by Bree Dahlia
“Are you sure? Already?”
“Yes, I’m pretty sure I know if I have to pee or not,” I said. That first beer had traveled through me quickly. I thought it would have taken longer to break the seal since so much liquid was leaking out of my skin. Obviously, that wasn’t the case.
“Okay, but hurry up.”
I went in search of the nearest bathrooms, only to find the line out the door. I squeezed my abdomen tightly and headed farther out. It was even more packed, so I returned to the first. I took my place in the line and shifted from side to side, eyeing the men’s room with envy. No wait, like usual.
I was seriously considering sneaking in—I was in that much pain—but the line picked up, and I finally made it inside. Sweet relief.
I debated whether or not I should look up into the plexiglass mirror as I washed my hands, but what good was torturing yourself when nothing could be done about it? A loud beat reverberated inside me. Oh, shit….
I dashed out and navigated my way back to the stage. There was a mass of people congregated by the entrance, and I sidled through, no doubt pissing off a few. I had to get back to my seat, although it looked to be standing room only.
Inching through the rows, I found Perry stretched out on the bench, trying to save my seat. When she saw me, she scooted over. “Ugh, sorry. I forgot how long those bathroom lines could be.”
She didn’t reply, and I wondered if she’d even heard me. Between the stage mere feet in front of us and all the people screaming, I could barely hear myself. Wow, for a new band, they must be pretty well-known to attract this much attention.
Before long, we were standing anyway, so the benches were just taking up space. Their sound sucked me in. It was definitely alt rock but blurred. I liked that it couldn’t be pinpointed. Music had always flowed in my blood, and I appreciated what I was hearing. It caught me. Strong and deep.
I let the pulse fill me, and I swayed with Perry as she sang out songs I didn’t know the words to. In between numbers, I yelled out, “They’re really good.”
She gave me a huge smile. “I know.”
My eyes ran down the lead vocalist. His sound was amazing, and he was insanely good-looking to boot. Seriously? Gay? His painted-on leather pants were very pleasing to the eye. If he did not stuff himself, I felt very sorry for my fellow woman.
“Is he another friend of yours?” I pointed to the guitarist, and she shook her head. “Well, he keeps looking over here at you.”
“We are in the audience. Where else is he supposed to look? And how do you know he’s not checking you out?”
“Good one.”
I’d pretty much accepted that my days of getting out of speeding tickets were over. At ten years younger, Perry hadn’t reached that stage yet. She could still fall out of bed first thing in the morning and have men crashing through the window to catch her.
She started to reply but was drowned out by his acoustic rift. I focused on the vibrations, letting them course through me. I closed my eyes, and that’s when the dizziness took me by surprise. It barreled in out of nowhere, feeling like a tiny tornado inside my head. I was suddenly very claustrophobic.
“Water,” I shouted. Perry gave me a funny look, and I gestured to say I was stepping out to get some water. For all I knew, she probably thought I had to visit the bathroom again.
The spinning sensation intensified as my body squashed into others, and I hoped that if I did pass out, someone would be gracious enough to stop me from splattering all over the cement.
I made it out in one piece and counted my blessings when I spotted a drink counter with no line. That type of thing was unheard of here. I purchased and downed a bottle of water, instantly feeling more stable. I should have known better than to let myself get dehydrated. Obviously, I couldn’t mix alcohol and sweating anymore. God, things really did sneak up overnight.
I visited the pretzel stand next and picked up a big, gooey one with gobs of salt. I hoped Perry wouldn’t be too upset because I’d decided to sit out the rest of the show. It was almost over anyway, and I wanted to continue feeling better. I was close enough to hear it well, so I munched on my dough and people-watched while savoring the breeze rolling in from the lake.
I tossed the wrapper in the garbage, worlds better than I was a short time ago, and checked out the dresses hanging around the perimeter of one of the shops. In the meantime, I could keep an eye on the entrance; the last thing I wanted was Perry to have to search for me.
