Page 16 of Burning Bridges Duet

We get to the taco truck and tell the guy our orders. I’m impressed that Liv orders four for herself, since the guys and I usually get six each. When I get my wallet out to pay, she stops me.

“Nope, not happening. It was my idea, so I’m buying,” Liv says, making me snort.

“Hell no, you aren’t paying for our twenty-four tacos.”

“You’re right,” she says while handing the taco truck guy a hundred-dollar bill and telling him to keep the change. “I’m paying for twenty-eight.”

Sure, I’ve noticed a few times now that the girl has money or comes from money, but I still don’t like that she thinks she has to pay for my stuff.

“Eyes on me, Liv,” I say, and her eyes snap up to mine. Taking her chin between my forefinger and thumb, I tell her, “You will not pay for our shit again. Either I pay for yours or everyone pays for their own, but I don’t want you to spend money on me, you hear me?”

“I hear you,” she says with a gulp.

“Good girl,” I whisper, letting go of her.

We all sit at the picnic tables near the taco truck and devour our food. When Liv lets out a moan after her first bite, everyone looks at her. She gets as red as a tomato and looks down at her taco.

“Oh, shut up, you guys,” she mutters, which makes us all laugh.

After I’ve eaten my first few tacos and my hunger is slightly satisfied, I slow down so I can talk to Liv.

“So how was the study date? Did the assignment go well?”

“It was good, but we’re still working on the group project. Next week, we have to present our choreography. How about you? Are there any gigs coming up, or do I just have to go back to the café to listen to you?”

I smile. “I do play there every Monday afternoon, but next Friday, I also have a little gig in a bar downtown with my band, Dirty Velvet.”

“Oh, wow! That’s exciting. Can I come?” she asks, giving me puppy dog eyes. I chuckle and look at River, but my twin’s focus is only on her.

“I don’t know, River, would you mind bringing Liv to my gig? I don’t want her to sit alone in the bar,” I say, knowing exactly what he’s thinking, and it’s hilarious. He hates going out, but he would never turn that opportunity down.

“Sure, I’d love to. I can pick you up so you can drink if you want,” he offers, and she smiles.

“I don’t drink in public,” she says, and Jaxon nods his approval while I hide a smirk. “But I am so looking forward to it,” she adds.

I must say, I am too.

“Are you going to play covers again, or do you guys have your own songs?” she asks, unknowingly bringing up a sore topic.

“We’ll play covers. It’s easier to get booked if you play what people know and want to hear,” I say, trying to defuse the question. She nods and takes a bite of her taco.

“Makes sense,” she says, with a full mouth.

I try not to laugh. She’s adorable.

“What’s your favorite song?” I ask, trying to change the subject.

She smiles and shakes her head. “I’m not going to get mocked for my song choices by the next big rockstar. My poor self-esteem can’t handle something like that.” She’s silly.

“Try me,” I dare her, looking straight into her eyes over the table. Her cheeks turn red.

Interesting.

“‘Drops of Jupiter’ by Train,” she says, which surprises me. I’d have thought a dancer would stick to something more modern or danceable, but honestly, I like that song too. “So what’s the verdict?” she asks, a hint of insecurity in her voice.

“Sounds like you’re a dreamer,” I say.

“What’s your favorite song then?” she asks.