Spin

Fourteen

[FINN]

"What's going on in that fascinating brain of yours, Mr. Hastings? You're very quiet."

"He's pouting 'cause you've taken him away from his beloved."

The smirk on Jack's face confirmed the obvious as he waited for a reaction that wasn't coming. Dylan stared at me expectantly as I forced a shrug, mindlessly twirling my unused fork. I glanced around the restaurant, taking in all of the salutes to early Hollywood. The Sunset Tower Hotel was iconic and its character was written in the details - the blush pink velvet chairs, the aged mahogany bar, the pinstriped pool loungers.

Once upon a time, I'd told Rory her ghost would haunt the elegant hallways of the very location I was currently spending my early evening at. While the thought of sitting at the bar with her and sharing quiet conversation over a drink would usually sound lovely, it made me frown. I was reminded of my new reality daily and as I looked around, I couldn't help but notice I was catching every gaze I met.

"Fox, I'll ring you in the morning."

Ace slapped my back as he spoke, pulling me from my thoughts. I'd been too distracted to realize he, Jack and Pete were standing up from the table. I grabbed my wallet and went to get up but Dylan was quick, clearing her throat intentionally.

"Can I grab you for another 10? Drinks on me."

I hesitated, saying my respective goodbyes to the boys. When they'd dispersed I snuck a quick glance at my phone, trying to hide my dismay.

"Sorry, I've got plans and I'm already late."

"We can make it five depending on how fast you can drink," Dylan smirked. "I won't keep you long, I promise."

"Right. What's up?"

She raised her eyebrows at me knowingly. Unfortunately I was at a loss, returning the expression. She sighed, flagging the waiter. I was clenching my jaw as she ordered two Modelos, doing the math in my head.

"I've not really got time for a beer."

She disregarded my comment, giving me a deadpan look.

"You've got the face for it, but brooding really isn't in your nature."

"I'm not brooding, I'm really late."

"Your mood progressively worsened throughout this entire meeting," she matter-of-factly commented, voice even. "I'm on your side, Finn, but I can't do my job if you don't communicate."

I chewed on my bottom lip, holding her steady gaze before throwing all caution to the wind.

"It's my last day in town and I spent all day working. You asked us here for a meeting that could have been an email and now you're asking me what's wrong. You text me more than my girlfriend does, Dylan, this could have been a bloody text and now I'm late for dinner."

It all came out so fast it took my brain a minute to realize the tone I'd had. I was prepared to backtrack but stopped myself as her lips curled into an easy smile.

"Use me as your scapegoat, I'm sure Rory will understand. You're about to embark on a sold-out world tour and I'm a type A personality. I'm sorry I've held you hostage but I need to make sure all of our ducks are in order."

"I get it," I nodded. "Sorry."

"It's fine, we're buttoned up. How are you feeling about it all? Good? Excited?"

"Yeah, I'm itching to get back onstage."

"Good. This tour is going to be huge for your careers, Finn. History making if the critics are right."