Absolutely Unforgivable(36)

This was the first time I had taken a ride in Billy’s black Dodge Charger. It was a really hot car and matched him well. It was sleek and sexy like him. He put his guitar in the trunk and then opened the door for me to get in the passenger side.


The ride downtown was long and hectic. Houston had so much traffic and it was something I still wasn’t used to. As we raced down the highway my stomach turned in knots just watching all the cars. Luckily we were heading downtown while most people were headed the other way. Those headed north at that time of the day were stuck in miles and miles of traffic. It was horrible, nauseating even.


Billy could tell I was anxious being in so much congested traffic and he put his hand on top of mine and gently stroked it to try and calm me down. It helped some but still by the time we finally made it to the bar I was fit to be tied.


Mindy and Bran had arrived about the same time we did and as they approached the car Mindy bounced over to me, and jumped into my arms for a hug. “I’m so glad you are here tonight with us. We are going to have so much fun.”


We walked into the bar together and made our way over to where Darla and Starla were sitting with Travis who was already several shots in, which was evident by all of the empty shot glasses that lay before him. When I sat down at the band’s table, I noticed a man in an expensive suit come over to greet Billy and Bran at the door. The exchanged seemed friendly but Billy had a sour look on his face after.


I turned to Mindy to see if she knew what the problem might be but she shrugged like she had had no idea. Starla, however, did know. She leaned across the table, giving those behind her, including Travis, a nice look up her tight leather skirt as she told us that he was the manager and just wanted to make sure that the boys stuck to their agreement.


Their agreement? I flashed a glance over to Mindy but she looked just as clueless as I. Starla continued, “You know, to sing at least one cover song for every original.”


“Ohhh,” Mindy said while glancing over to Bran and Billy who were now headed towards us.


I didn’t understand what they were talking about but as Starla sat back down next to Travis, Mindy explained. Billy and the boys like to do their own original songs but some venues, like this one, require them to do a mix of both original and cover songs. It’s silly really, why hire a band that played bad original music? But it’s just what some places do to ensure the crowd gets a good mix of music they are used to and that is popular.


Billy didn’t look happy about it. I had seen them cover songs before at Rowdy’s but to be forced into having to do so many in a set seemed to be what was bothering Billy about it tonight.


We all downed a few shots and then the boys headed to the stage. The set started off with Nickelback’s Rockstar, which then led into Linkin Park’s Numb. By now the crowd had started to get a little worked up. They loved the band but then again, it was hard not to.


They played a few more songs before taking their first break of the night. Just before their last song. Mindy and I made our way over to the bar and grabbed the boys a bucket of beer so it would be ready for them when they got back to the table. When he finished Billy took the seat next to me. He cocked his head to the side, looking at me and then back at the beer. “Did you ....?”


“Yeah, I thought you might be thirsty when you got off the stage so Mindy and I went to get it for you.” He looked over to Mindy and she lifted her hands and shrugged her shoulders. He turned back to me, smiled, and took a beer.


Unlike before Billy didn’t ask me what I thought of their first set. So I leaned in and told him how much I loved it. He just shook his head. Without thinking about it, I put my hand on his leg and gently scratched the top of his thigh through his jeans. He seemed to really like it and perked up.


I couldn’t help but start laughing to myself, thinking about how Billy jumped in the pool with me over his shoulder. That boy does know how to get his way. He arched an eyebrow and gave me a look, no doubt wondering what I thought was so funny but I didn’t respond. I just shook my head.


After drinking his beer, I ordered the table a round of shots. Everyone enjoyed them except Billy. He said he had to be careful about what he drank tonight since he had to get me home safely. It was really sweet and for some reason knowing he was there to take care of me allowed me to relax and enjoy myself more. So I drank not only my own shot but also his.


He leaned in and whispered in my ear, “I think you’ll like this next set.” He didn’t explain what he meant but he had a grin on his face as he walked onto the stage. This time Patrick, who I had barely even noticed was there that night, had put a bar stool on the stage for Billy to lean against.