Page 77 of Strictly the Worst

“They won’t be touching anything alcoholic,” I tell her, following the three teenage girls into the room. As soon as the door closes behind us they squeal and run into each others’ arms, jumping up and down.

“Did you see Ryker looking at us?” her friend Maisie asks.

“Oh my God, he’s so sexy,” her other friend, Alice, agrees.

“If he talks to me I’m gonna die. I swear to God.” Maisie’s face looks pale.

A minute later more people start to pour in. They’re all different ages, and after talking to one kind looking lady a little older than me I discover they’re family members. A few more fans with backstage passes come in, then finally the band walks in and everybody cheers.

When I look over at Zoe she’s actually shaking. Sondra leads the band over to her and her friends.

“This is the Salinger’s group,” she tells them. “And they’re kids, so no swearing.”

“Pinky fucking promise,” the guy whose name I think is Ryker says. Zoe and her friends collapse into fits of giggles.

Sondra walks over to me. “You want your photo taken with them too?” she asks.

I shake my head. “I’m here for Zoe.”

“Not a fan?”

There’s only one answer to that when I’m here on their dime. “I like their music. I just don’t want to take their time up when so many others are here.”

“It’s okay,” Sondra says. “You don’t have to love them. It’d do them some good to know that not every woman would throw themselves on the floor when they’re around.” She motions over at them. “Hey Ryker?”

He lifts his head up. “Yeah?”

“Come over here.”

“No honestly,” I say quickly. “I don’t need a photograph.”

He saunters over with all the confidence of a man at the top of his game. The slight swagger to his walk reminds me of Linc.

“I need to introduce you to somebody,” Sondra says, grinning. “A woman who doesn’t think you’re hot.”

My cheeks flush. “I didn’t say that,” I tell him quickly. My eyes meet Ryker’s. “I’m sorry, I just…”

“She just thinks you’re not all that.” Sondra blows him a kiss and Ryker grins back.

“Ignore her,” he says to me. “Ryker.” He holds out his hand.

“Tessa,” I say, taking it. His fingers curl around mine.

“I’ll dedicate a song to you,” he says. “See if you’ll change your mind and want me after the concert.”

“I’m going home straight after the concert,” I tell him, knowing it’s just some banter. I’m pretty sure he has his post-concert entertainment already lined up. “But thanks anyway.”

“Who are you with again?” he asks, looking around.

“She’s one of Salinger’s,” Sondra tells him.

“You’re Salinger’s girl?” he asks. And I start blushing again. It’s so hot in here. I’d take my jacket off, but I’m not showing this bustier off in here. It’s for the darkness of the concert only.

“I can’t remember the last time anybody called me a girl,” I tell him, and he laughs. “And I’m definitely not Salinger’s.”

“Where is he, anyway?” He looks over my shoulder.

“He couldn’t come,” I say, and my throat tightens.

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