Page 23 of Lucas

The concert wasphenomenal and the big break we’ve been longing for. We can thank WBZB for their amazing contest which landed us here in the first place. Winning this competition out of one-hundred and fifty bands was grueling but so worth it. We’re hoping that after being the opening act forExistential, it will lead to new gigs with other big-name bands. I’m still flying high from the concert and I don’t think I’ll be coming down anytime soon.

Leaning my elbows against the bar, I patiently wait for the bartenders to make eye contact with me.Existentialclosed the venue to the public tonight, but it’s still crazy busy in here. Stagehands, gaffers, and groupies are all crammed in and I’m just going with the flow. I have my eyes trained on a few sexy girls that I’ll be hooking up with later, but for now I’m just absorbing everything around me. ‘Cause I know when I wake up tomorrow, this will all be a distant memory.

I glance around the room, searching for my other band members when I spot Trevor and Willow talking to a group of people in the far corner. I can’t help smiling since those two are attached at the hip, but it’s not what you’re thinking. They're cousins by blood and have always been really tight. Willow’s had a tough life and Trevor’s always been her rock and go-to guy. Hence, the reason she doesn’t date all that much. She doesn’t trust in general, and who would with a piece of shit father like hers? Not my story to tell and all that.

Jet bumps into my shoulder as he saunters past with one babe tucked securely underneath his arm. “Hey, Pipes. Do you plan on holding up the bar all damn night or are you going to ‘mingle with the singles’ and have some fun?”

“Jet,” I growl. He pauses, looks over his shoulder, and waits. Throwing up my hands in surrender, I confess. “Too many here to choose from.”

He throws his head back, laughs, and gives me a thumbs up as he walks away.

I’m still chuckling when someone slides in the newly vacant seat beside me. Until he speaks. “The Sinful Seven’s a great name for a band. Was it your idea or a team effort?” Now I’m frowning.

This right here is the reason I enjoy flying solo. So assholes like him don’t try making small talk with me about the band. Normally I’m a friendly guy, but when reporters slip through the cracks and want to pump me for a story, it pisses me off. Maybe I should have just hung a ‘Do not disturb’ sign on my back.

My jaw just about hits the floor when I realize who’s talking to me. It’s definitely not a newsperson or someone nosing around about the band. It’s Caleb Morris, the owner of Morris Music.

Holy mother fucking shit!

I clear my throat just so I don’t sound like some kinda dumbstruck idiot who gets tongue-tied. “That was a group effort since we all have a penchant for theSeven Deadly Sins. But I normally write most of the music and the lyrics.” Fuck, I probably shouldn’t have said that, but too late to take it back now.

“Cocky and talented. Those are two very dangerous attributes.” He gives me a big smile and I can’t help reciprocating. “Look, I won’t beat around the bush. I’ve been in New York all week scouting new talent and decided to attend the concert at the last minute. The crowd loves you and I get a good vibe with you guys. I don’t have time to round you all up since I’m flying back home in a few hours, but before I go, I’d like to inviteThe Sinful Sevento audition. There are a lot of bands lined up for that weekend, so no promises, but whoever wins gets a record deal with Morris Music. Are you interested?”

Interested? Is he serious? This is a chance of a lifetime. “Absolutely, you name the time and place and I can guarantee you we’ll be there.”

“Great. I really need to get to the airport, but I’ll have my secretary call you with the time and date. Why don’t you send me a text now, so I can add you as a contact?” Immediately after he holds out his business card, I text him and thank him for the chance. “You’re very welcome, Lucas. Like I said, I can’t make any promises, but I’ll betThe Sinful Sevenwill be famous with or without me after that concert.” He stands, shakes my hand, and disappears into the crowd.

I’m on my feet and pushing through the mob as fast as I can. I feel terrible that I’m bumping into people left and right without so much as an apology, but I’m determined to find my friends. Saying it out loud will be the only way I’ll be able to make it real.

***

Abby

Hell,I was flattered when one of the PR people from the concert handed me a few passes to the afterparty. I thought it would be the perfect opportunity for me to introduce Lucas to some of my friends. Just once, I wanted to bethatgirl. You know, the one everyone was envious of because she knew the lead vocalist in a fuck hot band. Yeah, who was I kidding? He made it perfectly clear that all I’m ever going to be is a fuck buddy when he slammed right into me tonight without so much as an apology. I guess I was delusional in thinking he’d want to hang out with me when he’s surrounded by all these gorgeous women who would do anything to spend just one night with him. There’s nothing sexier than a rock god on stage pouring out his heart and soul to his adoring fans. Absolutely nothing.

“Why so glum, Abby? We just rocked out to two amazing bands and got invited to this flipping party and you look like you just lost your BFF. Chill out! The night’s still young.” Beth bumps into my shoulder as if to knock some sense into me, and I can’t help rolling my eyes.She has no clue, but I didn’t miss the pitying look on Cheryl’s face as Lucas rushed by without so much as a glance or apology. Whatever. This is one of the reasons why I never kiss and tell but fate stepped in and fucked it all up.

“C’mon, let’s have a few drinks and have some fun!” Cheryl grabs my arm and practically pulls me along as I search the crowd for a glimpse of Lucas. How pathetic am I? “Sit right here while we get our drinks since you’re being a stick in the mud.”

I’m embarrassed to sit down since the table’s still occupied, but they assure me they’re just waiting for a friend. So, I take advantage since who knows how long it will be before another table becomes available.

“Hey, don’t I know you?” A voice calls from behind me. “Yeah, you work at Java Joe’s, right?” Ah, the friend they’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived. Lucky me.

When he leans over, waiting for an answer, I suddenly want to fuck with him. But I want the table to empty before my friends return, so I say, “One medium dirty iced chai latte with a cranberry scone.” I give him my best customer service smile and his lips slide up at the corners. Clearly he’s happy I remembered his order. Damn, this could backfire on me.

“I’m flattered you remembered.” He winks before walking away and something tells me I’ll regret remembering come Monday morning. No sooner does he walk away when my friends take up the empty space. Eyeballing me.

“Who the hell is he, Abs? He’s fuck hot!” Oh god, I swear Beth’s been drinking already and I suddenly want the floor to open and swallow me whole.

“Just one of my customers, no biggie.” Beth wags her finger back and forth, like I’m not telling her the truth. “What? I swear, he just recognized me from the coffee shop.” All thoughts disappear as she places my espresso martini right in front of me. Ah, coffee and alcohol. Such an amazing combination. Love it!

“Two guys at the bar bought us a few shots and want to hang with us later. You game?” Beth fans herself to prove a point. Sometimes I wonder why I hang around with her. Until I glance at Cheryl and realize I do it for her. She’s the nice one.

“Well, if there’s three of us and only two of them, how is that going to work?” I know I’m putting a damper on their private party, but I think it’s best all-around if I leave once I finish my drink. I’m not feeling it after Lucas stormed pass without as much as a glance. They’re both glaring at me, and I can’t say that I blame them.

“Did someone start their period? Because you weren’t PMS-ing when we left today.” Ugh, she’s right. I’m being a royal pain in the ass.

“No, I didn’t, but thanks for asking. I’m just tired since I opened today. You can hang out with the guys and I’ll just take an Uber home. It’s been a long day.” It’s not lost on me that they haven’t insisted I stay, so I grab my phone and schedule my ride. It’s for the best, anyway. I’m not very good company, and three’s a crowd.

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