What Comes After

by Toppen, Melissa

  “Something tells me you’d like that too much,” I sneer, pushing past her without another word.

  I have no idea where that came from. I’m usually a pretty friendly guy but something about her put me on edge and I have no idea why.

  Chapter Four

  Peyton

  “What the hell took you so long?” Henna stands, snagging her drink from my hand.

  “I just ran into the biggest asshole I’ve ever met.” I look back toward the bar already knowing that he’s no longer there. “He yelled at me for standing too close to him in line.” I exhale quickly. “Can you believe that?”

  I don’t know why I’m so bothered. It’s not like this is the first time I’ve come face to face with a jerk before.

  “Was he hot?” Henna asks, taking a drink of her Cosmo.

  “What the hell does that matter?”

  “Because if he was hot and an asshole then that’s a win. If he was ugly and an asshole then that’s a pass.”

  “Since when is being an asshole a win?”

  “Since nice guys are relationship material and tonight that’s not what we want. But a hot asshole? That we can work with.” She twirls her tongue around the rim of her glass. “So, was he hot?”

  “Unbelievably.” I sigh out, pissed that I can even think that after how rude he behaved toward me.

  Then again, I can’t deny it either. His messy dark hair, scruffy jaw, and crisp blue eyes were enough to make me a little weak kneed. My reaction having nothing to do with the way he was glaring at me and everything to do with where I was picturing those perfect lips of his.

  “Speaking of hot,” Henna purrs, pulling my attention to where her gaze slides to the group of guys standing next to our table. Among them is Sam’s fiancé, Andrew, whose face Sam’s currently swallowing.

  “What is he doing here?” I ask, confused why her soon to be husband would be randomly showing up at her bachelorette party.

  “She called him earlier. Told him to meet us here.” Henna rolls her eyes. “Typical Sam. She can’t go more than a few hours away from him.”

  “He makes her happy.” I shrug, feeling the familiar pang of jealousy in my gut. What girl doesn’t want a guy she can’t get enough of? I’d give anything to have that in my life.

  Unfortunately, I’m cursed when it comes to love. Every guy I date either turns out being a complete douche bag or a cheating liar. Either way, it never ends well for me. Which is why I’ve sworn off relationships for a while. I need a break from the constant disappointment.

  “Well, all his hot friends make me happy.” She winks at me, taking a sip from her glass.

  I let my eyes travel back to the group of guys. I recognize two of them as Andrew’s brothers, Alex and Aaron. I’ve met them both a few times at social gatherings. A couple others look familiar but there’s a few that I’ve never seen before.

  “You may want to wait until after the wedding before screwing one of Andrew’s friends.” I laugh, shaking my head at her.

  “I don’t know. That one right there might be too delicious to resist.” I follow her line of sight, pulling in a sharp breath when my eyes land on the asshole from the bar right as he steps up next to Alex.

  “That’s him,” I whisper, more to myself than to Henna.

  “That’s who?” she asks, clearly not following.

  “The jerk from the bar. The one who got pissed at me for standing too close.”

  “And you didn’t pull him into the bathroom why?”

  “Because I don’t screw random guys in the bathroom, Henna.” I give her a look I know she’ll understand.

  “Oh come on! That was one time.” She laughs.

  “One time too many.”

  “How was I supposed to know he was married?”

  “The wedding ring on his finger should have been a dead giveaway.”

  “I was twenty-one and drunk out of my mind. I wasn’t looking at his fingers.” She throws her hand up. “You’re never going to let me live that down, are you?”

  “Not when you keep suggesting I take random strangers into the bathroom to have sex with them.”

  “Okay, so maybe not the bathroom. But that still doesn’t change the fact that you need to get laid.”

  “You act like I’m a pubescent boy who can’t keep it in his pants. We’re not all sex crazed lunatics. Some people are perfectly okay going without.”

  “And some people are living in denial,” she quips. “Go talk to him.” Her eyes slide back to the group of guys.

