Ask Jake (Book One of the Whisper Series)

Twenty-Six: Cinderella

The long line of scantily dressed girls lets me know I've found the right place.

It's interesting how little these girls wear and still feel comfortable, I think, while standing in line. A giant, good-looking, black man checks everyone's ID. When he gets to me, he smiles flirty and takes my license. "So, you're Gillian Kelly?"

"That's me."

"I can see what all the fuss is about," he mumbles. My eyebrows furrow. His voice is deeper than any man I have ever heard. He looks back at the person taking money, "This is the Gillian Kelly. Let her through, no charge." His cold stamp puts a temporary mark on my hand. "Have fun, Gillian."

The place is much more crowded than Guinevere's has ever been. This is more of a club than the pub I miss so much. The black walls are covered with music posters and advertisements. Couples lost in conversation, or making out, line the walls.

The band playing is shouting instead of singing and I can't make out a single word. I can't imagine how they got paired to play with Mayhem. Their sound could not be more different. It does to appear as if anyone is listening. The crowd stands around, bored, waiting for the noise to stop.

I hang out by the larger bar until someone leaves a bar stool open, where I have a seat. The club is attached to a microbrewery, so their beer options are vast. I pick one not realizing it's an IPA, which is bitter and tastes horrible. I do not understand why anyone likes IPA beers, they are so hoppy and harsh. I push it aside and make another choice.

The girls in here are so pretty, but seriously, they are hardly clothed? I think, trying to fill the time by people watching. I know it's hot in Florida, but that's not an excuse for going out in a bra and shorts.

The bartender breaks my concentration, "Excuse me, but that... guy over there, with the blue shirt, bought this for you." He hands me a beer.

I glance down at the familiar looking beer, "Is it an IPA?" I ask.

He nods.

"Please tell him, no thank you."

I am surprised when the bartender says, "Good for you." He smiles and delivers the beer to other end of the bar, placing it in front of the guy.

The bands are changing and I recognize the logo on the drum set, Mayhem. I glance down at the bass on its stand, and notice its not Kellan's, unless he got a new one.

Interrupting my thoughts again, the bartender taps my shoulder. "The same individual bought you this drink, hoping it would be more satisfying to your palette."

"What is it this time?" I ask.

"A Sex on the Beach," he says with a smirk.

Seriously?

I suppress my sarcastic expression  and ask, "Please tell him, no thank you."

The bartender surprises me by laughing really loud and saying, "I'll be happy to." I wonder why he is enjoying this so much.

Mayhem starts to play while my back is to the stage. I'm not surprised of the first song; it's the same song they always open with. I had hoped they changed the set list a little. I think about how Kellan feels like he's living the movie Groundhog Day and it makes me chuckle. I turn around and am surprised to see someone else playing the bass. I search the stage and see that Kellan on lead guitar.

He looks good. Really good.

He's searching the crowd, scanning over every face. I wonder if it's me he is searching for. Butterflies flitter in my belly at the idea of the hottest guy on stage, searching for my eyes.