Page 62 of Dark Verse

“Have you seen you?” I ask.

“As a matter of fact, I have.” She grins even larger now. “So keep staring if you must. But please continue walking. August is no joke around here. I’m missing that California ocean breeze.”

“So what’s going on with your unit?” I ask her as I lead her down the final block to the house.

Shrugging, she says, “Not totally sure. It hasn’t been working great since I moved in, but the last few days it’s really been struggling. I emailed the landlord again, but still nothing. I’m this close to putting myself up in a hotel for the next few nights if this heat doesn’t break.”

“Hmm…”

I consider some options for a moment. I’ve already proven I know my way around a screwdriver when I fixed the 3 on her door, but I can be handy beyond that, so it might be worth my looking at it. Then again, if Ven’s apartment remains too hot to live in comfortably, maybe I can finally convince her to stay with me a few nights. I know I could make better company than a lonely hotel room. But before I can do that…

“I should tell you something before we go in,” I say as we take the half-dozen steps up the porch of the house.

“Yeah?”

“So I know you wanted to keep this between us, but I told the band.”

Ven bites her bottom lip. “What did you tell them exactly?”

When I told Cash, Via, and Zeke a week ago that I was spending less time at the house because I was dating someone, they demanded answers immediately. I told them the unvarnished truth, that I was in love with a fellow musician. It took them all of forty-five seconds to put together that it was Raven.

“That we’ve been on a few dates, and I have no intention of stopping. That you’re special to me.”

Venny glances at the front door like it might bite her. I watch her take several breaths before meeting my eyes again.

“Okay. Sorry. All of that’s true. I’m just…God. I’m nervous now. I thought I was coming over as a friend.”

Not in that dress.

This is only the second time I’ve seen her in a dress. The first time was at her sister’s reception. As fashionable as it had been, it also had an unshakable air of professionalism. Black and streamlined. Perfect for someone with fashion sense but working in the background. This dress is all about her curves. Sharply cut, revealing in all the right places, shaped with her in mind.

Tipping her head back so she has to look at me, I kiss her on both cheeks before returning to her lips. Blush pink and so soft.

“The three people in this house have been through hell and back again with me. They have seen me when I was at my absolute lowest, and they never left my side. They would want to know if I found someone who makes me as happy as you do.”

“They’re not just your band mates. They’re your tribe,” she concludes.

“Yeah.”

Ven nods along for a moment. I see something change in her eyes and in her body. She takes a long breath, relaxing her shoulders and expression at the same time.

“Okay. Let’s go.”

We step into the house, the cold air greeting us like an old friend.

I’m not really sure what Venny was worried about. She and Via start chatting immediately, discussing everything from the instruments that brought Ven over here to the latest blockbuster releases and future dream vacations. I stay engaged with them, pleased to see them getting along so well.

“I’m running out of my favorite hair oil blend, and I can’t seem to find a store anywhere near here that carries it. I’m two seconds from ordering more online. My ends are not loving the summer weather here,” Via laments after Raven mentions it’s time for a wash day.

Whatever the heck that means.

“I know a place in downtown that carries tons of hair products for our hair. I can send you the info.”

“Yes, please. I’ll be going tomorrow at the latest.”

Ven pulls out her phone and types something in.

“Actually…they’re open for two more hours. We could pop over there and see if they carry your brand.”