  “Who, him?” I discreetly gesture to Mr. Asshole himself.

  “Duh.”

  “Why would I do that?”

  “Because he’s sexy as sin.”

  “And?”

  “Do you really need more reason than that?”

  “I mean, I do. But if you don’t, then by all means, you go talk to him.”

  “Fine.” She sets her drink on the small round table. “But don’t be jealous when I’m the girl leaving on his arm tonight.”

  “I’m sure I’ll live,” I say flatly, watching her saunter off.

  Seconds later, she slides up in front of the man who looks down at her with a hell of a lot less disdain than he looked at me with. I ignore how irritated this makes me, not really sure why I care in the first place. I’m used to seeing Henna get this type of reaction from guys. It’s like all she has to do is smile and they’re eating out of the palm of her hand.

  Deciding I have better things to do with my time, I kill off the remainder of my drink and join Mariah and Chelle on the dance floor. We only get through a couple of songs before Sam comes to inform us that Andrew has had too much to drink and they’re taking him home.

  I resist the urge to tell her he’s old enough to take care of himself, and instead tell her to be safe and text me once their home, before I go in search of Henna to see if she’s ready to call it a night.

  When I finally manage to make it back to the table, after weaving through the thick crowd of people cluttering the dance floor, the only person still at the table is Andrew’s brother, Aaron.

  “Hey.” I smile when I reach him. “Where’d everyone go?”

  “Most of the girls are leaving with Sam and Andrew. Tim’s taking them home in his car. I volunteered to stay back with everyone who wanted to stay. Make sure everyone makes it home safely.”

  “That’s awfully sweet of you,” I tell him, slipping onto the stool next to him.

  “It was the only way I could get Sam to take Andrew home. Needless to say, my brother cannot handle his liquor.”

  “And he’s how old?” I arch a brow.

  “Twenty-nine.” He snorts out a laugh. “To be fair, he didn’t drink like the rest of us did in college. He’s a bit of a late bloomer.”

  Before I have a chance to say anything, I feel someone slide up next to us, pulling my gaze to the side. My eyes lock with his for a split second, causing my skin to prickle slightly, before they dart back to Aaron.

  “Sam said you’re staying to make sure all the girls get home,” he speaks directly to Aaron.

  “Yeah, figured it was the least I could do.”

  “Okay, well I’m going to head out. I’ve had about as much of this as I can take.”

  “You got a ride?”

  “I’m gonna walk. It’s not that far and I could use the fresh air.”

  “Alright, man.” I watch the pair do some weird handshake thing before he spins around and quickly walks away.

  “No offense, but your friend is an asshole,” I tell Aaron once the guy is out of earshot.

  “Brother,” he corrects, laughing when my eyes go wide. “And yes, he is an asshole.”

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t know,” I start.

  “It’s all good. I call him an asshole at least once a day.” He smiles, and I’m forced to acknowledge the similarities between the two now that I know they are brothers.

  And while yes, Aaron is a good-looking guy, his brother is something else entir
ely. And those eyes. God, I don’t think I’ve ever seen such an intense blue before.

  “How is it that I’ve never seen him around before?” I ask, having to lean in closer when the music kicks up a notch.

  “He’s been living in California the last few years with our oldest brother, Adam. Even before that, Abel never really hung in the same circles as Andrew. It’s not surprising you’ve never seen him.”

  Abel...

  “So he lives in California?”

  “He did. He just moved back a few days ago.”

  “Oh, gotcha.” I try to play it off like I’m just making casual conversation and really don’t care. But the truth is I’m very intrigued by the man.

  “He’s actually a pretty good dude. He’s had a rough go the last few years. You’ll have to cut him some slack.” He lifts the beer bottle to his lips and takes a long pull.

  “It’s all good. We all have our moments.”

  “Hey!” Aaron and I pull apart at the sound of Henna’s voice. “Where the hell did you go?” she hollers over the music.

  “I was dancing, why?” I ask, watching her slip into the seat next to me.

