Page 45 of Knot My Band: Part One
“By being polite? You?” Chase laughs. “Did Oli slip you some happy pills or something?”
“Shut it,” I snap, the old Dax peeking through. I take a deep breath and let it out slowly, reigning myself back in.
Oli stands there the whole time, grinning. “Leave him alone. He’s lightening up and enjoying life. I promised it wouldn’t mean anything to me if he wasn’t always grumpy.”
Chase opens his mouth, no doubt to point out I’ve never been happy in my whole life, but I cut him off with a growl.
Their laughter erupts, echoing off the walls, and I feel my cheeks heat up. This isn’t going to be easy.
“I’m giving it a shot.”
“Dax, man, you wouldn’t know nice if it kicked you in the ass,” Jack chimes in, shaking his head with a grin.
Even if my pack is trying to ruin this for me, I’m taking this opportunity. Without the weight of keeping Oli at a distanceor May’s negativity, I might be able to enjoy life for the first time.
Oli finishes getting ready, and as we approach the stage, everything seems possible.
The air’s electric with that pre-show buzz, and I can almost taste the excitement.
“I’m happy for you, Dax. You seem lighter. A weight has been lifted from your shoulders,” Aiden tells me as we wait on the side for our cue.
“Thanks, man.”
“Whatever she said to you must have been a spell for it to work this well,” Chase adds.
Laughter bubbles up from my throat, a foreign sound that surprises even me.
We reach the stage, and the intensity hits me—the heat of the lights, the roar of the crowd beyond the curtains, the palpable energy that vibrates through every inch of the venue. It’s all-consuming, yet instead of being overwhelmed, I feel anchored.
I’m going to soak up every moment of this performance.
Chase
ALPHA TEA GOSSIP COLUMN
THE EDGE’S STREAMING NUMBERS SOAR WHILE ON TOUR WITH OLI HART
April 18th
The black sedan pulls up to the sandy curb, and I’m out before the wheels fully stop rolling and running around to open Oli’s door.
Oli grabs my hand, letting me help her out of the car before looking around. “It’s gorgeous.”
“You look gorgeous,” I say, hoping my voice doesn’t betray how fast my heart’s racing.
I’m a fuckboy, and I know it. The moment I met Oli, I started regretting the history I’ve left behind but all I can do is be better for her now.
This is my first date. Ever.
It’s always been hookups and sex before this.
She twirls on the spot, her smile hair catching the sun. “I love the beach.”
“Perfect for a first date?” I ask, trying to sound casual, but damn it, I want her to feel this is special.
Maybe I should have taken her somewhere nicer. I couldprobably call some of the fancier restaurants and drop my name.
She playfully nudges my shoulder with hers. “Absolutely.”
