Steal

I didn’t even flinch, just made sure she was okay and sighed when Andrew walked back in, grabbed food, and left.

“Okay,” I sighed, “I’m listening.”

Jay crossed his arms. “Send his ass to Seaside.”

“That place is cursed.” Linc tried to steal Ang’s hamburger. “Send a dude there and guarantee he’s going to find a girlfriend.”

Ang gave me a hopeful look.

I scowled.

Just as Zane approached with one of the most intense looking guys I’d ever seen in my entire life.

Jay took a step back.

Ang half hid behind me and Linc must have choked on his spit.

“For the record, I wasn’t lying.” Zane said defensively, “This is my cousin Nixon, he and his wife are big fans.”

“Hey.” I didn’t know what else to say to him. He looked like he ate Andrew whole, and the guy behind him probably ate humans as a snack. “Thanks, that means a lot.” I added.

His lips curled into a frosty smile, “Yeah well, it’s our anniversary and—”

I heard a little yelp.

And then a gorgeous girl with dark hair was shoving Nixon out of the way and handing me something to sign. “I think you’re the best.

Nixon seemed irritated, even though he didn’t as much as flinch.

“Um, thank you.” I was torn between signing the poster and telling her I knew a cop once… I mean, this guy? She was his total opposite. “What’s your name?”

“Trace.” She smiled brightly. “But can you make it to Nixon, we both know that he’s the true fan here.”

Zane burst out laughing.

I shot him, a please don’t get us killed look.

And then Nixon’s face cracked as he pulled her in for a kiss, “You’ll pay for that.”

“I’m counting on it.” She sighed happily.

Leave it to Zane to ruin the special moment by saying, “So, if I need someone killed—”

“Zane!” I yelled.

The guy behind Nixon smiled cruelly. “You know where to find us if you need any… help.”

“Right.” I quickly gave Trace back the poster, we took a picture, and then they were gone.

“I almost shit myself.” Jay muttered once they were out of earshot. “Zane, a little warning next time?”

“What?” Zane shrugged, “He contacted me.”

“Your number’s unlisted.” I said.

He nodded. “Right.”

AD2 ended another song, and the crowd went wild while Demetri and Alec ran backstage to grab some water before the final set with all of us.

“You missed it!” Jay yelled, “The mafia guys were here!”

“Bullshit!” Demetri laughed as sweat ran down his face. “I’ll believe it when I see it!”

Zane grabbed his phone.

“Don’t!” We all yelled in unison, just in time for Andrew to walk back in and duck his head.

“Hey Dem, you know that album you were going to record with us?”

“Yup.” He took a swig of water.

“Let’s lay some tracks in Seaside.”

He started choking violently on his water and wiped his mouth. “Why? Why am I always going back to Seaside? Why, God, why?”

“Because.” Alec nudged him, “It’s home.”

Everyone shared a knowing look.

Andrew had no idea what was coming.

I hoped it would stay that way.

He just had to agree to it.