  “You weren’t lying. That guy kind of is an asshole,” she tells me. “Hot as hell, though.”

  “That’s Aaron’s brother, Abel,” I tell her, giving her a look that tells her to cut it on the asshole remarks.

  “Oh.” She looks as surprised as I was by the news, her eyes going to Aaron. “Yeah, I guess I can totally see that.” She smiles. “What’s his deal? Has he always been such a stick in the mud?”

  “Actually no, he used to be the nicest guy in the room. Got along with everyone. A real people person.”

  “Then what happened?” my blunt friend doesn’t hesitate to ask.

  “His wife died.”

  The instant the words leave his lips my heart sinks in my chest.

  “What?” The word falls from my lips before I can stop it.

  “Cancer.” He nods, taking another pull of beer. “They weren’t together that long, but man was he crazy about her. He hasn’t been the same since she died.”

  “Now I feel bad for calling him an asshole.” Henna frowns.

  “Don’t be. He’s still an asshole.” Aaron brushes it off with an easy smile.

  “I need another drink,” Henna announces, pushing to a stand. “Anyone else?”

  “Yeah, I’ll come with you.” Aaron slides off his stool. “You need anything, Peyton?”

  “No, I’m good.” I shake my head, knowing I probably shouldn’t. I feel pretty good right now, but one more and I very well may end the night hugging the toilet.

  “Water?” he asks.

  “Yeah, water would be awesome. Thank you.” I smile, watching him follow Henna toward the bar.

  Once I lose them in the crowd, my eyes scan the room. I’m not looking for anything in particular, just people watching. Or at least that’s how I justify looking for Abel, even though I know he’s already gone.

  After what Aaron just told me, I have this overwhelming urge to talk to him. To tell him I understand what it’s like to lose someone to cancer. I was only fifteen when I watched it take my mom in a matter of months. It was like one day she was completely healthy and the next she was slipping away. Nothing can prepare you for what that feels like. Nothing can make it better when it’s all said and done. Death is permanent. There’s no bringing back the people we love once they’re gone and we quickly find that we’re different people in their absence.

  Not that Abel would care to hear any of that from me. I’m just some silly girl who crowded his space and caused him to spill his drink.

  I don’t know why I care so much. I don’t know why he seems to be the only thing I can think about since the first moment he looked at me, or rather glared at me. There’s just something about him.

  “One water.” I jump when Aaron and Henna reappear seemingly out of nowhere, interrupting my thoughts.

  “Thank you.” I take the glass Aaron extends to me, taking a long drink of the cold liquid. It feels incredible on my throat and I immediately take another gulp.

  “So, Aaron suggested that maybe we get out of here. Go somewhere a little less crowded.” Henna leans in toward me.

  “I thought you were responsible for making sure everyone got home okay?” I question.

  “We’re the only ones left. Apparently everyone else left when Sam did.”

  “Seriously?” I bark out a laugh. “Some friends they are.”

  “What do you say?” she asks, giving me a look I understand all too well.

  “Why don’t you two drop me off at home and then go? I’m honestly not feeling all that great.”

  “You sure? I don’t want to leave you home alone if you aren’t feeling well.” She pouts. What she’s really saying is she doesn’t want to seem like a bad friend in front of Aaron who she is suddenly interested in spending more time with.

  Henna has always been a fly by the seat of her pants kind of girl. She lives in the moment—always—and does whatever feels right to her. I’ve always envied that about her.

  “Yeah, I’m sure. I’ll probably be asleep within thirty seconds of my head hitting the pillow,” I tell her, forcing out a yawn for show.

  “What do you say?” She looks to Aaron with hopeful eyes. “Do you wanna drop her at home and then go have a drink with me?”

  “Sounds good to me.” He grins, clearly just as taken by her.

  Oh lord... here we go.

  Chapter Five

  Abel

  “House of Blues. I don’t know, man. I’ve only played one show since I’ve been back. I’m not sure I’m ready for that.”

