Chapter 50
50
GAVIN
G avin sat mesmerized by the show Sophie was putting on. She and Patsy, emboldened by liquid courage, had jumped up to do a karaoke version of Blondie’s “One Way or Another.” They danced together, giggling as they sang with abandon. Sophie’s hair was loose and her short white sundress showcased her long, tanned legs. The smiles both women wore as they improvised dance moves were contagious.
The whole gang had assembled at the Noosa Heads Surf Club Bar to catch the sunset on the covered deck. The club was one story up from the beach and offered a lively spot to drink and enjoy the local scene. They had pushed together four tables and had been there for hours when it was announced that it was karaoke night.
“This is the girl for you. Don’t fuck it up,” Christian said.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Gavin replied with a laugh, though he didn’t pull his eyes away from Sophie.
“Gav, I’m telling you as a friend is all. Rogue is about to fucking explode. You think you’ve seen mayhem? You ain’t seen nothing yet. This album is the real deal. It’s going to send you guys so far over the top you won’t remember what life was like before it.”
Gavin felt a shiver run up his spine at the bold proclamation, though he couldn’t accept it so easily. “Jesus, I appreciate the support,” he said with a glance to Christian, “but think you might be exaggerating a bit?”
“Mate, I’ve been around long enough to know what I’m talking about. You’re going to need something to keep you grounded. And from what I can see, Sophie is it for you.”
Pulling his eyes off Sophie, Gavin finally turned to Christian. “Don’t think for a minute that I don’t know that about her. As much as everyone thinks that last song on the album is romantic bullshit, what she and I have is real.”
“Good,” Christian replied. “And look, no one thinks it’s romantic bullshit, okay?”
Gavin laughed and lifted his pint glass to his friend. “Listen, what do you want to bet Con ends up with not only the blonde there, but her friend as well?” he asked with a sly grin, and nodded to where Conor stood in a corner chatting up two women.
“As long as he takes it to their place and not mine, he can have at it.”
As the song ended, Sophie and Patsy bowed in response to the raucous applause and whistles they received. Sophie then hugged Patsy before begging off.
Gavin watched as she walked away, and soon noticed that she turned quite a few heads along the way. He had always known she was a beautiful girl, but he was now realizing she was truly exceptional and would naturally get the attention that went along with that. Understanding this, however, did not make it any easier to accept. As a man, his pride told him not to share her in any way, shape, or form. And so it was an increasing battle between that instinct and his rational intellect over how possessive he could truly be.