Page 3 of Deeper

The Warehouse was an average-sized venue than most, and due to Victoria’s anxiousness and determination, we’d been waiting a little longer than necessary as she had us arrive extra early to get our current spots at nearly the front of the massive line. The venue took up most of the block, as parking was across the street and cost fifty bucks. Tori was wise to Uber us to the show.

Night had fallen upon us and everyone was buzzing to be a part of Zander Khalil’s first show. Cars drove up and down the street, a few stopping to let other attendees out to get their place in line. All around me the feeling of excitement and eagerness could be felt through the air. A few girls even had signs and posters to wave around. Hopefulness practically radiated off of my best friend as she bounced from one foot to the other. If she had to, Tori would probably wait all night for Zander to show up.

She’d gone all out, in the event that she possibly got to meet him face-to-face. She’d chosen to wear a lace black bustier with black canopy jeans and matching Vans. It was sexy and casual against her makeup and ponytail. The nice peek of her cleavage was a bonus.

Since I didn’t want to be at the concert, I merely opted for a largeDamn.T-shirt and a pair of my favorite Jordans. Aside from pulling my bundles up into a ponytail, I didn’t bother to put on makeup or accessories. This was Victoria’s crush, not mine.

“Tickets, come get ya tickets! Don’t miss out on the hottest show of the year!”

A couple of scalpers were making their way back up the block, trying to sell last-minute tickets to get inside. The marquee over the entrance lit up with Zander’s name, illustrating that the show was sold out. It wasn’t a surprise; as soon as his tickets were live, fans rushed to buy them while they still could. Tori had been generous enough to purchase hers and mine online months ago when the news first broke about Zander’s tour.

The scalpers, one tall and skinny, and the other short and stubby, looked like the predictable loitering type who would sell any and everything to those desperate enough. This was LA; everybody was selling something.

“Need an extra ticket, baby?” Skinny asked as he approached me, winking. “Call up a friend and make it a party.”

Frowning, I said, “No. I don’t even want the oneIhave now.”

“Bia!” Victoria chastised me, shielding me from the scalper. She waited until he was on to the next group of people before she spoke some more. “Girl, that attitude of yours is your worst trait, I swear.”

She was always saying that.

I clung closer to the wall of the building, wanting to be inside already.

As if to aggravate me more, someone was playing Zander’s music loudly from their phone. The sound of “Taste It” had me scowling.

“Girl, let me taste it,” Zander crooned over a smooth melodic beat, “I like when you’re impatient. This time ain’t no waitin’.Stop that hesitatin’. C’mon, let’s get faded. C’mon, let’s get naked. C’mon, let me taste it—”

A ghostly silence swept through the crowd, followed by hushed murmurs. A look over and I saw why. Slowly, coming up the street was a Black Badge Cullinan. Through the windshield I spotted two nondescript men up front, and as the vehicle passed us by, I noted the side windows were so black I couldn’t see if there were any other passengers.

Finally. It had to be Zander. Now, at least, the doors would finally open.

Right on cue, up ahead I spotted the line moving and security letting people in.

Victoria released a squeal as she bounced in place. I had no choice but to be happy for her; seeing her all geeked made the mood infectious.

Once inside we hit the bar and Victoria ordered herself a pink vodka lemonade while I opted for a simple Coke. Tori’s tickets secured us a good spot front and center by the stage. Zander would have no choice but to notice Victoria this way.

We stood at our place and I took in the room, noticing how quickly it filled in and how crowded it’d be once everyone was inside. Before long, the air would be hot and sticky at most with this capacity. Loud chatter greeted my ears as well as a sight of dozens of faces and camera flashes.

The spotlight on the stage in front of me held my attention the most. I wasn’t a fan of Zander by any means, but of what I’d heard of his vocal abilities, I couldn’t complain too much.

At least homie could sing.

“You’resopretty!” A woman’s voice turned me around to find a fan standing beside Victoria gawking at her. “I love your makeup. Who did it?”

Bashful, Victoria blushed. “Thank you. I do it myself.”

The woman’s eyes enlarged. “Do you do it for other people? I’m getting married in a few weeks and my girl decided to up and move to the A.” The woman made a face at the scenario. “Thisis actually supposed to be a treat to take my mind off of all the shit I still have to do for our day.”

“Heard you,” Victoria responded. She soon looked down her person and came up and frowned. “I didn’t bring any cards with me, but you can take down my number. Actually…let me show you my Instagram page.”

Tori and the woman began scrolling through Tori’s professional IG before the woman took her own phone out and followed Tori online and accepted her number. When the woman went back to her own friend group, Tori faced me and grinned.

“A wedding, Bia!” she gushed at the opportunity.

Maybe she was right, maybe this nightwasthe pick-me-up she’d needed.

In another minute, I squeezed her close and snapped a selfie to post online.

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