34. Chapter Thirty-Four
We pick up Mila on the way to the show. Her car wouldn’t start, and she doesn’t like taking a rideshare alone. Mark is already at the venue so she couldn’t ask him. Her house isn’t out of the way, so it isn’t a big deal. Even if it was, we’d still get her.
The lot is mostly full by the time we get there. It’s in the next city over, same as where the club was. Most people our age venture this way to have fun, because you’re not finding that in Lynncastor.
The venue is technically a bar but hosts live bands all the time. I came here once in high school to see a band Mark wanted to see. It was a 16+ show, so even though we couldn’t drink, it was fun. It holds a decent number of people and Mark’s band has played here many times before. They always have a successful outcome, so I hear. This is the first time I’ll have heard them play a show since back in high school. Except for the other day when I was at his house, but that was different. They have all their good equipment set up here. They’re playing for people they don’t know, and not just messing around to mess around.
Chris covers the admission for the three of us to get in, even with me and Mila arguing about it. He waves us off, ignoring our pleas. We find a group of people we know as soon as we get inside.
The stage is a decent size and set against the far wall. The open space in front of it already has people lingering, and I can’t be sure if they’re here for Mark’s band, the opening band, or just hanging out. Nestled in the walls are little nooks with couches that are full of people already. There aren’t many of them, and always where people flock to first. Across from the stage, past the standing area and where we are, are the tables and booths, blocked off by a metal railing to keep the floor separate in case of dancers and mosh pits. There is a full bar by the entrance, and stairs beside it that lead upstairs to balcony viewing, but I don’t see anyone up there and I’m not sure if it’s open to the public tonight.
There’s music playing over the speakers, but it isn’t loud yet. Enough that we can have conversations without yelling. Once the bands come on, I doubt we’ll be able to hear anything.
“I’m nervous about him being here,” I whisper to Mila.
She nods, glancing at the bar. “He’s a big boy,” she says, looking back at me. “He makes his own decisions.”
I swear, she keeps this mindset so she doesn’t get hurt. I know they both love one another. They’ve loved each other since they first set eyes on each other, but that isn’t enough for everyone. No one knows what goes on with them, or if anything ever has. Maybe though they have feelings for one another, they’re strong enough to admit they aren’t right for the other.
Like I should do with Cole.
Like I have to do with Cole.
I throw my arm around Mila, and she puts hers around my waist.
“You know, I only came because you were coming,” she says, looking up at me.
“Really?” I ask.
“Yeah, I don’t come to many of Mark’s shows anymore. I love supporting him, but it’s not my scene. I thought you may want the company.”
I kiss her head and squeeze her to me. “Love you, Mila.”
She giggles. “Love you too, Bry. Want a drink?”
“Soda maybe.”
She heads to the bar, and I mingle with the group of guys over here. I recognize a lot of them from high school and from Mark’s party but can’t remember most of their names. A few of them are with girls, but there aren’t any girls hanging out alone. Mila is the only one. I’ll stick by her side to make sure she doesn’t feel uncomfortable and to make sure no one gets handsy with her if they drink too much. I’m not a fighter, but I will not stand for someone groping someone who doesn’t want it.
Mila returns a moment later with a soda for each of us.
“Let’s sit over here.” I point to a table a few feet away that’s smaller and with a clear view of the stage. We sit on the same side so we can chat.
“I had an interview the other day.”
“You did?” Her eyes brighten. “That’s great. How did it go? Where was it? For what?”
“Same old Mila with the rapid-fire questions.” She slaps my chest playfully.
“I think it went well. I was supposed to hear from them this afternoon but haven’t yet.”
“I’m sure they’re just busy.”
I nod. “It’s a graphic design position at an ad agency.”
“That sounds fun.”
“Fun?” I laugh. “Sure.” I take a sip of my drink. “How’s work going for you?”
“It’s work. Thinking of going back to school.”
“All the way?”
She nods, fiddling with her straw. “I thought I’d be worried about having all the responsibility, but after being there, I realize I may like it.”
“Oh, come on. Did you really think you’d be able to get by in life without being in charge?”
She gasps and swats me again.
“Hey, it’s a compliment!” I laugh.
She rolls her eyes. “I love what I do, but I keep thinking about being the one to deliver the babies and it makes me so happy.”
“Then you should do it.”
She chews on her lip, absently nodding. “It’s just so much more schooling.”
“But if you want to do it, you should.”
She opens her mouth to say something, but the music cuts off and someone is on the stage speaking into a microphone. His long wavy hair is down, covering some of his face. Tight jeans, beat up converse, a red t-shirt, and blue flannel. He looks like Onyx. Who, come to think of it, I haven’t seen here yet. Chris said he was coming though.
“Rockers and rockettes! Thank you for joining us tonight. We have an amazing line-up for you, including two local bands!” Everyone claps and whoops. As I look around, I realize the place got packed just while Mila and I were chatting. “Just hang tight for a little bit longer—our first band will be up soon.”
The guy leaves the stage and people hop up to set up equipment.
Mila wraps her arms around me suddenly. “I’m so glad you’re back.”
“Me too,” I respond when she pulls back. She holds my gaze for a minute, and I can tell she wants to say something. “Out with it.”
She grins, but then it falls. “Do you regret going to RISD?”
I think about it for a moment. “I don’t regret doing what I wanted to do. Art is what I love, and once I find a job, it’ll be even better. I can’t say I regret going there. I just know it would have been easier if I hadn’t.”
“But you wouldn’t be happy.”
“I wouldn’t be happy,” I agree.
“Have you talked to your father?”
“Not since before I moved in with Chris. Why do you ask?”
“Just making conversation.” She reaches for her soda and takes a long sip.
“Hey!” I look up at the excited voice and there’s Tomas. “Is this seat taken?” he asks, pointing to the one across from me.
“Nope,” I answer. He pulls the chair out to sit. “I’m guessing you two know each other?” I ask, pointing between the two of them.
They smile at each other. “We do,” Tomas answers as Mila nods.
“We’ve hung out many late nights together while our brothers practice,” she says, then looks at me. “How do you know one another?”
Tomas raises a brow at me as if putting the ball in my court.
“We know each other from before I left and ran into one another at your house.” I explain the simplest way possible.
“Small world,” she says, hiding her smile behind her cup.
“You come to all the shows?” I ask Tomas.
“Not usually, but I didn’t have anything else to do tonight. This your first one?”
“Outside of the garage and high school, yes.”
He gets to his feet. “I’m going to grab a drink. You want anything?” he asks, looking between both of us.
We both tell him we’re all set. I look for Chris and find him sitting at a table with the same guys he’s been talking to. He looks good. And he isn’t drinking anything.
“So, you and Tomas?” Mila asks, nudging me with her shoulder.
I shake my head. “Not like that. He’s nice, but not my type.”
I’m getting tired of saying that.
She scrunches up her nose. “Yeah, I figured that.”
“How so?” I ask, curious as to what she means.
She shrugs. “Tomas is like Ian Somerhalder in Vampire Diaries. But you’re more like a Joe Manganiello in True Blood.”
My jaw drops open, and I grin.
“What is with all the vampire shows?” I laugh.
“I’ve been on a vampire romance kick! Don’t judge me.” She gives me a playful shove.
“I’m not judging.” I hold up my hands in surrender. “Also, you’re not wrong.”
“I knew it!” I grin and look back at Chris. He’s still there. “You know who kinda looks like Joe Manganiello?” she hedges. I don’t miss the suggestive tone she’s using.
I chuckle and glance at her. “Who?”
She grins knowingly. “Chris’s dad.”