Page 17 of Rebel

“They look great,” Michael gushes. “They are exactly what we are looking for. You look perfect, Beck. Aloof and sexy but down to earth.”

“What about us?” Chase asks.

“You always look good, Chase,” he says. “I like them. We’ll get them edited.”

“I feel like the last shots are too sexual,” Rachel says calmly.

“Huh? Really?” I lean into the phone, even though they can’t see us. Trav rolls his eyes and moves to give me more room.

“Don’t be silly. They are perfect,” Michael interrupts. “Sex is part of rock and roll, plus it’s not obscene. We’ll go with them. Rest up and have fun—not too much fun—and practice tomorrow.”

“Yes, sir,” Chase says as Trav hangs up. When Chase looks at us, he wiggles his eyebrows.

“What should we do for fun?”

Beck groans, knowing him well enough to understand it’s probably something that will get us into trouble. I can’t help but smile at her.

“Oh, I have an idea.” Trav shoots off a text. “Trust me, you’ll love it.”

“A karaoke-style diner?” Chase gawks, turning to us in disgust. “I was thinking drinking.”

“We know.” Trav claps his shoulder. “This is better. Come on. Food and a show, what could be better?”

He grabs Beck’s hand and leads us inside. I follow with a shrug as a bewildered and angry Chase stomps after us. There are stars and photos everywhere when we get inside. It looks like a fifties diner, but as we linger at the seating podium, my mouth drops. There are multiple floors, and it’s bright and chaotic with a strip between the booths in the middle. As I watch, a lady belting out Whitney Houston dances across it, laughing with customers as they eat.

Holy shit, this place is cool.

“For five?” A smiling guy in a bow tie rushes over, grabbing menus. “We’re busy today, but I think we have a booth in the pit. Follow me.”

Trav tugs Beck along, who is gawking, and we slide into a slightly sticky leather booth, craning our necks to see the woman singing and dancing right next to us. “I’ll be back to take your order shortly, but enjoy stardom.” The man winks and hurries away.

We all ignore the menus, watching as the lady bows, and we clap as it changes to another song. We glance up to see a big guy singing in a deep voice up top, hanging over the railing and waving at everyone.

Beck grins. “This place is epic.”

“They better serve booze,” Chase grumbles, but he’s sitting up taller and watching the man.

There’s one thing musicians can’t resist—music.

Melodies beat in our hearts, and lyrics race through our blood. We are born with music in our souls.

It’s not something you can ignore, not even Chase.

I grin when I catch his fingers drumming on the table along to the music. We order distractedly, watching the performance, and when I glance at Beck, she’s smiling widely, totally carefree. Trav made a good decision. This is more than drinking and partying. This is bonding with someone we are going to end up very close to.

Her foot hits mine, and I startle. “Sorry,” she says and tries to move her foot back, but I spread my legs in the booth, placing my feet on either side of hers and capturing her shoe so she can rest comfortably. She smiles at me and turns her attention back to the stage.

“Alright, ladies and gentlemen, our excellent singers are going to take a break now, but in the meantime, do we have any guests who want to perform?”

“Oh, Trav.” She elbows him, and his hand jerks up. He quickly tugs it down, but it’s too late, and the lady on the mic hurries over.

She grins. “Did I see a volunteer?”

Trav blushes, sinking down as Chase and I chuckle. Beck rolls her eyes at us. “Some rock stars, scared of a little diner rush. Fine, I will.” The lady hands over the mic, and Beck leans over Trav to whisper to her. I watch Trav’s eyes drop to her breasts. She’s completely oblivious as she sits back, and the lady hurries away.

Moments later, music starts up. It’s a Reign Harrow song, and Trav smiles, winking at her as she starts to sing and climbs to her knees, singing to us before standing. Trav holds her hand, helping her up as she climbs onto the stage. She leans down and blows us kisses as we laugh, watching her twirl and wave at guests as she belts out the song.

The guests start to clap, and cameras come out. I don’t blame them. Her voice is perfect, and you can’t help but join in while also wanting her attention on you.

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