Page 77 of Wasted Oil

"Shawn, I love you man, I do but you are not the sharpest tool in the shed buddy. Her name is Melanie not Melody.” David claps Shawn on the back. Shawn looks like his mind blown from the crazy revelation. And that's how the night continues, laughing and enjoying our time. In the back of my mind, I can still feel him there. I wish he was here to watch the firework show with me.

"I'm glad you came out tonight, sugar. I was worried about you. How are you doing?”

I look up at him hoping to see the green orbs I love, instead it was oceans of blue.

"I’ll be okay.” I keep the answer short and to the point leaving no more room for him to say anything, I go back to watch the fireworks in peace.

It's been another week, and still the pain from that night still burns bright. I've been trying to keep busy doing anything and everything to not think about it and to get ready for tonight. This will be the first gig that I’ve done since leaving Tennessee. I'm just a little nervous.

"Hey ya’ll, how's it looking out there tonight?” I walk into the back where the band is getting ready to go on.

"Crazy! It’s the busiest I’ve seen Honky Tonk Central. I guess they're excited to see you play, sugar.” I roll my eyes giving a coy smile setting my guitar down .

"Thanks D, but I doubt it's because of me, I mean, I'm pretty sure they have a ton of women out there for you and Shawn, and big, burly viking looking men for Annie.”

"Please, men and women come to see your sexy ass out there not to see sweaty messes.” Annie chimes in with a wink.

Just as I go to reply, Layla barges in.

"Alright! We are on in ten. Tune those guitars, warm up those vocals and Shawn,” We all look at Shawn who is currently talking to his drum sticks.

"Keep doing whatever the hell you’re doing, okay?” She leaves giving us time to do our band routine.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, your band for this evening. Give it up for The Druthers!” Applause rings out as we take our spots on the stage.

"Thank you! We are excited to be here tonight! If any of you fine folks have any request let us know!” The band starts playing and immediately people get up to dance to a cover of Alan Jackson.

Few songs go by and the people seem to be loving us.

"Thank you, we are going to take a short break while the DJ takes over for us.” We shuffle off the stage all drastically dying to get a beer.

“Mija!” I freeze in spot, that voice can only be from one person.

My mother. I turn to see her weaving through a crowd of people making a beeline for me.

“Mama? Que haces aqui?” I ask as she reaches where the band has taken a spot at the bar.

“Aye Mija, you did so great! Im so proud of you.” I have no response, I'm shocked. Why is she here?

“Mama, I'm glad your here— but why are you here?” She wears a sort of worried and anxious look to her, somethings not right. I couldn’t get time alone with her back in Texas to actually find out why she needed me home in the first place.

“Well, you know your father, he is always looking for new projects. This time, it’s bringing us here to Tennessee. He is looking to expand the company here”

Of fucking course this man wants to expand out this way. It’s just another one of his tricks to try and get me into the business.

“Anyways, I asked around to see where you would be playing tonight and it led me here. I want to invite you out to dinner, all three of us. Please Mija, I would love it if you would go?”

Unsure about this dinner, I can see that she is begging me to go.

“I’ll be there, mama.” I’m gonna regret this.

A car comes to a stop just outside of David's condo. I notice that the SUV is the one they use to travel.

“Good evening, Ms. Alvarez.” Cruz, my fathers personal bodyguard steps around to my side opening the door for me to slide in. If you ask me he is a first-class creep.

“Your mother and father sent me to pick you up, they are already waiting at the restaurant.” I don’t care to acknowledge him. I focus on scrolling through the bands instagram page hoping that he doesn’t try and speak to me again.

“Ms. Alvarez, we have arrived.” We are currently parked in front of El Rey. Before Cruz can jump out and open my door I beat him to it making my way inside.

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