When I first moved to Memphis, Hallie was the only friend I really had. It took some time for me to warm up to my new life, mainly because a big part of me knew it was only a matter of time before my past caught up with me. I was scared, but eventually, Hallie convinced me to take a chance—that living a life in the shadows wasn’t really living. It was then that I finally started to venture out, and shortly afterwards, I ended up meeting my best friend, Jason. That day, I’d gone into the cutest little boutique to look for a Christmas gift for Hallie. As soon as I laid eyes on a snow globe with the Eiffel Tower in the center, I knew I’d found it. I rushed over to check out, and until then, I hadn’t even noticed the guy standing behind the counter. He was tall, really tall, and slender with a smile that was filled with mischief. I knew immediately that there was something about him I was going to like.

“Hi. Did you find everything okay?”

“Yes. Thanks.”

He took the snow globe off the counter, and as he gave it a quick shake, he asked, “Is this gonna be all?”

“Yes. That’s it.”

Still staring at the tiny white speckles that were floating around in the water, he said, “It’ll be eighteen bucks.”

I slid over a twenty. “Here ya go.”

As he reached for the money, he looked over and studied me for a moment. “Do you go to State?”

I was ashamed to answer. “No. I guess you could say that I’m kind of new to the area. I thought about taking some classes this fall, but I’m not sure if I can work it out. You know how it can be.”

“Oh, I totally get it.” He ran his fingers through his dark hair and sighed. “I’ve about decided that school just isn’t in the cards for me. I took a few classes in the spring, but flunked out. I guess I missed the memo where it said you actually have to go to class to pass.”

“Yeah. That’s where they get you.” I giggled. “It’s all just a sham.”

“Exactly!” He laughed. “I’m Jason, by the way.”

“Hi, Jason. I’m Alex.”

“It’s nice to meet ya, Alex.”

Just as he was putting my gift in a bag, a young woman came out of the back room and walked over to us with a friendly smile. She stood beside Jason for a moment, and then gave him a nudge. “Since she’s new to the area, you should invite her down to Newman’s.”

Jason rolled his eyes at her, then turned his attention back to me. As he handed me my change, he asked, “You ever been to Newman’s?”

I shook my head. “Can’t say that I have.”

With a chuckle under his breath, he replied, “They have really great music. It’s down on Sycamore. You should come check it out sometime.”

“Oh, okay. I might just do that.”

I’d barely gotten the words out of my mouth, when the young woman added, “We’ll be there later tonight with a few friends. There’s a new band coming into town, and word is they’re pretty good.”

“Sorry. This is my sister, Daphne. She can be pretty obnoxious about stuff,” Jason sighed. “You might as well say you’ll come; otherwise, she’ll never let it go.”

“Obnoxious? You’re calling me obnoxious? You’re the one who throws a tantrum whenever you miss Westworld or can’t find your favorite lighter.”

“Okay. Pushy.”

“Well, I’m only pushy when I know I’m right,” she answered defensively.

“Whatever.”

She finally turned her attention back to me and asked, “So, can you make it?”

I studied the two of them as I tried to decide if they could be trusted, and then Jason gave me one of those smiles that made my doubts fade away. While I felt no attraction towards him whatsoever, he seemed like someone I would like to get to know. I was still a little apprehensive but answered, “Yeah, I think I can work it out.”

“Great,” she replied excitedly. “We’ll save you a spot.”

I left the boutique feeling excited about my plans for the evening, but by the time I made it back to the apartment, I started to have second thoughts. It had been so long since I’d had a friend my own age, and I was worried that I’d just end up making a fool of myself. Thankfully, at the time, Hallie was there to convince me that I was overthinking things and to put myself out there. She even helped me pick out an outfit and paid for my cab over to Newman’s.

I was a nervous wreck when I walked inside, but as soon as I located Jason and made my way over to him and his friends, we immediately all started talking and laughing. They made me feel like I was one of their crew. It had been almost six years since that night, and since then, we’d become the best of friends. I quickly learned that Jason and I had a great deal in common. Not only had his mother died several years earlier, he and his father weren’t exactly on good terms. After spending several years in jail for embezzling from a local bank, his dad was never the same, and Jason did his best to steer clear of him. While I didn’t tell him all the details of my past, he knew that I understood the pain he and his sister had gone through. When Hallie died, I don’t know what I would’ve done without them. I’d probably still be in that apartment crying and wallowing in my heartbreak if they hadn’t been there to help me get back on my feet.

Since one of my only two employees quit unexpectedly, I’d been spending most of my time at work, trying to pick up the slack. Jason had been on me for weeks to take a break, so I wasn’t surprised when he called and said, “Newman’s at nine.”

Hearing the excitement in his voice, I replied, “What? Why? What’s going on?”

“The Smoking Guns are in town!”

