“Good work tonight, Konnor. You’re going to do great. Feel free to stick around for a bit to cool off. It helps with the parking situation too. It’s a madhouse out there,” my manager Fox says when he passes me in the hall.
“Thanks,” I reply. I’m not sure what else I could possibly say to him. Instead, I give a weak wave and take off for the stairs.
Not a single person stops me or tells me I shouldn’t. If anything, they’re all in their own worlds too. I’m free to go as I please without judgment.
It’s easy enough to find the room Brett told me to wait for him in. The space isn’t that big, though there’s enough room for a couch, a couple of folding chairs, and some racks packed with what looks like props from previous shows.
I drop down onto the couch. My head falls against the back as I rub my hands down my thighs.
Patience.
I need some patience.
Because no matter what happens next, I still need this job. I won’t let my mixed-up feelings deter me from sticking around even if this conversation turns awkward.
Chapter Four
Brett
It takes everything I have not to run to the showers after the show. My post-performance energy is at an all-time high. I’ve never been this keyed up. Never felt so invincible.
And I know the exact reason why.
Konnor.
He watched me give my all on that stage tonight. I know he didn’t miss a single beat because every chance I got, my eyes were turned his way. I’m sure some of the guests seated near his section thought my looks were for them. They had to be thinking they’d somehow been chosen to be the focus of my attention.
I couldn’t even tell you what a single one of them was wearing. Or what their hair looked like.
Yet I can vividly describe the way Konnor’s gaze swept over me. I can tell you how often he would bite his lip, as if he appreciated the show. As if he appreciated me.
I sure hope I’m picking up the right signals from him. If not, I’m going to feel like a complete idiot.
Normally I take my time in the shower after a show. I’ll sing some of the songs we performed to, and maybe even pretend to be part of the water act Roscoe does. I’m not coordinated enough for it in reality, however, me and the shower stall are partners for life.
Tonight, I don’t have the patience for any of it. All I want is to be clean enough to get to Konnor. The rest is pointless.
Luckily, I’m the first in and the first out. I throw on a shirt and some sweats when I’m done. The fabric clings to me since I don’t take the time to fully dry off. I’ll count it as points in my favor. If Konnor is interested, surely he’ll notice the way the material stretches across my muscles.
I leave my bag in the communal dressing area before taking off to find my boy. The guys won’t mess with my stuff. If anything, Angelo will inform them I’m busy. I trust him to have my back.
I pause to take a breath when I get to the room I told Konnor to wait in. No matter what happens next, I have to stay true to myself. I won’t let my emotions get the better of me. Not again.
Pushing inside, I breathe a sigh of relief at seeing him waiting for me on the couch. I close the door behind me as I smile.
“Hey, you,” I tease.
Konnor ducks his head. “Hey.”
The reply is softer than I’d like. For a moment, I worry that he doesn’t want to be here. Does he think his job is depending on this? That I’ll cause trouble if he really wants to leave?
I decide it’s best to get the truth out in the open. I’m usually a direct sort of guy. Stopping now would be pointless. Especially when I want to make sure I’m on the right foot.
“My parents raised me to be honest to a fault. Having said that, I want to be clear about what this is for me.” I wait until his eyes lift to meet my gaze. “I like you, Konnor. More than I probably should given how little we know about one another.But you don’t have to like me back. And you certainly don’t have to be here if you don’t want to.”
He frowns. “I… I want to.”
“That’s good to know. If you’re okay with it, I’d like to come sit with you. Would you mind?”
