Page 34 of Lucas

Three hours later, I’m showered, dressed, and waiting for my girls to come pick me up. The show isn’t until nine so we’re going to start off with a causal dinner at a nice restaurant before heading to the club. We have plenty of time to spare so we’re going to take our sweet time. It will be a welcome change from having to rush around all the time.

I chuckle when I hear the horn beep. Apparently they don’t want to waste time by coming in, so I grab my coat, phone, and keys before heading out the door. “You guys must be excited if you didn’t want to come in and bust on me.”

“Well, we were afraid you might still be in the shower, so we were doing a drive-by. Five minutes and we were outta here.” Yep, Beth is in rare form.

“Geez, it happened one time and you’ll never let me forget it.” Cheryl winks in the rearview mirror. I know she’s got my back after we bonded last night. Nothing like a death to solidify a friendship. She really is a very sweet girl.

“Where to?” Beth asks. “We have three hours to kill, so we could go to theBistrosince they don’t rush you out the door the second you finish your last bite. Or would you rather grab sushi and browse the shops on Main?”

Both Cheryl and I say, “Bistro” in unison since we had sushi last night. Beth’s none the wiser since she agrees immediately. Phew, not that it really matters since I could eat the damn thing three meals a day seven days a week. Love the stuff!

The parking lot atBistrois jam-packed and we’re lucky to find a spot just as someone’s pulling out. We might not be able to go window shopping after all if we have a long wait time. “Are you sure you guys want to stay?” Beth asks.

“I can run in and check to see how long and then we can decide.” When they both agree, I go in alone. I walk up to the hostess desk and deflate when I see all the people lining the walls. Wow, I don’t recall ever seeing it this busy before.

“Good evening, do you have reservations?”

“Unfortunately, we don’t. How long is the wait time?” She glances at her board, erases a few things while a few names are being announced over the intercom system.

“Without reservations it would be approximately ninety minutes.”

“That won’t be necessary,” a familiar male voice announces. “Abby and her friends are joining us for dinner.” I’m stunned when Joel appears behind me and invites us to sit at his table. I’m sure the girls are going to love it since he has two of his friends in tow. Gorgeous men dressed in suits. A winning combination.

“I don’t want to impose on your business meeting.”

“Just finished, and we’re celebrating. We’d love it if you and your friends would join us.” I don’t wait any longer, I group text the girls to get their asses in here now. The night just got a bit brighter.

Once the girls come inside, the hostess seats us as several of the waitresses rush around to add more chairs and place settings. It kind of makes me wonder if Joel or one of his friends is a regular here since they’re fussing over them. After we’re seated, the introductions begin.

“I’m Joel, and that’s Craig and Barry. Both friends from back in college.” He casually points to each one, so I do the same.

“That’s crazy since Beth and Cheryl are friends from college, too.” Beth (being Beth) asks, “Why did you guys get seated right away while we had to wait for ninety minutes?”

I swear I want to fall through the freaking floor. Joel chuckles, leans in, and states, “I own this joint so I can invite as many guests as I want.”

Well, shit. He never told me about that little tidbit in passing.

24

Lucas

I waketo a pounding in my head that’s beyond anything I’ve ever experienced before. Hurts like a motherfucker. It’s even worse than the day I got wasted after finding out the illustrious Mrs. Knight wasn’t my legit mother. Today, I’m asking myself if it was worth it. Damn right, because we closed several clubs, and even if we don’t win this competition, they’ll still remember our names for years to come.

Groaning, I crawl out of bed and take in a snoring Jet in the bed next to mine, while Willow and Trevor chug down their coffee in the adjoining room. What are the chances they grabbed one for me? Let’s find out, shall we?

After slipping on my jeans, I walk into the room and almost drop to my knees. Not because the table has every kind of breakfast food imaginable. Oh no, my only focus is the coffee in to-go cups, which reminds me of Abby. Just the thought of my favorite barista has my chest tightening. Fuck, I should have returned her texts. She always replies to mine. God, I’m such a selfish prick. I planned on messaging her today, whether we win or lose. But for now, I’m going to drink coffee, shower, and pray that I feel human again before the results come in later today.

Pulling up a chair, Willow slides a steaming cup right in front of me. I’m not selfish, but I’m thinking I might need all four of them. “Thanks, you’re a lifesaver.” I allow the steam to open up my senses before taking my first sip. Mm, orgasmic is the only word that comes to mind. I don’t know about any of you, but coffee makes my life worth living.

“What’s our game plan for today? Are we going to finish watching the competition or are we going to sit around and wait for the phone to ring?” Trevor grabs a glazed donut and waves it in my face to get my attention. Well, now he just lost it as I sink my teeth into the sugary goodness. Either it will settle my stomach, or it will come back up in a minute or two. We shall see.

“No way in hell I want to sit through more bands. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I had my fill yesterday. I thought maybe we could go to the aquarium. We’ve never been, and it will pass the time until they call. Unless there’s something else you guys want to do?”

“I wanna go listen to the other fuckers play,” Jet announces, walking out of the room with a raging hard-on. Okay, so every guy has morning wood, but I swear he has no shame after what he’s lived through.

“For Christ’s sake, go put some clothes on or rub it out in the shower. There is a lady present,” Trevor spits out. Ah, so protective of his little cousin.

“I’m no lady, but thanks,” Willow smiles. “Besides, it’s nothing I haven’t seen already.” Willow blushes several shades of red as all eyes turn her way. The weird part is no one denies it.

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