Crazy in Love

“LA’s not the same without him, and it’s been a couple of months since I’ve seen him. It’s been good so far. I’m sure he’ll get sick of me invading his house soon enough.” I chuckle.

She takes another sip and then laughs lightly, momentarily appearing lost in her thoughts of her own. “I’m sure that won’t happen. On the bright side, maybe you’ll find that New York’s not so bad.” The smile on her face is genuine with no ill will attached.

“I’m sure it’s not. Are you ready to go back?” I’m not in a hurry, but I don’t want to circle around what happened in Catalina. It’s been too good with her to ruin the night.

Nodding, she pushes off the wall and starts working her way back to Natalie’s side, who’s quick to wrap an arm over Tatum’s shoulders. They dance and sing, competing with the lead vocals. Kaz points at us after a solo riff, giving me a nod of approval. I suppose it’s because of my date. I’ll take it from the guy who laughed that I couldn’t find one.

Tatum’s more than a stand-in to prove him wrong, but she’s making me look good nonetheless. Nick disappears for drinks, bringing a bottle of water for Natalie and another round for the rest of us. It’s probably best if one of us stays sober, and I’m glad it’s Natalie and not me because I’m enjoying this glass of whiskey and Coke.

With a free weekend, I drink up since I have nothing to lose but the night ahead. Between the main set and the encore, a large security guy invites us to the bar where they’re hosting the after-party. We’re given the address and then continue enjoying the rest of the concert.

Nudging me, Tatum lifts high toward my ear. “They’re probably going to bail. What do you think? Still want to go?”

For a brief second, I question if she’s asking me out. “Me?” Guess I did that out loud. I might want to slow down on the alcohol.

She doesn’t hold back her laughter as the band leaves the stage. Dex remains on the drums, closing out the show like the badass he is. I sold him a beach retreat with a killer setup for his drum kit last year. Tatum swings her long hair over her shoulder and bumps into me. “What do you think?” she yells so I can hear. I look around because I think the entire arena heard.

I lean down, not wanting to yell, and say, “I’ll go with you.”

She rolls her eyes. “It’s not like you’re doing me a favor, but thanks.” Still laughing, she nudges me with her elbow.

The show ends, and the crowd is quick to stream from the arena. Sticking together, the four of us make it a few blocks before stopping to talk, though the girls have been talking a mile a minute the whole time.

“What are your plans?” Nick asks.

“Tatum wants to go to the after-party.”

He smirks. “Oh, yeah?”

“I can’t compete with rock stars, brother.”

“They’re all married, and you know as well as I do, they don’t fuck around.”

“True.” I peek over at Tatum, smiling from seeing her animated expression as she uses her arms to tell Nat a story. God, she’s gorgeous.

“We’re gonna head home,” Nick says. “Make sure Tatum gets home safe, okay?” When I nod, he adds. “You know the code. Just let yourself in, but remember to set the alarm.”

We shake hands and then bring it in for a shoulder bump. “Thanks for having me.”

“I’m glad you’re here.” When he steps back, Natalie’s and his hands clasp as if the universe pulled them together.

I don’t know if this weird tightening in my chest is from witnessing what I don’t have or what I’m starting to think I want. It’s best to leave before I overanalyze the situation or emotion. I shove my hands in my pockets and turn to Tatum. “You ready?”

She turns to say goodbye to the others, then plucks the front of my shirt and says, “I’m all yours, Decker,” as she raises her chin and marches past me. I grin and follow like a good friend, probably like her boyfriends do, trailing her like love-sick puppies.

Is that what I am?

Not on your life.

A great fuck, especially since it only happened one time, does not make me love-sick or her follower. Though I vaguely remember being smitten for a short time in our history. I quickly catch up to her, and we walk down the block together before we hop into the car I ordered.

Silence is another passenger hitching a ride between us. As a salesman, I’m trained to wait it out once the deal is on the table. But the deal isn’t closed with Tatum. Just an awkwardness of wondering what’s going to happen tonight.