Page 131 of Deliverance

“Drew.” I say nothing else, but the fact that Zander’s gasp on my hand tightens doesn’t escape me. I file that information away, wondering if they’re more than industry acquaintances.

Joan switches her full attention to him. “I heard about the accident. Are you okay?”

“Just a cracked rib. Nothing serious.”

“You gave us all a scare.”

“Wasn’t my intention.”

“When was the last time we saw each other? Before you left for Bali?”

“I think so.” He gives her a rubber smile, his unease now evident.

“How’s working with Leo?”

“Great. How’s working with Gerry?”

“I like it. Any news on when the album comes out?”

“Hey, you know I’m not privy to that information. I’m just a hired gun.”

“You think you might tour?”

“Haven’t been asked.”

The conversation veers into territory I’m hardly familiar with and there’s a small fraction of me that’s hating Miss Green Jumpsuit. It’s this odd camaraderie all musicians share, despite other tensions, something he and I will never have.

“Hey, nice seeing you,” Zander finally cuts the chat short. “We should go say hi to Alex before the screening.”

“Nice seeing you too.” Then Joan does what every desperate woman who's not over a man does. She places her palm on his chest, her eyes shifting over to me. “Great to meet you, Lee.”

Such a blatant attempt to mark the territory that’s no longer hers leaves me speechless for a few seconds.

I hear a sigh of relief when Joan is gone. “Sorry about that,” Zander mutters.

“She an old girlfriend?” A silent giggle escapes my throat. I found the whole grabby hands tidbit both amusing and despicable, and the best course of action seems to be just sweeping it under the rug.

“Not really. We had a thing.” Zander wraps his arm around me, our bodies only a hairbreadth apart. “It’s in the past.”

“Does she know that?”

“She definitely does.” He licks his lips, his sky blue eyes searching my face. “Besides, I have everything I need here.” Dodging the stares from other guests, he gently presses me to him, aligning our bodies, his heat blending with mine through the fabric of our clothes.

“Am I going to have to fight off a lot of these women tonight?” I joke.

“You don’t have to fight anyone,” he rasps out. “I’m already yours.”

I like Alex Sideris.

Originally from Greece, he’s just as eccentric as he is handsome. Sadly, we don’t get to spend much time in his company, but Zander does manage to get him to promise to come to see my work at Nu Dawn.

“I’m flattered, but you didn’t have to do that,” I say in a hushed voice as soon as the publicist whisks Alex away and we get a moment alone.

“I didn’t do anything.” Casually surfing the guests pulling from downstairs, Zander offers the crook of his arm. “Let’s grab some drinks before the screening begins.”

The glass of wine I allowed myself at home earlier hasn’t helped much, so I nod.

We weave through the growing crowd of VIPs toward the bar, and the second we join the end of the line, two men approach us.

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