Page 96 of Luci’s Lullaby

“Naw, man. I miss them. It’s crazy and weird and amazing all rolled into one.”

A blonde crowds into the booth with us. “Hey, Alden. I’m so glad you’re back.”

“Thanks.” I stare at Aksel, praying she’ll take the hint.

“Can I get a selfie with you?” She brushes her boobs over my arm, and I roll my eyes.

I angle my body toward her but don’t touch her. She snaps the picture and before I straighten, she kisses my cheek and takes another.

“Hey, don’t do that.”

“I got it. Here’s my number or come find me after.” She winks at me and struts off.

“You hate this, don’t you?” Aksel asks.

“When I’m on stage, I love it. Would I like to look out and see them? Yes, but that isn’t possible. But yes, I’m over the women.”

“How about I ask for a dressing room with no access unless we approve?” He slides his hands under the table.

“That might work.”

“You haven’t even had a beer.” He narrows his eyes.

I wave my hand in front of me. “We have wine or a beer once in a while, but we’re done.”

“We?” He tilts his head.

I scratch my beard. “Me and Charlee.”

“You still haven’t told her.” He pins me with his stare.

I shake my head. “I don’t know what I’d say. I’m not sure how.”

I get back to work, hoping the night will go faster. I love singing again, Charlee was right. I think I need to change how I do it and where. It’s after two in the morning when I get home.

Unlocking the door, I ease it open as to not disturb them. I step in but before I can close it, the blonde from earlier is all over me.

“Gotcha!” She laughs like a loon and she’s no bird.

I push her off me. “Shhhhhh, you have to be quiet.”

“Do you want me to be? I’ll do anything you want, Alden Beck.” She’s all hands.

I grab her wrist and try to back her outside. “I don’t want that. I don’t want anything.”

“But you wanted me earlier, baby.” She slurs her words, and the smell of alcohol knocks me back.

“How’d you get here?” I look around hoping her ride is still here.

She flings her arms around me as I back away and into the door again. “Come on, you know you want it. You’ve slept with both of my friends, and my pussy is so much better.”

“Ughhh, are men this bad drunk?” I force her arms off me.

“Yep, pretty much,” Charlee growls from behind me.

I whip around and push the blonde back out the door behind me. “It’s not what it looks like.”

“Really? Cause it looks like she’s trying to hump you by the door?” She glares at me, and my stomach rolls.