Chapter 20
Chapter Twenty
STEVIE
Prying my eyes open, I find a petite blonde occupying the spot next to me in my bed. The sun is reflecting off her bright golden strands, almost blinding me. I turn over to check the time.
Six and a half hours of sleep. I have no choice but to survive with that much for the day, because Brad is meeting me in an hour to rehearse. The audition is only a couple of days away, and callbacks will be a week later.
Looking over the bags of clothes I have yet to put away, I grab the first two things I see: a tight, long-sleeve, brown turtleneck and striped, flared-out jeans. The pants were Em’s idea, and I’m still not sure about them.
A groan comes from behind me.
“No, I want that article…” Em turns and continues to snore.
Biting the inside of my cheek to keep myself from waking her up, I smile at the memory of her and Jake shouting out the words to “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi.
I move to the bathroom, clothes in tow, and take a shower.
Em and Jake came over for a drink after we got back from the precinct.
Which then turned into ordering a pizza, which finally became a night of board games and conversation.
According to Em, this is the first time they had come over to hang out since Levi’s last roommate, who was, in her words, “a rude douchey weirdo,” moved in.
Considering how close they all are, he would’ve had to have been an extreme ass to make them not feel welcome at their best friend’s place.
Our guests were wasted by the end of the night, while Levi only had a beer.
I couldn’t help but feel that it was because of me.
From the glances we exchanged, it seems both of us were hoping we could be alone last night.
As much fun as his friends are, we never got to talk about what almost happened before getting arrested.
Arrested.
Jake reassured me there would be no official record of it, thank God.
Although I do have to admit, it was exhilarating.
The heated moment between Levi and me had also been exciting.
Butterflies build up in my stomach at the thought of his hands all over me, but I’m nervous about what Levi’s going to say.
I don’t want to ignore what happened; we’ve gotten close and have no choice but to face the music.
However, with my hectic schedule, it’ll have to be a “go with the flow” kind of thing until after the audition.
Everything’s been spontaneous until now, so why not keep it that way?
My alarm buzzes, indicating that I need to take my pills.
I quickly apply the new hair products I bought yesterday, in the order the stylist told me to do so, bringing out my natural tight waves.
Checking my light makeup in the mirror one last time, I unlock the door, almost ready to leave.
I need to grab a quick snack and take my meds first.
Opening the door, I turn to find Levi sitting by the breakfast nook, sipping on a cup of coffee, and flipping through a copy of this month’s Billboard magazine. He hears my footsteps and looks up.
A corner of his mouth lifts. “Hi.”
Jesus, he looks good. Messy bed head, slightly lighter blue eyes, and a lazy smile. Why do men who look like him wake up all…hot?
“Hi.” I return his smile.
He motions to the breakfast nook and pushes the two cereal boxes out to the center. “Want some?”
“Um…” I glance at my wrist, checking the time on my new watch, which features a simple brown faux leather band. According to it, I have about five minutes until I have to leave.
“Got somewhere to be?” Levi asks with his head tilted to the side. “It’s Sunday morning.”
Narrowing my eyes at his nosy question, I round the kitchen and grab a bottle of water. “I’d love to join you for breakfast, but I have rehearsals with Brad.”
He looks over his shoulder while I open my weekly pill box and swallow half of them down. He barely pays attention. Levi’s gotten used to seeing me with them day and night.
“Brad? On a Sunday morning?”
I nod, still swallowing the last three pills. My bullshit insurance refuses to give me one pill of the dose I need for each medication. It’s ridiculous, annoying, and time-consuming.
“Huh.” He gives me a once-over and turns, lifting a spoonful of cereal to his mouth. “You look nice for a rehearsal session.”
I scoff at the neutrality in his voice. It’s too early for this. “Is that jealousy I’m detecting, Hotshot?” Tossing a banana, a granola bar, and juice into my bag, I walk until I’m directly across from Levi.
He lets the magazine fall and smirks. “Just complimenting you, Bambi.” His eyes dip down to my lips, and his look heats. An image of me moving my hips against him pops into my mind, and I bite my lip, feeling heat pool in my core.
Levi shoots his gaze up and pushes the chair back, looking like a man on a mission.
Dammit—
“Good morning, everyone.”