When the music ended, I kept a closer watch, darting my eyes between the exiting crowd and a lavender dress I’d fallen in love with at first sight. Almost double the material of what I wore now, but still light and perfect for a summer day. I took it off the hook and brought it over to the mirror, holding it in front of me. To my surprise, I didn’t appear as disheveled as I imagined. I expected limp, frizzy hair—a contradiction I experienced way too often—and black-smeared eyes, but instead, I looked decent. Some people cursed humidity, but that same moisture that swelled up your fingers could also plump up your face.
“You should totally get that.”
I spun around to see Perry standing there, and I felt like an awful friend. I’d taken my focus away and hadn’t been watching for her. I set the dress back. “I’m thinking about it.” I gave her a hug. “I’m so sorry I missed the end. I thought I was going to faint for a minute there. I had to get some water and then I planned to wait for you out here, but you came out, and I wasn’t paying attention and—”
She held up her hand and laughed. “Stop. It’s fine. You were right here, impossible to miss. So… you’re feeling all better now?”
“Just like new.”
“Because…” She jumped and squealed, holding up a couple badges. “Stu gave us passes to the private party on the martini terrace. Free food and drinks. Even if we just go for a short time, it’ll be so worth it. I’d also love the chance to catch up with him. We haven’t talked in forever.”
I took one of the badges and looked it over. It was pretty cool. I’d never had rooftop access before.
“Isn’t it awesome? After the show, he waved me over and gave me these. You should have seen some of the daggers shot my way.”
“I can believe it.” A talented, gorgeous man who also happens to be in a band? There’d be no shortage of women willing to take her place. Or men. According to Perry, he didn’t flaunt his preference, but he didn’t hide it either. I twirled the string around my finger. The party did sound fun, and Perry was clearly stoked.
“Are you up for it?”
“Yes,” I said, and she clapped. “But Stephen’s going to be wildly jealous, you know. You being around all those drummers and guitar players, all hoping you’re an easy groupie.”
“Pfft. I can handle him. Besides, the only guy I’m interested in tonight wants nothing to do with pussy.”
Perry unhooked the dress I was admiring and held it against me. “I really do think you should get this. It goes fantastic with your blonde hair.” She dropped it in my hands.
I clipped the dress back. “I’m still thinking about it.” I adored it, but how often would I really wear it?
“Let’s get going then,” Perry said. “I’m starving.” I felt almost guilty for the wad of bread digesting happily in my stomach. “Walk by the rocks?”
I nodded, and we walked along the shoreline, a variety of tunes coming at us from all directions. It was a steamy summer night, but very tolerable. I was so glad she’d dragged me out. At least until I got home and—
No. I promised Perry I wouldn’t think about work tonight. I wanted to center on the lights shining over the water, the rush surrounding us from all sides.
We wandered to the end of the park, then swung back around to get to the terrace. “Ready to have some fun?” she asked, rubbing her hands together.
“Definitely.”
Whatever the night had in store, I was ready for it.
With the badges dangling around our necks, we went u
p the back stairs of the building and were nodded in by a tall, lanky guy playing on his phone.
“I don’t think he even paid attention to us,” I whispered. “We could have been anyone.”
“I know, but I still feel like we’re part of some exclusive club. And I’m sure we’ll need to show proof to eat or drink anything.”
We crossed through the doorway and stepped onto the roof. The back bar area that also contained the food spread was sheltered, but the rest was uncovered. We had to be pretty early, as there were plenty of tables and chairs open.
I went over to the railing and took in the view below me. I could see at least five other stages from where I stood, and the sheer number of people filling every available space was mind-blowing. Vitality was king here.
Perry edged up next to me. “Pretty cool, huh?”
I nodded. It may not be a private party at Madison Square, but it was something I’d never experienced before in one of my all-time favorite places. I made a vow right then to resume my tradition of coming back every year.
“There’s my gorgeous girl.”
