Your Exception

by Starr, Bria

  After their first set is over, they make their way over to where we are. “So what brings you out tonight?” Aaron asks me, using his boyish charm.

  “We heard a kick ass band was playing…but I don’t think they’ve hit the stage yet,” I shamelessly flirt.

  “Oh, you’re a spitfire, aren’t you? I like that,” he says wantonly.

  I look down as I blush. I can’t help it. I’m not used to being so forwardly flirted with, but it is taking my mind off of Blue Eyes. They sit and chat with us for a while before wandering around, greeting other fans.

  After their break is over, they head back up on stage and continue rocking the place.

  I try to resist as Cassidy grabs my hand and drags me towards the front where people are dancing. I’m more of an observer than a dancer, but she starts shimmying towards me. It takes me a minute before I give in and let loose, welcoming the music and letting it overtake my body.

  I love being lost inside the flow of perfectly orchestrated music while it penetrates my soul. I move freely, twisting and turning as my hair dances around my face. Hours go by before the night is over and Cassidy takes my hand and leads me back to our seats.

  “I feel so good right now,” I say with a stupid grin on my face. “I didn’t want to stop dancing!”

  “As I recall, you didn’t want to start either!” I look into Cassidy’s drunken eyes as they stop somewhere behind me. I turn to look. A part of me is hoping to see Logan here, but instead I see Aaron walking towards us.

  “What are you doing afterwards? You girls want to come to the after party?”

  “There’s an after party?”

  “There’s ALWAYS an after party,” Aaron states, raising his eyebrows towards me. “What do you say?”

  “Um, yeah. Count us in!” Cassidy continues.

  Aaron looks to me expectantly.

  “Sure, what the hell,” I say. Although I’d prefer to go home, the adrenaline from dancing is still running through me, and I am feeling good, so maybe that good feeling can continue at a party.

  Aaron smiles at me. “Great. I’ve gotta tear down my kit. Wait for me, and you can follow us there.”

  We wait until the stage is cleared and Aaron and Eric come back. “I hear you’re coming with us?” Eric asks as his eyes drift over Cassidy.

  “Yeah, we’ll be following you guys. I’m parked out in the field,” I say.

  “I’m in back. I’ll take you to your car,” says Aaron. We walk out to his black Excursion and I hesitate before climbing into the back behind Cassidy, but he drives directly to my car.

  After ten minutes of following them, I slowly start to wonder if this is such a good idea. It’s late, and we’re two girls who don’t know anyone at this party, and we’re alone. I look over at Cassidy who has already passed out in the seat next to me.

  I reach over and grab my purse, making sure my gun is there. My dad talked Connor and I into attending a carry and conceal class to get a permit to carry a handgun. I was against it at first, but I learned so much information, and ultimately purchased a weapon.

  It’s only for protection, and you wouldn’t believe how much safer it makes me feel to know it’s there, just in case. I keep it in my purse, or in the top drawer of my nightstand. Cassidy is petrified of guns and doesn’t agree with me owning one. To each their own. A gun is a scary thing, and it comes with a huge responsibility, but I’m always grateful to have it when I’m walking to my car late at night.

  We pull into a driveway in the middle of nowhere.Great. The house is very ornate, and there are people everywhere. I find a place to park as Aaron’s vehicle heads towards the garage. I nudge Cassidy awake. “We’re here.”

  We get out, and I see Aaron and Eric coming our way. “Whose house is this?” I ask out of curiosity.In case I need someone to know where to find our remains.

  “It’s mine,” Aaron replies.

  “Do you know all these people?”

  “Some of them.”

  “Oh.” What else can I say to that?

  As soon as we enter the house, Aaron takes off and Cassidy wanders off with Eric. I think Cassidy and I need to go over the Buddy System again. I’m not in the mood to hang out all by myself in a room full of people I’ve never seen before, and I want to go home, but I can’t leave Cassidy here all by herself. I should have known she’d ditch me first chance she had at getting laid. I spot a couch and squeeze into a small spot beside a couple in deep conversation.

