Chapter 31
Chapter Thirty-One
Sloan
Quinn, Sutton, and I are standing around the counter sipping on our second iced toffee lattes of the day, taking a breather. We have been prepping the café for the show tonight since we left the gym this morning, while still serving customers.
We only opened from eight to noon today so we’d have time to get everything set up and stored away.
Sutton and the guys also needed some time to practice a little bit before the show.
We moved some of the tables and chairs back into the kitchen to give us a little more space than we usually have for shows.
With From Troy being back in their hometown and putting on a free show to celebrate how successful their first tour has been, we’re expecting to be pushing max capacity tonight.
We honestly should have hired actual security but Beck and Asher will be here along with four other guys from the gym, so hopefully things will run as smoothly as they can.
From Troy has been setting up special effects lighting around the stage, along with a smaller smoke machine.
Their surround sound and microphones have been upgraded since they performed here last. They’re using a more condensed version of their tour set tonight since everything they’ve accrued on tour won’t fit in here.
A large speaker sits on either end of the stage. Beau’s drum set, along with Knox and Ty’s guitar and bass are leaning against the walls, tuned and ready to go.
Lights were installed in the ceiling before you enter our book room that drop down and project like strobe lights onto the stage.
They will be illuminating Sutton and August’s every move on stage tonight.
I can already feel the excitement of From Troy being back and the show hasn’t even started yet.
“It looks perfect, Sunshine.” August comes up, grabbing Sutton gently by the throat. Pulling her to him and pressing his lips to hers.
She’s blushing when August pulls away. “Thank you, Auggie.”
“Your room is literally upstairs. Use it.” Quinn dramatically pretends to dry heave.
“You’re just jealous, Blondie,” Knox quips, crushing his lips down onto Quinn’s.
Quinn definitely kisses Knox back, but she shoves him off of her as fast as Knox’s lips were on Quinn’s. “You have three seconds to get out of my face before I slap you, Knoxie!”
Sutton, August, and I are dead silent. Just watching the exchange between the two of them.
“Oooh, please slap me, baby.” Knox drops a quick kiss on Quinn’s lips again before he’s jogging backwards toward the door.
“Bro, where are you going?” August asks.
“I don’t live here like the lot of you. I’m gonna run home and change. I’ll be back in an hour,” Knox replies. Blowing one last kiss to Quinn before he’s out the door.
Sutton and I burst out in laughter at the look on Quinn’s face.
Quinn looks equal parts flushed and disgusted.
“I’m going upstairs to change,” Quinn huffs. “Who’s coming with me?”
“I could use a quick shower. I’ll be right up,” I say, before grabbing our coffee cups and running them back to the kitchen to wash and put away.
“We need to get ready too,” Sutton says, smiling at August.
August walks over to the door that heads up to the apartment.
Opening the door, he puts his arm out. “After you ladies.”
After I finished showering, I let Quinn and Sutton dress me in their concert attire.
Quinn gave me a pair of her black ripped skinny jeans to wear and a pair of black platform Converse boots. I already had a light blue long sleeve cropped top. The girls approved so I went with it.
Quinn put my hair in half up, half down space buns. Sutton gave me the perfect winged eyeliner. And when Sutton handed me her cherry red lipstick, I paused for just a second, before swiping it on my lips and sending a giant ‘fuck you’ to James.
I haven’t worn anything like this since college. But honestly, I’m not sure I’ve ever worn anything quite this tight or revealing. My parents would have never approved and James… He would probably lose his mind in the worst way if he saw me in this.
Which is why it felt that much better to wear a bold red lip.
There were no roses or concerning notes left anywhere today. So, I’m a little less weary that James will show up tonight.
I head downstairs to do one last sweep of the floor, while Sutton and August do their vocal warm-ups upstairs.
I still check to make sure the door’s locked before wandering around to make sure everything is set up exactly as planned.
The bookstore and kitchen are closed and locked for the night, so nothing can be tampered with.
The fairy lights are lit on the back patio giving it a soft ambient glow.
It’s a perfect, cool fall night. Having these doors open is going to feel amazing once the café is packed.
The stage lights are set to a dimmed blue, softly illuminating the stage.
Stealing a peek out the glass windows, it looks like a whole hoard of people are waiting outside the door.
Beck must see me through the window. He knocks on the glass door before using his key to get in. Letting in Asher and a few of the other guys who look familiar from the gym, before Beck locks the door behind them. Tugging on the door for good measure without me even having to ask.
My heart swoons at his thoughtful actions.
“That line wraps all the way down the block and around the bend,” Asher exclaims.
