The Redemption(13)

Looking at Tommy, she leans in and tells him something. He jumps and sits on top of the booth. “You need another?” He asks me from across the table.

“Yes. Thanks.”

Slipping out of the booth, he leans in when he passes and says, “You guys be careful. Okay? You know what happened last time.”

I’m not sure if he’s giving me advice or warning me. I know he cares about both of us and his concern is showing tonight. Understandable worry since he’s had to watch Dex and I flirt so much tonight.

Suddenly I have a bare midriff with a temporary tattoo of gold hearts circling her belly button pressing against my shoulder as one of the girls pushes in. She’s trying to get closer to Dex… as if I’m not even here. When I turn, my head jerks back. I get more than an eyeful of breasts because of her low cut shirt. I lean closer to Dex to get away from her, but she presses in even more.

Jealousy wells up inside and I shake my head, trying to rid myself of it. It’s ridiculous I feel anything remotely close to that emotion when it comes to him. This is Dex. He’s a free man. Our flirtations were harmless, just hanging out like we have for years. Then I realize we haven’t really hung out like this before. Sure, we’ve partied many times in the same group of friends and I’ve gone out a million times with the band, but this is different. This is me hanging out with Dex specifically… and Lara and Tommy, of course, but I know deep down I wanted to spend time with Dex.

Lara taps my shoulder. “Let’s go to the bathroom.”

We slip out of the booth and with the girl vying for Dex’s attention, I’m not even sure he notices we’re leaving, which bothers me. Ugh. I follow Lara to the restroom where girls line the hallway, waiting impatiently.

“What’s going on?” she asks. “You seem upset.”

I lie. “I’m not upset.”

She looks at me and then bursts out laughing. “So that girl hanging on Dex’s every breath doesn’t bother you at all?”

Tweaking my lips to the side, I say, “Nope.”

We move up a few spots in line. “Okay, keep telling yourself that. Maybe you’ll start to believe it.”

“I’m not lying to myself. Dex is Dex. I’ve known him for years and he’s definitely not someone I should get involved with.”

She stands on her tiptoes and looks ahead. Only two more people until we’re at the front of the line. When she spins around, she says, “Look, you mention him all faux-casual while shopping the other day. Now we’re here with him tonight. I saw how you watched him during the show and how he looked at you backstage. If you guys aren’t attracted to each other, then I have no idea what’s going on. But if you ask me, you have feelings for him. I know you feel guilty for having them, but your heart doesn’t feel guilt. That’s all in your head. You aren’t doing anything wrong. If anything, you’re doing what’s right.”

“So follow my heart?”

Shrugging, she says, “Beats letting the guilt win.”

The line moves and my boldness peaks. “You’re right. I may regret this in the morning, but I’m ready to see if there’s more between us.”

“He’s also damn sexy. You were right. That haircut is making him even more irresistible.”

When we walk out of the bathroom, I’m feeling determined. The only thing that holds me back, stopping me in my tracks is the girl who has slid into the booth next to him taking my spot. She’s so close with her arm around the back of him, and I detour, letting Lara return without me. I stop behind a column and peek back, not spying, just checking to see if it’s safe to return. Lara’s looking for me and Dex downs his drink.

“Couldn’t hide his stripes for long.” Chad is next to me, both of us watching Dex from afar. “Dex may not be snorting his fortune anymore, but he’s still the same guy, Rochelle.”

“Not now, Chad,” I say, starting to walk away.

He stops me, by taking my hand in his. “Hey, I know you’ve had a hard time the last few years, but Dex isn’t the answer. He’s the problem. You deserve better—”

Rolling my eyes, I retort, “You mean someone like you?”

He laughs. “I’m not perfect, but at least you know what you’re getting with me.”

His arrogance is getting on my nerves, but his cockiness still fascinates me equally. “And what is that exactly?”

Rubbing his chest with pride, he says, “The rumors are true.”

“The rumors? And which rumors would those be?”

“I’m the best f*ck in Hollywood—”

“What did you just say, Spears?” Dex startles us, his body hard against my back, his breathing jagged.

Chad stands, his ego making him brave. “Fuck off, Caggiano. Go back to your whores and hookers. The grown-ups are trying to have a conversation here.”

“You’ve always been such a f*cking prick, but now you’re just a sad * too.”

“This sad * gets more * than you can dream of.”

Dex looks at me and if I’m not mistaken, I see disappointment residing there. “C’mon, Rochelle. I’m ready to leave.”

Taking my own stance on the matter, I say, “Maybe I’m not.”