I’ve tousled my long hair into a wild mess of curls that makes me look like I belong at a rock concert. Hopefully, there will be some rock music wherever we’re going because I’m definitely in the mood.
I even applied more makeup than I normally ever wear, with dark smoky eyes to match my red lipstick. It’s clear to everyone I’m on a mission tonight. To forget Gabriel. I’m trying to prove something to myself, although I’m not exactly sure what it is.
The cab ride is long, a lot longer than usual. And I’m growing impatient.
“Trust me, you’re going to love it!” Trevor tosses me a knowing glance.
When we finally arrive, I can’t believe my eyes. It’s a country bar in the middle of New York City, and it reminds me of my hometown in Idaho. Inside, the bar is packed with people of all varieties. There’s even a woman onstage, belting out a Gretchen Wilson song.
“Look!” Alanna shouts over the music. “They have karaoke here! We are so doing that tonight!”
“You haven’t even seen the best part yet,” Trevor adds, grabbing both of our hands. He tugs us along behind him to where a large crowd is looking over a fenced off area. Inside, a drunken cowboy is riding a mechanical ball over a large blue padded mat.
“Oh my God!” Alanna squeals.
“You have to ride that before the night is over.” Trevor grins at me.
“Um, no way.” I shake my head.
“We’ll see about that.” He winks.
Two beers and a shot later, I’m finally starting to feel relaxed. Alanna put our name on the karaoke list an hour ago, and they’re finally calling us up to the stage. I climb up and take the microphone nervously, and Alanna squeezes my hand for reassurance before the music starts. I smile when the lyrics flash across the screen because it’s one of my favorites. Gunpowder and Lead by Miranda Lambert.
***
Gabriel
Watching Victoria sing from a dim corner of the bar, I’m struck with confusion and surprise. She’s a little tipsy, I think.
I followed that scumbag Allen all the way out here, confronting him in the alley. He’s definitely been following Victoria, but he won’t tell me why.
I may have lost my cool and punched him a couple times before he took off in the other direction. I thought about chasing after him, but knew it was useless. I can’t believe a word the scumbag has to say anyway, and I need to stay here and watch over Victoria. I can’t stand the thought of that sleazebag Allen getting his hands on her, or whoever it is that hired him.
As I watch the stage, I notice Victoria looks different. Not really sad, but not happy either. Numb, maybe. I’ve been watching her carefully, trying to get a read on her emotions. Trying to see if she pulled one over on me, just like the rest of them.
I haven’t been able to approach her yet, my temper too raw. I don’t want to say something I’m going to regret.
But as I see all of the men in the crowd ogling her, it makes my blood boil. She’s wiggling her hips in time to the music, and they’re going crazy for it.
It takes everything inside of me not to storm up there and haul her off over my shoulder. When the song finally ends, she heads back to her table and sits down. I use the opportunity to order another whiskey from the bar.
But as I turn around with a fresh drink in hand, she’s standing behind me.
“What the hell are you doing here, Gabriel?” she jams her finger into my chest.
“I’m protecting what’s mine,” I answer coolly, resisting the urge to pull her into my arms.
“I’m not yours, anymore!” she hisses. “And I don’t need protecting, so you can just leave!”
I slam my drink down on the bar, grabbing both of her arms and whirling her around as I press my body against hers. She’s trapped against the bar as I inhale her scent, my whole body relaxing with her warmth.
“Tell me, Victoria,” I whisper into her ear. “Tell me to my face that you don’t want me anymore.”
She goes limp at my words, her defenses crumbling around me. She looks down at my arms and gasps at the cuts around them.
“Gabriel, what happened to you?”
“I thought you didn’t care,” I bristle.
“Of course I care.” Her voice cracks. “I don’t want to see you hurt.”
“If you care, then leave with me now,” I insist.
That gives her enough fuel to stoke the fire that burns inside. She spins around and pushes hard on my chest.
“You don’t own me, Gabriel. I’m not going anywhere… I’m here with my friends, and I’m staying.”
I stumble back and clench my jaw as she stomps off to her table and slams another shot of Tequila. I turn back to the bar and down the dark whiskey in front of me, the burning sensation in my throat keeping me from going crazy.
***
Victoria
“Sign me up for the bull,” I tell Alanna resolutely.
“Uh… really?”
“Yes. I want to do it.”