Page 30 of Animal Beats

She holds up the cardigan. “I think I fixed it.”

I take a cursory glance at the sweater, which looks fine to me. I’m more aware of the woman snuggling for heat in my arms. “Good job.”

For a split-second, Hayden relaxes against me. My heart rate soars faster than the opening beats during a concert. Cymbals crash as she steps away to put the sweater on her body again. “I’m ready.”

I swallow. Now’s not the time to be daydreaming about my babysitter. “Great.”

We return streetside without any other wardrobe malfunctions. Keenly aware she said she was hungry; I point out a nearby restaurant, which boasts healthy foods. “Want a salad?”

“You know? Sounds wonderful. We always eat so heavily on tour.”

Salad’s not my preferred choice, but suddenly I want to make her happy. “Let’s go.”

I hold the door open and we enter the bustling restaurant that’s a mix between self-serve and sit-down. We approach the counter and place our orders, then are given a number for the table.

“This place is like a lot of burger franchises,” she notes. “But with much better food.”

I allow her to pick a table, and she chooses one in the back. We pass a beverage dispenser, and my body screams out for a beer and not the waters she ordered for both of us. Somehow, however, beer with a salad feels wrong. We continue past a wall to the side with lots of greenery. “I like the vibe in here.”

“Not your typical touristy place, for sure.” She points to the weird wall with plants on it. “Oh look. They have an Instagram wall. I’ll need to snap your photo and put it on UC’s socials.”

Huh. Never thought too much about such things. “After we eat, okay? I’d prefer not to get mobbed in here.”

She places her palm on my forearm. “Of course. I never post contemporaneous photos. Even the ones from the store back there are scheduled to go out in a few hours.”

Makes sense. “Thanks.”

Our food arrives, and I dig in. “Mine’s really good. How’s yours?”

“I like it. I’m happy you found us this place.”

We share a breath.

Are we an us?

It hits me. Yes.

Her gaze dips toward her plate. She feels it too.

Not sure what to do with that, I finish eating and reach for the chips. I hold the bag out to her. “Want one?”

“No, thanks. I’m keeping this one meal clean.”

I shrug. I don’t have to worry about calories since my workout tonight will more than make up for three meals like this. When she finishes, she asks me to stand by the Instagram wall. Seeing as it’s a less popular time, the place isn’t jumping. I walk over to it and she snaps a few photos.

“Oh my! You’re UC’s drummer, aren’t you?” A chick in all black with a septum piercing approaches me. The lady at her side looks ready to pass out.

“Crap.” Hayden lets her camera fall around her neck.

“Hi there,” I address the two women.

“We have tickets to your concert tonight,” the pierced woman says, attaching herself to my side.

“We’re looking forward to another good show.” I open my arm for her friend to come to my other side. “Hayden, would you mind taking a photo of the three of us?”

While the two ladies flutter, Hayden takes a couple of shots. “I’ll post these photos on UC’s socials later. Looks like you got bragging rights.”

“What’s your name, sweetie?” The friend manages to tell me and I text a note to Luke. “When you come tonight, go to the ‘Will Call’ desk. Our manager will have special tickets waiting for you.”