Page 67 of City of Wind and Lies

Cami grabs for the shot glass Dallas confiscated. "You sure you don't want it?"

"I'm good," I smile, pushing the seltzer between her and Drea. "You guys can have this, too."

"Oh, boo. You don't actually have to listen to him. Your boyfriend is his boss, which kinda makes you his boss, too."

Huh, hadn't thought about that.

I add that to my mental list of things to discuss further with Bowie about his position.

"Really, it's okay, Cami," I chuckle, lowering my voice. "I'm pregnant. That's why I'm not drinking."

Her eyes round in shock. "Mr. Sorrentino’s?!"

I nod.

"Aww, congratulations!"

"Thanks," I mutter, cracking the lid on my water bottle and taking a sip.

Motion from the stage catches our attention, and one of the bar workers taps the mic, instantly quieting the chatter around us. He makes a small speech, thanking everyone for coming out and talking a bit about the band before telling us to put our hands together for Communication Error.

"Whoo!" Cami yells, slapping her hand down on the table as Perry steps out, adjusting his guitar strap.

Perry gives her a lopsided grin as his bandmates take their places around him. The lead singer introduces everyone, various levels of cheering coming from the crowd for each of the four members. He motions with his hands for everyone to settle down, flashing a big smile that shows off his perfect, white teeth as he names the first song in their set.

He grips the mic as Perry's fingers curl around the neck of his guitar and strums with the pick, playing an easy riff as the keyboardist and drummer join in. The beat is slow and melodic, one you can't help but sway along to as the lead singer's husky voice locks us in a trance.

If I said I'd change, damn, would you turn the car around.

I'm too fucked up for perfect, and maybe you already knew.

Your silence pulls me under, I think this time I'll just drown.

But I'd trade my soul for one night, just one last night, with you.

I let the lyrics wash over me, getting lost in the emotions of this song and the next. Even though they don't mirror exactly what I've got going on, it speaks to something in my heart.

Drea gave me space when I showed up last night. She didn't ask questions, just let me and my keeper right in. Dallas even played the dutiful bodyguard well, checking to make sure the windows and doors were all locked before camping out on the couch. I was so mentally taxed that I fell asleep on top of the covers, fully dressed, heels still on.

This morning, though, space was not something Drea had to offer. After I convinced her to let me finish showering first, we took conchas, her coffee, and my tea to the roof. Dallas was close behind, doing a full sweep of the space before taking his post at the door. Once we settled into the loungers, I word-vomited everything.

I told her how Bowie was not only involved with the mafia, but he led it. All the things he had his hand in, the interaction between him and his apparent rival at dinner, and the way he looked at me as I stepped onto the elevator last night.

Unlike me, Bowie's a pro at keeping his face from reflecting what he's feeling. But his eyes… goddamnit if his beautiful hazel eyes didn't drive a knife into my chest. They were brimming with emotions, silent pleas for me to stay and wordless promises that he meant everything he said.

Surprisingly, Drea came to his defense, reminding me that he wanted out of the drugs and how he didn't approve of the shady endeavors Gabriel took part in. It was low-key annoying how quick she was to point out all the amazing things he's done for me, and that I kept it a secret that I knew he was my one-night stand the moment I spotted that butterfly tattoo scrolling across his chest. What really hit home was when she said he was the leader of the Chicago outfit before our relationship, during our relationship, and he'd still be it after- the only thing that's actually changed is me knowing.

Claps and cheers pull me back from my thoughts as the band announces intermission.

"Weren't they great?" Cami gushes.

I swear her irises have turned to hearts as she watches Perry disappear off stage.

"Totally," Drea and I answer, almost in unison.

"I'm so glad you guys came out. I've really missed you at the office, Wren."

"Aww, I'll be back Monday. We can grab coffee or lunch if you want," I offer.

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