Take Me with You (Take Me #2)(26)

Apparently, that really was the end of the conversation because he didn’t take to any of the other attempts I’d made at trying to change his mind. He just sent me a devilish smile and cast his deep blue eyes over my face. I gave up, crossing my arms over my chest and sinking back into the deflated cushion.

Soon enough, the cab pulled up in front of Beacon Theatre. Henry handed over a few bills before helping me out of the vehicle. I reluctantly walked into the building. Our tickets were scanned, and the attendant let us know the opening band had already started playing—as if it wasn’t obvious by the noise coming from the theater.

And it really was noise. The Drift needed a better opener than this. What were they thinking?

I was so lost in my thoughts about the opening band that I didn’t realize Henry wasn’t walking us into the auditorium seating, but toward a roped-off door.

“Box seats?” I asked, confused. I wasn’t familiar with Beacon Theatre, and I didn’t know the layout.

“Better.”

It wasn’t until I was already backstage, staring at the dwindling line of squealing teen girls, that I fully comprehended what Henry had meant by better.

I stopped dead in my tracks. “No.”

Henry gave me a perplexed look. “Come on. Backstage passes,” he said, flashing the shiny passes he’d held back from view until that moment.

“Don’t care.”

I turned to go, but Henry latched on to my arm. “What’s with you?”

“I said no,” I spat at him. “Are you f*cking deaf? I don’t want to be here. I don’t want to see the band. I don’t want to meet them. Now, let me go and stop this ridiculous charade. We both know why you’re doing all of this, and it’s not going to work.”

Then, I heard his laugh from over my shoulder. I could practically feel his green eyes boring into my back. When I turned around, Donovan was smiling as if he’d just won the lottery, and I was the cash prize.

I groaned as Donovan abandoned the group of girls vying for his attention and strolled over to me. “Now, that is a face I’ve missed seeing.” His eyes flickered to Henry and then back to me. He arched an eyebrow. I knew he was enjoying this. “New beau, beautiful?”

Henry looked stunned, which was the only good part about this entire ordeal.

“Hello, Donovan.”

“Did you miss me?”

“Hardly. We were just leaving, weren’t we?”

“You know the lead singer personally?” Henry asked.

“Astute deductive reasoning skills. I’m going to give you an award for your brilliance,” I said dryly.

“How do you know him?” Henry asked.

“Well, there was this time over New Year’s—” Donovan began.

I slapped him on the chest. “Do not finish that sentence.” I glowered at him.

Henry stared between Donovan and me as realization seemed to cross his face. “So, when you said he was an *, you meant because you guys were together,” he guessed.

I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose. “Yes, I’m a total groupie slut. Obviously. That’s how I know everyone. Let me call up Adam Levine and John Mayer. We’re like besties.” The sarcasm dripped off of every single word. I couldn’t hold back my disdain and disbelief that this was happening.

“Oh, come on,” Donovan said, laughter in his eyes. “An * is all you’ve got? I distinctly remember you comparing me to the wolf in ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ and something about acting as if I were from the sixteenth century or something. I know you have better comebacks.”

“Seventeenth century. And you are an *, Donovan. I’m glad Grant got in a good hit. You deserved it.”

“Who is Grant?” Henry asked.

Donovan stuck a thumb out at Henry. “He doesn’t know about your boyfriend?”

“Stop! Both of you. This is enough. I’m leaving.” I spun on my heel and started for the door.

“Huh. Interesting,” Donovan mused.

I was not going to give in to him.

“I thought you were here to see him, and I just got to you first.”

My stomach twisted, and my heart thumped wildly in my chest. What was he talking about? No, he was baiting me. I wouldn’t ask. Regardless, my steps slowed.

“Now, I’m starting to wonder if you even know he’s signing.”

That stopped me short.

“Signing?” I asked. My voice came out breathy.

“He’s in there with Hollis right now.”

My mouth dropped open. Donovan was a liar. This couldn’t be true. Grant would never sign with Pacific without at least talking to me about it. I didn’t have any delusions that I would change his mind. This was everything the band wanted, but I wanted to be a part of the process. It was a life-altering decision after all.

An Asian woman came over and tapped Donovan’s shoulder before speaking softly in his ear.

“Well, I have a show to play right now. If it doesn’t work out, stick around. I’d be happy for a revenge f*ck or, you know, whatever you’re into.” He threw out the suggestion so casually that I couldn’t even respond before he walked away.

“So, your boyfriend is in a band?” Henry asked with barely concealed humor. “No wonder you didn’t say anything else to your father.”