I've never been one to brag, but fuck, the chance to replay Kaylee under my command... "She was mine."
Joel nods. "Go on."
"That's it," I say.
"Fuck. Maybe Dean is right. Maybe you aren't any fun," Joel teases.
I'm fine with that label. But I did make Kay a promise. "You have any upcoming shows?"
"Always. Why?" he asks.
"Get me tickets and I'll spill."
"Fuck, I'll get you whatever you want. Bella is gonna flip when she sees this." He stares at his new ink. "She'll want one."
"I'll squeeze her in whenever," I say.
He shakes his head. "I don't want you touching her now that I know you have a thing for chicks with glasses."
"You want someone else here touching her?" I ask.
"Good point. There really aren't enough female artists. It's sexist bullshit." Joel turns to Dean. "How come you guys only hire dicks?"
"Nepotism," Dean says.
"It makes the world go round." Joel looks to me. "I'll send over your shit tomorrow. Any date, any venue you want."
"Anything here?"
"Fuck, nobody tells me the details. You think the
y keep me around for my brains?" Joel laughs.
"Nobody thinks that," Dean agrees.
Joel laughs. "Right back at you."
Dean nods. "It hurts, being this beautiful. Doesn't it?"
"It's our cross to bear." Joel's shrug is playful. Joyful. He's that kind of guy. One who always cracks a joke. "I'm sure we've got something coming up." He lowers his voice. "Now. Tell me... was it good dirty alley sex? Or fucking amazing dirty alley sex?"
My head fills with every detail. "It was perfect."
* * *
Kaylee sets her backpack on the passenger side floor as she slides into the car.
Her eyes light up as they meet mine. "You look like a tool with your sunglasses hanging in your t-shirt."
"This better?" I slide them on and offer her my best cocky smile.
"Much better." She pulls the door closed. Clicks her seatbelt. "First name dropping. Then designer sunglasses—"
"Em gave me these for my birthday."
"I remember."
"That doesn't buy me anything?"