by L. T. Varner
The next couple of days flew by, and I hardly had a chance to get back to Collin before the weekend came. Wow, I thought, walking in the front door of the bar, it was packed.
Mike yelled, “This is crazy!” as I stepped behind the bar to hear him better.
It was fall break at the local colleges, and it had been just as packed the last couple nights. I mumbled, “Super, a bunch of drunken college kids,” as I rolled my eyes. I knew this crowd usually brought trouble with them, not to mention what crappy tippers they were. I went to my office and put my things down, noticing that my dad’s regular table was blocked off. I didn’t remember him saying he would be here, in fact I thought he was going back to Texas to take care of some business. Who had reserved the table? The new sound guy was motioning he was ready to do my sound check, so I let it go and went to the stage.
Mike walked up when I was done and asked, “You want something to drink?”
I said, “Water. Who reserved Dad’s table?”
“I’m not sure. Someone called earlier and booked it with Jackie. Hey, can we go for breakfast later?”
I couldn’t help but smile and said, “I would like that. Just like old times.”
He hugged me and said, “Just like old times. You and me against the world.”
The house band members were ready to go and even though we had a good half an hour before we were scheduled to go on, we decided to go ahead. The crowd was starting to get restless, and that was never a good thing.
I wasn’t looking forward to doing lead vocals on some songs again. Kendrick was better at it than I was, but he insisted, arguing that he liked my voice better on certain songs. He was one of the biggest pains in the ass if he didn’t get his way, so I had agreed to do it. Luckily, he offered to help with guitar while I was singing. I would rather hide behind a guitar than sing. Being in the spotlight made me feel uncomfortable over the past year, and I was sure it had something to do with that night.
I noticed that the reserved table had filled up, but I couldn’t tell who it was with the lights shining on us. I was singing a slower rock song about sex, pulling my baseball cap down a little further to try and block out the lights as well as the crowd. As I sang, I had a quick flashback to the night in my car with James and I was able to put a little more passion into the song. I still couldn’t help but wonder why I hadn’t heard from him since that night.
I opened my eyes and messed up my words seeing Collin dancing with some blonde, fervently making out with each other on the dance floor. What the hell? Kendrick took over singing as I glared at them, feeling myself turn red.
It was Collin’s band that had reserved the table. Apparently they had all brought their girlfriends and wives, as I saw they were all paired up. The next song was faster as Kendrick kept singing and I found myself again watching Collin. He couldn’t keep his hands off the blonde he had with him, as they were practically dry humping on the dance floor. I was pissed at him, and I didn’t exactly know why. I forced myself to concentrate on my guitar and planned to ignore him and get out of here as soon as we were done.
We made it to the first break, and I hopped off stage to talk to the sound guy about my mic and the reverb in some of the vocals. I talked to him for a while, trying to distract myself. I even helped him fix the problem before I headed over to the bar to speak to Mike.
I leaned over the bar and asked, “Did you know Collin was coming?”
“No, he never mentioned it to me,” he said, handing me a shot of whiskey.
“Who is the blonde he is practically fucking on my dance floor?” I couldn’t help but be bitchy about it.
“Daniel said that’s Steph, the famous fiancée. You want an introduction?” he asked, smirking at me.
“I would rather face a firing squad,” I mumbled before I threw my shot back.
Mike started laughing and said, “Your dad informed them about your ticket, so you should plan on being made fun of tonight.”
Well, that just made me more pissed off. I decided it would be best just to avoid all of them instead.
We went back on for our final set. It was my favorite because this was when we always played the harder rock. It would be easier to block everything out except the music.
Of course, I had to watch Collin and his fiancée make out some more on the dance floor. Do they ever get enough? I glared as they kissed and he had his hands up her shirt for everyone to see. This was getting more annoying by the minute. I liked Collin. He was a good friend, and I kept telling myself that, maybe hoping I would convince myself. I was just mad because he seemed so in love with a woman who was just using him for money, but it wasn’t my battle to fight.
The set finally ended. I was tired and just wanted to go home. I noticed that Jackie was clearing Collin’s table. They all must have left. I was glad that I didn’t have to talk to any of them now.
Mike and I went to breakfast, and we talked about old times. He stopped laughing when this look of complete amazement came over his face, and he suddenly looked right at me.
Practically shouting at me in the restaurant, “You know what we haven’t done since college?”
I was horrified to ask at this point but knew that whatever it was, it was going to happen.
“Clubbing, baby!” he yelled, throwing his hands up. After that, all I wanted to do was crawl under the table and hide.
Chapter 12
You get it yet?
As Mike planned our evening, it was like watching a little kid in a candy store. We decided to stay in town at Mark’s apartment since he was included in this, as well. It was a blizzard outside, and I thought we should just go home, but Mike was determined. We were going clubbing.
It was something we would do in college usually very mild. It entailed us going to a bar (usually a gay bar), dancing all night, and getting so drunk that we would be hungover for at least a day or two. It was fun when we were younger, but now I was a little more hesitant. But, it was a gay bar after all, so chances are I had nothing to worry about.