“Fuck me. Are you trying to kill me, Little Dove?” Beck growls when he finally gets a good look at me. “Come here.”
I stare at him with fire in my eyes but I don’t move.
“Come. Here. Now.” Beck rasps. “Please.”
Slowly strutting over to him, sashaying my hips the slightest bit, my eyes never leaving his, I make my way to him. Stopping as soon as I’m directly in front of him. “Beckett.”
“Little Dove.” Beck swallows.
“Would you two just fuck already?” One of the guys from the gym says.
He barely makes out a chuckle before Beck is grabbing him by the throat and shoving him into one of the glass windows. “Watch your fucking mouth around her, Sullivan or you’ll be swallowing your teeth,” Beck snarls.
“Beck!” I gasp, trying to pull Beck’s arm to make him let go of Sullivan.
Beck let’s him go, turning to me. “I’m sorry, Little Dove. But no one fucking talks to you or about you like that.”
“Okay. Just as Sullivan should watch what he says, you should watch putting your hands on people, Beckett,” I scold them both.
“I’m sorry, baby,” Beck apologizes.
“I’m sorry too, Sloan,” Sullivan offers.
“Thank you.” I nod at him, before turning to Asher and Beck.
“Any who, Sutton and Quinn would like you to set up like actual security. I’m not sure if you can start a group text just in case.
They want at least one guy out back on the patio for the show.
Two at the door. Two at the front of the stage and maybe one just sort of floating, walking around like a normal guy, but available,” I explain to the guys.
“Sounds good. Beck and I can watch the door. Luca and Sullivan can be up at the stage. John can stand out on the patio. Bigs you can mingle in the crowd and keep an eye from the middle,” Asher instructs.
“Got it,” they all say in unison.
“Little Dove, promise me you’ll stay close to Q all night?” Beck asks sweetly, cradling my face in his hands.
“I promise. I don’t plan to leave her side.”
“Good. If you need me, you know where to find me. If it’s too crowded and you can’t get to me, don’t hesitate to text. I’ll keep my phone on vibrate. I will move heaven and earth to get to you.” Beck presses a soft kiss to my lips.
“Okay.” Grateful to know Beck has my back.
“Baby, one last thing.” Beck pulls away looking into my eyes.
“Yeah?”
Beck pulls out a pocket knife attached to a small silver chain. “Do not take this off, unless you need to use it.”
Beck moves behind me, gently moving my hair to the side, before placing the pocket knife necklace around my neck and clasping it in the back.
Beck’s fingertips gently trace my clavicle before he tucks the knife under my shirt. Making it look like I’m just wearing a dainty silver chain.
I graze my fingers over the little knife. “Thank you.”
“All you have to do is tug down on it with a little bit of force and it’ll break the chain free so you can use it,” Beck explains.
Stretching up on my toes, I plant a soft kiss on his lips. Telling him thank you with my kiss.
Beck pulls me closer to him, deepening the kiss. “Be safe, baby. We’ll finish what we started this morning later tonight.”
Asher clears his throat, stating, “Doors open in 2 minutes, we gotta get in position.”
My skin feels flushed as I pull away from Beck.
Quinn comes running down the stairs, dressed in a black sequined bodysuit and hot pink leather pants. “Sorry I’m late. Is everybody ready?”
“You look…” Asher swallows. “Wow.” His eyes light up at the sight of Q.
“Thank you, Ash.” Quinn kisses his cheek, leaving a hot pink lip print behind.
“Oops, sorry.” Quinn goes to wipe Asher’s cheek off with her thumb, but he gently grips her wrist, stopping her.
“Leave it,” Asher commands.
“Ooh…um…okay,” Quinn fumbles her words, a bit surprised.
“Q, please don’t get separated from Sloan tonight,” Beck pleads.
“Scouts honor.” Quinn salutes Beck. “Now go man your stations, boys!”
“Yes ma’am!” The guys all salute and disperse.
Quinn and I are sitting on the counter trying to get some air.
I have the best view in the house of Beck from here.
Beck and Ash check attendees for weapons before letting them in.
Beck’s dark gray T-shirt stretches across every inch of his defined back. His sculpted biceps flex every time he pats someone down.
I catch myself fidgeting sitting next to Quinn.
When did I become such a hussy for this man?
“This place is packed like a can of sardines! I’m pretty sure we are breaking more than one fire code violation,” Quinn says almost in awe, snapping me out of my daydream of Beck. The vision of his biceps flexing while he held my legs open devouring me this morning.
“It’s pretty incredible being a part of this. Seeing how far they’ve come in such a short period of time.” I smile at Quinn.