“I’m so sorry I’m late. Traffic was horrible.” I rummaged in my purse for my phone.
“It’s okay. I live-streamed the first song. Johnny’s got us on a commercial break for the moment.” Angela’s stare never left Viktor’s form as he swaggered around the stage, belting out his current hit song.
“Well, still. I know how much you hate streaming. I’ll take it from here. Enjoy yourself.”
Sliding amongst the professional photographers, I searched for the best angle for the station’s online feed. Viktor had become quite the sensation ever since he and Angela’s explosive on-air interview. I'd be a fool not to capitalize on the commercial opportunities it had presented to the station.
Forty minutes into the concert, while Viktor gave an encore, a flash of movement at the back of the stage caught my attention. A tall guy with a nose ring and a silver earring brushed against the curtains and then disappeared.
After a showy bow and an air kiss to Angela, Viktor sauntered away.
I stopped the stream.That man looked like Paxton.
He and I hadn’t contacted one another since the weekend. My emotions were so tangled when it came to him that it was easier just to focus on the anger and push him out of my mind.
Kyle’s a nice guy. Uncomplicated. Honest. Sweet.
So why the fuck couldn’t I feel that spark with him?
“Hey, wanna go to the backstage afterparty with me?” Angela folded her hands together in mock prayer. “Please?”
I frowned. “Who all’s gonna be there?”
“Viktor, his band members, roadies, the usual.” Tugging on my hand, Angela tried to pull me toward the backstage entrance. “Come on. It’ll be fun.”
“Wait a minute. If it’s so fun, why are you so desperate for me to go, too?” I tapped my foot, glad the crowd behind us had begun dissipating, lowering the noise level.
Blood suffused Angela’s cheeks. “Well…” She glanced at the concrete. “Being around so many people in tight spaces makes me nervous, and everyone will be all over Viktor. I just need a friend to help me get through it.”
“Girl.” I yanked her into a bear hug. “Why didn’t you say that in the first place? You know I’ll crush any jackass who gets too close.”
Her laugh split the air as she returned the hug. “Thank you. You’re not just an awesome boss, but you’re a wonderful friend, too.”
“Pfft.” I released her and we pushed our way backstage, following the twisting corridor to the party with Angie leading the way. “Sucking up isn’t going to get you another raise.”
“Can’t blame a girl for trying.” She led us to a large, open room with several tables spread out, filled with food and drinks. The smell of smoked meats, fresh rolls, and desserts filled the hazy air.
Dozens of people milled about laughing, drinking, talking—their conversations echoing against the high ceilings. Hairstyles ranged from conservative to bright shades of neon and mohawks.
In a dark corner at the back of the large room stood Paxton, shaking his head.
My heart stuttered but I followed Angela as she made her way towards the same section. A few feet away from Paxton milled Viktor, chit-chatting with a couple of people. When his stare fell on his fiancée, he broke off mid-sentence and swept her into a bearhug.
"You can always quit tomorrow, man. I'm telling you—this stuff is pure. You'll only need one hit before shows." Jay held out a hand toward Paxton.
Narrowing my eyes, I stepped closer, keeping myself in the crowd but moving near enough to hear the conversation.
Why do I care? I should turn around right now and march out of here.
Yet I couldn't. Every time I looked at Paxton, I saw that sixteen-year-old kid who'd been abandoned to the world, lost and alone.
Katrina appeared from behind Paxton and wrapped her arms around his waist, giving him an intimate hug.
I clenched my fists and stood straighter.
"Dude," Jay whispered, "We need you happy, not down and depressed like you've been the past few days. Fans want to see an energetic rockstar, not some depressed emo guy who looks like he has one foot in the grave."
No, Jay meanshe and Katrinaneed him because Paxton's their meal ticket.
