Page 2 of After All

“What are you up to tonight?”

“Nothing,” I say, shrugging. “Charlie keeps texting me to see if I’m coming to the concert downtown tonight. I don’t know if I’m going though.”

“What?!” she asks, shooting straight up. “You have tickets to the very exclusive, very impossible to get into Muddy Boots concert, and you’re not going?! You’ve lost your mind, woman. You’re going.”

I wrinkle my nose and shake my head. “But there will be so many people there.”

“Listen, you’ve got the hookup, so I assume you’ll have VIP tix. There will be plenty of space. You have to go.”

My smart watch buzzes on my wrist, and I look down at the incoming message.

Charlie

You’re still coming tonight, right? I won’t take no for an answer.

I roll my eyes, but I smile. I love my cousin, Charlie. He’s always the life of the party and loud and funny and knows what to say… the utter and complete opposite of me.

Amelie

I don’t know. I’ve had a long day.

Charlie

Get your ass here, give them your name, and sit and enjoy the show. You may not like crowds all that much, but you love me. I’m still your favorite cousin, right?

Amelie

Always.

Charlie

Damn straight.

I want to support him. He really is my favorite cousin, but I don’t want to go alone. A thought pops into my brain.

Amelie

Any way I can bring a plus one?

Charlie

If it gets you here, I’ll add ten plus ones, prima.

Amelie

I just need the one.

Charlie

Send me a name, and I’ll make it happen.

Amelie

Suzette White

Charlie

Got it. Save me a high five, alright?

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