A Face in the Crowd

by Christina Kirby

  Simone loved Lexie, but she didn’t love Mike and Lexie. She never had, but when he was around, she’d tolerated him. What else can friends do? Though she didn’t like him, when everything had fallen apart, Simone hadn’t said one ‘I told you so,’ she just handed Lexie tissues as needed and bought the ice cream. And, of course, offered to help Lexie hide the body the way a best friend should.

  She shook her head, trying to put Mike back in the past where he belonged. He was one person who was not welcome to take up space in her life anymore. Even as a memory. She glanced down at her watch. It was almost time to go, but she still had lots of paperwork to do. She tucked herself behind the desk and worked until the night shift nurses were on duty. Rubbing her eyes, she leaned back in her chair, the mere thought of driving home agony in her overtired state. She just wanted to lie down and sleep.

  It occurred to her after she stopped at her locker and grabbed her stuff she hadn’t gotten a chance to stop by Bailey’s room again. She debated whether or not she should skip, but since she had the following two days off, decided to stick her head in for a quick goodbye. After all, she said she would and she hadn’t seen Oliver either.

  As she neared his room, she heard laughter and more than one voice floating through the open door. She lingered outside for another minute and then turned to go. He was obviously busy.

  “Hey, Lexie, is that you?” She froze like she’d been shot with a Taser. Oliver had seen her.

  “Hey.” Nerves firing on all cylinders, she was surprised her voice only shook a little. His bandmates were sitting around Bailey’s bed alongside him. Leather boots and Converse propped around at different points in the room. It hadn’t occurred to her they would still be there. “I was heading out and wanted to see if you needed anything.”

  “It’s late, I figured you were already gone. Guys, this is Lexie, the best nurse around. Lexie, this is Leo, and that toolbox is David, they’re—”

  “I know who they are. Hey guys.” They nodded and smiled by way of greeting. They really were a nice looking group. Not a bad one in the bunch. Simone would die when Lexie told her she’d been within arm’s reach of the entire band.

  “You never told me you were a fan of ours.”

  She turned her attention to Oliver. “You never asked.”

  “This is Georgia. I figured you were more of a country music fan.”

  She pursed her lips. “I’m going to pretend you didn’t say that.”

  The other guys were smirking as they listened intently to Lexie and Oliver’s little exchange. Her cheeks grew warm. Being around Oliver alone was one thing, but seeing them all together reminded her who she was talking to. She, Lexie, a mere mortal, alone in a room with Survival of the Fittest. She would’ve fainted if she was the fainting type, but she wasn’t. She was more of a stand around awkwardly kind of girl, which was evident when she realized she was shifting her weight from one foot to the other like she was dancing to some song only she could hear. She forced herself to stop.

  “Okay, well, I better head home. I’ll see you in a couple of days, Bailey. Nice meeting you guys.”

  “Wait, your shift’s over. Why don’t you stay and hang out for a bit?”

  “Oh, I don’t know.” Her gaze cut to the door. “I’m pretty beat.”

  “Wow, you don’t even have to work tomorrow and you’re wussing out. I thought you were made of tougher stuff, Sexy Lexie.”

  “Watch it.” She pointed a finger at Bailey. “I’m not on the clock anymore. I have no problem giving you a reason to visit the ER again.”

  The other guys snickered at her reply before Leo jumped up and offered her his seat. Though a little unsure, she took it, but leaned as far as possible to one side when Leo propped himself on the arm of the chair he’d just given her. Personal space was clearly not an L.A. thing. She was pretty sure she was having an out of body experience.

  The room remained quiet and the guy’s eyes were trained on her as if they were waiting for her to say something. Panic threatening to take hold, she threw out the first dumb thing that popped into her head. “So, how long are you guys going to be in Atlanta?”

  “For a little while longer,” David crossed his booted feet at the ankles and folded his hands behind his head. “You have a pretty cool city. This is the first time we’ve been here long enough to really check it out.”

  “Are there any cool places we should see?” Leo elbowed her gently. “You’re the local, enlighten us.”

  “There’s the typical tourist stuff: the Georgia Aquarium, Coca-Cola Museum, Centennial Olympic Park. You could check out a Falcon’s game or something.” She racked her brain to try to come up with something better. What did guys, who usually were the entertainment, do for entertainment?

  “If you’re looking for nightlife, you could try Fado. It’s a pretty sweet Irish pub in Buckhead or Smith’s Olde Bar, that’s my personal favorite. It’s complete with pool tables, dartboards, and live music. I don’t know if you guys go to concerts, since that’s your day job, but you could always look to see who’s playing at The Tabernacle. It’s the best venue in town unless you want to go even smaller. Then, you can try Variety Playhouse.”

  “Have we played there?” David asked from his side of the room to no one in particular.

  “Beats me. I don’t even know what city we’re in half the time,” Leo smiled.

  “Because you’re too stoned.” It was weird hearing David talk so much. Any time she saw the band give an interview he was always the quiet one. He usually sat by the rest of them hiding under his trademark hat.

