Chapter 18
ASTRID
My stomach grows unsettled as I lean against the bar, waiting for the barman to fix me a drink.
I’m alone tonight, and honestly, I don’t remember the last time I visited a place like this alone. Lily is still sulking. I texted her this morning, but she didn’t open the message. I know going to her house will fix everything, but I don’t want to. If she disapproves of Ava Rocks, there’s no way she will buy into the idea of me stalking her sister.
Speaking of Lisa, I allow my gaze to scan the room for the red hair. I’ve heard whispers of excitement about her performance tonight. The bar is filled to the brim, and everybody I see holds something linked to the artiste.
Will she even blink in my direction? I mean, I’ve never been in this situation before. And Ava didn’t bother with questions. She believes I can do this, and I’m beginning to think about it, too.
I turn to see Georgia. She wears jeans, an oversized white crop top, and cowboy boots. Her blonde hair is packed into a neat ponytail. She waved at someone in the crowd before moving to the stand next to me, her round butt sliding into the bar stool.
“I didn’t expect tonight to be so wild. Drake is playing in Snow, so I thought the crowd would be heading there.”
I smile nervously, trying to think of the perfect response – one that won’t give off the fact that I’m here on a gig. Undercover gig. Up close, she is so beautiful. Her pale blue eyes complement her tanned skin, and the tiny freckles scattered on her high cheekbones give her a charming appearance.
The instant I part my lips to give a reply, the barman pushes a drink across to me, then flashes Georgia a grin.
“You underestimate your girl. Does she know you don’t believe in her craft?”
“Don’t be silly, Jon. You know, I believe in Lisa more than anything–more than I believe in myself. I’m just surprised that everyone here is choosing an artist who started a few years ago over an icon. Drake is a big name, you know that.”
“And so is Lisa.” The barman says
“Lisa doesn’t even have her own song yet. She’s still writing some.”
I raise my chin a notch, trying to pull off a disinterested expression. Georgia adjusts on the stool. I tighten my finger around the glass as she inclines her
head towards me.
“Hi. You’re here to see my girl play or unwind?”
I sip my drink. I don’t know what the barman did, but I love it. It’s a tad spicy and very chill. “Both. I had a long week, so when I heard she was playing, I dumped everything to be here.”
“Are you kidding?” Her lips twitch.” You don’t have to say nice things because she’s my girl.”
“I’m not. Lisa is perfect. I love her vibe and how she does that hip twitch. It blows my mind.”
Her gaze sharpens. “Are you –”
I laugh out loud and shake my head. “You want to ask if I’m into your girl? No, I’m straight, but that doesn’t mean I can’t admire good stuff. You’re fortunate to have her. How long have you been dating?”
“I’m not counting, but honestly, it’s been like forever. I don’t recall a second I’ve ever had to be alone. We’re always together. We shower together, cook together, and God, the romance is more than I’ve ever imagined.”
My face flushes. “I’m not even going to ask you to elaborate. I know what it’s like to be wrapped up in a sizzling passion.”
“Got a story? We could trade! What’s he like?”
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Chapter 18
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I turn my face away so she can’t see the sadness in my eyes. The longing, too. I haven’t stopped thinking about Jordan. Georgia sits back and waits like she has all the time in the world to hear my story.
“I’ll go first.” She says after more than two long minutes. “Lisa is my first. We met at the beach one summer, and I couldn’t take my eyes off her. I thought I was going nuts. I was attracted to a girl and acting all obsessed about it. The funny thing is, I went there with this guy I always hung out with. He was someone I thought I was going to end up with, but then, I met Lisa, and I realized the reason I stalled was because that guy wasn’t right for me.”
I keep my gaze on the glass. “How did you get together with Lisa?”
“She approached me. Lisa is quite bold. We played in the sand like kids, and the instant we got a chance to kiss, my insides exploded. It wasn’t my first kiss, but it was my best, and every day, I wish for her to be my last.” She traces the rim of her glass and then raises her gaze to me. “Your turn.”
I shrug as if shooing away the nagging feeling that Jordan rejected me that night. I should hate him for that, but I can’t bring myself to.
I glance at the crowd. Lisa is still nowhere in sight, but since Georgia is here, I know Lisa is close. Ava said they stuck together.
Her gaze searches mine. “It’s okay if you don’t want to talk about it.”
“I want to, but I’ve not gotten the right words.”
“Are you still with them?”
“It was a one–night stand.” I shift my attention to the exit door directly across from me, half–tempted to jump right through it. This is harder than I thought, and it’s taking longer, too. I know it’s barely ten minutes, but it feels like hours have gone by since I walked into this bar, and there’s the part of me expecting Jordan to show up like he did that night. “I met him again, but it was different.”
“What happened?”
chant.
Lisa’s voice comes over the speakers, and the crowd screams her name. It’s more like a chant. Georgia’s focus is no longer strained on my face but on her partner, who is jumping around the stage and blowing kisses.
“I can stare at her forever, and my heart will still race. Let’s pick this up later. I want to hear all about your mystery, man.”
I want to tell her that Jordan isn’t a mystery man but my father’s best friend, but I get distracted by a familiar figure walking into the bar. Lisa is keying into her first performance, but I’m lost in the brief moment as a chill rolls over my skin. It’s Jordan. Right beside him is a woman leaning against him, her
arms tucked into his.
I suspected that getting another chance with him is a pipe dream. He made it clear that he wanted nothing to do with me.
He wasn’t bluffing.
“Come in. You can stand with me in the front rows.” Georgia says after draining another glass.
I shake my head and gesture at her to go ahead. I know I’m ruining my chance of meeting Lisa tonight. Ava will have to bear with me. I can’t stand here and watch the man buried deep in my mind, prancing with another woman.
“I need to use the restroom real quick. Go ahead. I’ll be out before you say Jack.”
“Jack!” Georgia says with a laugh. It’s contagious, so I find myself joining in. “Hurry up! I don’t want you to miss any part. It’s going to be phenomenal.”
My smile wavers. I won’t only miss watching Lisa’s/performance tonight, I’ll also miss the chance to talk to her about her sister.
I let out a frustrated groan and let my gaze tilt to Jordan again. He’s still at the same spot, the lady’s arm locked with his. I duck my head as he glances at
the bar, and without hesitating, I stride towards the emergency exit and step into the dimly lit path that leads to the parking lot.
My phone flashes with text. God, let it be Lily. I need her right now. There’s traffic, so driving out will not be easy.
I pick up the phone. It’s Ava.
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20:34 Sat 31 May
Chapter 18
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