I snort a laugh, dropping my gaze to the floor.
“Blushing looks good on you,” he says, moving in a little closer as he drags a finger across the hem of my tee. “Wanna dance?”
I take a sip as I let my eyes roam over his black top, black, loose-fitted chinos and studded belt, and back to his eyes. His raises an eyebrow, waiting on my verdict probably. And he’s cute. Not my usual type, but cute. And he looks nothing like Kaden, which is the whole point of this.
It’s always the point ofthis. Numbing. Forgetting.
I shift on my feet.
“Is this your first time here?” he says, letting his hand fall away from me.
I shake my head.No, it’s not my first time here, and it probably won’t be my last.
He licks the corner of his mouth, dragging his gaze all over me again before taking another step closer, lowering his voice. “Do you want to get out of here?”
I take a deep breath, down the rest of my liquid courage before I place it on the counter and grab his hand.
“Let’s go.”
Prologue
Kaden
January 2020 – June 2021
InJanuary,thefirstperson in the US got sick from Coronavirus.
In February, San Diego declared virus emergency.
In March…
It’s Sunday.
My band and I have just finished a jam session when my boss, Kit, calls me.
“Get down to the studio. We need to talk.”
I’ve known Kit Bryce since I was fourteen and he was married to my mom’s cousin Stephanie. He’s a pretty serious guy but I’ve never seen him as grave as when I walk into his office at theback of the tattoo studio, and clock him behind the dark-wooden desk.
Seth’s leaning against the wall across from Kit, chewing his cheek. He gives me an up-nod when I enter, and I walk over to stand beside him.
“What’s going on?” I say, but he just shrugs.
Diaz Moreno walks in, closing the door behind him and drops down on the chair in front of Kit. He doesn’t bother with greeting anyone.
“They’re closing us down?” he says, eyes on Kit.
“What?” Seth whispers beside me.
Kit sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Yeah. They are.”
Months go by and the stress is eating me up from the inside out.
People have been going haywire, panic-shopping groceries. Hand sanitizers are sold out everywhere.
I stay at home—like we’re meant to. Only ever seeing Seth or my girlfriend Tara.
I don’t hit the gym.
