As I finish reading, I shake my head. How the hell do women find this process romantic? There are so many rules about how to behave and what to think, it must suck all the joy out of being spontaneous. I know I should keep an open mind to get the story, but I’m still skeptical that going on these dates will achieve anything except reinforce my idea that what Max does is tacky and unscrupulous. I don’t care how attractive he is. There’s no way he can create a real, meaningful connection with someone while being constrained by all of this nonsense. I’d be willing to admit that women fall in lust with him, but not love.
I look up as Joanna knocks on my door. “Hey! You might want to get dressed. We’re heading out soon.”
I look down at my skinny jeans and gray V-neck T-shirt. “I am dressed.”
Joanna raises her eyebrows and gives me one of those smiles that has a definite edge of, Oh, God, really?
She smiles at me, and I smile back, until she finally says, “Okay, then. Let’s go get our party on!”
Asha calls out that our car will arrive in ten as I pack away my computer and pull on my boots.
Conscious that Ash and Joanna look like they just stepped off the set of Young, Hot, and Hip in Manhattan, I slap on some smoky eye makeup and clear gloss before the girls drag me downstairs and out into the street to meet our car.
Half-an-hour later, we pull up in front of The Rock Shop, one of NYC’s trendier live music venues. Even though we’re an hour early to see the headline act, the building is already teeming with people.
“God, I’m soooo excited,” Joanna says as she bypasses the huge line waiting to get in and leads us straight up to the two enormous bouncers. “This night is going to rock!”
The bouncers barely glance at Joanna before lifting the velvet rope and ushering us inside. Asha and I exchange a glance.
“How?” I whisper.
Ash shrugs. “I have no idea, but the more time I spend with her, the more I realize she knows everyone. Maybe all those tall stories she’s famous for are true after all.”
We push through the heavy door and are immediately hit with a wall of sound. Within five minutes of stepping into the packed space, I remember why I rarely see live bands. If the ear-splitting noise, sticky floor, and huge crowds weren’t enough to turn me off, then the faceless ass-grabbing as we push toward the bar is.
“Let’s line up for shots!” Joanna yells over the music. “I’m buying!”
We’ve all downed two cocktails already, but I’m still feeling stone-cold sober. I smile when Joanna gets the bartender to line up shots of Patron.
I lean into her. “Now we’re talking!” I figure that if all else fails, switch to tequila to let the good times roll.
We all slam back a shot, and I shudder as it burns in all the right ways.
“Wow, these guys are really good!” Asha says into my ear as she points to the guys rocking it out onstage. “They’re just one of the opening acts, but they’ve really got the crowd pumping!”
I look out over the sea of bodies in front of the stage. They certainly seem to be having a good time.
After I down my second shot, I start feeling no pain. Then Joanna suggests we get closer to the stage, so we all hold hands and push our way through the gyrating throng.
I must admit, this music is growing on me. With some alcohol in my system, I can understand how the energy of this kind of event could turn people on. The lights, the sound, the seething mass of passionate people. It’s all working for me.
I have a brief look around for Max, but I can’t see him anywhere. In fact, there are few guys here tonight, and those that are seem to have taken up permanent residence at the bar. There are several women nearby who look high-end enough to be among Max’s clientele. I edge close to one who seems to be wearing way too much diamond jewelry to be here just for the music.
“This is great!” I say to her, and she smiles and nods. “Are you here with someone?”
She gives me a sympathetic smile. “Oh, sweetie, you’re very cute, but I’m waiting for my boyfriend. He’ll be here in ten.”
I sigh in mock-disappointment. “Oh, well. Bummer for me. Enjoy your night.”
Okay, so she’s a potential.
I move away but make sure I still have a clear view of her, just in case.
Asha pokes me. “What are you doing?”
“Nothing.”
“Then stop hassling strangers and dance with us.”
I continue scoping the room as I dance with the girls, but I still try to have good time. When we’ve pushed to the front of the stage, we join everyone in throwing our arms above our heads in time with the music. I don’t think I’ve ever done this before, and right now I can’t figure out why it’s taken me so long. Max may have had a point about me not having enough fun in my life.
I scream and clap along with everyone else as the band finishes their set. The M.C. comes onstage to chat to the crowd and cover the next setup, and we silently agree to have a well-deserved rest.
“Do you guys want water?” Asha asks.
Joanna and I nod vigorously.
“I’ll come with you,” Joanna says.
They look back at me to see if I want to follow, but I’d rather scope the room for Mr. Riley.
“I’m good,” I say. “I’ll wait here.” I keep my eye on my mark, who’s now talking to a couple of other luxe ladies. Perhaps they’re all a part of the exclusive M.R. fan club.
While they chat, I push my fingers through my hair and move to lean against the giant stack of speakers, so I can catch my breath. There’s a flurry of movement onstage as they swap over equipment for the next act.
After a few minutes, the M.C. comes back on to address us. “And now, we have one of our most popular singer/songwriters here to take us up to show time. Please give a huge Rock Show welcome to Caleb Sykes!”
The women around me scream their heads off, and it makes me wish I’d brought earplugs like I’d planned.
I head over to the stage just as a driving rock beats starts up, followed by a voice so appealing, it immediately has all of my attention. When I move out to get a better view of the stage, a rush of shock and disbelief hits me. The tall, muscled singer with the dreamy voice, chaotic hair, and two-day scruff is ... Max.
“Holy goddamn Mother of Shit.”
*
My mind is reeling. What the hell is happening right now? Maybe this is just someone who looks like Max, and I’ve been so obsessed with him and this story, I’m making myself see things that aren’t there.