Page 27 of Shattered Rhythm

After a minute of silence,Chris changes the topic.

“Speaking of friends, don’t you think Chase could use some downtime? He’s been working hard the last few weeks, what with the sick employees and the books he was going over till late,” she explains.

I realize she’s right—I haven’t had a chance to catch up with him in weeks.

“When was the last time you guys went out?” she asks. “You know it always seems to help him relax a bit.”

I furrow my brows, but I can’t remember.

“Why don’t you all go out tonight? I heard Jail’s got a good DJ playing, and I bet the twins will join you if you pay for the tab,” she suggests.

I think about it, and it sounds like a great idea. It would be good to hang out with the guys and maybe talk to some women to get Liv out of my head.

“Yeah, you’re right—that’s a good idea. Want to join?” I offer.

“Next time,” she replies with a grin. “Tonight, I’ll let you guys have a boys’ night.”

* * *

Chase

It’s just after seven pm when Jaxon, River, and Ryder arrive at the studio. I’m fidgeting with the audio system, not liking how the bass is sounding lately.

“Chase, get your shit, we’re going home,” Jax says as he walks in. I look over my shoulder and frown. Jaxon never wants to leave early on a Saturday, since there are lots of gym bros hanging out till late.

I stop what I’m doing, get my phone, and pull my hair out of my bun as I hop down from the stage, shaking my head like a dog to freshen it up.

“Why? What’s up? Something happen?” I ask.

“Nope, we’re going out tonight,” Ryder answers with a smile.

“We are?” I ask excitedly. I love going clubbing and dancing. Picking up girls from the club was once like a sport to me, but we don’t do it often anymore since the studio is doing so well.

“Unfortunately,” River says with a sigh, and I clap him on the back.

“Oh, come on, baby brother. We’re going to have fun. Now you know how to chat up chicks, we’re going to find us some hot girls to hook up with.” I wink, mimic a loudspeaker with my hands, and yell, “Mothers of marriageable age daughters, beware! River is hitting the streets!”

He shoos me away, and I see Jaxon smile at the ground.

“I’m not interested in hooking up with anybody,” River mutters, turning and walking out of the studio.

“With anybody but Liv,” Ryder says through a fake cough behind his hand.

“I hate you guys,” River says.

“Children,” Jaxon says, exasperated. “Play nice.”

* * *

River

After getting home, Jaxon makes us all spaghetti with meat sauce for dinner, which we all enjoy before heading to our rooms to get ready for the night. I take a shower and carefully style my hair, then opt for a pair of dark wash jeans and a belt. As I stand in front of my closet, surveying my shirt options, Ryder walks in, dressed in all black with his usual tousled hair and an abundance of jewelry.

“You ready?” he asks, and I hesitate.

“I don’t know what to wear. I hate clubbing,” I confess. Ryder lets out a sigh, then reaches into my closet and pulls out a navy-blue shirt.

“Put this on, with the sleeves rolled up like mine,” he instructs, then he places his forehead against mine. “We’re going to have fun tonight, okay? Just stick with me, and when it gets too much, we can get out. They can stay longer, and we’ll just head home. Deal?”

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