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Chapter Eleven
Peyton
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“Ican’t believe I letyou talk me into this.” I tug at the hem of my shirt nervously as I follow Aaron and Henna into Mulligan’s.
“Just relax,” Henna hisses back at me, snagging my hand to pull me through the thick crowd as Aaron leads us toward the bar.
“This place is packed,” I state the obvious, looking around the large space that appears to be standing room only. “You think they’re all here to see Abel?” I ask when we stop in a long line of patrons waiting to place their order at the bar.
“Must be.” Aaron shrugs. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen this place this busy on a Thursday night. I haven’t been to a show like this in years, but from what I gather from some of the guys, Abel always pulls in a good crowd.”
“Probably because he’s ridiculously talented.” Again, I state the obvious.
“He really is,” Henna agrees. “Too bad you didn’t get some of his musical genes, babe.”
“Are you saying you think my brother is hot?” He gives her a questioning look.
“I mean, yeah, he is, but that’s not the point. I just think you’d be even sexier if you could sing like he does.”
“I’m going to pretend like you’re not comparing me to my brother right now.” He can’t seem to decide if he should be offended or find her behavior humorous.
“Oh hush. You know I think you’re the sexiest Collins brother out there.”
“You better say that.” He wraps an arm around her waist and tugs her to his chest seconds before his mouth crashes down on hers.
I look away, feeling even more awkward than I did on the drive over. These two have trouble keeping their hands to themselves, which is cute, but a little uncomfortable when you’re forced to bear witness to their affections.
“Get a room,” someone yells seconds before Abel appears through the sea of people standing around us.
Henna and Aaron break apart, Aaron offering his brother a humor filled “fuck you” before securely tucking Henna into his side.
I try to avoid Abel’s gaze but find it impossible to do so.
“You came.” He smiles at me, and if I didn’t know any better, I’d think he was happy about this fact.
“Henna didn’t really give me a choice.” I hitch my thumb in the direction of my friend.
He nods, something unreadable passing over his face. “Well, for the record, I’m glad you’re here,” he says directly to me before turning his attention to Aaron and Henna. “All of you. Means a lot,” he says directly to his brother.
“Happy we could make it. Hell of a crowd you got here.” Aaron gestures around the room.
“Not too bad considering I haven’t played here in like three and a half years.”
“Guess people remember talent.”
“Can I get you guys a drink?” Abel redirects, not commenting on his brothers’ statement.
“We can wait,” Henna speaks up.
“What about you?” He turns to me. “I can grab you a drink if you want one.”
“That’s okay. I can wait with them.”
“Okay.” He nods rapidly. “Well, I guess I should head up there and make sure we’re all ready to go.” He gestures toward the vicinity of the stage. “I’ll come have a drink with you after my first set,” he says to the group, not honing in on one specific person.
“Sounds good.” Aaron claps his brother on the shoulder. “Knock ‘em dead.”