We wheeled around to see Stu coming toward us. The closer he got, the more fascinated I became. His skin was flawless, and I knew he was older than Perry. He hugged her, and when he turned towards me, I couldn’t tear my eyes away. Not because I wanted to get into those tight pants, but because I wanted to know his secret. Maybe he could recommend a face cream.
“Stu, this is Jillian, Stephen’s sister, and my out-and-out best friend.”
“Pleasure to meet you. Did you enjoy the show?”
Damn, he was a china doll. “Very much. You’ve got something special going.”
“And she knows her stuff,” Perry said, winking. “Jills also sings. She’s amazing.”
“Oh?”
“Not for a long time.” I flipped up my badge. “Thanks for the invite.”
“You’re welcome.” He tugged Perry against him. “Where’s your scrumptious boyfriend hiding?” I couldn’t help noticing how his hair gleamed under the lights. I should ask about his conditioner too.
Perry stuck out her bottom lip. “At work. What about yours?”
“We broke up.”
“Kenny?” He nodded. “Oh, no, what happened? You guys were together forever.”
He shrugged. “Life.” Perry grabbed his hand, and he smiled. “You two want anything?”
“Yes,” she said, rubbing her stomach.
“I’ll just take some water.”
Perry cocked her head at me. “Seriously? Ah, did I mention it’s free? Pick something top shelf.”
“I had a pretzel while I was waiting for you.” And I was not in the mood to go another alcohol-induced round in the wind tunnel.
The three of us drifted to the bar as he pointed out a few guys along the way. A dozen more people had filled in the area while we were chatting. “That’s Will, bass guitar and keyboards. Cleo, fucking magician with a drumstick. Looks like Chase isn’t here yet. He’s our backup acoustic.” We earned some waves as we sidled up to the food table. “Not everyone here’s associated with us.” He laughed. “We’re not that popular yet. We share this space with some of the other acts.”
While Perry heaped her plate, I looked around to see if I recognized anyone. Other bands were here? I felt so out of the loop with the locals. The bartender handed me a bottle of water, and for a split second, I mulled over substituting it with a beer. If I had enough hydration in me, I was probably good to go, but something told me to stick with my original choice.
“Oooh, lookie,” Perry said, shoving a martini glass in my face filled with brown liquid. “Chocolate cupcake.” She took a sip. “Mmm… I couldn’t resist, but I’ll only have the one. Promise.” She handed it to me. “Try some?”
I took a small taste and shuddered. It had the flavor of a chocolate cupcake all right, if it were also blended up with a chocolate soda and a pound of additional sugar. “Go nuts.” I gave her back the drink. “I’ll be the designated driver.”
“You sure?”
I nodded. “I’m done for the night. As long as I don’t need to carry you to the car, it’s all good. Have whatever you want.” Perry loved frou-frou drinks—the sweeter, the better.
“Promise.” She crossed her heart. “I wonder if they can make me an apple pie.”
“You do know you’re drinking eighty proof, not selecting things from the dessert cart, right?”
She gulped from her glass. “Who says it can’t be both? Hey, let’s grab a table before they’re all taken.” Perry yanked on Stu’s arm, who had just finished flirting with some Goth boy.
“You two go ahead. I’ll join you in a bit.” The sound of aggressive female vocals caught my attention. “I want to check this out for a while.”
I went to the edge of the roof and leaned over the rail; I had the perfect view of the stage from there. Plus, I could enjoy the show and still have room to move, unlike the people below either squashed on the benches or pressed together dancing on the tables. At one time, that was part of the appeal, but not so much anymore. I still appreciated a great band, but I also liked breathing.
I glanced behind me to see Perry and Stu laughing hysterically. It was good to give them time to catch up. I returned my focus forward and zeroed into my zone, letting the rhythm wash over me. Driven rock with enough angst to pull me in and hold me. I swayed my hips and took it in.
“She’s good.”
The voice startled me, jerking my head sideways. A fresh-faced man who looked vaguely familiar had parked himself beside me and placed his hands on the rail. I nodded in agreement. “She reminds me of Alanis Morissette.” The memories of that show flooded back to me, and I started spinning numbers in my head. I was seventeen. Really? God, it felt like a lifetime ago.