It had become Jason’s mission to stay on top of all the new, upcoming bands that came through town, and we were usually right there beside him, making our own predictions about their future fate while we listened. It had become a tradition of sorts, so it wasn’t unexpected when Jason called everyone in the crew to meet him down at the bar. “Wow. So, they’re going to be at Newman’s tonight?”

“Are you even listening to me?”

His voice was filled with frustration, and it was hard not to get tickled. “Yes, Jason. I’m listening, but you’re really not telling me anything.”

“I’ve said all you need to know,” he snickered. “Get your ass down to Newman’s at nine and wear something cool.”

“Hold up … Just what exactly are you trying to say, numbnut?” I asked defensively. “I dress cool all the time.”

“Umm ... No, you don’t … But that’s neither here nor there. Just dress to impress. It’s the Smoking-freaking-Guns!”

If I didn’t know him better, I might’ve been insulted by his comment, but I’d known Jason long enough to realize that he was just geared up over his favorite band playing in town. “Dang, you’re really pumped about this band. I haven’t seen you this excited since last year when the Backyard Dogs came into town.”

“Don’t get me wrong, the Smoking Guns are awesome, but they aren’t the Backyard Dogs. They were incredible, and being there for their first music video was off-the-charts awesome.”

Remembering that night, I added, “Yeah, that was pretty neat.”

“Neat?” he scolded. “It wasn’t just neat, Alex. It was amazing. I mean, how many times have you seen Neptune magazine come to Newman’s for a band?”

“Okay. Okay. You’re right. I’ve never seen anything like that, and it really was a-maz-zing.” I giggled.

“Hell yeah, it was.”

“Well, who knows … maybe the same thing will happen tonight with the Smoking Guns.”

“A guy can hope, but I doubt it. They don’t have the same kind of following.” Jason sighed, then asked, “Anyway, do you want us to come and pick you up on our way over?”

Knowing he would want to stay until the very last song, I answered, “No, I’ll meet you there.”

“Suit yourself, just don’t be late.”

While some people were put off by Jason’s strong personality, it was one of the reasons I enjoyed spending time with him. There was no guessing with him. He always said exactly what was on his mind and rarely held anything back. I found his outlook on life rather amusing. Whenever we were together, I’d spend the entire time laughing hysterically at something he’d said or done, and he had no clue why I’d found it so funny. At times, I’d find myself wondering why we hadn’t tried the whole dating thing. He was handsome and smart, and he’d do anything in the world for me. But then, I’d remember there was absolutely no chemistry between us—like none. I’d be better off kissing a wet mop, so my sidekick, Jason, and I would forever remain in the friend zone, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

As soon as I walked in, I found Jason sitting at the bar talking to Daphne and her boyfriend, Jimmy. The minute he noticed me strolling towards them, he glanced down at his watch. “You’re late.”

I sighed and took a quick look over at the stage, where the band was still setting up. “Take a chill pill, dude. I’m like fifteen minutes late. Besides, they haven’t even started playing.”

“That’s because they’re not supposed to start for another half hour.”

“Then, why did you tell me to be here at nine?”

“Cause, I figured you’d be late.”

“I was late one time, and you’re—”

“Babe, you’re always late, but I’ve come to realize that it’s just part of your charm.” He glanced down at my fitted black-knit shirt and distressed jeans and smiled. “And I’m liking the duds.”

I sat down next to him and replied, “Thanks. I’m glad you approve.”

Daphne leaned forward and smiled. “Hey, Lex. You want something to drink?”

“Sure. I’ll have a beer.”

Jimmy motioned over to the bartender, who then placed my drink down in front of me. I’d just picked it up to take a sip when Jason turned to me with a concerned expression. “Don’t forget you’re driving.”

Before I could respond, Daphne asked, “Hey, did I tell you about Jimmy’s new job promotion?”

While Daphne caught me up with her latest news, Jason stared anxiously at the stage as the band finally finished setting up, and his eyes lit up when the lead singer stepped up to the microphone. The minute they finally started to play, Jason could barely contain himself, and I couldn’t help but smile when his head started bobbing to the music. After they played a few songs, he leaned over to me and asked, “They’re awesome, right?”

My eyes skirted over to the stage, and as I focused on the band’s music, I just couldn’t understand why he loved them like he did. Even though I knew it would drive him nuts, I shrugged and said, “I’ve heard better.”

“What?”

“I mean … they’re okay, but I thought the Rickets were better.”

“Oh, good grief. Why are we even friends?”

I smirked as I answered, “Because I’m the only one who will put up with your delightful personality, and you’re the only one who will put up with mine.”

“You got me there,” he chuckled. “You wanna hit the Red Birds game next week? Some of the guys are getting a group together.”

“Maybe. I’ll let you know after I check the schedule at work.”