  “That’s not true.” Leo’s voice was tinged with mock hurt. “Most of the time.”

  “To answer your question,” Lexie cut in, “You played there once a long time ago. It was when you guys were on tour with Imagine Dragons.”

  “Ah, our first major tour as a supporting band. It brings a tear to my eyes,” Leo rubbed a finger under his dry eyes, one and then the other. “We’ve come a long way, boys.”

  While the other guys made sounds of agreement, she caught Oliver watching her, a little smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

  “Let’s be honest. We all know why Leo loved that tour.”

  All the guys busted out laughing at some inside joke so Lexie took the opportunity to study them all. She even snuck a glance at the elusive David. He was very attractive and though his hair was the same color as Oliver’s, he kept his shorter. He was tall with a lanky frame, but he had perfect arms and shoulders, muscular and smooth. No doubt from years of playing the guitar. From what she’d read in Entertainment Weekly, he also wrote a lot of the band’s songs. He glanced over in her direction and smiled, almost as if he could read her mind.

  She quickly shifted her gaze to Leo. He’d stood and was lounging against the wall by the window looking completely animated as he shared a story with the rest of the guys. His hair was short and blond, except for the tips which were currently red. She was pretty sure it’d been blue the last time they’d seen the band play, but with Leo it was hard to keep up. He seemed like a lot of fun though, probably helped keep everyone entertained during their long hours on the road.

  They talked for another hour, then Leo stood and stretched. “Bailey, we’ve got to head out. I’m starving,” he gripped the railing at the side of the bed. “Do you want us to sneak anything in?”

  “No, I’m good. There are already girls in the bathroom here. What more could a guy want?”

  “What?” David raised an eyebrow.

  “There was a little fan hanging out in the bathroom, but no worries, Lexie took care of her,” Oliver smiled at her and she couldn’t help but grin back.

  It was nice being a part of their world for a few minutes. Kind of strange to see them as people and not as musicians, but nice.

  “Watch out for L
exie.” Leo rubbed his chin as he eyed her. “Maybe she should go on the road with us? We could add her to our security team.”

  “Nah, we’d have to find her a better job than that. She’s much too pretty to be on our security team.” At David’s words, she blushed from her neck to her hairline.

  “Not a bad idea,” Oliver agreed, almost too quiet to hear, but she’d heard him and the heat radiating from her face intensified tenfold.

  The guys stood to leave and all said goodnight to Lexie, Bailey, and Oliver as they filed out.

  Lexie picked up her bag and slung it over her shoulder. “I’ve gotta go, too. Thanks for the invitation to hang out. Bailey, be nice to your nurses while I’m away.”

  He saluted her. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “I’ll walk you out.” Oliver rose.

  “No,” she shook her head, “I can—”

  “Come on.” He tugged her out of the room.

  Once in the elevator, she had to say something to break the silence. The close proximity was making her keenly aware of his body, how he towered over her, the hard lines. And, he just kept grinning at her. It was maddening. “The guys seemed nice.”

  “Yeah, they’re cool. We’ve known each other a long time. I went to high school with David and when we decided to start a band, we met up with Leo after he answered our flyer to find a drummer. He’s crazy as hell, but a really good guy.” He ran a hand through his hair and smiled. “We recruited Bailey, and not just because he’s my little brother. I taught him the basics on the guitar when we were kids, but he’s so much better than I ever was. The other guys and I heard him play a gig at a club one night and that was it. We convinced him to ditch those other guys and join us. Smartest thing we ever did. He kicks ass on the guitar, as you know, and is an excellent song writer, especially when he and David work together.”

  The elevator chimed and she passed by Oliver as he held the doors open, careful not to touch him. Then he was beside her, one of his strides equaling what felt like three of hers.

  When they reached her car, she hit the unlock button, grimacing at her reflection in the glass. It wasn’t fair that he looked like the picture of perfection and she looked like she felt—a tired hag. She cleared her throat and tried not to worry about it.

  “What about you? What made you want to be a musician?”

  He grinned in the devilish way which was uniquely his. “The girls, of course.”

  “Okay, then, it’s been fun, but I’ve got to go.”

  He laughed. “Lexie, wait.”

  She glanced back at him ready to glare, but then he laid his hand on her shoulder. When her knees liquefied, she turned and leaned against her car for support.

  “I was just kidding.” He placed a hand on the roof of her car and leaned in. “When will you be back?”

  There were circles under his eyes. She hadn’t noticed them before, but at this distance there wasn’t much she couldn’t see, the hint of a five o’clock shadow, a scar near his eyebrow. “I’m off for the next couple of days, but then I’ll be here. I always am.”

  A minute passed as they stood face to face as the breeze ruffled their hair. She wondered for a moment if he was going to kiss her. He was close enough. Just a few more inches and their lips would touch. Did she want him to? Who was she kidding? She was alive, wasn’t she? Of course she did.

  “Well, enjoy your time off.” He tapped the roof of her car and stood up to his full height.

  Relief and disappointment mingled together as she regained her bearings. “Thanks, and thanks for letting me hang out with the guys. It was fun and not something that usually goes along with this particular job.”

