Page 16 of Out of the Blue

“Since junior high.”

Maurice’s words lodge deep in my heart, striking a discordant note to my life. Discounting my sister, my oldest friend is Rita, who I met four months ago when I got my job at Apex. I raise my chin. “Wow. A long time.”

Dwight adds, “I met Trent in kindergarten, and we became best friends. When we first went to junior high school, Joey was in our class and we sort of became the Three Musketeers. The next year, Maurice’s family moved in and he insinuated himself into our group. Have been together ever since.”

At his description, Maurice punches Dwight in the gut. “I didn’t ‘insinuate myself,’ asswipe. As I remember it, you three took one look at me and begged me to hang out with you.”

Silently, Joey’s fingers count down from five. He gets to two when Dwight jumps and starts to wrestle with Maurice. What the hell? Joey motions for me to lean to him. “Old wounds, Cordelia, old wounds.” He chuckles.

A tenor voice enters the fray. “Guys, guys, what are you doing? This is supposed to be a party, not a UFC octagon.”

My body responds to his voice. Juanita makes fun of me because I can’t remember a face to save my life, but a voice? I’m all over that. And Iknowthat voice. Talking dirty to me at the bar in Jersey City a couple of weeks ago. Grunting as he pounded into me in the bathroom. Oh, God.

Despite our encounter being the most memorable in my life,no waywill I deviate from my no repeats rule.

Steeling my spine, I angle my body in the newcomer’s direction, noticing Dwight and Maurice quit messing around. Unique black/blond short dreadlocks top a six-foot frame that best can be described as a swimmer’s body. Not an ounce of fat on him, for sure. Ripped abs, strong arms.

And a cock that wouldn’t quit.Stop it, Cordelia.

Unusual hazel eyes, more like amber, widen, then skewer mine. Yep, he recognizes me, too.

Inhaling deeply, I extend my hand as if we’ve never met—intimately—before. His darker brown one slides over mine and my body clenches. In a deeper voice than usual, I introduce myself properly. “You must be Trent. I’m Cordelia Hernandez, the social media rep Apex assigned to follow your band during this leg of the tour.”

His eyes bounce from my hand to my chest to my mouth, and finally back up to my eyes. “A pleasure.” He pumps my hand. Twice. Then releases it.

I sag, knowing he’s going to keep our secret, even though my traitorous body’s begging for another round. The rest of the guys and their wives chat about their performance and the exciting fact they’re now touring with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees. I do my best to ignore the drool-worthy man next to me and engage with the rest of my new clients. I even put all their contact info in my phone, including the lead singer’s. Couple by couple, they disperse for the buffet or the bar, until only Trent and I remain together.

Motioning for him to bend down, I whisper, “Jersey City never happened.”

His gaze meets mine. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Although he gave me what I wanted, why does his quick capitulation sting?

Chapter 6 - Cordelia

My fist bangs the sofa. “Juanita, I don’t know what I can do for you. I don’t have the money yet.”

Her voice is shaky as if trying to hold back tears. And knowing my sister, she probably is. “I get it! This sucks. Only five more days until school starts.”

Tracing the funky pattern on the sofa, I force myself to appear less agitated than I am since I’m sitting in an alcove backstage. The Light Rail—or TLR as I’ve dubbed them on social media—is performing. I should be taking more photos of them, but at least I got enough before my sister called. I draw a deep breath. “I’m making more money now and will be able to pay off your debt in a few months. But not before.”

“They’re going to kick me out. All because the worthless woman who spawned us gambled away my tuition.”

“I’m sorry.” What else can I say? Our stupid mother ruined both of our lives and is rubbing salt in the wound as we speak.

Sniffling comes through the phone. Shit. Guess she couldn’t curb the tears any longer. “It’s okay. I can get my job back at the store. I’m sure they didn’t find a new cashier yet.”

I hate hearing her sound so depressed. “Don’t do anything hasty yet.” An idea forms. “Maybe I can ask Apex for a loan.” Is this even an option?

“Oh my God. Do you think they’d give it to you? I mean, you are working for a rock band. And they make more money than anyone, right? Why didn’t I think of this sooner?” She blows her nose.

If the situation weren’t so dire, I would laugh. But it is. And not even a slight giggle comes out of my mouth. I need to temper her expectations. “Don’t get ahead of yourself. I’m working social media for an opening band. Really, no clout here.” Why did I volunteer this to my sister? Well, it is a possibility. Remote, though. But desperate times and all that.

“If this works, I promise to make you proud. I’ll move out of Mamá’s house and rent a two-bedroom where we both can live. No more sofa beds for you.”

I smile at my little sister’s enthusiasm, however misplaced. “Now, calm down. I said I’d ask. No idea what they will say.”

Juanita, ever the optimist, replies, “I’m sure they’ll come through.” She blows her nose again. “And now, despite this positive news, I have something to ask you. Have you seen the latest issue ofCars on the Parkway?”

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