Page 24 of Glory Hole

“Um, security will throw you out?”

“Is that a question or an answer? It sounded like a question. If you’re asking me what will happen if we get stopped without our passes, I’m sorry, Rodney. I don’t know. That’s why I’m asking you.” She levels an overly exaggerated grin at poor Rodney who squirms while his gaze flicks between her cleavage and her eyes.

“Like what you see, Rod?” Ev applies extra emphasis to the nickname she just gave him.

“Oh Jesus, Ev. Leave the guy alone. Let’s go.” I grab her arm so I can pull her away.

“What? I’m just messing with him. You know he gets bored out here.”

“Come on, ladies. I’ve got to find out how we get backstage.” Beck left tickets and passes for me and the girls at the box office. I place the lanyard around my neck and look at the logo for Beck’s band, Beauty of Atrocity. I still forget he’s a rock star. Maybe after I see this side of his life tonight, it will feel less surreal. We walk to the front near the side of the stage, to where a security guard stands behind the barricade.

“Hi. I’m here to see Beckett Jameson.”

“So are all the other women here, sweetheart. I can’t let you pass.”

“No, I’m his…” What exactly?

“I’m his friend. He’s expecting me.” I hold up my pass, and he looks it over a second. He checks all our passes then pulls the barricade to the side and closes it behind us. We follow him through a side entrance to the back, and it’s organized chaos. Techs roll huge cases around as people climb light rigging, cords are strewn all over the place. Backstage is like a small city. I had no idea so much occurred behind the scenes for a concert like this. Finally, he comes up to a closed door with band’s name across it. The guard knocks, and a few seconds later, Maddox opens the door. His eyes widen in surprise when he sees us until he zeroes in on Jen. I can practically see the dirty thoughts take over his mind. His smile becomes scandalous as he eyes her up and down.

“Ladies, so glad you could make it. Jen, you look fucking edible.” Maddox shoots her a wink, and Jen quirks a brow at him. “Keep it in your pants, big boy. God only knows where that thing has been since I last saw you.”

Maddox laughs before ushering us inside. Stepping into the room, I see the three other band members, each with a gaggle of women flocking them. Maddox has Jen cornered so Evelyn, Christina, and I sort of just stand in the center of the room, awkwardly. I don’t see Beck anywhere.

“Who are you beauties?” A very tall, hot as hell, blond man covered in tattoos from head to toe stands before us. We are all shocked into silence by his beauty. His eyes are so blue, they seem almost silver. A trident tattoo on the side of his face and a bird tattoo wrapping around his throat are just a few of his art pieces. Every inch of his skin that is visible is covered in ink.

“Damn, you’re a pretty mother fucker.” Ev sizes him up from head to toe. “I knew you were hot, but shit, it’s even better in the flesh.”

“Oh, I like you. You’re a spicy littlesenorita. I’m Tyson Crawford. Singer for Beauty of Atrocity. What can I do for you ladies?”

I hear Christina whisper, “Anything he wants.”

I stifle my laugh behind my hand. “Hi. I’m Glory. This is Evelyn and Christina. I’m actually here to see Beckett.”

“Ah, so you are the famous Glory. You’ve stolen my man’s heart. He can’t shut up about you and now, I see why. He had to run and speak with his tech. He’ll be back in a few. Please help yourselves to anything you’d like to eat or drink.” Tyson gestures toward a few tables that have been set up. They’re overflowing with drinks and food. “Make yourself at home, ladies. If you need anything, just let me know. I can make it happen.”

“I have no doubt you can make anything happen, handsome.” Christina shoots him a sly grin as he leisurely takes her in, from her sleek, long chocolate brown hair down to her Louboutin clad feet. From the look on his face after he finishes his perusal, he definitely likes what he sees.

“Sweetheart, you have no fucking idea.” With that, Tyson Crawford turns and heads back to his flock.

“Sweet baby Jesus. Is anyone else hot? I’m on fire. That mother fucker is fine.” Evelyn starts to fan herself. Laughing, we make our way to the table filled with every sort of booze known to man and pour ourselves some drinks. Jennifer finally frees herself from Maddox and joins us.

“What the hell is the deal with you two?” I ask Jen as she pours herself a whiskey and adds some soda.

“I ran into him out at a little dive bar that night you had your disaster date with Beck. I went to hang out with Stacy, you remember her? The girl that worked for Ev and I a few years ago?” I nod my head in agreement. Stacy is a super cool chick. She used to hang out with us quite a bit, before her and her husband moved out of town, shortly after they were married, due to his job transfer. “Well, she caught him cheating and she moved back here. She actually is opening an art studio next door to our shop. Anyway, Maddox was there. After a lot of intense flirting and heavy petting, you add alcohol and get a one-night stand.”

“Shut up! No? I knew it!” I whisper-shout. “You two had some serious chemistry that night in Beck’s apartment. So, what’s the problem? You didn’t seem too happy when you saw him open the door a few minutes ago.” I’m not surprised they hooked up, really. How cool would it be for them to get together? We could double date, if Beck isn’t too scarred from our last disaster-date.

“It was a one-night stand, Glory. That’s all it will ever be with someone like him. He doesn’t have relationships. Not saying I want a relationship with him, but I’d like one, with someone, at some point. Being his piece of ass serves no purpose. It was fun, and it is done. He can’t seem to accept that fact, though.”

“What do you mean?”

“He has called me every day since then. You know all the flowers in the restaurant?”

“Yes…”

“He sends me flowers every day too. I’m not answering his calls. I don’t know what game he’s playing but I’m not going to be a part of it. “

“Jen, it doesn’t sound like he’s playing any game except how can I get Jen to notice me. Honey, guys don’t behave like that with someone they consider a one-night stand. He wants more. Whatever that means to him.” I’m not sure how Jen can’t see what is blatantly obvious, Maddox has caught the feels for Jen.

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