Chapter 22 Dawsen
Dawsen
I rolled in as the opening band was finishing up their set. I spotted Birdie and everyone else near the front of the crowd, but I decided to grab a drink and just watch from the back of the house for a bit.
Echo Hall is one of my favorite spots in Saddlebrooke.
It was an old printing press and I love thinking about all the stories these walls have printed.
I would love to own this place someday. The owner and I have became pretty good buddies ever since Southbound became their primary wine supplier.
I keep telling him when he’s ready to sell, I call dibs.
Ever since re-branding the winery and having so much success with the mercantile, I’m always looking for new opportunities.
I love being part of revitalizing this town that I love so much.
I’m leaning up against a post near the back of the venue when I spot Stephanie strutting right towards me.
Fuck.
“Heyy Handsome!” She says all starry-eyed, like she’s had at least two Titos already.
“Hey Steph. How’s it going?” I say, trying not to sound annoyed.
“Soo goood. I’ve been wondering when you were gonna get here.
Why are you all the way back here all by yourself?
” She asks as she traces her finger down my arm.
I grab her hand and slide it off me awkwardly, which makes me feel like a total dick, but I don’t want her to get any ideas.
Stephanie and I hooked up for awhile, but I’ve made it perfectly clear that we’re done with that, and I’m pretty sure River has a thing for her, so I’m definitely not trying to get in the way of that.
I warned him, but River is gonna do what River is gonna do.
It doesn’t take long to realize that’s his way.
“I was just about to come find y’all.” I lie.
“Follow me, handsome.” She looks at me as she bites her lip, and I know exactly what she’s trying to do.
We make our way through the crowded venue, following closely behind her when we approach the cluster of tables.
“Look who I found?!” Stephanie announces to the group.
“Bout time, dude.” River says as he comes around to give me a hug. That guy loves hugs more than any guy should.
“Hi Dawsen.” Casey says from her spot, giving me a little wave, looking unfazed and honestly slightly annoyed. Not by me, but maybe just the situation in general.
“Yo, what’s up man?!” Max rounds his table and comes right in for a handshake way too enthusiastically—which really pisses me off more than it should because he’s a nice guy, but the fucking audacity, you know?
I look over at Birdie who just gives me a tight lipped smile. I tip my chin up at her and nod.
I settle in at the table with River, Casey and Stephanie. They’re discussing the opening performance and I can’t help but notice Max and Birdie at the table next to us. I’m within arms reach of her and I cant help but stare at her as she’s laughing at whatever he’s saying.
Yep. I should have just went home.
“Dawsen. Can you please get me another drink?” Stephanie leans across the table putting her hand on mine. “Who’s driving you home, Steph?” I ask, because I’m not going to enable any sort of drunk driving.
“I’ve got her, man. I had a drink when we got here, but I’m not having any more. We drove here together.” River pipes up.
I nod, and head to the bar.
There’s some bar stools finally open since the headliner started performing. I’m tapping my fingers on the bar rhythmically and I feel someone slide onto the stool next to mine.
“Hey stranger.”
“Hey Birdie Banks.” I say, remaining fixed on my drink. There’s gotta be a name for that feeling of feeling the presence of someone and knowing immediately who it is without a single look. Ahh, whatever that’s called, I knew it was her.
“I’m excited for our roadtrip tomorrow. Should I bring snacks?”
I chuckle, “What kind of snacks does the lady require for a road trip?” I ask, turning my stool to face her more directly.
“Chips. Salt and vinegar. And, or, Pretzels. Also, Coffee is always a good idea.”
“Salty, no sweet?” I’m leaning on the bar, looking at her pretty face, trying not to stare at the freckles sprinkled across her nose.
God spent extra time on Birdie Banks. That’s something I know for sure.
“I’m just more of a salty girl. I like ice cream if I’m doing sweet, but that’s not a road trip food, obviously.” She says with a laugh.
“Definitely more of a stationery type of snack, with the melting aspect. I see your point.” I smirk at her.
