Not Expecting to Collide (COMPLETE) - ABP Fanfiction

Chapter 17 - List

When they arrived at the art gallery, Bam was surprised. He was expecting soft, classical music, a few pompous people staring at some minimalist photos on a stark, white wall and maybe a guy with a cane and a brass monocle.* Instead they were greeted by a loud, thumping baseline before they even got to the front entrance. There were people lined up out the door, all dressed in clothes more suitable for a nightclub. Bam glanced down at his jean-clad legs, his white button-up shirt with sleeves rolled up to his elbows, the thick leather band on his wrist and hoped he wasn't going to look out of place. His eyes traveled down the length of October's body, admiring the form-fitting, black minidress that barely came to the tops of her thighs and showcased all her curves. He loved the way her shapely legs moved in her sparkly, silver stilettos that made her almost as tall as him. October reached for his hand as they crossed the parking lot. She was trembling and he couldn't tell if it was from cold or jitters.

"Nervous?" He asked, just loud enough to be heard.

She drew in a sharp breath and clasped his hand tightly. "No." She replied, barely audible.

He nodded and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Me too."

She led him to the front of the line where a guy, roughly the size of a Volkswagen, with a tshirt that read 'security' asked their names. "October Hunt." She stated, then glancing to Bam. "And guest."

Security guy flipped through the papers on his clipboard and then squinted at Bam. "Are you August Hunt?"

October spoke up before Bam had a chance. "No. August Hunt will be arriving later. This is my guest. I'm on the list."

Security guy looked back to his clipboard and shook his head. "It says October Hunt. It doesn't say and guest."

"Look, I'm one of the featured artists tonight. My name is right up there." She pointed to the marquee. "I'm supposed to be in there by now and not out here arguing with you."

Security guy stood up from his stool. Bam took a step back but October took a step forward and jabbed her finger into security guys chest. It was actually quite comical. Like a Grizzly being confronted by a poodle. Bam would have laughed if October hadn't been so agitated.

"Look lady. My orders are to not let anyone in who's not on the list. You are welcome to come in. You're on the list. He ain't." He pointed at Bam.

Bam let October's hand drop from his. "It's okay, I can wait in line." He whispered softly.

October grabbed his hand up between her palms. "Like hell you will." She replied through gritted teeth. "I need something to go right this weekend." She turned back to the security guy with a grim smile. "Who is in charge of the list?" He shrugged. She pointed to the entrance. "Then I suggest you go find out." She crossed her arms over her chest when he hesitated. "Go ahead. I'm waiting."

She glared at his back as he retreated inside the building.

Bam stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, warming her as much as he could. "Damn girl. Remind me to never get on your bad side." He murmured into her hair. She shivered against him, wishing she hadn't left her jacket in the car. A moment later security guy returned with a tall, thin man wearing an expensive haircut and even more expensive suit. He was everything that Bam wasn't. Bam knew immediately that this was Jaime and he also knew immediately that he didn't like him. "October, darling." Jaime held his arms out to greet her. She broke away from Bam and returned his embrace. Bam noticed that she quickly turned her head to the side when Jaime went in for a kiss. "Good evening Jaime." October smiled. Jaime held her hands out to her sides as his eyes raked up her body. "You look exquisite, darling. No one will be looking at the photos with you here."

"Jaime," October said firmly, letting his compliments go unacknowledged. "Why don't I have a guest on the list?"

Jaime smiled saccharinely and Bam instantly understood August's concerns about the man. "Nonsense." Jaime exclaimed. "I made sure that both you and August were on the list and I even made room for August to bring a date." He said with a wink.

"That's great Jaime. Thank you for that. August will be pleased however, did you make room for my guest?"

Jaime tilted his head like he didn't understand. "Your guest?" And then for the first time he pulled his gaze from October to look around her. His eyes fell on Bam and Bam saw the judgement there. He held his gaze steady and offered his hand. "Bam Brown. Nice to meet you."Jaime pressed his lips into a thin line, narrowed his eyes and returned a quick handshake. "October never mentioned she was bringing a friend." He mused out loud.

"She wasn't sure I was going to make it." Bam replied flatly, wanting very much to pull October's body to his possessively. Instead he held firm eye contact with Jaime, letting him know that he would not be intimidated.

"Okay, let's get inside then." October interrupted their silent standoff. "I'm freezing out here."

-----------

* A/N insert Noah reference here.