“That’s a very interesting name.” The corner of his mouth tilts up.
“Yeah, well, my parents were a little delusional that day. What can I say?” I shrug with a nervous laugh.
Looking back at Earl, I tap my ID twice on the desk. “Thanks for this. I’ll see ya later, Earl. I won’t be back for a few weeks, so have fun on your vacation.”
“You too, Myssa.”
“Have a good day,” I manage to squeak out as I take one last look at the mysterious man who’s still watching me with that damn smirk on his face. Headphones in my hands, I place them into my ears and blast my playlist. “BBB” from How to Destroy Angels plays, drowning out any more distractions as I walk out the revolving door.
I take a deep breath, trying to get my mind back to reality.
There’s no way in hell a guy like that would have an interest in a girl like—well, me. I can’t help but giggle to myself at my awkwardness. My phone buzzes, and I’m happy for the distraction. It’s Vix agreeing to meet up at the coffee house a few blocks from my work.
Hopefully, she has some good news.
Chapter 2
Myssa
The small coffee shop has become our go-to throughout the years. Immediately, the aroma of coffee penetrates my senses as I walk in. “Thieves” from Ministry echoes throughout the small shop, forcing me to tap my fingers against my leg to the beat. Original photography of abandoned train depots and steel mills is displayed throughout. Vix hasn’t made it here yet, but she’s usually a few minutes late. Working nights and sleeping days will do that. Street smarts and sass is always how she lives. Her parents are both alcoholics, and they ignored her for the most part as a child. She’d spent a lot of time living in her car, or hopping from couch to couch after high school. Her last bar gig had paid her enough to get her on her feet and into her own apartment. But when she caught wind of this new industrial club opening, she’d jumped on the chance to interview. Hopefully, it helped that our other friend Knox was going to be head of security and had put a good word in for her.
As I stand in line, my thoughts drift back to the elevator. Tohim. There was something there I’ve never felt before. As if he were familiar, or that we’ve played out this dance before, but there’s no way that could be right. Is there? Trying to shake the thoughts out of my head, I look at the menu. While decidingwhether to try something new, I search for my wallet in my purse.
“Boo!”
I gasp at Vix’s soft voice and spin around, smacking her on the shoulder in annoyance.
“Fucker—you scared the shit out of me!”
“Sorry, not sorry.” Vix shrugs as she stands there, smiling.
Her long purple-and-silver locks are tied back into pigtails. Smokey black eyeliner and purple eyeshadow frame her eyes, and her purple lipstick with a black outline matches her theme. A black V-neck, black parachute pants and Doc Marten boots add to the aesthetic. Vix unapologetically bleeds sex, goth, and sin rolled up in her cute little body, but there’s only one guy who has her heart—though she will never admit it.
“Oh, I see we dressed up for this interview?” I grin, as her usual attire is skirts and fishnet stockings.
“Yeah, well, since Knox was the one who helped me get this interview, I thought I’d make an effort.” She blows a bubble with her gum and pops it in my face.
The guy who has her heart? Yeah, that would be Knox. We met him years ago on the club scene, and he’s been attached to us ever since. He’d started working as a bouncer two years ago, then landed a job as head of security at the new club where Vix had just interviewed. Towering at six-four, blond hair, blue eyes, and sleekly muscled body, he’s intimidating, but oozes the sex appeal and cockiness you’d expect from someone with his looks.
The two of them have been playing this lovesick song and dance for as long as I can remember. But neither have made a move yet. It’s something Nik, and I used to tease Vix about. She’d always told us we were delusional, but we knew. Just the way they look at each other makes you wanna scream,“Get a room”.
After we’ve grabbed our food and drink—a blueberry muffin and coffee for me—and claimed a couple of empty chairs, I dive into asking Vix the big question.
“So, how did the interview go?” I take a sip of my coffee and unwrap my muffin.
“I think it went well. I have enough experience to handle myself behind the bar. They tested me, and I passed with flying colors, of course. You should see this place, Myssa. It's insane and my dream bartending job. Definitely our type of place.” Her grin becomes weirdly sinister.
“What’s the name of it again?”
She takes a sip of her coffee before answering, “Frequency.”
“I like the name. Gonna have to check it out.” I pause, trying to remember when the last time I even went to a club was.
“It’s been so long since we hung at a club, ever since…” she trails off, watching me intently.
“Since Nik,” I finish with a soft smile.
“Yeah.” She sighs. “Look, Myssa, I’m sorry?—”
