Page 43 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“You want something to drink?”

“Soda is fine.”

“Soda it is. You hungry? They do—”

“No, I’m good. Thanks.”

I nodded. “Sit tight and I’ll be back.”

Weaving my way through the crowd, I perched at the end of the bar.

“Well, I’ll be damned.”

“Tony, it’s been a while,” I said.

“Too long.” He grinned. “Didn’t think we’d see you around here again.”

“Neither did I.” The admission hurt, but it was the truth.

Between the ages of twelve and sixteen, I’d spent a lot of time here. Tony was family. Or at least, he was by blood. But the familial ties ended there. When my old man found out I’d been getting up on the stage and performing at Roadhouse’s open mic nights, he’d soon put a stop to it.

I’d never hated him more than when he’d turned up and frog-marched me out of the bar and issued me with an ultimatum where Roadhouse was concerned.

Asshole.

“How’re your folks?” he asked.

“Same old.”

“Say no more, kid. Say no more. It’s good to see you though. Was a damn shame when you stopped coming around. Are you here alone?”

“No, actually, I… uh, I brought somebody with me.”

“You did, huh.” He smirked. “What’s her name?”

“Sofia.”

“She cute?”

My lips twisted into a faint smirk. “She’s waiting on me. I’d better get back to her.”

“Keeping your cards close to your chest. I can respect that. What’ll it be?”

“A soda for Sofia and I’ll get a beer.”

One wouldn’t hurt. Besides, I needed something to settle my nerves.

Tony nodded and went to get our drinks. When he came back, he slid them across the bar and said, “On the house. Should I add your name to the roster?”

“Yeah.”

His face split into a wide grin. “It’s good to see you, kid. Real good.”

“Thanks, Tony. I’ll come say bye before we leave.”

“You’d better. I want to meet this girl who’s got you all twisted up inside.”

I waved him off as I made my way back to Sofia. The second her eyes found me, a streak of lust went through me.

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