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Her blonde hair was little darker than mine, and shoulder length, but she had it pulled back in a messy ponytail, and her pretty face was clear of makeup, her expression troubled.
“Yeah, I’m alright,” she responded with a frown. “Aren’t you going out?”
“Yeah, we’re about to go, but if you need me, I can stay home,” I replied sincerely. I didn’t like to see her looking bummed out. She was cheerful by nature.
“No, don’t … I’m okay. Just some stuff with Craig at school,” Gwen said, waving me toward the truck. “I’ll talk to you about it tomorrow. Go have fun with your friends, and let me know how hot Brock and his brothers look. Take pictures.” She forced a smile to get me to go.
I nodded. “Okay, if you’re sure … but I’ll see you first thing tomorrow. I’ll make breakfast.”
At least that got me a genuine smile, but I took one last look at her, swinging on the porch swing and staring up at the sky, as I walked away.
When we got to the bar, the guys were already there, holding a table with a pitcher of beer and six glasses. We were right on the outskirts of the dance floor, with a good view of the stage. I walked around, giving each guy a kiss on the cheek as I said hello.
When I got to Scott, I paused and put my hand on his cheek. “I’m glad you came,” I said sincerely, taking a minute to appreciate his casual attire. Scott looked amazing in his suits, but I loved him in jeans and a T-shirt. He held my gaze for a minute, then I dropped my hand and turned my head, breaking his spell.
“I want to run to the restroom before they start. I’ll be right back,” I said to the group before rushing toward the bathrooms in the back. I’d never seen Brock and his brothers play before, and I didn’t want to miss any of their performance. The fact that I knew each of them made the night that more exciting. I loved live music.
After I used the restroom, I turned down the corridor and almost ran right into a couple that was making out against the wall. I started to say excuse me, then noticed that they were really going at it. The girl’s back was plastered against the wall, her leg curved up around the guy’s waist, as he pushed into her. Her hands were fisted in his longish brown hair, and they were both moaning. Mesmerized, I jumped when I heard a voice behind me say, “Oh, my.”
I turned and barely registered the fact that it was Melody behind me, before I tore my gaze back to the couple, blushing when Brendan turned his head and winked at me. “Hey, Gaby.”
Embarrassed at getting caught gawking at Brock’s younger brother in the hallway, I gave him a finger wave, then scooted past them. I was still trying to compose myself when I got back to my group, so I picked up the nearest glass and downed the ice-cold beer.
“Hey, Gabs,” TJ protested. “That’s my beer. I’d have poured you one…”
I set the glass down, wiped my lip, and looked sheepishly at him. “Sorry, TJ, I was thirsty.”
I glanced up to notice Scott looking at me strangely, so I gave him a shrug and a smile, accepting the drink that Cal handed me.
“Thanks, Cal,” I said, taking another sip and finally feeling less jumpy. I really needed to get some action if seeing people make out put me into such a tizzy. “Hey, do you know what’s going on with Gwen and Craig?” I asked him.
Cal shook his head, his face thoughtful. “He mentioned them going to check out SC together, but that’s the last I heard. Why, something up?”
“I’m not sure. I’m gonna talk to Gwen about it tomorrow.”
We chattered a bit, and the bar started to buzz with excitement as the band’s equipment was set up and tuned. They were adjusting the lights when Scott said, “Hey, I talked to Brandt, and the company has a lake house that we can use for the holiday weekend next week. What do you guys say, four days in the sun at the lake. Michael said there’s a cool little country bar down the road, a bonfire pit, and a speedboat on the dock. I figured the timing’s perfect, right before the grand opening of the shop, and most places close for the long weekend.”
“Fuck yeah,” TJ agreed, bringing his glass up to toast Scott.
“Yes!” Sasha said at the same time, clapping her hands together. Sasha loved going on vacation.
Shelly smiled and added, “The bank’s going to be closed, so it works for me.” She turned to Cal, who was nodding his consent.
They all turned to me, and I smiled. A long weekend at the lake with my friends sounded like heaven, but, “I’ll have to check with Kat. I’m pretty sure she’s planning to be open at least Friday and Saturday.”
“Talk to her,” Scott said, his eyes intent on me. “If she can at least give you Saturday, you and I can ride up after work on Friday. I have to go in in the morning as well, so we can just meet everyone else out there.”
“That might work,” I responded with a smile, hopeful that Kat could get one of the other girls to fill in for me. “I’ll give her a call tomorrow.”
“Perfect,” Scott managed with a broad grin, before the lights lowered and music began to play.
Sasha, Shelly, and I moved closer so we could have a better view when Brock and his brothers came on stage. Brady was first, ambling across the stage without looking out at the crowd, getting himself squared away behind the drums. When I caught his eye, he gave me a quick grin before closing his eyes and raising his sticks. As he started to play, Brock sauntered in from backstage. He looked the same as he always did: frayed jeans, plain T-shirt, and boots, his hair messy and his face filled with scruff. But when he lifted his guitar and started to play, his face took on an expression I’d never seen before. One of pure satisfaction.
“Ladies and gentlemen … Whiskey Heat,” the girl Brendan had been making out with said into the microphone.
When the crowd began to scream, I tore my gaze from Brock, and watched Brendan take his place up front. Unlike his brothers, who looked like they were playing tunes in their garage for the thrill of it, Brendan looked like a star. His long hair was still messy, probably from the girl in the hallway’s hands, and he wore head-to-toe black. Combat boots, skinny jeans, and a T-shirt with the sleeves tore off. His tattoos were visible, and also black, and his body was thrumming with energy. When he opened his mouth and began to sing, the ladies in the bar went wild, and before I knew it Sasha, Shelly, and I were as crazy as the rest of them, dancing, yelling, and singing along, as they covered songs that we knew.
I was blown away. I’d had no idea that they were all so talented, and I never imagined I’d have as much fun as I did. They girls and I stayed on the dance floor through their entire set, thoroughly enjoying ourselves, as the guys hung back, drinking beer and taking in the music.
