He chuckled and grabbed my hand. Yes, he grabbed my hand. I’d never been a hand holder. Not even with people I actually dated. But I didn’t push it away. “Grab your friend’s hand and don’t let go. Follow me.”
I did as he said, and we made our way to the two super-sized bouncers. I prepared myself for rejection. Cruz asked Ari for her ID and he handed it to one of the large men. The guy fist bumped Cruz and stepped back so we could mosey on by. He tugged me through the crowd once we were inside, and I was thankful to have something to hold onto as we made our way across the room and down a hallway. He dropped my hand and Ari and I unhooked as well.
“Here you go, Celine Regata from Atlanta. This is yours to keep, so make sure you know the info.” He handed me a driver’s license. Celine Regata wasn’t my doppelganger, but she was twenty-one and had the same color eyes and hair as me.
“You got me a fake ID. To keep?”
“It’s yours,” he said. I looked at Ari who beamed with excitement. This would make going out easier, not that I planned on going out all the time, but it would be nice to have the option.
“These are expensive. I can’t believe you did this. Thank you.”
“You worry too much, More Jade. I’ve got to get ready for the show, so you two have fun and be careful. It gets a little crazy out there.”
He sauntered off, and I stood there watching him walk away for far too long.
“Holy hotness, Jade. He’s totally into you. You didn’t mention how good looking he was,” Ari said.
“He’s not that good looking.” I fanned my face, because I always got hot when I tried to tell a lie. It was God’s way of outing me.
She laughed. “Sure, he’s not. And he even has a nickname for you.”
“It’s hardly a nickname. It’s a play on words.” I rolled my eyes, even though I thought it was cute he hadn’t dropped it. But it would be wise to remember that I met him with my trashy roommate’s head between his legs. Ari reached for my hand and tugged me to the bar. We ordered two beers. I wasn’t much of a drinker, but I’d had a beer before. Once. I heard my father’s voice in my head, because it was always there.
Pace yourself, kid. Be smart. Don’t set your drink down. Don’t take a drink from a stranger. Stay in control. Never let yourself be at the mercy of others.
Ari and I clinked our bottles in cheers. We made it into our first college bar. I officially had a fake ID, and we even sort of knew the main attraction. I tipped my head back and let the cool liquid make its way down my throat. I felt an instant buzz when I finished the beer and we decided to make our way to the dance floor as the band was getting ready to start.
“Jade?” I recognized Meagan’s voice before I turned around, dreading the encounter with my roommate.
“Oh, hey.”
“What are you doing here? I saw you cut the line with Cruz. How do you know him? I’m not getting this.”
Meagan wore the shortest red dress I’d ever seen. I was one hundred percent certain if she sneezed, we’d all see her ass. Her boobs were barely covered and overflowing from the top of the dress. Nothing was left to the imagination. Her blonde hair was in a high ratted ponytail, and her makeup was dramatic and somewhat caked on. Not my favorite look, but guys sure seemed to love it.
“I don’t know him all that well. We have a class together and we’re study partners,” I said, leaving out the tutor part because she struck me as the type of person who would throw it in his face.
“Ohhhhh. Of course. I knew there had to be a reason he’d hang out with you. I mean, no offense my little nerdy roomie.” Her tone was condescending, and her smile just as fake. She gave mean-girl a whole new meaning.
And—there went my buzz. I was sober as a cucumber.
“Okay. Well, have fun,” I said, turning my body away while Ari shot daggers at my roommate.
“What a bitch,” Ari said.
I waved my hands. “I don’t care what she thinks. I just want to have fun.”
“Yes. We came to celebrate. And to find Jace,” she said and we both scanned the room.
A voice came through the speaker and I looked up to see Cruz on stage. I was mesmerized. This was the reason I needed to pace myself with the cocktails. Sober Jade didn’t get mesmerized. Hell, she didn’t even get distracted. Cruz wore the exact same outfit he had on this morning, but somehow now, standing up there, he looked like a rock star.
