Page 20 of The Prodigal Son

But the idea that this guy resides somewhere in the vicinity of my family makes me feel suddenly uneasy. Does he know my family? Does he recognize me?

Surely not. I’ve done enough digging to know that the only photos of me associated with my father or his church are from when I was very young, with lighter locks, no facial hair, and a bit more pudge on my boyish face.

I look almost nothing like Isaac anymore.

“My record label is actually based out of Austin,” I say because it’s an innocent thing to admit. “I’m there quite often.”

I do not miss the way Jensen’s eyes widen and sparkle with interest at hearing that.

Because he’s interested in my music, of course.

“A friend of mine got these tickets because her dad works for your label, actually,” the girl says, beaming brightly. “But shehad something come up, so Jensen was nice enough to step in last minute.”

“Oh, that’s nice,” I say as my eyes bounce back and forth between them. Something about the way she said that caught my attention.

I decide to be bold because I’m just straight nosy.

“What a good boyfriend.”

Jensen flinches. It’s not even subtle. I could have seen it from a mile away.

“Oh, we’re not,” he stammers, quickly correcting me while the woman looks mildly offended. “We’re just friends.”

Interesting.

Lola would tell me to walk away. Drop it. Don’t risk it.

My subconscious is not as convincing. Because I don’t want to drop it. I want to keep pushing and flirting, even knowing that he’s probably straight, even if he isn’t dating this woman.

Digging my own grave, per usual.

“You guys want a drink?” I ask, looking directly at Jensen while I ask it.

“Sure,” he says without tearing his eyes away.

We walk to the bar together, and I notice that he’s just a couple of inches taller than me. And I’m six-three. It’s rare that I have to look up when talking to a guy.

“Can I get another tequila soda, please?” I order when we reach the bar.

“I’ll have the same,” Jensen replies.

His friend doesn’t order anything. Instead, she chews on her bottom lip nervously.

As he and I make small talk, talking about random shit like Austin and the album, she sort of hangs back without joining in.

Across the room, I can feel Lola watching me skeptically. I can already hear her in my head telling me to be careful, and I know she’s right. I should be careful.

But I’ve never been careful before, and I don’t intend to start now.

Six

Jensen

Ican’t believe I’m standing at a bar with Theo Virgil. I can’t believe he’s real and talking to me.

I can’t believe he’s even cuter in person than he is onstage and in pictures. His smile is adorable, creating little creases in his cheeks when he smiles. His entire face lights up and it’s impossible to look away.

No matter how much I train my behavior not to flirt with him, I can’t seem to help it. I lean in too much. Stare at his pouty lips too much. Laugh too hard at his jokes.

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