“Andrew Denson.” I introduce myself, the conversation I just had with Bristol playing in my head. Maybe I should go by Rhyit. “Nice to meet you.” I say with a smile. Paperweight Records is a massive label.
“You too, some show you put on there.” He motions his cigarette and drink towards the stage.
“Thanks.” I reply.
“I’m only in town until Monday, wife and kids and what not. Then I’m headed back to LA. I’d like to invite you guys to come play in LA next week, what do you say?”
“ I-uh…” I can’t speak, I feel like I’m dreaming. Snap out of it. “We’d love to.”
“Good, good. Here’s my card, call me when you get to town, and we will set up a meeting with my partners.” He hands me a simple white card with his name and phone number on it and the label’s logo in the corner.
I smile, my face splits as the smile over takes it.
“I will, let’s shoot for Wednesday?” I ask.
“Wednesday works, talk to you soon, kid.” He says as he walks back to a woman in the corner I assume to be his wife. I stare down at the card in awe; I knew tonight felt special, but this is unbelievable.
I walk back down the hallway in a daze. I can’t believe we’re going to LA next week to play for the same label that signed the bands I have posters of on my walls. I stop at the doorway of the back room and watch as my bandmates talk animatedly about the show. Bristol laughs at Boston’s interpretation of her drumming, his hands moving imaginary sticks at record speed. She’s the first to notice me in the doorway, her laugh dying out as soon as she sees me.
“Well?” She asks excitedly. I take a deep breath, pretending like it didn’t go well. All eyes fall to me as I step into the room.
“So,” I start, “what have you guys got planned for next week? Because whatever it is, cancel it, we’re going to LA!”
In the next instant, all three of the people I hold closest to my heart are surrounding me, jumping up and down like we just won a Grammy.
“Are you shitting me?” Alex says, pulling his blonde hair out of his eyes. “You’re serious?” He’s not looking at me though, he’s looking at Bristol. His eyes linger there for too long, the longing there pisses me off.
“Dead serious.” I snap, holding up Steve’s card between my middle and index finger. The motion brings Alex’s eyes back to mine. He looks away sheepishly–caught you, asshole.
“Holy shit!” Boston exclaims, grabbing the card out of my hand. He inspects it like it might not be real, “when do we have to be there?”
“Wednesday.” I say, still shooting daggers at Alex.
“Well, let’s celebrate tonight and get packed up tomorrow!” Bristol says, pulling away from the group to grab the bottle of vodka off the table. Shots are poured for all of us, and we cheers to the next steps in this dream.
Hours later, we’re well and truly drunk. Alex is passed out on the couch, snoring heavily. Boston left with Eve, Bristol and I are sitting on the balcony, letting the wet summer air coat our skin.
“Can I ask you something?” She hiccups, her eyes glassy from the booze.
“Uh huh.” I nod, looking out towards the ocean.
“How come you never pull the trigger with me?” Her head cocks to the side.
“What do you mean?” I reply, turning my head away from the ocean.
“Well-“ she starts, a blush creeping up her cheeks, “like we’ll fool around and stuff, but you never take it any further than that. Do you not want to-?” She asks, her palms moving from the railing to cover her face, embarrassment radiates off of her, and it has to be the cutest thing I ever seen. Her question makes me pause though, do I want to have sex with Bristol? Absofuckinglutely.
“Oh, I want to.” I reply too quickly. I grab her palm from her face so she can see how serious I am. “I don’t want to do anything you don’t want to do. I don’t want you to think you have to.”
“Have you ever?” She asks, and now it’s my turn to be embarrassed. I shake my head in response, telling her I’ve never had sex at almost nineteen seems a little pathetic, but I know she hasn’t either. We’ve been so busy between practice and performances it’s not like I had a lot of time to woo another woman into my bed.
“Me neither.” She says, turning her head back to the ocean in front of us. I clear my throat after a few seconds.
“Do you uh-“ I start, my voice cracking. I clear my throat, trying again, “want to, with me?” My stupid dick wakes up at the thought of sinking in to her wet heat. I’ve felt her mouth around me a few times, but the idea of her pussy wrapped around my length is enough to drool over.
“Yes.” She whispers, her shoulder leaning into mine. “Right now.” She whispers again, my eyes widen at her words.
“Are you sure?” I ask as my dick throbs in my jeans. “You’ve had a lot to drink, I don’t want you to wake up and regret this.” I sure as fuck know I won’t.