Because of the weather, it took us an hour to get to town when it usually only took twenty minutes. Snow had always been one of my favorite things probably because it gave me a great reason to stay home. Whatever the reason, I loved it and welcomed it.
After almost two hours getting ready and two small meltdowns from me I gave up and let Mike have his way. I planned on just wearing jeans and a T-shirt, but the look on his face said, “I don’t think so.”
He had chosen an outfit for me while we were still at home: black shorts, a red sparkly off-the-shoulder shirt, and my least favorite thing in my closet, black strappy heels. I looked at Mike and complained that it was too cold outside, but he just responded by saying we were going to be inside. I knew it was a battle I couldn’t win, so I gave up and let him dress me. Making matters worse, he did my makeup and hair because apparently I wasn’t good at it.
I grabbed my long black dress coat as we were leaving and caught myself in the mirror. I looked like someone I didn’t know, but damn, she looked good. The outfit was snug on my trim figure, my hair was straight hanging down the middle of my back, and my make-up was dark around my blue eyes. I felt sexy for the first time in a year.
Checking our coats at the club, the music was blaring loud. I followed the love birds in front of me as we walked up one flight of stairs to a private booth. We had the perfect view overlooking the dance floor. We ordered drinks and were working on the third round, and I was finally relaxed as I leaned against the railing enjoying the view of Mike and Mark on the dance floor.
“You come here often sexy stranger? I can totally play the naughty stranger if you want.” I turned to look and saw it was Daniel giving me a devilish grin.
I burst out laughing at his lame pick up attempt before I jumped in his arms and hugged him.
“What are you doing here?” I asked when we pulled back and smiled at each other.
“Our flight got canceled, so we are stuck here,” Daniel said
, stepping back. “Wow, you look awesome. Those legs just go on and on and don’t get me started on the shoes. Mmmmm, baby.”
I laughed and shoved him away, loving his sense of humor. He was always calling me or texting me, and eventually I starting doing it back to him just to be annoying. It didn’t work, and we became friends, instead, but he was a complete goofball. We sat down and started talking.
“Where is the rest of your group?” I asked, hoping he said they made it home.
“Getting drinks. They’ll be up soon unless Rick finds someone to bang in the bathroom. I mean if he makes it that far.”
Daniel must have seen the look of panic on my face, and he told me to relax, explaining that the girls had left early this morning to get back home for a wedding instead of catching up on the tour with them. I was greatly relieved.
Mike and Mark walked up about that time. Mike looked at Daniel and said, “Hey, glad you guys could make it.”
Mark looked at me and just pointed at Mike behind his back, mouthing “All him.”
I need another drink, I thought and tried to get up. Daniel motioned I was not going anywhere as he held my arm. Our private booth consisted of two long black leather couches put together in an L shape with a cocktail table in the middle. I was trapped in the corner, and Daniel knew I was stuck until he moved.
Collin and the rest of them walked up asking if they could join the party. I wanted to say no, but Daniel pinched my leg. Collin had done a double-take before he realized it was me. Wow, maybe I need to start putting more effort into my appearance. He nodded, smiled at me, and sat at the other end of the couch. I snatched up a shot of something blue in front of me and downed it.
I grabbed Daniel’s hand and said, “You’re dancing with me. Now.”
He looked at me and said, “I will gladly dance with you, but so that you know. I will be the one everyone is watching.” He winked at me, and I had to laugh.
I felt Collin and Rick look me up and down as we walked away, and I couldn’t help but feel a little good about myself. Daniel followed me to the dance floor. I was starting to get the impression that Daniel took very little seriously as we screwed around more than we danced. We sang along to the music, and I had to keep removing his hands from my ass. I had a pretty good buzz going, and I found it easy to let loose. At the end of the third song, Daniel said he needed a break. Grabbing my hand, he started leading me back upstairs, and I told him I was going to stay downstairs.
He quickly pulled me into his arms and whispered in my ear, “You can’t ignore him forever, ya know,”
“Fine, you spoilsport.”
Collin was sitting in the same spot, enjoying himself and talking with everyone. I sat down with Mike on the other couch and he handed me another drink, something red with beads around the bottom of the glass. It was some fancy drink I usually wouldn’t touch. I was more of a beer or whiskey girl, but at the moment, this was working quite well.
A favorite drinking song came on as Daniel encouraged everyone to join in. It was pretty obvious that everyone was getting sloshed. We all danced more, losing our inhibitions. A slower song came on as Mike and Mark left to dance. I noticed Daniel elbow Collin in the ribs and exchange a look with him. I am not watching this, I thought to myself. I headed to the dance floor to escape the awkward situation.
About halfway down the stairs, I realized Collin was following me, and I hoped he was getting another drink or something. When I walked out on the dance floor, I felt his hands around my waist turning me around to face him. He pulled me close, and neither one of us said a word, I couldn’t think with his hands on me. I was mesmerized looking up at him, his dark blue eyes piercing into mine as I felt a tingle run down my spine. I put my arms around his neck as he pulled my hips closer to his. I knew I was mad at him, but I couldn’t exactly remember why at that moment.
