Page 7 of Rebel

“Thanks, man, and who is this?” The man, Andrew, turns a bright smile on me, his perfect white teeth almost blinding me. He’s pretty as fuck and definitely an actor, but I just smile.

“Oh, this is Beck, our new lead singer. Beck, this is Andrew Jackson, Hollywood’s biggest star.”

Andrew scoffs but plays it up, and I nod. He deflates, watching me. “So you’re a singer, huh?” he asks.

“Yup.” I pour myself another drink as he slides into the booth next to me.

“I’m an actor. You might have heard of some of my movies.” He flexes his arm.

“Probably not. I’m more of an oldies fan,” I admit, and the horror on his face makes me hide my smile behind my glass.

“Right, uh, so have you been in many bands?” he inquires, still flirting his ass off.

“Not really,” I answer truthfully and turn back to the guys. “So talk me through the setlist.”

Trav indulges me, and Andrew eventually gets the point and grumbles a goodbye, heading to another table filled with what looks to be models. He might be trying to get laid tonight, but it won’t be with me. I can’t be distracted by a pretty face or rock-hard muscles. I have more important things to do.

When Andrew leaves, Chase leans forward. “So what is your type then, Beck, if it isn’t grunge, bad-boy me or pretty boy Andrew.”

“I guess you’ll never find out.”

He leans back, and I watch as he moves into Kolton’s side. “Girls, I knew it.”

Rolling my eyes, I kick the table at him. “I love men, especially ones with pretty faces I can ride. Just not yours.”

He chokes on his sip of beer as the others burst into laughter with me.

“You’d be so lucky,” he mutters.

“No, darlin’,” I mock. “You would be.”

“Oh yeah, she fits right in.” Kolton nods, grinning wide. “So you told Andrew not many bands. Is that true?”

Careful, Beck, I remind myself.

“A few here and there, but never found anything that stuck, you know? Either they were posers just wanting cash or pussy or we just didn’t get along. I saw your open auditions as I was passing through.”

“To where?” Trav asks curiously.

“Anywhere and everywhere. I wanted a fresh start, and I told myself I’d know the place when I found it. I guess fate had other plans.” I’m not exactly lying, and that’s the best way to get away with lies—keep them as close to the truth as possible so you don’t trip yourself up in the long run.

“Well, we are lucky you did,” Kolton admits.

Downing more of my drink, I meet Trav’s curious eyes, ones that see too much, and quickly look away. I didn’t expect them to be so nice—well, except for Chase—and it’s throwing me off a bit.

Can I really do this?

I guess I’m in too deep to back out now.

SIX

There’s a shadow in Beck’s eyes, one I see in mine every day that I bury behind the music and the lifestyle. It makes me wonder who or what put that there.

What is Beck Danvers’ story?

I shouldn’t care since she’s a good singer, one we need to make it to the top, but for a moment, I find myself softening toward her.

She’s a risk to our band, but we are all about risks.

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