Page 93 of Fame & Chaos

“I’m such a fucking idiot,” I mutter, slapping my forehead before dragging my hand down my face. I should have known she’d run. Indi has always bolted the second things started getting too serious between us. Hearing that song probably reminded her exactly why she tried so hard to stay away from me in the first place.

But I can’t lose her again.

I won’t.

I need to show her the good parts, too. Show her why being around me could actually make her happy instead of terrified. Even if all I can get from her is friendship, I’ll take it. Anything’s better than losing her completely again.

The barstool beside me scrapes lightly, and I glance up to find a brunette sliding onto it with an easy smile.

I’m really not in the mood for this tonight.

“Hey,” she says smoothly. “I’m Sasha. Great performance.”

“Thanks, Sasha,” I reply politely before turning back toward my beer.

“So you enjoy drinking alone?” she asks.

“Tonight I do.” The sharpness in my tone comes out harsher than intended, but she doesn’t seem bothered by it.

“Well…” she says lightly, “… after a performance like that, there’s no reason for you to be sitting here looking like some depressed rock star cliché.”

I smirk slightly. “Depressed rock star cliché, huh?”

“Moping Mandy,” she corrects confidently.

I laugh quietly despite myself. “Moping Mandy?”

“Yes. That’s exactly what you are right now.” She inches a little closer. “And honestly, a talent like yours shouldn’t be wasted sitting at a bar drinking shitty beer alone.”

Normally, I’d play into this. Usually, I’d flirt back, drag her upstairs somewhere, fuck her brains out, and send her home before sunrise.

But tonight?

I just feel tired.

“A talent like mine?” I ask with a raised eyebrow.

She winks. “If you know what I mean.”

I suppress another laugh. This girl definitely doesn’t lack confidence.

“I know exactly what you mean,” I reply. “But honestly? You couldn’t handle me tonight.”

“Why, Caleb,” she says innocently. “I have no idea what you mean.”

I lean back slightly and look her dead in the eyes. “If I took you home tonight, I’d probably give you the best fuck of your life… then I would kick you out before you even got your clothes back on.”

Her expression flickers with surprise, but I keep going. “I’d make you feel used, then I’d spend the rest of the night hating myself for treating you like a slut when you’re probably actually a decent woman. So trust me, it’s better for both of us if you leave me here drinking my terrible lite beer alone.”

Sasha studies me for a second before letting out a soft laugh. “Well… points for honesty.”

I raise my beer slightly. “Honesty’s the best policy.”

“I like honesty in a man,” she says, leaning closer again. “And I can tell you’re having a bad night, even though you should be riding a massive high after that performance.” She pulls a small folded piece of paper from her purse. “But maybe one day I can improve your mood.”

Before I can answer, she slides the paper into my shirt pocket.

“And just so we’re being honest,” she murmurs near my ear. “I’d probably give you the best fuck of your life too.” She kisses my cheek lightly before pulling back with a smirk. “Hope your night gets better, Caleb.”