Page 98 of Truth

Cal leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. “What can we do to make it better, Anna? I wanted you to have a good time tonight.”

Stephan laid his cheek on my head, holding me close. “She’ll be all right.”

“Anna?” Cal didn’t seem to be taking Stephan’s word for it that I’d be okay. “Talk to me. Please.”

Without lifting my head, I shifted so I could see Cal’s face. “I’m fine. I didn’t... I didn’t mean to make you worry.”

“Forget about me. I’m only concerned with you.”

I smiled, trying to reassure him, but it was weak.

Activity on stage dragged our attention in that direction. The band was taking their places.

“You don’t have to stay.”

The thought of going was appealing. I could go back to the condo and hide with Stephan. It would be safe.

Without introduction, the band began to play, filling the room with sound and making talking difficult. Mandy, Phillip, and Justin rejoined our group a few minutes later and placed two waters down in front of us. Stephan picked up one of the glasses and handed it to me. I took it and drank. He did the same with the other glass.

As the band continued playing, I got caught up in the music. They were good. Some of the songs I recognized. Others were completely foreign to me.

Every now and then the lead singer would make a comment or tell a joke between songs, and I found myself laughing at some of them. I was having a good time. I didn’t want to go home.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Stephan

Brianna had finally calmed. As the music filled the club, and people’s attention was redirected to the entertainment, her breathing mellowed. It was good to see her happy and content, especially given where we were and how many people were around us.

I’d shifted our position slightly. We were both facing the small stage, with her back against my chest. The leash was draped across my lap and loosely looped around my wrist. No one could see it unless they were looking, which Ross was. Every few minutes, he’d glance in our direction. Occasionally we’d make eye contact, but more often than not he’d look at Brianna then down to where the leather circled her wrist. He would frown, close his eyes, and then refocus on the band. It happened so often I was beginning to wonder how much attention he was paying to the concert.

When the band announced they were going to take a break, people began milling around again, and Brianna stiffened almost immediately. I was going to do my best not to let her mind get the better of her, though.

“Do you like the band?”

She nodded.

“Use your words, Brianna.”

“Yes. I like them.”

I kissed the side of her neck in a show of approval. “They’re good. I can see why there’s buzz about them.”

All the guys, including Ross, left the table and headed toward the bar along with roughly half the club’s patrons.

“Did you want anything to drink, Anna? The guys went up to get us something. I’m sure Stephan could get you something, too, if you wanted.”

Jade was tilting her head to the side, and raising her eyebrows, making it obvious that she wanted some girl time with Brianna. I wasn’t thrilled about leaving her alone in this crowd, and I shook my head, silently telling her what she wanted wasn’t going to happen. She looked disappointed but didn’t push it. I handed Brianna her water and nodded to Jade in thanks for not pressing the issue.

“So what do you think?” Mandy had a wistful look on her face as she gazed toward the stage.

“They’re better than I expected them to be.”

She shifted her attention back to us. “Yeah. Brian’s really good at finding local talent. I don’t know how he does it, but he always does.”

I felt the need to keep the conversation going. The activity at our table was helping to keep Brianna from getting overwhelmed. “How long has your brother been the manager here?”

Jade finished off the last of whatever it was she was drinking. “It’s been about two years now. He really loves it.”

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