Emerge (Evolve Series #1)(84)

“You don’t know?”

“No.”

“I work for Dane. I bounce at The Kickback, or take care of whatever else he tells me to.”

“So could you get me a secret job at The Kickback?”

“Laney, you’re not 21. You can’t work at a bar,” Zach points out.

Sawyer snaps his fingers; he has a brilliant plan, goodie. “I could probably get you one at MK. You could do wardrobe or

something.”

MK...why does that ring a bell? Sawyer sees me stewing over it. “It’s Dane’s studio. You could help the photographers with the

sets or costumes or whatever. Want me to check it out?”

MK—Michael Kendrick. Of course. And that’s why Tate had said he took me to “the studio,” cause he owns it. And I’d chewed Dane

about it. My lunch is now a mouthful of crow.

“No, no don’t say anything. It’s okay, I’ll find something.” I stand to throw my lunch away and get to class. “I’ll see you

two later. Not a word, guys, please.” I give them both a pointed look and mime locking my lips. Zach crosses his heart and Sawyer

nods, so I know my secret’s safe.

*****

“Hey, stranger!” Bennett shrieks as I walk into our room later than evening, sweaty from ball practice.

“Hey yourself, Red. How are you?” I laugh and start gathering some clean clothes, heading to the bathroom. “Come talk to me

while I shower, I feel like we never talk anymore.”

Bennett sits on the counter while I let the warm water wash away the day, catching me up on her life.

“Where’s Mr. Wonderful tonight?” I ask. I can’t remember the last time I saw Bennett without Tate no more than five minutes

away from her side.

“He’s with Dane tonight, not sure what they had to do. He’ll be here after, probably around 11,” the pout in her voice audible.

“Oh that’s right, Dane told me he’d be out. I forgot it was with Tate. So ok, you wanna go out with the girls tonight? Avery and

Kirby asked me to do something, probably assuming you’d be with Tate, but you know we’d love for you to come. Until he’s done,

anyway,” I giggle. I know I’m old news the minute he punches his timecard, which I completely understand.

“I wish I could, but you wouldn’t believe how behind I am on homework. It’s like I can’t get anything done when Tate’s in the

room.”

“Actually, I would believe it. I’ve seen it with my own eyes,” I tease her. “Will you hand me a towel?” I step out and start

to dry off, hearing my phone going off in the living room. “Crap, Bennett, that’s Avery. Will you go grab it?”

She runs out and I can hear her talking as I come out. She’s relaying back and forth for me so I can get dressed in dark jeans, my

red and black 00 flag football jersey, tied in the back, and white Keds.

“Just tell her I’ll meet her somewhere. Find out where, I need about 20 minutes to dry my hair and I’ll be good to go.”

“She said how about The Kickback?” Bennett yells over the blow dryer.

I debate internally for just a second, surprised to find I am in fact in the mood for The K, then smile, shooting her a thumbs up

from under my hair. Taking a quick final look in the mirror, I decide to leave my hair down and invite Bennett one more time before

I head out the door minutes later. She declines, so after stuffing my phone and ID in my pockets, I bounce into The K all by

myself! This is new for me, brave, and it feels good!

My eyes quickly find Kirby’s waving hand from a table across the room and I make my way through the bearable crowd to her. “Hey,

catch!”

“Look at you, Sporty Spice! I’m glad you came out!” “Where’s Avery?” I shout over the music.

“At the bar with Zach. You want something?” My brows crinkle, Zach? Love him, but I thought this was girls’ night?

“Sure.” I whip the one five dollar bill I brought out of my pocket. “I’ll take whatever that will buy me.”

Kirby grins mischievously. “Laney, we don’t have to pay for drinks. That bartender look familiar?”

I turn and look, well after the people blocking my view move, and see Sawyer behind the bar. Smiling to myself, I shake my head. We

can’t sit here and drink for free off Dane’s dime. Not that I’d drink enough to make a dent, but still. “Just one free drink

for me, something light. I’m going to run to the bathroom real quick, will you tell them?”

“I got you, girl, go.”

The line for the bathroom is minimal, so I’m on my way back to the table just minutes later when my phone vibrates in my back

pocket.

Evan: You’re not old enough to be in a bar naughty girl.

I look around the room wildly, seeking him out.

How did he know I was here?

Laney: Where r u?

Evan: Behind u

So slow I’m almost still, I turn around and meet the bluest eyes I’ve ever loved. A breathtaking smile breaks across his face,

drawing me in like a vacuum. I collapse into his arms, wrapping mine around his waist. Evan is here, with me, not my imagination.