  Aaron reappears and reaches out his hand to help me up.

  “Where are we going?”

  “Somewhere a little more quiet.”

  I stop.

  “No, not like that. I won’t make you do anything you don’t want to do.” Honesty reaches his green eyes, so we head downstairs to a huge living room with two couches and a coffee table. Down the hall is a bathroom and two closed doors. It’s quiet, and no one else is down here. I take out my phone and text Cassidy, so she knows I’m downstairs if she needs to find me.

  Aaron turns on the TV and sits on one of them, so I sit down on the other cushion next to him—nottoo close—and try to relax.

  “Are you thirsty? Can I get you something?”

  “Just water is fine.”

  Aaron isn’t very tall—even though he’s still several inches taller than I am—but what he lacks in height, he makes up for in looks. He has an ease about him that most musicians seem to have.

  “See? Isn’t it better down here?” he asks, handing me a bottle.

  “It is actually,” I say as I subtly check the seal. My aunt has taught me well. Look for broken seals, get a bottle if you can because a smaller opening is harder to sneak something into, always keep your hand covered over your drink, and NEVER leave it unoccupied or let anyone you don’t know watch it for you.

  “This is my house, but Eric and Nick live here too. I have the downstairs to myself, and they have the rest of the house to trash.”

  “Nick?” I ask, taking a sip.

  “Our singer.”

  “Doesn’t it bother you that they’re up there trashing your house?”

  “They have to clean it up. As long as they don’t touch my domain down here, it’s all good. We don’t always throw the after parties here. It’s just convenient for the guys to have both their rooms and random girls here for easy access. No offense to your friend.”

  “None taken. She’s a big girl. I don’t make her decisions for her.” I take another sip.

  Aaron smiles at me and leans back into the couch. “So, I couldn’t help but watch you dance tonight.” My eyes widen in surprise as I choke on my water. “I completely fucked up on several occasions because I couldn’t take my eyes off of you.”

  Is he being honest or throwing me a line to get laid? I can’t tell.

  “Don’t look at me like that. I’m completely fucking serious,” he says, laughing. “I even got shit from the guys about it. You were sexy as hell.”

  If he were going for a line, he’d use this opportunity to slide over and put his arm around me, but he’s still sitting on his side of the couch.

  He thinks I’m sexy? Not…adorable?

  I blush. “Thank you. You kicked ass tonight. You guys are seriously talented. I don’t understand why you’re not on the radio or off touring somewhere.”

  “We might be soon enough. We’ll see. It would be a dream come true.”

  “That’s amazing. You guys deserve to get your chance. We’ve heard all about you from all the way up in Elmwood.”

  “Elmwood? We’ve been out there. Is that where you’re from?” he asks curiously.

  I shouldn’t have said that last part. I don’t want random guys knowing where I live, but I already let that out of the bag. “Yeah, I used to work out at The Edge.”

  “I was just there not too long ago with some friends. I didn’t see you. I would have remembered,” he says, looking into my eyes, then at my lips. I start to swoon just a little from how green his eyes are.


  “Am I interrupting something?”

  I turn to see Cassidy peeking around the corner of the stairwell. I notice Aaron looks disappointed.

  “Done already?” I ask.

  “Yes, I’m ready when you are. I can wait.”

  “No, we’ll go.” I look to Aaron. “Thank you for inviting us over. And thank you for being a gentleman and not molesting me,” I tease, standing up.

  “The night is still young...” He winks. “Can I call you sometime?”

  “Um, I’ll be at one of your shows soon enough. Why don’t I just see you then?” I did want to see him again, just not right now. I also didn’t want to give out my number and get my hopes up thinking he will call me, but doesn’t.

  He reaches towards a stack on the counter and grabs a pen to scribble something on the back. “Then here, take this.” He hands one of the fliers to me. “It has all our upcoming shows, our web address, and my number in case you ever want to get a hold of me. I hope to see you soon.”

  “Thank you.” I make my way towards Cassidy, and we head back up the stairs and into the drunken crowd to try to find our way to the door.