  I shift my cell phone to my other ear just in time to hear Rob’s reply. “You’d really be helping me out. I’ve got a sold-out show booked and no opening act.”

  I hesitate. Even if I did feel like I was up to it, I haven’t been back to House of Blues since the night I met Finley. It’s where we shared our first kiss. Where we laughed and danced and sang the night away. I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready to walk into that place again.

  “I can double what we usually pay for the night. I’m that desperate.”

  “Rob, I just...”

  “Please just say yes.”

  “I don’t think I can, man.” I pace around my living room still lined with boxes. I’ve been back in Chicago for nearly a week, yet the only things I’ve really unpacked are clothes, towels, and a few bedroom items. Everything else is still piled throughout my new apartment.

  “Tell you what, you do this for me and not only will I double your pay, but you can drink for free the entire night.”

  “It’s not about the money, or the booze.”

  “Abel, you’re just coming back onto the scene. Don’t turn down an opportunity to put your name back in people’s mouths. It’ll help you gain momentum and you know it.”

  He has a point. A very good point in fact. I mull it over. Every fiber of my being screams no while the logical side of me knows I can’t refuse.

  “Okay,” I cave.

  “You’ll do it?”

  “I will. But I’m not coming in until last sound check and I’m leaving as soon as my set is over.” There’s no way in hell I’m going to hang out there any longer than I absolutely have to.

  “Sounds good. Be here by six. Set starts at seven-thirty. And thank you. I owe you one.”

  “No problem. I’ll see you tonight.” I end the call before sinking back onto the couch I retrieved from storage yesterday.

  To say I’ve been dragging my feet is the understatement of the year. I don’t know why I’m doing it. I don’t know why I don’t unpack and get it over with already. I’ve made the decision to stay so there’s no need to prolong it. I want to be here. I want to be close to my family, my friends, and Claire.

  I look around the sparse space. It’s not as nice as my old apartment but it’s still one of the nicer complexes in the area and is only a couple blocks away fr
om where I used to live so I’m familiar with my surroundings.

  “Tomorrow,” I mutter to myself.

  Tomorrow I will unpack and resettle. Tonight I have a show to play. And while I feel nauseous as hell about the thought of going back there, a part of me, a very small part, is a little excited. House of Blues is one of the best stages to play on. Not to mention the exposure.

  It’s never been my goal to chase fame. I don’t want it, nor do I need it. But playing? That I do need. And playing at House of Blues ensures I can land other gigs around the city. While most people still know me from before, there have been a lot of changes. New management, new staff. Nearly every place I went to this past week was manned by someone I had never met. Walking into a place you’ve been to a hundred times before and feeling like a complete outsider. It’s weird.

  I guess that’s what happens when you up and disappear for three years.

  Letting out a deep sigh, I peel myself off the couch and head toward the bathroom. If I want any hope of getting there on time, I better get my ass in the shower and get a move on.

  ——

  Everything is exactly as I remember it. From the gold fixtures to the eclectic art, not one single thing has changed. I look around the room from my place on the stage. The crowd is electric tonight. Deafening. I pull and thrive on their energy.

  I manage to make it through my forty-five-minute set without any hiccups. I won’t lie and say that I didn’t look out into the crowd several times and see Finley’s face on every single person looking back at me because I did. But I used it to push me, not hinder me.

  I thought being here would be painful, but in reality, I feel closer to her tonight than I have in a very long time. Maybe that’s been my mistake all along. Running from the memories instead of embracing them.

  After talking to some of the guys backstage, I decide to stay and have one drink. I haven’t had one since the shit show that was my brother’s bachelor party and honestly, I could use something to take the edge off.

  Exiting out the side doors, I slip into the main hall and head directly for the bar. A few people stop me to congratulate me on a great show, while a few others insist I get a picture with them. I smile and nod as graciously as I can, and while they seem to buy every second of it, it feels so fake I can barely stand myself.