“Lyrics or music?”
“Both.”
“I was just debating this very thing with someone the other day. So, what connects you the deepest, stirs up your emotions more?”
“Excuse me?” I stared at the guy, not sure what he was all waxing poetic about. Maybe he didn’t have a clue either. “Are you high?”
I peered into his eyes, green scattered with gold. They were unusually pretty, or it could have been due to the lights flickering. Either way, he didn’t look like he was on anything.
He laughed. “No, not even drinking tonight.”
Nice smile. I gave him another good look, and it clicked. “Wait, aren’t you—”
He held out his hand. “Chase.” It seemed polite to acknowledge his gesture, so I shook his hand. His grip was secure, triggering a little jolt that took me by surprise. Well, of course; it was human nature. He was young and attractive. And virile. And young. I pulled my hand away.
“Jillian,” I said, snapping my eyes over to Perry. She waved then pushed her chair out and headed over, small blue drink in hand.
“What is that?” I pointed at her glass.
“A blueberry muffin.”
I just shook my head. “Perry, this is—”
“Chase, I know. The lifesaver.”
I scrunched up my face. What? Maybe I was the one stoned and didn’t even know it. I sniffed around. There was no indication I was receiving a contact buzz.
“Stu introduced us already.” Then she attempted to mouth, “He’s hot,” but it came out with enough sound to make my cheeks burn. Perry waggled her eyebrows as she put the rim to her lips. I narrowed my eyes at her, hoping she’d lay off, but she just ignored me and swiveled toward Chase.
“And you’re positive I don’t look familiar to you? Perry Sommers doesn’t ring any bells?”
“I’m sorry, no.”
“Because I’m sure I’ve seen you before, and it’s driving me batshit.”
Maybe it was time to cut her off. She wasn’t slurring and slobbering yet, but her mind seemed a bit wonky. “Maybe because he’s the guitarist in the band you just saw an hour ago, Perry.”
“I know that, silly. I was talking about a dif
ferent time.” She put her arm around my neck. “Isn’t she cute? I just love this girl.” Her drink collided with my mouth. “Try some. I’m getting child sizes now so I can try more flavors. And it’s all freeeee.”
“I’m pretty sure they don’t make child sizes of liquor.” I pushed the cup down. “No, thanks. My teeth still hurt from the last sip.”
“Would you like something else instead?” Chase asked.
I was about to say, ‘No, thank you, but if I change my mind, I can easily go up and get it myself’ when Perry said, “She’s a beer girl.”
“Well, you’re in the right city then.” Chase faced me straight on, making me wonder all over again if those gold specks were real or light-induced. Damn him. I didn’t want to be caught looking.
“She also likes tequila and whiskey, and well, you know, she likes the hard stuff.”
God, Perry. Shut up.
“I’m good, thanks. I don’t need anything right now.” I glared at Perry. “Isn’t Stu over there waiting for you?”
“Yep, I’d better go. Speaking of, do you happen to know his real name?”
“Stuart?” Chase said.
“Nope. Can you believe that after all the time I’ve known him, he never told me? I just know it’s not Stuart. What the fuck else could it be? It must be really bad to be such a secret. Stutholomew? Stuffleupagus?”
And with that, she teetered back to the table. I righted forward, both hands on the rails, catching the tail end of the show. “Lifesaver?”
“I filled in at the last minute. Their lead player’s wife went into early labor.”
“Well, you were incredible.” Shit. No, that came out wrong. I sounded too bubbly. “The entire band was great.” I toned it down a bit. “I really enjoyed the show.”
“Glad to hear that. I’d wondered since you left early.”
Hmm… I suppose it would have been hard to miss, given the intimate arena. I shook my head. “It had nothing to do with the music. I can see Hallowed Realm making it, and I’m not just saying that. A unique sound that also appeals to the masses? That rare combination will take you places.”