  “Gag me,” Cassidy says as we get into my car.

  “What?”

  “The drummer. He was laying it on pretty thick.”

  “His name is Aaron. I think he’s cute, and he was really nice. It’s proof that there are still plenty of nice guys out there. He didn’t even try to make a move on me.”

  “Yet. And what would you have done if he did try?”

  “I don’t know, honestly. I wasn’t hoping he would try anything on me.” But maybe I would have let him if he had. A little kiss never hurt anyone, right? I think I’d kiss just about anyone right now if it can help me get past this rut in my love life.

  “So, he was all talk? He really didn’t try anything?”

  “Nope.”

  “Yeah, he’s probably gay,” she says as she leans her seat back and closes her eyes.

  “I’d probably like him even more if he were,” I add.

  Chapter 10

  A couple of weeks go by until Cassidy finally gets another Saturday night off. We’re headed to Echo in Westmont, an extravagant club that is known to have good music. It’s my first time here, and it’s huge compared to The Edge. I’m kind of excited to see Aaron again. I don’t even know if he’ll remember who I am, but he helps numb a bit of my broken heart, and the guy called me sexy! Wait, make that, sexy as hell.

  I’d almost had a panic attack thinking Logan would show up to watch Lonely Shadows, but Cassidy assured me she spoke with Jack and they would be gone playing their own show somewhere else. When I’d mentioned to Zach where we were going, he’d asked to come. I talked to Cassidy about him riding along and she happily agreed. “Zach? As in, Zachary Price from Draven, is coming with us tonight? No way! I have to go. I have to find something hot to wear.”

  We find a table off to the side, yet still close to the front. I want to get as close to the stage as I can. Zach sits next to me as Cassidy slides her chair next to Zach’s. It’s no secret Cassidy is after Zach. She’s wanted him for as long as I’ve known him, and has asked him out on numerous occasions. Even though he always politely declines her, she doesn’t give up easily.

  “I told you it was a good idea to get here early,” Zach says, gesturing to our table with a perfect view.

  “Yeah, yeah. You were right, Zachary,” I say, rolling my eyes.

  “How about some shots to get this night rolling?” Cassidy asks as she tries to wave down a waitress.

  Eric appears at our table and greets us, falling into conversation with Cassidy. Aaron is a few steps behind as he walks to the side of my chair. “Long time no see,” he says to me. He remembers! I smile and look over at Zach who is staring at Aaron, expressionless.

  “Zach! What’s up buddy?” He fist bumps Zach.

  “Not much, man. Heard you guys were playing tonight and thought I’d come see you with my friends,” he says as he lightly shoulders me.

  “You guys know each other?” I ask.

  “Like I said, babe, everyone knows everyone in the music industry,” Zach replies.

  “So…how do you two know each other?” Aaron asks curiously.

  “We work together,” I respond.

  “Oh, I see. Hey, you ever going to give me your number? You still haven’t called me, either,” Aaron says, giving me a crooked smile.

  “Maybe after the show. You’d better rock my socks off.” Rock my socks off?

  He raises his eyebrows suggestively. “Maybe I will. And maybe more… I’ll check back. Come on, Eric. We gotta get started.” He looks back to me. “See you soon.”

  “Rock my socks off, Wren?” Zach quirks.

  “Shut up, Zachary. I couldn’t think of anything clever. That’s all I had,” I retort.

  “I think you could have come up with something better than that. Anything would have been better than that.”

  “Shh, they’re about to start,” I say, annoyed. I should have just let him keep talking so he could have been interrupted by the volume of the music.

  I’m thoroughly enjoying their first set when I spot Holly, in a tiny little dress, up in the front, dancing. She makes eye contact and starts making her way over. Oh no!

  “Hello everyone. How is your evening?” Holly asks, eying up Zach.

  I choose to ignore her. I don’t like her, and I don’t trust her.

  “Hi Holly. We’re doing just fine, thank you,” Cassidy says with a big fake smile.

  I give Cassidy a dirty look. I know she hates Holly for my sake, and for the fact that she used to date Jack, but she also has to be nice to her for “public relations” as she calls it. She claims she tips well.

