Page 42 of Rocking Cedarwood

“I’m good. Thank you.” He stared at the drink. Booze wasn’t the answer but he had little else to do.

A group joined the large round booth behind his. He could barely hear himself over the giggling, clunking and talking. Niall chuckled. He hadn’t enjoyed a rowdy night out in years. Then again, he didn’t miss those nights.

“That show rocked,” a female voice said. “Bandit was on tonight.”

“I could watch him in those leathers forever and not get tired,” another woman said.

Niall nodded. The leather pants did add to Michael’s appeal.

“Did you see his boyfriend?” the first female voice said. “Ateacher. The message boards claim Bandit’s a teacher, too. I mean, come on. He’s not that boring.”

“I’d let him educate me.” A male laughed. “Wouldn’t you, Sam?”

“I’d get in the middle of the man sandwich,” another male voice said. “But I’d rather have Bandit alone. The boyfriend can watch or go fuck himself.”

“The boyfriend is mousy and timid,” one of the women said. Glasses clinked. “Here’s to Bandit coming to his senses and dumping theteacher.”

Niall’s heart sank. Christ, the group was rough on him. They didn’tknowhim.

“Oh, I don’t know. They’re cute together,” the second woman said. “Maybe it’s a case of opposites attract?”

“Yeah…no,” one of the men said.

Niall’s stomach churned. They had no idea he was there, but still. They weren’t holding back.

“He could be fucking me,” the first man said. “I’d take that dick anywhere he expected me to and do whatever he wanted. But I’ve wanted him for years.”

Someone laughed, then the first woman spoke. “We know.” She sighed. “The boyfriend won’t last. The fans will eat him alive. We’d rather have Bandit single and grouchy so he writes good songs rather than happy and domestic.”

Niall downed his drink in one burning gulp. He needed to get out of there. He flagged down the waitress. “Check, please?”

The waitress sat down opposite him. “I put the drink on your room bill.”

“How’d you know my room number?”

She flattened her hands on the table and lowered her voice. “I was at the concert and I know who you are.”

He sagged in his seat. He needed another drink.

“I worked the cocktail lounge in the balcony during the concert.” She smiled. No pandering or meanness, but rather she exuded warmth and concern. “I saw how Bandit looked at you. He loves you.”

He toyed with the empty glass. “It was that obvious?”

She nodded. “It’s cute, too. It’s the kind of love we all want because it’s strong.”

“I know.” He loved Michael so much.

“Don’t let the jerks behind you sway how you feel. If you and Bandit are happy, then be that way. They’re jealous. They’d say the same things about each other if one of them were in your place. No one will ever be good enough—even themselves.”

He hesitated before answering. He leaned back in his seat and scanned the bar. The place wasn’t as busy as he’d expected and he appreciated the extra attention. “Thanks.”

“I see a lot of people and stories come through here. You’d be surprised by how much goes on. I’ve seen love happen, fall apart, denial and jealousy. Just keep your head up,” she said. “You’ll be okay.”

“Thanks for being concerned.” He left the booth and swept his gaze over the group at the booth behind him. None looked much over twenty-five and all wore some sort of leather and thick makeup combination. They weren’t Michael’s style. He turned his attention back to the waitress. “I owe you a tip.”

“No. I got to serve Niall Grayson—teacher, boyfriend of Bandit and nice guy. That’s enough.” She patted his arm. “Go get your man.”

“I will.” He plunked a twenty-dollar bill in her hand, then left the bar. Time to do what she’d said. He rushed across the foyer to the bank of elevators. He pressed the button. Being upstairs beat sitting at the bar any day. When the doors opened, he surged forward into the car, but instead of continuing forward, he collided with Michael.

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