Page 15 of Into the Fire

Once in my room, I peeled off my clothes, then went to my shower and got beneath the warm spray, relishing in the heat and comfort. I let out a breath and closed my eyes, hoping things were going to get better.

So far, they seemed like they were.

As long as I could keep my guilt at bay, everything should work out.

In theory.

I ranoff the small stage to the roar of the crowd and straight to Anson, who grinned at me and gave me a high-five.

“Nice, LeeLee. Real nice,” he said as I wiped my brow.

Karaoke night. There was something about the rush of being in front of a crowd that brought me to life.

“That was better than the original,” Ryder said, grinning at me.

“Thanks.”

“Let’s get some drinks.” Anson placed his hand on the small of my back and led me to the bar. He ordered us drinks and we sat on the barstools. I was way underage, but the bartender simply winked at me and slid the drinks across the counter.

We sat at the bar, watching as more people took their turns singing onstage. Some were great, others not so much, but the atmosphere was light and joyful, so I was just excited to be there.

“I’ll be right back. Need to use the restroom. Stay right here,” Anson said, getting to his feet. I nodded and watched him weave through the crowd to the bathrooms.

“You know what? I’m going to go too.” Ryder slammed back his drink and got up to follow, leaving me alone at the bar. Deciding I needed another drink, I ordered one and sipped at it, happily watching someone step off stage after singing her heart out to an old country song.

“Hey.” A young guy smiled at me. “I saw you sing. You’re pretty incredible.”

“Thank you.” I gave him a quick smile during the lull in the music.

“I was wondering if I could get a picture with you,” he continued, his eyes twinkling. “You’re going to be big someday. May as well catch you before that happens.”

“Um, sure.” I got to my feet nervously as he pulled out his phone. He moved in close to me and caught a few selfies before pulling away.

“My name is Tate,” he said, offering me his hand. “And you’re. . .?”

“Rosalie,” I said, shaking his hand.

“That’s what I thought they said your name was when they announced you. Well, it was nice to meet you, Rosalie. I look forward to, uh, seeing you again soon. Maybe sooner than you think.”

“Um, sure,” I said, laughing a little. “Never know.”

“Never do.” He smirked at me before disappearing into the crowd. He seemed nice enough but there was something about him that also made me cautious. Deciding it was just because I was so paranoid these days, I turned back to the bar and finished my drink before getting another one, the room spinning. I’d definitely had way too many, but who knew if this small amount of freedom would last, so I wanted to do all I could to enjoy it.

Anson returned with Ryder and nodded at the bartender for another.

“You’re not going to be able to drive us home,” I said around a laugh, the deliciousness of my drunken state pouring through me.

He winked at me. “That’s what Ryder is for. He’s driving.”

I turned to look at him.

He shrugged. “I stopped drinking an hour ago just so I could DD for you two.”

“Aw, what a lovely young man,” I said, laughing.

He chuckled. “The loveliest, Miss Rosalie.”

We spent another hour drinking and laughing, watching the singers before I looked at my phone and saw the time.

---