The Day He Came Back

As I blasted, “Evil Woman” by Electric Light Orchestra from the speaker in my room, I wondered how long it would take before Raven heard it. If my mother noticed it first, so be it.CHAPTER FOUR* * *RAVEN“I can’t believe I’m contributing to this,” Marni said as we drove down Military Trail.

I ended up having to tell her about my non-date with Gavin because I needed her to drive me to the improv club. She wasn’t buying what I was trying to sell her, though. The truth was, when Gavin asked me out, I’d panicked. After our talk by the water, I’d realized how fast I could fall for him and how dangerous that was. Whether we really could be just friends remained to be seen. The summer was long.

“You expect me to believe that Gavin has no expectations here? Why would a guy like that, who could have any girl he wants, spend a Saturday night on a platonic date? I’m calling bullshit.”

“Maybe he just wants to hang out with me. I don’t know. He seems to think I’m down to earth.”

“He thinks you’re down to fuck.”

That made me laugh, although it really wasn’t funny. I didn’t have time to argue with her further, because when we pulled into the parking lot, Gavin was leaning against his car as we drove up beside him.

“Hey, Gavin,” I said as I exited Marni’s Kia.

Butterflies swarmed in my stomach as I noticed how good he looked. It was cooler out tonight, so he’d worn the black leather jacket he’d had on when I first met him. He looked like the sexy Londoner he was.

He reached into the open car window to offer Marni his hand. “I’m Gavin, and you’re…”

“Watching you.”

He brought his hand back. “Okay, then.”

Marni then took off like a bat out of hell, leaving exhaust in her wake.

“You mind telling me why your friend wants to kill me?”

God, that was embarrassing.

“She’s just…skeptical.”

“Are you sure she’s not into you herself?”

Marni hadn’t ever come out to me, but she never mentioned guys, either.

“She doesn’t like me like that.”

He cocked a brow. “You sure?”

“She’s one of my oldest friends! She thinks you’re playing games with me, that you’re pretending to take me out as a friend just to get into my pants, because you think I’m some easy broad from across the bridge.”

“Okay, first off…if I were ever in your pants, it would be because you put me there. So it wouldn’t be a one-way street. If you don’t want anything to happen, it won’t. You said you wanted to be friends, and that’s what we are.”

“I’m sorry she was rude.”

“I can take it. It just sucks that she’s so negative. But I’m up for the challenge of proving her wrong.” He motioned toward the door. “Shall we go inside?”

I forced a smile. “Yeah.”

The club was dark and crowded, with scattered, small cocktail tables and a stage area with a spotlight. The stage was currently empty, except for a sign that read, Open Mic Night.

“What does open mic night mean?” I asked.

“It means anyone who wants to can do improv. I signed us up for a slot.”

A slot?

“Hold up. What? I thought we were going to watch a show.”

“No. We’re going to perform. Together.”

A rush of panic ran through me. “What? No, I can’t—”

“Sure, you can.”

“No. I can’t! I’ll fuck up. I’ll freeze. I’ve never done anything remotely like that before.”

“It doesn’t matter if you fuck up. In fact, that’s what makes it even funnier sometimes. Even if you screw up, someone will come in to save you. The audience actually likes it when people mess up. They like to chime in and change the direction of the skit.”

My palms were sweaty. “I can’t believe I’m letting you do this to me.”

“Well, that’s something I hope I get to hear again someday.” He laughed. “Oh my God. Your face. I’m just kidding, Raven. Now you’re thinking you should have listened to Marni.”

“Gavin…” I blew out a breath. “You’re something else. You know that?”

He winked. “You have no idea.”

Over the next half hour, we watched a couple of performances. The people were really good, and it only made me more anxious. I knew in the end this was my choice. But despite my nerves, I didn’t want to back out. I just hoped the anxiety didn’t kill me.

When they called our names, Gavin waggled his brows. “It’s showtime.” He grabbed my hand.

My stomach was in knots, and my knees trembled as we took the stage. The audience cheered. The lighting made it difficult to see their faces, which I was thankful for.

Gavin took a microphone and handed me one. Then he just started. He held his hand out to me.Gavin: Hi, I’m Tom.We shook.

Oh God. Make up a name.Raven: I’m…Lola.

Gavin: Have we met before?

Raven: Um…I would hope so. I’m your wife.