A Promised Fate
Page 32
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The greenroom lounge was noisy and crammed full of after-show partiers. I looked around the room for Ava and forced my way to the bar where I knew I could find both a drink and Rory.
“’Sup, Dude?”
“What’s up?” I felt jittery and confused. I held back the panic.
“I thought Max was going to piss his pants all over you up on that stage,” he laughed.
“Yeah, he was terrified. Was it that obvious?”
“Eh, I could tell he was nervous. Poor kid. Poor Ava. She didn't seem to be having fun.”
I leaned in on the bar and ordered a drink, “I’m just glad it’s over.”
“I bet so. Now the real fun can start. Did you know the drinks are free? Holy shit, it’s awesome!”
“Right, yeah. Drink up. Where’s Jules? I need to talk with her.”
“Ladies' room.”
“You two look nice tonight.”
“Yeah?” He tugged on the lapels of his suit jacket and smiled at my comment. “Julia picked it all out, she said we should coordinate or something.”
“You look good. She did a nice job.”
“You look like a dork, though. Just thought someone should tell you.” He flicked my stupid baio bow tie. I untied it and shoved the silky fabric into my pocket.
My gaze was glued to the front entrance of the lounge as I waited for Ava to appear.
“There’s my girl!” Rory smiled and held his tumbler glass up to Julia.
“Bloody hell, Rory!” Julia laughed, “would you slow down, you’re gonna puke on your shoes again tonight. It’s so embarrassing when you do that.”
“Nah, I’m cool, I’m cool.”
“You’re so not cool.” She teased and he wrapped his arm around her in a headlock and was about to give her a noogie.
“No, no, no!” she screeched and stomped in her heels and instead, he planted a soft kiss on her head and she giggled at his embrace.
My fingers circled around the top of Julia’s arm. I pulled her to me to kiss her cheek and whispered, “You look lovely, but if you don’t tell me whatever the fuck it is you're doing and how in the fuck you know Cameron Gallo right fucking now, Julia, I promise I will kill you.”
“Shut up, Ari,” she whispered back.
“Go ahead and enjoy yourself tonight with Rory because he deserves one night without you being a complete and utter cheating bitch and then tomorrow, everyone is going to know exactly what it is that you are doing and you are going to fix this shit.”
“I’m not cheating, Ari. Now, shut up.”
I released her from my grip.
“Rory, get me a drink. I’m going to our table.”
“Sure, Babe. Hey, dudes!” August and Collin maneuvered through the crowds to the bar and passed Julia along the way.
“Thanks for the tickets to the show, Ari,” Collin said, patting my back. “And the limo … that was awesome.”
“Yeah, yeah, don’t mention it.”
My gaze scanned the room for Ava.
“She left, you idiot.” August rolled his eyes at me and I wanted to punch him.