Page 5 of Legal

I spun around to see Perry standing there, and I felt like an awful friend. I’d taken my focus away and hadn’t been watching for her. I set the dress back. “I’m thinking about it.” I gave her a hug. “I’m so sorry I missed the end. I thought I was going to faint for a minute there. I had to get some water and then I planned to wait for you out here, but you came out, and I wasn’t paying attention and—”

She held up her hand and laughed. “Stop. It’s fine. You were right here, impossible to miss. So… you’re feeling all better now?”

“Just like new.”

“Because…” She jumped and squealed, holding up a couple badges. “Stu gave us passes to the private party on the martini terrace. Free food and drinks. Even if we just go for a short time, it’ll be so worth it. I’d also love the chance to catch up with him. We haven’t talked in forever.”

I took one of the badges and looked it over. Itwaspretty cool. I’d never had rooftop access before.

“Isn’t it awesome? After the show, he waved me over and gave me these. You should have seen some of the daggers shot my way.”

“I can believe it.” A talented, gorgeous man who also happens to be in a band? There’d be no shortage of women willing to take her place. Or men. According to Perry, he didn’t flaunt his preference, but he didn’t hide it either. I twirled the string around my finger. The party did sound fun, and Perry was clearly stoked.

“Are you up for it?”

“Yes,” I said, and she clapped. “But Stephen’s going to be wildly jealous, you know. You being around all those drummers and guitar players, all hoping you’re an easy groupie.”

“Pfft. I can handle him. Besides, the only guy I’m interested in tonight wants nothing to do with pussy.”

Perry unhooked the dress I was admiring and held it against me. “I really do think you should get this. It goes fantastic with your blonde hair.” She dropped it in my hands.

I clipped the dress back. “I’m still thinking about it.” I adored it, but how often would I really wear it?

“Let’s get going then,” Perry said. “I’m starving.” I felt almost guilty for the wad of bread digesting happily in my stomach. “Walk by the rocks?”

I nodded, and we walked along the shoreline, a variety of tunes coming at us from all directions. It was a steamy summer night, but very tolerable. I was so glad she’d dragged me out. At least until I got home and—

No. I promised Perry I wouldn’t think about work tonight. I wanted to center on the lights shining over the water, the rush surrounding us from all sides.

We wandered to the end of the park, then swung back around to get to the terrace. “Ready to have some fun?” she asked, rubbing her hands together.

“Definitely.”

Whatever the night had in store, I was ready for it.

With the badges dangling around our necks, we went up the back stairs of the building and were nodded in by a tall, lanky guy playing on his phone.

“I don’t think he even paid attention to us,” I whispered. “We could have been anyone.”

“I know, but I still feel like we’re part of some exclusive club. And I’m sure we’ll need to show proof to eat or drink anything.”

We crossed through the doorway and stepped onto the roof. The back bar area that also contained the food spread was sheltered, but the rest was uncovered. We had to be pretty early, as there were plenty of tables and chairs open.

I went over to the railing and took in the view below me. I could see at least five other stages from where I stood, and the sheer number of people filling every available space was mind-blowing. Vitality was king here.

Perry edged up next to me. “Pretty cool, huh?”

I nodded. It may not be a private party at Madison Square, but it was something I’d never experienced before in one of my all-time favorite places. I made a vow right then to resume my tradition of coming back every year.

“There’s my gorgeous girl.”

We wheeled around to see Stu coming toward us. The closer he got, the more fascinated I became. His skin was flawless, and I knew he was older than Perry. He hugged her, and when he turned towards me, I couldn’t tear my eyes away. Not because I wanted to get into those tight pants, but because I wanted to know his secret. Maybe he could recommend a face cream.

“Stu, this is Jillian, Stephen’s sister, and my out-and-out best friend.”

“Pleasure to meet you. Did you enjoy the show?”

Damn, he was a china doll. “Very much. You’ve got something special going.”

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