“I knew you’d understand.” She just laughs and picks up her glass of wine and she takes a sip.
“It’s funny. This is the second time today we’ve sat on bar stools together.” She laughs as she rubs the stem of her wine glass between her fingers.
I smile at that.
“Do you like the wine?” I inquire, knowing exactly where it came from.
She let’s out a little groan, “Oh my gosh, it’s so good. If I’m not careful I’m gonna drink a whole bottle’s worth.”
“I’ll bring you bottle tomorrow. Which one did you go with?”
She stares at me for a beat. “Is this one of yours?”
“Yeah, Southbound is the supplier for Echo.”
She looks from me down to the red liquid in her glass and pauses for a beat.
“I don’t know actually—It’s a cab. I just asked for something red and delicious and then this appeared. Isn’t that funny? I love wine that is red and delicious, but I think red delicious apples are the worst.”
I can’t help but laugh at that. “Oh yeah, well what did Red Delicious ever do to you?” I ask her like I’m insulted by her apple hatred.
Before she can answer, Max sidles up right beside her and I don’t miss the way his arm snakes around her waist, almost like he’s signaling to me that she’s not here alone. Like I wasn’t already well aware. Asshole. He puts his fist out to meet mine, and I oblige.
“Hey man.” Is all I offer
“I almost sent out a search party looking for you.” Max says to Birdie, while he’s all too close for my liking. I can’t help but notice her flinch at his touch. I’m probably imagining it, but she seems like she’s a little uncomfortable, which makes my blood start to feel hot.
“Oh yeah, sorry—I got lost on my way back from the bathroom.” She says as she brushes her hair behind one of her ears.
The bartender slides the tumbler of Titos on the rocks across the bar. I grab the pen, tip and sign and slide it back. I turn back towards Birdie and Max, and give a tight lipped smile, and hold the glass up as if to signal that I’m going to head back to the group.
“Better get this to Stephanie… See you guys back at the tables.” I tip my chin up at the two of them and make my way through the crowd, mentally berating myself for ever befriending Max.
* * *
This has got to be the longest concert in the history of concerts.
I feel like I need to get out of here before my head explodes.
Between the constant nagging awareness of Birdie and Max being on a date while Stephanie drunkenly throws herself between River and I.
I swear—this woman needs some help by way of some tough love and maybe a Sunday morning church revival.
The concert has actually been pretty incredible.
I’ve always loved Matt Schuster and his live performance is top notch, and bonus—our seats are within spitting distance, so it’s actually the most ideal concert situation if it was under completely different circumstances rather than my absolute worst nightmare. But, here we are.
The only thing that’s keeping me somewhat sane as I watch Max put his hands all over Birdie is knowing full well that tomorrow she’ll be with me. Yeah, it’s strictly for business purposes but that doesn’t change the fact that she’s going to be riding shotgun in my truck for a couple hours.
“Hey man, I’m gonna head out. You all good?” I lean towards River and whisper shout into his ear so he can hear me over the music. I know the show will be over in the next 20 minutes, but I don’t feel like sticking around at this point. I need to get a head start on not being able to sleep tonight.
“Ahh you leaving?” He leans in for a very classic bro hug. “Yeah, Long day. Gonna hit the sack. Drive safe, man.” I say, giving him one last pat on his shoulder. He gives me a somber and knowing look and just nods.
I give the group a little wave off and head out. I make eye contact with Birdie and just give her a tight lipped smile. For some reason it’s painful seeing her right now, and I just need this day to be done. I spin on my heel and head for the door, and out into the crisp air.
The cold leather of my truck seat squeaks as I slide in and start her up. I rest my hands on the steering wheel as I stare out my windshield, waiting for the engine to warm up.
I don’t know how I managed to compartmentalize my feelings for Birdie so well for years while she was living in the city, but now that she’s in such close quarters, I’ve never felt so weak. I need to be careful. I need to get my shit together.
Fuck.