Showing my pass to the security we’re waved in.
We quickly grab a table, and I ensure it’s one with a good view of the door, so I can see when Jake arrives.
Will goes to the bar to get us some drinks. The party is buzzing already. But all I can think about is Jake. When is he going to get here? And what kind of mood will he be in when he does arrive?
“So the show was great,” Simone enthuses. “A little crazy in parts.” She raises her eyebrow and I know exactly what she’s getting at.
“No kidding,” I mutter.
“Is Jake always that … intense?”
“Not generally, but with me, recently … yes.”
“God, when he started talking about all the cheating stuff, then he started singing Mr Brightside, I nearly died for you.”
“I think I did die.” I give her a weak smile.
“He’s definitely got it bad for you, sweetie.”
“I don’t know about that.” I lift my shoulders. “I think maybe it’s just because currently, I’m the one thing he can’t have.”
She shakes her head. “No, it’s more than that. He wouldn’t put himself out there on the line like that if it was just for a conquest. I’m pretty sure there are others things out there for Jake to conquest if he wanted.”
Yeah, and mostly that’s what I’m worried about.
I see movement in the door, distracting me.
Denny walks in with Stuart. But no sign of Jake or Tom.
Where is he? Wouldn’t they come together? They usually do, but then I’ve been with them on those occasions.
Odd though because Stuart is always with Jake. I wonder why he’s sent him on with Denny?
People stop Denny, congratulating him on the show. Stuart spies me and comes over to our table.
“Hello my gorgeous chica” He kisses me on the cheek. “Oh, and another gorgeous.” He kisses Simone. She flushes scarlet.
“Are all you Brit chicks gorgeous, or just the ones Tru knows?”
“All British girls are hot – especially the half-Puerto Rican and foxy blonde ones.” I grin at him.
“Well, if the men are anything near as good looking as your hot boyfriend then I’m flying over now,” he says to us, grinning, setting both Simone and I laughing.
Even though I’m laughing, all I want to do is ask Stuart where Jake is. But I can’t. It might look to obvious.
Denny finally makes it to our table, and drops down into the seat next to Simone. I see her instantly tense up.
“Hey, Tru,” he smiles.
“Denny this is my best friend and roommate, Simone,” I introduce.
“Great to meet you,” Denny turns, looking at Simone for the first time, and I see his eyes widen the instant he looks at her.
I’m not surprised, she is absolutely gorgeous.
I see her eyes are already lit up like a Christmas tree over Denny. You’d have to be blind not to notice the obvious, instant attraction.
Oh, I have a good feeling about this I smile to myself as Denny starts to talk to Simone; happy that at least out of the two of us, one of us is currently happy.
Will comes back with our drinks. A margarita for me. He knows me so well.
I take a sip, the fresh alcohol kick is perfect. My drinks from the gig were starting to wear off.
“Sorry guys, I didn’t realise you were here otherwise I’d have got you some drinks in,” Will says to Stuart and Denny.
“Hey, no problem, man,” Denny says, waving him off.
“Oh, Denny, this is my boyfriend, Will.”
I don’t know why but it suddenly feels odd referring to Will as my boyfriend to Denny.
“Nice to meet you, man.” Denny shakes Will’s hand.
“You too,” Will says, politely. “Great show.”
“Thanks.”
“I’ll go to the bar,” Stuart starts to get to his feet, but Denny gets up. “Sit down, man, I’ll get these – beer?” he asks Stuart.
“Beer’s good,” Stuart replies, sitting back down.
Denny heads over to the bar, and Stuart starts talking to Will about the show.
I lean across the table to Simone. “So Denny…” I raise my eyebrows at her.
She flushes red. It’s so cute to see. I haven’t seen her like this about a guy for a long while.
“He’s even better looking in the flesh,” she whispers, shyly.
“He is,” I agree. “And he’s a really great guy. He was in a long term relationship, but they broke up about a year ago and he’s been single ever since.”
“So basically he’s not a womaniser like the other two?”
It’s my turn to flush. “Um … yes.”
She grimaces. “Sorry that sounded–”
I flash my eyes in Will’ direction, cutting her off.
She presses her lips together, apologising with her eyes.
I sit back in my chair and give her a light, forgiving smile. But it feels heavy on my face and I can’t hold it for long.