Rachel quietly walked away with Matt as soon as he could politely escape the limelight. Griffin was pulled over to a table of fresh-faced college girls, and eventually only Kellan was left in the swirl of eager and curious patrons.
Turning to Rita, I decided to order the boys some beers while I waited for Kellan. Not surprisingly, Rita already had several bottles of their preferred beer on the counter. Nodding over at Kellan, the bleach-blonde asked, “So what’s really going on with Kellan and Sienna? Because by the looks of that video, that wasn’t their first roll in the hay . . . or their last.”
Surprise washed through me at her question, not because she’d asked it, but because I hadn’t realized the video had been released. That must be why Sienna’s name was being spoken in hushed tones around me. Looking over at Kellan frowning as he scratched his head, I shrugged. “Don’t believe everything you see.” I returned my eyes to the appraising bartender. “He’s barely seen or spoken to Sienna.”
Rita smirked. “Honey, when he was in his prime, he barely saw or spoke to any of them.”
I lifted my hand to show her my ring. “We’re still together.”
Rita whistled as she grabbed my hand. “Damn!” She glanced over at Kellan. “Boy does have good taste.” As I watched the middle-aged woman lick her collagen-injected lips, I didn’t think that was entirely true. There had been points in Kellan’s life when his taste was quite questionable.
Once Kellan broke free from the inquisition, he made his way back to the band’s traditional table. Sam had cleared it upon our arrival, and the displaced customers didn’t seem too angry since bona fide rock stars were in their midst. Denny and Abby were at a nearby table having dinner. Kellan yanked their chairs over, making them sit with us, while Abby laughed at the move.
Now seated on my right, Denny and I clinked glasses and toasted each other. We took a moment to catch up on our time apart while the boys at the table bragged about the success of their album. Flicking a quick glance at Kellan, Denny leaned over to me and asked, “You guys still okay?” His tone was laced with concern.
Knowing he’d probably seen the video too, I contained a sigh. “You mean because of the music video, don’t you? Yeah, I’m fine.”
“You’ve seen it?” he asked, his voice hesitant.
“Not the final version . . . but I watched the boys film it.” The memory of seeing Kellan grinding with Sienna threatened to overtake the present, but I pushed it back. We had a lot to celebrate, and I wanted to enjoy it. I wanted to stay in the moment.
“Oh.” Denny seemed genuinely shocked. I could understand his reaction. I could only imagine how hot the final video was, and combined with the sordid gossip about Kellan and Sienna running like wildfire across the countryside . . . Well, my being okay with the situation, and even being a watchful participant in the filming of it, must seem a world away from the timid, jealous, and selfish girl I’d been a few years ago.
“I’m sure it looks more intense than it actually was. It was pretty . . . tepid during filming.” Well, at least for the first few takes, it was.
“Oh,” Denny said again. “It’s just . . . very convincing.”
Setting down my drink, I looked over at Kellan on my left. “We’re great,” I reiterated to Denny. He nodded, but I could tell by the look in his eye as he glanced at Kellan that he’d ask me again if I was all right. He probably would every time he saw me.
Anna showed up when she was finished with work. Wobbling over to our table, she plopped herself on Griffin’s lap. He’d pulled himself away from the coeds’ table once I had started doling out beers. Griffin choosing beer over women had surprised me some, but with the smile on his face as Anna nibbled on his ear, I began to wonder if maybe women didn’t hold the allure for him that they once did; he sure seemed content with my sister wriggling around his privates.
As it was a Friday night, Poetic Bliss showed up not too much later and took to the stage. Rain made a huge deal about Kellan being in the audience. While he laughed, she rushed to his table and dragged him to the stage. The awaiting crowd starting screaming with excitement. Holding his hands up, Kellan playfully batted the spunky rocker chick away from him. She dodged his mock blows, holding her hands into little fists; the pleated skirt she wore was so short that I could see the edge of her underwear when she crouched down. Even though I hated that the pair had a history, I had to laugh at the cute display they were putting on.