Page 28 of Rebel Romeo

Nolan’s gaze snaps to me. “Be careful. She might cut a bitch if she catches you calling him that again.”

Even though Nolan’s comment was anything but humorous, I snort a laugh all the same. “I can handle Jill.”

His attention drifts back to where she stands at the edge of the stage, hands clasped, watching as. Curt finishes his set. He sets his guitar carefully in the cradle before hopping off the stage to chat with Jill, hands stuffed nervously in his pockets. “I dunno,” Nolan says. “She seems pretty into him.”

“She just has a thing for poets.”

Nolan’s lip curls. “Poets?”

“Yeah. Don’t ask me why. They’re always weirdos who speak in riddles and paint their fingernails black. Although, Curt doesn’t fit her usual type. Physically, at least.” I pause and look back at Nolan. “I’m telling you, you need to be more obvious with her. Just come right out and say it. Or even better, go dance with her.”

Nolan seems to consider this as the door to the bar opens and a man enters with a camera in his hands. I recognize his face as one of the Backstage Magazine reporters at the Pillow Fight party a few nights ago. “Maybe later,” Nolan mutters and slides closer to me, draping his arm over my shoulders, he nuzzles into my neck before dipping his mouth to my ear and whispering, “But for now? It’s showtime.”

CHAPTER TEN

Holden

Five years ago…

I was avoiding going home.

Which was pretty typical behavior for me back when I actually lived with my parents, but this was the first time in my college career that I actively avoided the condo.

Namely because Addison was there and had been there all weekend fucking my roommate, Ross. I wouldn’t be surprised if she made it through every single one of my roommates eventually… including Duncan. But for tonight, he was hanging out with me, helping me learn these stupid lines for this stupid show.

I personally wouldn’t give a shit if Duncan eventually hooked up with Addison. As long as she didn’t ambush me in my own damn home. Fuck who you want, but leave me alone.

Duncan held open the door to the little hole-in-the-wall ramen restaurant for me. This place was tiny, but it had the best damn ramen in the whole city. “Thanks, man,” I muttered, going inside with my script curled in my fist.

“You know I’m missing the game for fucking noodles that we could make for .84 cents at home, right?”

“Dude. That shit in a cup is not ramen. You need to try the real thing. Besides,” Smirking, I smacked the back of my hand against his chest. “It’s my treat.”

“Damn right it’s your treat. Addison was bringing the Delseki twins tonight, Holden. Twins.”

“Jesus Christ,” I muttered. “Then go! Go watch the game with them. No one’s stopping you. I’ll sit here and eat my fucking ramen alone.”

“Don’t give me that shit. I promised I’d help you with these stupid lines, so I’ll help you.” Sulking, he dropped onto one of the stools at the bar and gestured to the bartender for two bottles of Sapporo beer, then grabbed the script out of my hands, flipping it open to one of the highlighted pages. “Jesus Christ,” he muttered. “This whole damn page is highlighted.”

I took a seat next to him and lifted the menu, even though I ordered the same thing every time. “It’s called a monologue, numbnuts.”

Tinki smiled at me as she slid two bottles of beer toward us. Silver highlights streaked her otherwise black hair and smile lines creased her face. “Hi, Holden,” she said beaming, then bent over the bar to give me a kiss on the cheek. “Good game this weekend.”

I shrugged, smiling at her. “Thanks.”

This was our routine. I don’t know how she managed to watch our games so religiously when she and her husband, Gordon worked constantly, keeping this restaurant running. I waved at him from where he was slicing some pork belly and he gave me a quick nod, then went back to work.

“I’ll bring you some bao buns to start,” she said, knowing I always get the appetizer.

As Tinki turned around to put our appetizer in, the bells on the front door chimed. I don’t usually bother turning around to look every time someone walks into my ramen place, but the hairs on the back of my neck stood tall and I felt her presence.

Or rather, I smelled her presence.

The scent of roses filled the air.

Sure enough, when I looked over my shoulder Katherine was standing there in the doorway, Jill at her side.

“Are you gonna get bitch slapped again?” Duncan asked.

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