Page 77 of Still Here Without You

“Maybe.” He shrugs. “But where’s the fun in that? Wouldn’t that just make it like any other shitty nightclub? With this,”—he points to the podiums—“it's the hottest venue in town.” I can’t tell if he’s serious or being sarcastic.

“It’s opening night. It can’t possibly have that title yet.”

“Just wait; tomorrow it will.”

“Maybe,” I muse, looking around for someone to get me another drink. “Seems lame to me.”

“Can I buy you the drink you’re clearly after?” the guy asks, touching my wrist to get my attention.BeforeDelilah would have said yes in a heartbeat, butafterDelilah, has no interest in any of that.

“No, thanks, I’m okay,” I say, pulling my hand away.

“You’re okay?” He raises his eyebrows. “So, you’re not looking for someone to get you a drink.”

“I never said that. I just said no toyoubuying me a drink.”

“What if I said I wouldn’t be buying it?”

My brows furrow in confusion. “That makes no sense.”

“Remember those owners I mentioned? I’m one of them. The only one that keeps reminding security to do their job,” he states, like it’s no big deal. I’d expect that line to be delivered with a cocky attitude and a smirk, but that’s not what happened. It almost makes me more interested…almost. I’m not drunk enough yet.

“Good for you. Congrats on being an owner of the ‘hottest venue in town’…and the next big lawsuit.”

He laughs as though I’ve told the funniest joke he’s ever heard. I guess I can see why he thought I was joking. But if he paid attention to the delivery, he’d see it was simply a statement. Nothing more. I’m not in a joking mood.

“I like you. I’m Mark.”

“Hi, Mark.”

He laughs again. “I don’t even get a name.”

“It’s Del.”Shit! I never use that name.

“Del? Is that short for something?”

“Yep,” I say, popping the p.

“You’re going to make me work for it, aren’t you?”

My shoulders sag as I turn to face him. “To be honest, I don’t care what you do. I’m just answering your questions.”

“Okay. I know when I’m not wanted, and yet…I don’t really want to leave.”

At that, I smile. The first real smile I’ve had in a long time. Except when…nope.

“Wow! You’re so much more beautiful when you smile.”

And the smile fades.

“Fuck! Note to self…do not compliment Del.” He holds out his palm and uses his finger to mime writing said note.

I huff out a laugh, but it’s clearly fake. “Sorry, I’m not trying to be elusive or anything. I’m just not the type of girl you think I am.”

“And what type of girl do I think you are?” he says with raised eyebrows.

“One that’s looking for something.”

Shaking his head, Mark’s lips pull into a frown. “What if I’m here because I thought youweren’tlooking for something?”

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