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29
Maddox
Getting in my Chevy Tahoe, my tires burn out in the parking garage as I speed away. I honestly thought she would’ve fired me last week, or that Leslie would’ve done so over the phone before I showed up tonight. I kind of wish she had. I thought I’d done enough last week that she’d believe me, but it doesn’t matter now. I think I’ve finally convinced her that this is happening.
And I couldn’t feel more horrible about it.
Driving away from the club, my first thought is to try and get lost and forget everything. I know Jade and Derrik are both busy, but I remember EJ’s out watching a show that Skye’s band is performing in. It’s in Santa Monica, so that’s where I head.
Parking outside for valet, as soon as I get out, I hear the words swirling around, everyone taking notice I just showed up. I try to play it up and offer a wave, but I really just want to get inside and order a drink already.
The loud whispers follow me inside, and I see everyone turning their heads. I search the small room, looking for EJ, but don’t see him anywhere. With more people realizing I’ve shown up, I look toward the stage and see Leah singing. Her, along with Roxy and Skye, all scan the crowd to figure out what’s diverted the attention away from the stage. Then they spot me. I feel bad for taking away from their show, so I head backstage.
That’s where I find EJ standing off to the side, watching the girls play. As soon as he sees me, he cocks his head to the side. “What are you doing here?”
“What? I can’t hang out with my least favorite band member?” I joke, wrapping my arm around his shoulders.
He stares at me like I’m crazy. “Uh, Luxe? Don’t you have a show tonight?”
I roll my eyes, shrugging it off. Damn, I really need a drink. “Naw, that gig’s over.”
“Over? You had one more month on your contract. What do you mean it’s over?”
“No biggie.” I glance around, trying to figure out the quickest way to get a drink. “Hey, do they have servers that come back here, or do I need to go to the bar?”
He grabs my arm, pulling me to attention. “Maddox? What is happening right now?”
I shrug him off. “I’m trying to get my party on, that’s what’s happening.”
Leaving his side, I venture back out to the front. I do feel like a jerk for distracting the people from Skye’s band again, but I desperately need to get out of this funk, and I know only one thing that’ll do the trick.
“Let’s go,” EJ says, hurrying to my side, and ushering me toward the door.
“What the hell?” I pull away from him. “I’m not going anywhere until I get some—”
“You want to party? Fine!” he shouts over the music, throwing a finger in my face. “But I’m not gonna let you make an ass of yourself here while Skye’s band plays in the background.”
It’s not funny. I know he’s acting like the upright and honest guy EJ is, but I still laugh and ruffle his hair. The King of Bad mask is firmly attached tonight. “Oh, EJ, you’re such a nice guy.” The gesture earns a scowl from him. “Fine then, buddy. Lead the way.”
He turns back to the stage and nods to Skye, some sort of nonverbal communication going on between them. I take advantage of the situation to make fun of him again. I really am in a mood tonight. “You two are adorable.”
“Shut up,” he spits out.
After putting up with the screaming crowds when we get outside, EJ has the valet retrieve my car, and he gets in the driver’s seat. “I can’t be held responsible for what I do if you scratch my baby,” I tell him, chuckling.
“Wow, look at that,” he says, driving down the road. “You care about something again.”
He’s only responding to my teasing, but it hits a nerve. “Shut up.”
I have no idea where he’s taking us, but I know it’s not back to my place because we’re heading in the opposite direction. When neither of us says anything, he turns on the radio, and we drive for about thirty more minutes until we pull up to the Silver Spire valet.
I look over at him, lifting an eyebrow. “Seriously?”
“What?” he responds, almost rolling his eyes. “You wanted to party, right?”
The Silver Spire is one of the most popular and celebrated clubs out there. A-list celebrities are a common sight, along with some of the top-performing music acts holding parties and other functions. It’s not uncommon to see Grammy Award winners and Academy Award winners partying together, multiple times throughout the year at the Spire. The owners make sure fans are waiting outside, inside, and everywhere else. It’s a red-carpet-type event, where celebrities show up to take pictures and show everyone exactly how famous we are.
There’s a smattering of chatter I hear when I open my door, but as soon as EJ and I are both out of the car, the talking turns to screams. We’re immediately met by security, holding back more fans who are either waiting to get into the club or lingering outside to take pictures. I have no idea why EJ decided on this place, but if he thinks it’ll make me second-guess my resolve to let loose tonight, he’s wrong.