“How’s everyone doing tonight?” he said.
The cheers and screams were loud and startling.
Deafening.
“Sounds like you’re ready.”
There were three other guys on stage with him and I realized I met two of them the day I moved in. I was pretty sure it was Adam and Lennon. I didn’t recognize the other guy. But the four of them moved like a fine-tuned machine. They didn’t miss a beat. Cruz started singing, and his voice was smooth and sexy and nothing like I imagined. I closed my eyes, let my hips sway to the beat while I danced with Ariana, singing along as I caught on to the chorus. Jace found us out on the dance floor and introduced his two friends, Brayden and Cam. They seemed nice enough and offered to buy us beers. I insisted on going with them to the bar, because well, I promised Dad. I didn’t tell them that I wanted to see the bartender open the bottle, because that would mean admitting I was afraid they might try to drug and kill me. Instead, I said I could use a break from the crowd. Ariana and Jace agreed to hold our place out on the dance floor, as we were pretty close to the stage and the bar was packed.
I took my beer and thanked Brayden before we made our way back to our friends. The song Cruz was singing got the crowd going. His voice was soulful and intoxicating. I didn’t realize how much I liked alternative rock. He’s so natural up there, commanding everyone’s attention. The exact opposite of me. I’d never be comfortable being the center of attention. I admired his ability to manage the spotlight with such ease.
The second beer hit me fast. I had a good buzz and I swore my gaze locked with Cruz as he belted out a song about taking what you want. I could be hallucinating, but it felt like he was looking straight into my soul. I wondered if everyone felt that way. It certainly made for a good performer. I smiled and continued to sway my hips and even raised my arms above my head, moving with the music.
An arm wrapped around my waist from behind and I startled. Before I could even react, a bouncer appeared, moving the guy away from me. Wow. Dad would love this place. Security blocked guys from hitting on you. I was fine with it, because right now there was only one guy I was looking at. And obviously, he was off limits for a multitude of reasons—but for tonight, I was going to enjoy the show.
Chapter Four
Cruz
Christ. This girl was too much. Jade was sexy as shit, and I couldn’t stop watching her. She had her hands in the air, her hips were swaying, and her bodysuit fit like a second fucking skin. Her tight little body was driving me out of my mind. I scanned the crowd as I belted out the lyrics, but I kept coming back to her.
More Jade.
I laughed when the bouncer took it upon himself to keep every guy away from her. I never said a word to him, but I also never asked for a favor in the two years we’d been playing here. They knew she was someone special because I asked the owner to get her in. They provided her with an ID and decided to throw in security for the night. Some poor dude came up behind her and the bouncer pulled him out of the crowd. The guys in her group appeared harmless. At least they never put their hands on her. Must be friends of Ariana’s.
Fucking Meagan made her way to the front of the crowd and threw her panties at me. Her dress barely covered her ass, and she danced around offering everyone a free show.
Not interested.
I ignored her, which caused her to pout and stalk away. Thank fucking Christ.
Another chick climbed up and made her way on stage. Adam was jamming
on the drums and the girl came up behind me and started grinding on my ass. The crowd went nuts, and I played the part. Hey, it comes with the territory, right? I glanced over at Lennon. I loved seeing him on stage. It was where he came alive. He wasn’t a confident kid, never had been. But when he performed, he was king of the fucking world. He laughed when Luke sent someone out to escort the girl off stage.
We took a break. It was hot as hell and I needed a smoke. I downed a beer and took a few drags until the nicotine flowed. Leaning against the wall, I had the perfect view of Jade and her friends. She declined a beer from two different dudes and continued talking with her group. One of the guys was giving her his full attention. He probably wondered if he had a shot. Couldn’t fault the dude, I was sitting here watching her too. But I wasn’t a dumbass, so I wouldn’t try to take a girl like Jade home. She was too good for that shit, and she was clueless about the attention she warranted, which made her even more appealing.
“Who are you looking at out there?” Lennon asked, moving to stand beside me.
