Chapter 1 #2
This was the first time I’d stepped inside this place, and I couldn’t believe how intimate and cozy it was. I’d expected a grand hall with high ceilings and bright lights, but The Music Factory was the opposite.
I blinked rapidly, allowing my eyes to adjust. The lights were dim, except behind the bar and on stage, and there were only eight tables for guests to sit. The stage was up against the far wall, and there was plenty of room in front of it for everyone to get up and dance to the music.
I was warm, despite the air conditioning working hard to keep the heat at bay. Thankfully, I’d kept my hair up instead of styling it down and having it stick to my neck.
As we walked toward the bar, Jade grabbed my arm, her long nails digging into my skin. “There they are!”
My gaze followed hers to where four guys stood around a foldable table filled with Rebel Rebellion merch against the far wall. The other bands had tables set up too, but it was clear Jade had only one destination in mind.
“Come on. Let’s go say hi.”
She pulled me along, and her enthusiasm overflowed as we got closer.
“Hey! You made it out again,” one member said, his lips curling into a smile.
“But this time, I brought my sister. This is Cadence.”
The stranger offered his hand in a welcoming gesture. His curly, blonde hair tumbled just past his chin, framing a face set with chocolate brown eyes and a smile that radiated warmth and sincerity. He dressed simply in a graphic tee and black jeans. “I’m Hudson. Nice to meet you.”
“Hudson is the drummer,” Jade added.
“It’s nice to meet you. I’m looking forward to the show.”
“And I’m Shane, guitarist.” A man slid smoothly into place beside Hudson, gently edging him aside.
He dressed entirely in black, his ensemble complementing the light brown-colored hair that cascaded to his chin.
With his hair parted on the side, I could only see one of his dazzling hazel eyes until he swept the locks back.
When I put my hand in his, he leaned into me and smiled. “It’s always nice to meet our fans.”
“I wouldn’t say I’m a fan since I haven’t heard you play yet.”
Shane smirked. “It’s only a matter of time.”
“Causing trouble already, Shane?” A tall figure emerged behind him. He sported a white baseball cap worn backward, allowing wisps of brown hair to escape and hang over his deep brown eyes. His lip piercing, the hint of stubble on his face, and the mischievous curve of his smile pulled me in.
“I never cause trouble.” Shane crossed his arms.
“I bet your mom would say differently,” Hudson said.
Shane grunted in response.
“Colton, this is my sister, Cadence,” Jade interjected. “Cadence, Colton.”
Colton squeezed my hand tighter than a customary handshake, and I tilted my head. “And what part do you play in this band?”
“Bass guitar.”
“I see.”
“And that over there…” Colton directed my attention to a form along the wall.
“Is our other guitarist, Jeremiah.” He was dressed in all black, stationed near the venue’s door with a phone held to his ear.
The only visible details from this distance were his dark polished nails and the sleek black color of his hair, all combining to add an air of mystery and charm to his presence.
I turned to Jade. “Didn’t you say there were five of them?”
“Our lead vocalist is still on the bus, probably fixing his hair.” Colton chuckled.
“Why am I not surprised?” Jade wrapped her arm around mine. “We’re going to get ourselves a drink. We’ll come back to chat later.”
“I’m glad you made it to another show, Jade. And it was nice to meet you, Cadence,” Colton said.
“Same to you,” I said over my shoulder as Jade pulled me away.
“So, what do you think so far?” Jade asked as soon as we were out of earshot.
“Honestly, I’m surprised we could meet them like that. I just assumed there would be a swarm of screaming fans. I’m not sure why, but I didn’t think they’d be so…”
“Normal?”
“Yeah. Exactly.”
“What can I get you ladies?” the bartender asked as we walked up to the bar.
“I’ll have a Sex on the Beach.” Jade grinned at me.
Of course she would. It was her signature cocktail.
“Malibu and pineapple for me, please.” I loved how they brought my mind to a beach somewhere in the Caribbean. “So, exactly how many times have you seen them play? They seem to know you pretty well.”
Jade shrugged. “Maybe four or five? But I’ve talked to them at every show. I’m just surprised they remember my name. They meet countless people.”
“Well, you are quite unforgettable.”
Jade tended to overlook the fact that she was gorgeous.
Even though Jade and I weren’t biological sisters, we still looked the part.
Her hair was long like mine and the same shade of dark brown.
We were both petite and considered short.
The only significant difference between us was the color of our eyes.
Hers were a deep brown, whereas mine were the color of amber.
The bartender placed two glasses in front of us. “You ladies are all set. Thank the gentleman down at the end.”
Jade and I grabbed our drinks and turned to smile at a middle-aged man dressed in a button up and dress slacks. Jade waved to him, but the person walking in behind him immediately drew my attention.
Captivated, I watched as he walked into the bar like he owned the place. There was an undeniable confidence in his bearing, a magnetism that made it impossible for me to look away.
Adorned in a simple white henley tee paired with gray jeans and black combat boots, his attire hugged his body, accentuating his well sculpted physique.
There was a hint of color marking his skin above the collar of his shirt and up the side of his neck, and I suspected that wasn’t the only tattoo on him.
With each step he took, light glinted off the chain draped from the front pocket of his jeans to the back.
His deep red hair was tousled effortlessly atop his head, perfectly outlining the striking features of his scruffy, but handsome face.
Transfixed, I remained motionless as he made his way to the table of guys Jade and I had just left. As he circled behind it and greeted the members of Rebel Rebellion, a wave of realization washed over me.
Then, he lifted his head, and his gaze met mine. His eyes were a piercing shade of icy blue, and they ensnared me in an unbreakable hold.
I inhaled sharply, my cheeks warming. He totally just busted me for ogling him from across the room, and now there was no escaping the intensity of his gaze. A gaze that seemed to see right through me.
“Perfect timing!” Jade said, snapping me out of the spell. “I just saw Damien. Come on.”
I allowed Jade to lead me once more, fully aware of our destination and the person she intended to introduce me to.
But little did she know, we’d already had our own introduction.