Page 161 of Verses

“I remember Pedro. Who wouldn’t?”

I laughed again, because it was true. But then I paused, once again struggling with the words I wanted to say. A hell of a lyricist I was, having difficulty making conversation. “Adrian…he’s a sweet soul. He’s not the kind of guy you’re used to.” Our drummer seemed like he had a heart that needed protecting, and, after we’d talked not long ago, I knew Claire had a slash-and-burn mentality. That might have been okay with the likesof any of the guys in the band…except for Adrian. There was something about him that made me want to protect him.

“He sounds like an endangered species. And like a mystery novel just waiting to be cracked open.”

From the corner of my eye, I noticed Wolf making his way over. Damn it. I wasn’t ready to talk to him, so I wasn’t going to look. Instead, I made sure to keep my eyes focused on Claire. I wanted to send ado not disturbvibe his way.

“Hey,” a man said to my left.

NotWolf.

As I looked toward him, he asked, “Mind if I sit for a minute?”

Even in the dimness of the bar, this guy’s face looked familiar. “Um…”

“Remember me? Christian? From Charlotte Market. I helped you get some boxes out of—”

“Oh, yeah. Yes. Of course.” He’d been such a nice guy, helping me out in a low spot. So I scooted over to let him have a seat. “This is my friend Claire.”

“Hey there.”

Claire gave him a look like he was the typical kind of guy she’d chew up and spit out just for being male. But at least she said “hi” as politely as she could.

Again, I was aware that Wolf was close—but he was no longer advancing toward our table.

Good.I wasn’t ready to talk to him yet. And then I realized a guy sitting next to me might make him wonder all kinds of things—both good and bad. Maybe this guy was interested in me, but I wasn’t in a place for that. I was still mourning what Wolf and I should have been.

Maybe could be.

For now, though, I could be polite.

“I heard around that you guys were doing a public rehearsal. I gotta say, if that’s a rehearsal, I can’t wait to see what your real shows are like.”

“Thanks.”

“Are you going to be playing any shows soon?”

“Probably in a few months.”

“I think you’re ready now.”

My face felt hot as I noticed out of my peripheral vision that Wolf had finally turned around, heading back toward the bar.

It was for the best.

“Can I buy you a drink?” I immediately thought no, not if it would give him any ideas. Quickly, he added, “For both of you.”

“I think I promised to buyyoua drink.”

“Nope. My treat. Tell me what you want.”

“All I want is water, but I’ve been waiting until I could actually see the bar again.”

“I’m on it.” He glanced at Claire. “You want another Bud Light?”

“Actually,” Claire said, shooting me a sly look, “I work in the morning, so I need to hit the road.”

Abandoning me. Hmph. Fine. “I’ll come to the bar with you, Christian.” Really, it was better this way. I could get myownwater and let him down easily.

---