“No one. Just seeing who’s here tonight.”
“Damn, dude. That chick from the dorms is a train wreck. Did you see her throw a hissy fit after you ignored her desperate panty toss?” Adam said.
“I’m pretty sure Dex banged her. Maybe she was aiming for him.”
“Been there, done that. In the literal sense,” Dex said with a cocky smirk as he stepped beside us. The dude had no shame.
“Who’s the chick you got the ID for tonight? I saw you walk in with her. She’s fucking hot. Something you want to tell us?” Dex dropped his smoke and snubbed it out with his foot.
“She’s off limits, dude. No joke. Stay the fuck away from her. She’s my biology tutor, and a nice girl. I don’t need you to fuck things up.”
They all laughed for some unknown reason. Luke walked up and told us it was time to get back out there. “What’s so funny. What did I miss?”
“You missed our boy getting all worked up over his tutor. I think there’s more to the story there,” Dex said, tipping his head back for the last of his beer.
“Just stay the fuck away from her, dickhead.” I led them back on stage and watched as Jade and Ariana walked out the door.
The three dudes were left in the dust, huddled and talking, probably whining about how they weren’t taking either girl home. I liked that she left. She didn’t get sloppy. She didn’t leave with a dude. And I was more relaxed now because I didn’t have to worry about anyone messing with her. Maybe it was because I got her in this place I felt an obligation to make sure she was okay. I wasn’t sure why I cared, but I did.
We finished our set, and I was fucking beat. I wasn’t in the mood for Dex’s shit or hanging out with the chicks that he’d brought in the back room. There was something about a girl who could barely form a sentence because she was so wasted, that just didn’t do it for me.
Adam and I took off first. Lennon and Dex stayed back to party with a bunch of random chicks. I didn’t like when my brother hung out with Dex, but there wasn’t much I could do about it. We all lived together, and Lennon was a grown-ass man. My dad bought a four-bedroom house for the band to rent out during our time here in Chicago. Another perk of having a rich daddy. I made my way to my room, dropped my keys on the end table and reached for my phone before settling on my bed. There were a few texts from Mom telling me she missed me, and she sent a funny picture of her and my aunt Kay. I pushed to sit up when I saw a text from Jade.
More Jade ~ Hey. Thanks again for getting me in tonight and for the ID. Your band is really good. Almost as good as Barry Manilow. I can tutor tomorrow morning or Sunday afternoon.
I laughed and moved on to the next text when I realized she sent two.
More Jade ~ Sorry for putting that in writing about the ID. I hope I don’t get you in trouble.
Fuck me. This girl was too much. I shook my head before responding. She was probably asleep, but she would see it in the morning.
Me ~ Shit, I just got my ass hauled in for questioning.
I saw the three little dots and reached for the water on my nightstand. Didn’t expect her to be awake.
More Jade ~ What? You’re at the police station? Because of the ID? My dad is a fireman, I can call him and see if he can help.
Jesus Christ. I nearly dropped my water bottle trying to text her back before she did something stupid. Like confess to her dad that she had a fake ID.
Me ~ I was fucking kidding, More Jade.
Me ~ I’m home. The feds didn’t come after me for getting an underage girl into a college bar that’s packed with underage students. They have bigger fish to fry.
More Jade ~ Thank God.
Me ~ You do realize ninety percent of the people at The Dive are not 21, right?
More Jade ~ How old are you?
Me ~ 21 and we’ve been playing there for two years. We just weren’t served until now. At least not out in the open.
More Jade ~ Oh. Got it. You guys are really good. I had a lot of fun.
Me ~ Thanks. You don’t think I have better skills than Barry?
More Jade ~ LOL. Don’t take it personal, it’s hard to compete with Barry. Did you just get home? It’s so late.
Me ~ Yep. You left hours ago. What are you doing up? Preparing lesson plans to tutor me?
I sent her two winky-face emojis so she’d know I was kidding. At least I thought I was.
