45. Chase #2
David glances between Jeremiah and I quickly before nodding casually, looking back at the stage.
“So, maybe I will get up there,” I answer him. “Any requests?”
Jeremiah looks at me, longing in his eyes. “What about the last one you sang? It was perfect.”
I laugh. “I can’t sing the same song two times in a row. You’d think you’ve never done karaoke before.” I shake my head, crossing my arms.
“Fun fact, I have not.” Jeremiah shrugs.
I fake gasp. “The horror.”
“Hey, I’m just doing you a favor. I think I’d like to save everyone's ears.” He laughs leaning into the table.
“Bless us with your voice, Jere. I know you’ve got it in you—”
An awkward cough comes out on my right from Mia, sharply reminding me that we’re not alone. It feels like cold water washes over us as we sit back correctly in our seats. I didn’t even realize we were both leaning in so far on the table. Fuck, it’s like I can’t even talk to him without flirting.
I glance at David and the rest of the table who look involved in either the stage or each other. Thankfully.
“Alrighty. Two sprites and one double rum and coke.” Theo returns, placing the drinks down in front of Jeremiah and David. He stands at the end of the table looking over everyone.
“How was I?!” Todd pants, slamming his hand on the table.
“You definitely… sang a song.” Bailey nods, her brows coaxing up.
“Why? Is that cringe? Should I not have—” He blubbers sitting back down.
“Oh my gosh, you did great,” I reassure him, patting him on the back. Poor guy.
The DJ interrupts this little moment by calling Bailey’s name to the stage.
“Ah! That’s my queue,” she squeals. “Let me show you how it’s done,” she teases to Todd, before prancing over to the stage.
He slumps back in his chair, watching Bailey grab the mic and get herself ready.
“You need some backbone if you want to get anywhere with the ladies.” David shakes his head watching Todd. “That timid shit is not doing you any favors.”
“Uh, I actually think he’s doing a pretty great job with the ladies. He’s fine the way he is.” Mia remarks, taking a sip from her Mojito.
“Oh, yeah? Might want to slow down on those, little lady.” David comments.
Mia clenches her jaw and I can see this tense moment from a mile away. Is it just me or is David a fucking prick?
I look over at Jeremiah who looks to his left at Theo. They give each other a quick look. Quick enough most people would've missed it.
But I don't.
It's small—barely anything at all—but Theo's mouth twitches at the corner and Jeremiah's eyes crinkle at the sides.
Something passes between them.
Something familiar.
And it hurts. So fucking badly.
Suddenly, I feel sick.
The music for Bailey’s song starts up and the whole bar starts cheering, locking in to her as she starts dramatically, flipping her hair like a true musician.
“Oh, what a throwback.” Mia claps. “I love this song!”
I recognize the song instantly. Right as I open my mouth to tell that to Jeremiah—
My stomach twists at the sight.
Theo’s hand is squeezing his shoulder as he whispers something in his ear.
Bailey flips her hair, falling on her knees, giving the performance of her life as she belts out lyrics like,
I want you to want me
I need you to need me
I'd love you to love me
I'm beggin' you to beg me
I grab my Mojito, chugging back a huge sip, trying and failing on averting my eyes from the two of them whispering something that I can’t hear.
Feelin' all alone without a friend
You know you feel like dyin'
Oh, didn't I, didn't I, didn't I
See you cryin'
The words hit me smack in the chest, and before I know it, I can hardly breathe.
“Chase?”
My eyes sting as they shoot up to connect with Mia. Her eyes are glistening as she looks at me, worry all over her face.
I shake my head. All of a sudden, the music is too loud. Everyone is too close, and—
Before I can decide what to do, I push up from my chair too quickly—
and immediately knock into an incoming waiter.
A wave of cold liquid splashes straight down the front of me, cups tipping and clattering to the floor.
“Oh shoot!” the waiter hisses, dropping his tray as he steps back.
“Fuck— I’m sorry. I’m so sorry,” I blurt, already bending down as the sting of embarrassment heats the back of my neck.
I drop to the floor trying to help, but I’m quickly waved off as another staff member rushes in with rags.
I straighten slowly, drenched and shaking slightly, just as I feel a firm hand on my back.
Jeremiah.
“Chase, you okay?” he asks, brows drawn tight as he studies my face.
I thread my fingers through my hair. “Yeah—I’ve got to…uh, use the restroom. I’ll be right back.”
“Hurry back or we’ll choose a song for you.” Theo laughs, heading back to the bar.
I give him a curt smile before peeling away to the restroom at the other end of the establishment.
I just need to get away from this twisting and turning feeling that’s inside my stomach.
The feeling that’s going to make me barrel over the table and crush my fist against Theo’s face.
I’m not even the violent type. And the worst part, is that Theo has no fucking idea how much seeing him around Jeremiah upsets me.
No one does.
Because Jeremiah is my fucking boss and no one is supposed to feel this way about their boss. I fucking hate this. It makes me fucking crazy.