Page 17 of Beyond the Bright Lights

“Can’t.”

“Because you’ll be here?”

I shrug, and he grits his teeth.

“Fine, I’ll see you tonight, then.”

He runs out of here before his words register.

Chapter 5 - Lana

Tonight is a madhouse. People are waiting in line to get inside. To make matters worse, the vultures are swarming—the paparazzi. I had to call Chief Hallows and he sent officers to keep them off my private property.

After an hour of enduring the chaos, I escaped to the bathroom where I hid for twenty minutes, trying to take control of the anxiety spreading throughout my body. I only emerged because Ginger pulled me out by the arm, telling me Mylan, Bruno, and a beautiful, blonde, white woman were here, sitting at the bar. I managed to hold in my jealousy at the mention of another woman at Mylan’s side and asked Ginger how the hell they got in so quickly despite us being at full capacity and long lines out front.

Turns out, three regulars willingly gave up their seats to let the movie star, his date, and his bodyguard inside.

Is everyone plotting against me?

I approach the taps, where he’s sitting and spot a glass of water in front of him. Hmm. No booze.

That’s encouraging.

“I can’t believe you were going to turn me away,” Mylan says through a smile.

Damn that smile. I turn away fast as a blush spreads across my cheeks and chest, and start busting my ass, filling beers, mixing cocktails, and cashing out tabs. I try to ignore this beautiful man, the beyond beautiful blonde sitting too close to him, and Bruno, who stands guard behind them.

Except, ignoring Mylan Andrews is impossible. “I wasn’t turning you away. I was going to make you wait in line like everyone else. You shouldn’t get special treatment because you’re a celebrity.”

The mystery woman next to Mylan lets out a sharp laugh and my eyes dart to her.

“People are here because of him, Lana Banana,” Ginger says while making drinks beside me. “If you wouldn’t have let him inside, everyone would have left when he left.”

“Lana Banana?” Mylan repeats, watching me over the rim of his water.

“Don’t you dare,” I warn him then flip off Ginger.

My eyes wander back to blondie. She’s typing away at her smartphone, head bobbing to the music. Her hair is slicked back and braided with the long strand hanging over her shoulder. She's wearing a power suit with a light purple silk dress shirt underneath showcasing her cleavage.

“This is my assistant, Eloise,” Mylan says, obviously seeing me ogling her.

Ohhh. Assistant. Not his date.

Eloise reaches out a tiny hand that I take it in a gentle shake. We both say 'nice to meet you’ before she blushes and focuses her attention back on her phone.

“You want another drink, hon?” I point at the empty glass in front of her.

She glances up and gives me a shy smile. “Gin and cran, please.”

The moment I turn away to make her drink, I hear Mylan say, “I could listen to her talk all night long in that sexy southern accent.”

He didn’t even try to lower his voice. He must know I can hear him. Of course, he knows. He’s doing it on purpose. He’s flirting with me behind my back because I told him to stop doing it to my face.

“She seems awesome,” Eloise says. At least she’s lowering her voice.

I can still hear them though. Over the years working in this bar, my hearing adapted to the noise. I hear everything like conversations not meant for me. I try to remain on high alert, ready to jump in when women drink too much and creepy men hover.

“She is awesome. Beyond awesome.”

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