Page 10 of Laying it Bare Backstage

My initial reaction was frustration that she had to deal with some punk kid’s mischief, but then her second comment registered. “What do you mean again?” I all but raged.

Three

~ Serenity ~

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Itwisted to gaze upat Teak, amazed at the transformation from intense rock star to a fierce and over protective body guard. After knowing me for less than twenty four hours, how in the hell could he be that invested in me?

“When has this happened before?” He demanded.

I refused to reveal the location of the previous incident. I didn’t want him to feel bad. And staring at his expression at the moment, he would take full responsibility. And I couldn’t allow that. Unfortunately, I wasn’t all that sure that information was going to remain hidden.

Ivy and Ascher strolled down the street toward us. Ivy swinging their clasped hands between them, huge grin on her face until she took in our expressions.

“What’s going on? I know you didn’t mistreat my bestie.” Ivy glared at Teak for a moment before her gaze swung to the object that had claimed our attention. “What the actual fuck!? This after last night? I don’t think I want to get in a car with you anymore, Serenity.”

“What happened last night?” Teak’s fury ramped up as he balled his fists at his side. “After my concert? Were you still at the arena?” His face grimaced into a mix of fury and concern. “Were either of you hurt?”

“No. It was probably some drunk being stupid. No big deal.” Even though the memory of the splatter that deep down I feared was meant to give the illusion of blood made me shiver.

“Itwasa big deal.” Ivy shot Teak an apologetic smile. “And I didn’t think you did anything wrong. First impressions; I really like you. I just couldn’t understand why she looked so pissed and there was so much tension. But last night wasnotyour fault. It was the asshole who threw the bag that had been filled with ketchup at our windshield, causing it to splatter all over it. We had to get maintenance to clean it up for us so that Serenity could see through it to drive us home.”

Since we were attracting some minor attention out on the sidewalk, Teak slipped back into his commonplace disguise of hat and sunglasses before pulling his phone from his pocket. After he held up his finger to us, he tapped on his phone and put it up to his ear.

In that instant, realization dawned on me. “I can’t let you take care of this.”

Ignoring my refusal, he pulled me to his side and kissed the top of my head. “You’re my girlfriend now and I’m taking care of you.”

“Just because ...that’s not ...I don’t expect – ” Wow, that was eloquent and intelligent.Did I even possess brain cells anymore?

He gave me a quick kiss to stop my protests. “I know you don’t expect and that makes me even more eager to help you out. Hey, Simon, it’s Teak. Good. How are you? I need a little favor this afternoon. Can you tow a car to your garage and get two new tires for a Chevy Malibu replaced? Awesome. Not ready until this evening. No problem. I appreciate the help on one of your busiest days. Thanks, Man.” Teak rattled off the location of my vehicle and then tucked his phone back into his pocket.

While I just blinked up at him mutely.Brain cells; where are you hiding?

Jasper walked over to Teak. “I phoned for the police to come take a look and get some information. I hope that was okay.”

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