“Maybe when I’m back in town, we can all go out—assuming she’s okay being seen out with two rock stars.”
I laughed.“That’ll only happen if I can make it clear she’s with me.Otherwise we’ll have to lay low and order in or something.”
“Sounds like a plan.Hey, I gotta get.We got soundcheck.Talk to you later?”
“Guaranteed.Thanks again, Mal.See ya.”
“Later.”
A beep rang through my SUV’s cab, signaling the end of the call.
I let my head fall back against the headrest as I thought about my next moves.The trip to my parents’ house had only solidified the way I felt about Alice.She was amazing.Alice had no issue smiling and playing along with my dad when he’d mistaken her for his high school girlfriend.They were still moving to Seattle, but Alice being there for me had helped me come to terms with the change and my lack of control over the decision.
I’d never once felt the urge to reach for a drug to muffle my emotions.
She was fucking amazing, and it was really chaffing me not to be able to shout to everyone that she was mine.
Knuckles rapped against my window, making me jump.
Chase, Jesse, and one of our long time security guys, Walker, stood next to my window.The first two were grinning like loons while Walker kept a watchful eye on our surroundings.
Rolling my eyes, I shut off my engine and opened my door to hop down next to them.
“This is an awesome idea.”Jesse bounced on his toes.“I can’t wait to light all you fools up.”
“Okay, okay.Calm your tits.”I laughed.“Pretty sure we play teams, so you won’t get to shoot everyone.”
“That’s not the way he plays laser tag.”Chase sighed and shook his head.“Spoiler alert, you don’t want to be on his team.”
I narrowed my eyes at our lead singer.Chase and Jesse had been best friends for decades, so it was hard to tell if Chase was using reverse psychology on me or if Jesse really was a bad bet.
“Can we get moving?”Walker rumbled behind the guys.“I don’t like being out in the open with so many of you and only one of me.Security is supposed to meet us just inside the entrance over there.”
We all fell in line and headed for the door.
“Where’s Xander?”I asked as we walked.“I thought he’d be here by now.”
Jesse scoffed.“He’s been here for thirty minutes, getting the lay of the land, figuring out all the best hiding spots.Didn’t he text you?”
I pulled out my phone and noted all the texts I’d missed during my drive and conversation with Mal.Ten from Xander, two from Alice, and one from Jesse.“He did.And I’m just seeing yours right now, sorry.I was talking with Mal and didn’t notice.”
“Oh.”Jesse stopped and pulled open the door to the casino for us.“How’s that going?”
“How’s my sobriety going?”I laughed softly and stepped past him.“Good, I guess.Thanks for asking.”I stopped just inside the door and waited for Walker to organize our security detail.
Jesse huddled next to me.“Sorry.That was awkward as fuck.I just don’t know how to bring it up—if I should bring it up.I just want you to be okay, and I want you to know that I’m here for you if you ever need anything.”
“I know, man, and I appreciate it.”I slapped him on the back.“Someone told me recently that I need to lean on you guys more, get back to how things used to be before I imploded my whole life.And I’m trying.That’s what today’s all about.”
“Well good.”Jesse slapped my shoulder and grinned.“It’ll be a pleasure to kick your ass today.”
“Usual wager?”Chase crossed his arms over his chest.“Losers buy lunch?”
I groaned and scrubbed my face.I would’ve picked an easier activity if I’d been thinking about it.Last time I smoked the guys at bowling.But I’d never played laser tag before.“Only if this one and Xander aren’t on the same team.I want at least a fighting chance.”
Chase put his hand out.“And I get to pick the teams.”
I shot a glance at Jesse, but his face was blank.“This feels like a trap.”