That smell of musky cologne and leather, his arms around me, and the way his eyes watched me left me utterly intoxicated. I didn’t know what it was about him, but I always felt a fire deep down when I was with him. It confused me.
He whispered in my ear as his hands moved further down my back, “You look beautiful.”
I could tell something was off in his voice, an emotion I couldn’t quite place.
I whispered back, “I’m glad you’re here.”
He pulled me even closer, grinding our hips together as the song ended and another one came on that was still slow, but a little hotter. I figured we would stop, but he didn’t loosen his grip on me and, quite frankly, I was enjoying it probably more than I should have. His breathing was speeding up as he put his hand around the back of my neck. This brought his face closer to mine, and I slipped my hands inside his jacket around his waist. As the song was coming to an end, I noticed everyone at our booth was watching us.
“We have an audience,” I whispered close to his ear. I could feel goose bumps on his neck.
He put his hand on my hip and pushed back a little bit. Ok, I thought, I wish I knew what was going on with him. He simply seemed to switch off.
Mike was suddenly beside us asking if he could dance with me, so Collin stepped back without a word and walked away.
Mike leaned in as we danced together and asked, “You get it yet?”
“Get what?” I asked, with a look of confusion on my face.
He looked at me and said, “You know I love you, but sometimes you have a hard time seeing things right in front of you.”
“Thanks,” I mumbled, not liking the unintentional insult.
He smiled and said, “You’ll get it eventually, but until then, I’m going to let you figure it out for yourself.”
I looked at him and said, “You know I love you, but sometimes you can be a little annoying.”
He laughed, knowing I was mocking him, as well.
I walked back upstairs and sat down in time to ask the waitress for a shot of whiskey. I sat next to Daniel again, so I was as far away from Collin as possible. He sat in the corner with an angry scowl on his beautiful face.
“When did you start drinking whiskey sexy stranger?” Daniel asked as he smiled at me.
“When she is trying to forget things or avoid them altogether. Get drunk, Danni. That always helps, doesn’t it?” Collin snapped as he stood up and then walked away looking pissed off.
“What is with him?” I said.
Daniel mumbled, “Long story.”
It was closing time as we gathered our stuff to leave. I realized that Mike and Mark were having trouble keeping their hands off each other, and I was not looking forward to sharing an apartment with them tonight.
I quickly asked Daniel, “Where are you staying tonight?”
“What? You want to miss that?” he asked as he pointed to Mike and Mark practically undressing each other. “You can stay with me, but no hanky panky. You’re not my type.” he said, giving me a fake disgusted look. I couldn’t help but start laughing at him.
I was pretty drunk and just wanted to sleep. Mike and Mark were completely fine with having the apartment to themselves. I got into a town car with Daniel, Rick, and some girl that Rick must have picked up. I noticed he didn’t have a wedding ring on anymore, even though last night I could have sworn I saw one.
No sooner did we get in the elevator at their hotel than Rick and this girl were all over each other. Even Daniel looked creeped out with them. Daniel pushed me into the corner and tried to block me so I wouldn’t have to see the whole mess, and I liked him more for that. We got off on the fifth floor and not a moment too soon. It was like really bad porn; the kind you couldn’t help but watch.
Daniel grabbed my coat and said, “We’re going this way, drunkpants.” He yanked me to the right, down the hallway.
We kept laughing and messing with each other; I think we were both pretty drunk.
“Sing to me, sexy stranger,” I said, before jumping in his arms while he held me up around his waist.
“I just play drums and look good. I leave the singing t
o Collin. Now be quiet. People are sleeping.” That just made me laugh more.
At the end of the hall, he leaned me up against the wall, pointed in my face, and only said, “Stay” like I was a dog.
He opened the door and pushed me inside. I walked in giggling and said, “You’re bossy. Maybe that’s why you don’t have a girlfriend.”
He laughed and said, “Probably.”
I took off my coat and laid it on the chair before falling back on the bed.
He asked, “You want some water or coffee?”
“Just something to sleep in, Daniel, my sweet boy,” I said as I yawned.
He grabbed a shirt out of his bag and threw it at me when there was a knock on the door. Looking at me, he said, “Be quiet,” before he went to answer the door.
He only opened the door a little, so I thought I could change my shirt quick. I pulled off my shirt and all of a sudden I heard Collin yelling.
“What the hell is she doing in your room?”
Making matters much worse, I was standing there with my back to them without a shirt or bra on. Collin pushed his way in and got in Daniel’s face. I could tell he was angry as I quickly pulled on Daniel’s shirt so I could help stop the fight.
I pried them both apart and stood between them, one hand on each of their chests.
“Both of you calm down and Collin, stop yelling before someone calls the cops.”
Daniel was laughing and looked at me. “You get it, yet?”
Throwing my hands up, I left them to kill each other and went and sat on the bed.
“Why does everyone keep asking me that tonight?” I mumbled more to myself than to them.
Daniel just looked at me with a huge smile on his face. I looked at Collin, and he was clearly glowing mad at this point.
“What the hell is your problem, Collin?” I asked as he stepped back, his eyes traveling up and down my body.
