Page 51 of On Broken Wings

“It always is when there’s live music,” I called back.

“Why don’t you get us a table and I’ll get drinks?” He pointed to an area near the stage that still had some open seats.

“Ok. I want a hard cider.” I grinned as I released his hand and pushed towards the last few chairs.

It took forever, or at least it seemed to, before Evan made his way over to where I was sitting. “Thanks.” I smiled as he handed me the cider.

“You’re welcome.” He lowered himself into the chair beside me. “Who’s the band we’re seeing?”

“They’re a local cover band. They play a lot of 80s music.” I smirked.

“Nice.” He nodded as he lifted his beer to his lips.

“S’up guys?” My brother yanked one of the chairs out and dropped down into it. I hadn’t even seen him come over. I guess I’ve just been too lost in Evan.

“Nothing.” I grinned as I twirled the mouth of the bottle with my fingers. “Is Dani coming tonight?”

“Maybe.” Mason shrugged. “She had a late meeting and wasn’t sure when she’d finish. If it’s early enough, she’ll stop by.”

“Good to see you again.” Evan held out his hand, but Mason didn’t reach to shake it.

“I’m gonna get a pitcher,” he grumbled as he stood and pushed through the crowd towards the bar.

“What’s up with that?” Evan ran his hand along his jaw and sighed.

“He’s just protecting me.” I glanced around.

“Un huh.” Evan rolled his eyes.

“He’ll come around. You have to see that he’s worried. He’s all I’ve got and I’m all he had for many years before Dani. We look out for each other.” I shrugged and Evan relaxed.

Just as Mason got back to the table, the band started taking the stage. The lights dimmed and the sounds of Journey filled the air. I closed my eyes as I let the music engulf me. I’d always loved the 80s bands and this took me back to my parents’ BBQs. They had a big stereo they would set up on our patio and they would blast Journey and Chicago from afternoon until way after dark. I could lie in my room and listen to the music as I fell asleep. It was a good memory and always brought back the happy times.

“Wanna dance?” Evan nudged my elbow where it was resting on the table.

“Sure.” I stood, and narrowed my eyes on Mason. I wanted him to get my request to be nice, but he seemed lost in his own thoughts.

Evan led me up to the dance floor and then spun me into his chest and wrapped his arms around me. We swayed to the music. It wasn’t like the concert in the park though; this was different. Evan wasn’t so careful as to not upset me. He was more deliberate with his touches and movements. It was as if he knew that I’d let him show me how he felt. I wouldn’t bolt this time and he understood it.

We stayed there for several songs, but the heat in the bar and dancing were making me crave another drink. “This is fun. Thanks for bringing me.” I laughed as I led Evan back to our table. “Maybe I can kick your butt in pool later.”

“Not a chance.” Evan chuckled. “I will get you another drink though.”

“I can get the drinks this time.” I smiled at him.

“Nonsense. This is a date. I pay when I take you out.” He stabbed his finger into his chest. “You can come with me though. They’ve got some specials tonight. You might want one of those.”

“Ok.” I bounced on my toes as we stopped at the table. Mason was standing up too.

“Need a refill.” He lifted the pitcher. “Dani just texted. She’s on her way.”

“Sweet.” I giggled. I hadn’t talked to her in a while and I wanted to introduce her to Evan. “Let’s get the drinks while the band is on a break. We can get back before they start back up.”

“You are way too peppy tonight, little sister.” Mason shook his head. I was in a good mood, but I was happy. Things were going great and even though I still had a weird feeling about the other night, I pushed it aside and decided to let it go. I needed to enjoy Evan and stop worrying about him turning into Nate.

ooooooooo

When we reached the bar, the crowd was four rows deep. Three bartenders were racing around to keep up, but the lines were moving slow. It took a while to get up to the front of the crowd and once I did, I’d wished that I’d stayed at the table.

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