Levi is only halfway standing when Jake walks up behind me, and I let out a sigh of relief. I’m running late as it is, and I have no idea what would’ve happened, knowing how poorly Levi and I do in the “holding back” department.
“And a special good morning to you, Stevie.” Jake wiggles his brows, walking like only he does, and takes my right hand, making me spin. I let out a laugh, and he whistles. “Damn, girl. Just, damn.”
Shaking my head at his unnecessary, yet very appreciated compliments, I give him a hug, which catches him off guard. It catches me off guard, too. I’m only doing it to say bye, but he doesn’t know I’m leaving yet. I guess these guys have made me a hugger.
“Are you heading out?” Jake seems to catch on.
I let go of him and sigh. “Yeah, off to rehearsals. Wish me luck.”
He pouts, similar to how Emma does. “I was going to buy breakfast at Roxy’s for everyone. Speaking of everyone, is Em still asleep?”
Tapping his shoulder, I say, “I’d love to go, but the first audition is this week. Next time,” I promise. “Also, yes, Emma is in my room.”
He scurries off, and a couple of seconds later, I hear Emma yelp as Jake comes back with her in hand. Levi and I laugh as she curses him out, still half asleep. She flips him off and walks to the bathroom. “Hey,” she says to us both before slamming the door.
Her and Jake’s dynamic is fantastic. Their chemistry is impeccable, but they do fight like siblings. It’s the only reason I’m convinced they’re not into each other. I’ve also seen Jake with other girls in front of her, and she’s barely fazed when he’s practically dry humping them on a dance floor.
Turning to Levi, I see he’s back to reading his magazine.
I don’t want things to be awkward between us, especially since they were about to get heated…
again. Hopping onto one of the chairs, I lean over and grab the cup of coffee he’s bringing to his lips.
His eyes lift, and he raises a brow in challenge.
Jake moves behind him, facing away from us.
After swallowing two gulps of the bitter liquid, I hand the cup back, but not before slowly licking my lips.
His jaw tics at the movement. “See you later, Hotshot.”
Levi’s face smooths out, quick as usual. “Break a leg, Bambi.”
Once I’m standing straight again, Jake has his two arms wrapped around himself, kissing the air in front of him. I let out a snort before Levi turns, and Jake straightens his back immediately, serving himself some juice.
“Bye, Jake.”
“Bye, Bambi.” He says the last word mockingly, and Levi hops off his chair to smack the back of his head.
“Um, ow.”
I laugh silently as I slip my boots on.
“I’ll say it a million more times just to annoy you, dude.” Jake sounds done with whatever Levi is saying. I’m happy he’s keeping my nickname exclusively for himself.
Em skips out of the bathroom and smiles as I throw my jacket on.
As I say one final goodbye, Jake tries to repeat my nickname before Levi slaps a hand over his mouth, knowing what his best friend was about to do.
Closing the door, I grin, feeling the best I’ve felt in a long, long time.
It’s fun to flirt again.
The next few days pass in a flash. I’ve been rehearsing my monologue and “She Used to Be Mine” nonstop, along with finishing the composition of my callback song.
It’s called “Finally Me,” and I’m pretty confident about it.
Brad is, too, and he’s been an amazing partner and supporter.
He’s still flirtatious, but perfectly harmless, and isn’t disrespectful whatsoever.
He’s even agreed to play the song on the guitar for my callback… if I get one.
Today is audition day, and I’m walking to one of the many auditoriums on campus holding the auditions.
My heart thuds harder and faster in my chest as I walk closer to the building.
I’m alone since I didn’t bother to ask anyone to come, and I regret doing that, since they’re posting the list for callbacks an hour after auditions are done.
Auditions began on Monday, but the first two days were reserved for those auditioning for the two lead roles.
Today is for those who want my part, the lead’s best friend, and tomorrow is for the villain in the story.
I’ve never done auditions this way, then again, the last time I tried out for something was in middle school.
It was for the gymnastics team, and yikes, that was bad.
I know I’m good for this role. The character is quirky and annoying at times, yet still manages to be a bad bitch when needed. She also has one solo and one duet in the show, both of which are fan favorites.
Jesus, I really should’ve asked someone to come. Levi wasn’t home, and I’ve been in the music building most of the week. Whenever I get home, I’m so tired from studying and practicing that I eat something small and go to bed. I think I might’ve accidentally ignored him the other night.
Not my problem right now. I need to focus.