More Jade ~ I’m studying. I have two tests this week.
Me ~ Two beers followed by hours of studying. Don’t get too crazy, More Jade.
More Jade ~ How do you know I had two beers?
Shit. How did I answer her without sounding like a stalker?
Me ~ Did you really? I was kidding. Lucky guess.
More Jade ~ Oh. Yeah. I’m not a big drinker. Plus, I need to be on my game for my new job as a biology tutor. Do you want to meet tomorrow or Sunday?
I didn’t want to wait until Sunday to see her again.
Me ~ I can meet tomorrow. Just let me know the time. Do you want to come over here? I have a house near campus. I’d rather not come to you. I’m afraid your roommate might assault me.
More Jade ~ I want to say you’re being arrogant, but you’re probably right. She was in line when you came out to get Ariana and I. She couldn’t fathom why you would be talking to me. You don’t want to meet at the library?
That pisses me off. Who the fuck did Meagan think she was putting Jade down?
Me ~ Fuck her. And, no. I hate libraries.
More Jade ~ Really? I love the library. I had my eighth birthday party at a library in Bucktown.
Me ~ That’s awful. You can’t talk in a library.
More Jade ~ You can whisper talk.
Me ~ I don’t like being bothered by people.
More Jade ~ Hmm…Okay. I can come to your house. Send me your address. Does 10 work?
Me ~ a.m. or p.m.?
I knew that she meant morning, but I liked messing with her.
More Jade ~ A.M.! Who meets at 10 P.M.?
Me ~ Mobsters. Prostitutes. Drug dealers.
More Jade ~ Very funny. I can’t do later in the day because my best friend, Sam, is coming tomorrow to visit me. I need to be done by noon. He’s leaving Sunday morning, so I can do later in the day on Sunday if that’s better.
Her best friend was a dude? Was that just code for boyfriend? Was he spending the night with her?
Me ~ No. 10 is fine. The rest of the house will be sleeping, so it’ll be better.
More Jade ~ Okay. Text me the address. I’m going to sleep now. See you tomorrow.
Me ~ Good night, More Jade.
More Jade ~ It’s not annoying at all that you keep calling me that.
Me ~ More Jade is so much better than less Jade.
She sent three emojis with the dude’s
tongue sticking out and the lopsided eyes. She thought I was crazy. She was fucking right.
Morning came fast. Especially when the two dickheads, Lennon and Dex, decided to come home at four in the morning with a couple chicks who were loud as hell. I checked the living room and thankfully no one was on the couch. Hadn’t thought that out when I asked Jade to meet me here. Half-naked girls sprawled out in the living room would probably freak her out.
I collected a half dozen empty beer bottles and dumped them and the ashtray in the garbage. We had a no smoking rule in the house, but fucking Dex broke it every time he got drunk. Which was the majority of his existence. I opened the door to air out the place and saw a pink beach bike with white flowers on the sides heading up the walk. Jade had her hair down and it blew back in the breeze. She was wearing black leggings and a gray firehouse T-shirt. Her backpack looked like it weighed more than she did, and her body leaned to the left from the weight. I assumed she had a car. That’s what spoiled assholes did. They assumed everyone had what they had. I should have offered to pick her up.
“Hey,” I said, jamming my hands in the pockets of my black joggers.
“Oh, hey. You’re out here waiting for me? Am I late?”
“No. Just airing the place out. My roommate likes to smoke in the house when he’s drunk,” I said, lighting up a cigarette before we got started.
Her eyes bulged out. “You smoke?”
“There’s that judgment again, More Jade.” I turned my head to blow the smoke away from her face as she approached.
“How can I not judge? Who smokes in this day and age?”
“Hmmm… that’s easy. Everyone I know.”
“I don’t know one person who smokes.” She put her hands on her hips and fake coughed.
“Allergies?” I quirked a brow.
“I’m allergic to dumb choices.”
“Well, prepare yourself, you’re going to have a lot of allergies during our sessions, because I’m the king of dumb choices.”
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