  “You’re welcome.” He took a few steps back to allow her to open her car door. “See you around then.”

  “Yeah, see ya.”

  He sent her a final wave as she pulled away and with her heart in her throat, she blew out a breath. What would it be like to kiss Oliver? She was sure he’d be good at it. With a mouth like his there was no way he couldn’t be. Although, getting involved with someone like him also meant going against her rule about keeping it simple. Getting involved with a man like Oliver would be anything but that. A girl could dream though.

  The following morning was sunny and beckoned Lexie to spend some time outside. She needed fresh air and a serious dose of vitamin D. Although her job was fulfilling in many ways, the days went by in a blur of getting to work in the dark and leaving in the dark. Fresh air and sunshine were lacking in her day-to-day life.

  She swung her car into a parking space and got ready to unload her bike. The Silver Comet Trail was her favorite. Sixty-one miles of paved trail just for pedestrians, and considering how crowded Atlanta was, it was a true wonder. Simone’s Mini was already in the lot, bike unloaded. The girl got up early even on her days off, unlike Lexie, who used the morning to make up for lost sleep.

  “Morning friend, glad to see you could carve some time out of your busy roadie schedule for me.”

  Lexie hefted her bike off its rack and set it on the ground. “It’s too early for you.”

  “You know you love me. So, tell me again. How hot is Bailey up close?”

  “Even hotter than in your imagination.”

  Simone exhaled audibly. “You know I’m green with envy, right?”

  “Yeah, but green’s your color.”

  “I think you’re torturing me for making you get up early.”

  Lexie winked. “Maybe. Ready to ride?”

  “Yes, let’s go.”

  After an hour of steady riding, Simone signaled for Lexie to slow down. They matched each other’s pace and drank some water from their bottles. The day was heating up, but still pleasant.

  “Hey, Lexie, there’s something I need to talk to you about.”

  “Okay, what’s up?”

  “It’s about my job,” Simone squeezed her bottle over and over again making the water level rise and fall.

  “Well, what is it? Did you get fired or something?” The thought of Mrs. Brown firing Simone was ridiculous. She had practically raised her children.

  “No, nothing like that. I got a call from a producer out in L.A. They offered me a job as a staff writer.”

  “What!” Lexie squealed and almost fell off her bike.

  “They called me yesterday,” she cast her eyes to her shoes. “I mean, it’s a really big opportunity.”

  “Hell yes it is. That’s so exciting.” Upon further examination of her friend’s strange behavior, Lexie stopped doing her version of a cheerleader. “Why do you not seem more excited? You should be doing cartwheels.”

  Simone looked up and tilted her head to the side. “We both know I’m not capable of doing cartwheels.”

  “Okay, valid point, but you seem less than thrilled. What am I missing here?”

  “I’ll have to move . . . to L.A.”

  The words hung in the air between them like a death sentence. Of course Simone would have to move. Lexie struggled to remain in control of her emotions which were now swinging wildly from ecstatic to misery.

  “I wish it were the job I applied for in Atlanta, but they didn’t call and this is just such a big step for me. It’s the break I’ve been waiting for.”

  Lexie shook her head and revived her smile. “Of course it is. We’ll have to go out tonight and celebrate. Besides, it’s not like I won’t visit. That’s why there are planes, right? I can come out and you’ll be back out here to see your family. It’ll be great.”

  Simone let out a nervous laugh. “Right.”

  Lexie reminded herself as they headed back to their respective cars that no matter what, she and Simone would always be close. It would be different being so far away. No more spontaneous plans or meeting for lunch, but she would put on a brave face and put her sel
fish feelings aside. She wouldn’t let her own sadness dampen her best friend’s moment. Plus, she’d never been to L.A., and now she’d have a good reason to visit.

  Chapter 6

  “This was a great idea, Lexie. We haven’t been here in forever,” Simone held the door as they stepped under the green awnings and entered Smith’s Olde Bar. The familiar smell of stale cigarettes and beer filled the air around them as their eyes adjusted to the dim lighting.

  Simone nodded toward the tables and Lexie followed as they made their way across the room. Some local talent was set to play downstairs, but first, food. As Lexie scanned a plastic covered menu, she tried for easy conversation. She was working hard to make the night fun when what she really wanted was to sit at home and sulk, but it wouldn’t help anything.

  “So, when do you leave?” Lexie asked after they’d received their dinner.

  “They want me to start in two weeks.”

  Lexie almost choked on her nachos. “Wow,” she coughed, “that’s soon.”

  “I told them I need until the first of the month. I had to give thirty days’ notice to Mrs. Brown and to my landlord.”

  “How upset was Mrs. Brown?” Lexie was still trying to clear food from her airway.

  “Well, she didn’t cry, but the kids did which in turn made me cry.” Simone paused and took a bite of her cheeseburger. “It was a mess.”

  “At least the kids are older now. They’ll be busy with school and friends before long.”

  “That’s true.” Simone looked down at her burger and sighed.

  “Come on, it’s going to be great. You get to go somewhere new and discover new places and people.”