  Holly pulls up a stray chair by Cassidy, putting her directly across from me. Yay me. I avoid all eye contact and conversation, including her repulsive bantering towards poor Zach, until she brings him up. “Yeah, sorry you two didn’t work out, Wren.” I glare at her. “Have you heard from him lately?” Holly asks me.

  “No,” I say through gritted teeth.

  “Oh nevermind, there he is. He was supposed to meet me here, like, a half hour ago. Men!” she exclaims and takes off. I’m frozen in place. I don’t look behind me. I look past Zach to Cassidy. My heart is pounding. Panic and fear showing in my eyes. Both look back at me with sympathy.

  “I’m so sorry. Jack said they had a show!” Cassidy quickly explains.

  What should I do? Run?

  Too late. Holly comes back around to our table, pulling Logan behind her, holding onto his hand. I cringe at the sight. And after one long month, we are face to face once again. He tears his blue eyes away from mine and shakes Zach’s hand, then gives Cassidy a little wave. He nods towards me, softness touching his face. “Wren.”

  “Logan,” I say, giving him a small smile. Everything we have been through is fresh in my memory, shooting a searing pain through my chest. Add that on top of seeing him here with none other than Holly, and it’s practically unbearable.

  Holly scoots closer to him as he puts his arm around the chair she’s sitting in. Are they together? I cannot believe that my wonderful night out has been turned upside down. I was doing so well! Kind of. I was starting to.

  “I want to dance,” Holly says to Logan, leading him away from us. He follows, never saying a word.

  Instantly, Zach leans over to me. “Let’s go.”

  Cassidy looks sad for me while Zach looks anywhere between as angry as I feel to as sad as Cassidy looks.

  “I don’t think I can. Not right now. They’ll know I ran,” I comment.

  “Who cares what they think!” Zach is definitely pissed now.

  “I just don’t want them to win. Besides, he’s single. He can do what he wants,” I say, matter-of-factly.

  “Fine. You just let me know when, and we’re outta here.”

  “Deal.” I try to get my emotions in check. Tears are constantly threatening to break out as I im
agine what they’re doing on the dance floor. I want to throw up. I excuse myself to go to the restroom. As Cassidy stands up to come with me, I hold up my finger. “No. Just give me a minute. Please.”

  I take my time before coming back out, hoping everything from the last ten minutes never happened.

  No luck. There they are. Standing there at my table again. Logan looks at me as Holly gives me a wry smile. “Oh I love this song!” Holly exclaims as she starts dancing. I’m writhing in discomfort when she moves in towards Logan as he stands there and watches her dance for him. He’s not smiling, he’s not doing much of anything, just watching her. She is literally using him for a pole as she starts grinding on him. In slow motion, I watch her rub her nasty vagina all up and down his leg. Bile and vomit instantly make their way to my throat. How in the fuck did I end up sitting across a table from Logan practically getting a lap dance from the one person I loathe? And how cruel can he be to come to MY fucking table and do this right in front of me?

  I feel as if I’m trapped—dying in this very moment. If I thought my heart was broken before, he just completely shattered it to pieces.

  I look away. I can’t look at them. Not at Aaron, or Zach, or Cassidy. I look towards the wall. At nothing.

  After the song is over, she drags him back out on the dance floor.

  I look to Zach as tears well in my eyes. “Can we go now? Please?”

  “About damn time,” he says and grabs my purse for me as we rise.

  “I can’t believe you sat through that. You are an oak, my friend,” Cassidy says to me as we exit my hell.

  I drop Zach off at his house and continue holding it in until we get home and I’m alone in my room. Then I let it all out. I cry tears that I didn’t know I still had. My stomach is in knots replaying the scenes in my head.

  What a heartless bastard. Why would anyone do that in front of someone they just broke up with? Or in public, no less. I don’t get it.

  *****

  I feel movement next to me on my bed. I partially open one eye to see Cassidy lying next to me. “What time is it?” I ask.

  “12:30. In the afternoon.”