. I wrap my arms around his neck and run my fingers lightly over his skin. The door opens and light breaks through. We reluctantly pull apart, but stay close.

“You really are beautiful tonight.”

“Thank you– for everything.”

“I need to get ready. See you after the show.”

“I look forward to it. Have fun!”

He walks me back to the group and then joins the others on stage to get ready. Since I am technically the only one who has to stay backstage tonight, the others float back and forth from the party room to the main bar. Before the set starts, I grab Kendall and drag her to the bathroom with me. Will walks with us and stands against the wall outside as we go in. After we’re done and washing our hands, I hear a familiar voice through the stall talking to the girl standing in line.