He nodded, then turned his attention back to the stage. I sat and listened to the raucous stream of melodies for another hour, and when I couldn’t take it anymore, I patted Jason on the shoulder. “I’m heading out.”

“But they’re not done.”

“We have a big order coming in early tomorrow. I’ve got to be there to get everything sorted.”

“Okay, but text me as soon as you get home.”

I nodded, then went over to Daphne and Jimmy and said my goodbyes to them. It was after eleven when I headed out to the dimly-lit parking lot, and no one was in sight most likely due to the band still playing. I had an uneasy feeling and suddenly wished I was parked closer. I’d only taken a few steps when I heard the loud rumble of several motorcycles approaching, and as they got closer, I noticed something familiar about one of the men. Even in the pitch black of night, I knew it was him—the hot biker from the bookstore. I stood frozen in place as he and his friend whipped past me.

A black SUV pulled in right behind them as they all parked near the front door of Newman’s. I watched in awe as he got off his motorcycle and removed his helmet. He turned to look in my direction, and as those penetrating blue eyes locked on mine, all my sense of reason seemed to just wash away. I couldn’t move. My pulse was racing, my palms were sweating, and my hormones were raging. He looked so damn good with his dark hair tousled, and it was impossible not to notice how his jeans clung to him in all the right places. I was a complete mess. No man had ever had such an effect on me. I didn’t like it. I wanted to get into my car and shake it off, but when I realized that he was leaving his two friends to walk in my direction, my mind and body just wouldn’t cooperate. I simply stood there like a total idiot.

After he finally made his way over to me, I was surprised by his furrowed brow and intense expression. He just stood there staring at me for several seconds, and having no idea what else to do, I mumbled, “It’s you.”

“Yeah. It’s me.”

“I’m sorry … I don’t actually know your name.”

“It’s Shadow.” Before I could respond, he took a quick glance around the parking lot and asked, “You out here alone?”

“Yeah … I was just about to head home.”

“You shouldn’t be out here by yourself. It’s not safe,” he growled.

Surprised by his fierce tone, I became even more nervous and started to ramble. “I’m okay. My friends are inside. We were watching the band. I’m not sure if you’ve heard of them … the Smoking Guns. They’re pretty good. Not exactly my thing. A little loud for my taste. Not the loudest one I’ve ever been to, but close. At least I had an excuse to leave early … I have a shipment coming in tomorrow morning, so I need to be at the store early. What about you? Are you here to see the band, too?”

“Not exactly.” Without giving further explanation, he asked, “Where’s your car?”

“Um … it’s right over there,” I answered as I pointed in its direction.

He leaned to the side as he looked around me and grimaced, clearly not impressed by the state of my vehicle. “That’s your car?”

“Yeah. I know it’s not much, but it gets me to where I’m going.”

Just when I thought the moment couldn’t get any more uncomfortable, Jason stepped out of the bar, and as he glared at the burly biker standing next to me, he shouted, “Hey, Alex? You okay?”

“Yeah. I’m good. I was just about to leave.” When he didn’t move, I said, “You’re going to miss the closer if you don’t go back inside.”

“You’re sure you’re okay?”

“Yes, Jason. I’m fine.”

“Okay. Don’t forget to text me when you get home.”

“I will. Don’t worry.”

Once he was gone, I turned my attention back to my biker. He studied me for a moment, his eyes lingering on my mouth for only a fleeting moment; then, without saying a word, he started walking towards my car. Having no idea what he was doing, I just stood there trying to wrap my head around exactly what was happening. He turned around and looked over at me then said, “I thought you were leaving.”

“I am.” He cocked his eyebrow as he motioned his hand towards the driver’s side door. Feeling like a complete idiot, I rushed over to him and quickly unlocked my door.

He watched me get inside and asked, “You okay to drive?”

“Yes, I’m fine.” He again stared at me for a moment like he was trying to decide if I really was okay. “Seriously. I had one beer two hours ago. I’m fine.”

“Good.”

I expected him to step back, but he just stood there looking down at me. I felt warm all over, my heart was pounding so loudly that I was certain he could hear it. I felt my face turning red, and not wanting him to see my body’s reaction to him, I said, “Your motorcycle is really something. I bet it’s awesome to ride on a night like this.”

“It is.”

“Okay, well … I guess I better get going.” With a bit of hesitation, I put my hand on the door handle and as I started to close it, I said, “Thanks for walking me to my car.”

His expression softened as he moved out of the way and said, “Be careful.”

“I will. Thanks.”

After I closed the door, I gave him a smile and a quick wave goodbye, then started my engine. As I pulled out of the parking lot, I glanced up at my rearview mirror, and a chill ran down my spine when I noticed he was still standing in the same spot, watching intently as I drove out onto the main road.

“Damn,” I muttered to myself.