Page 140 of Bookworm

They went back and forth a couple more times before I tugged on her sleeve.

"Who's that?" I asked, gesturing with my chin to the band, who looked like they were almost readyto play. The crowd at the front of the stage had grown, filling up the entire space.They looked energized, eager.

"Oh," Meech said, eyes bright, "that's HERS. They're incredible!"

"Yeah," Shin said, "they're blowing up right now. About to be on tour officially. They're performing tonight."

I nodded. "Yeah, I thinkmy girls at the library might have mentioned them.I've never heard of HERS."

As the lead singer came up to adjust the microphone, I heard several squeals from the crowd. It was easy to see why.

"Whoa," I said. "Casey and Natalia were right.He's gorgeous."

Bo grunted. "I don't see it."

I threw him a look then turned back to the stage. "Come on, Stryker.He's got that whole carelessly handsome, rockstar vibe about him. I'm just saying he's objectively attractive."

"I'd like to objectify him," Meech put in. "I think most of the people in this bar would like to objectify Hayden Davenport. He's so hot."

I giggled, but Shin didn't laugh.

"I guess if you're into broody musicians," Shin said.

"Who isn't?" Meech asked. "But I heard he has a girlfriend. They say the good ones are always taken."

"That include girls too?Probably why you're still single," Shin quipped and received an elbow in the ribs from Bo and a glare from Meech.

One of the other band memberswith a guitar strapped across his front was hyping up the crowd, strutting his stuff across the stage. He was tall, dressed like Prince, and walked like Mick Jagger. The guy's star power was undeniable, and the crowd ate it up.

"Santino is such a babe. Ryker's on drums, and he's like a silent, sexy giant. Elliot's nerd hot. And then again, there's Hayden freaking Davenport." Meech sighed. "They've got the full package."

"Sounds like it," I said.

"I'm going formarshmallow fluff," Meech announced. "You guys want anything?"

"They have that here?"

"Yeah, on tap."

My eyes went wide. "Okay, it's official. This is the coolest place ever."

Meech laughed, and as we crossed to the packed bar, several people from The Academy called out to her. Their eyes, however,stayed fixed on me.

"Is it just me, or are people staring?" I asked.

"They're definitely staring," she confirmed.

"Why?"

"Because you're the first girl Bo's brought here."

I blinked. "That can't be true."

"Trust me, it is," she said, waving to get the bartender's attention. "Now that I think about it, you're also the first one he's personally escorted to The Academy."

I looked at her face, trying to discern if there was any animosity in thestatement. There didn't seem to be. But I wanted to be sure.

The man behind the bar came over and asked, "What would you ladies like?"

---