Patient

8

Ryanne

"Yes, sorry. I had an unexpected night shift that's why I am late. Don't get your panties in a twist I'll be there soon." I end the call, trying to convince Ash for the fiftieth time to get off my ass about getting to the bar late. After they left I relaxed for some time and then Matty, my boss, called me to cover for Jean. I closed off the shop and dashed home, getting ready in record time. Decadence is about three blocks away so I'll finally get there to listen to the final draw of Ash's rage.

After a few minutes, I'm finally there and have acquired a perfect parking space. As I walk to the door, my phone rings. Oh, for the love of everything that's holy. I walk in and am blown away by my surroundings. Once I've identified my crew, I walk straight there. "God, Ashton Marie Layton. What the fuck? People have permission to be late every once in a while."

"Not one hour late Ryanne Raegan. Plus, they are about to start their show."

I roll my eyes at her craziness. "Where are the rest?"

"Carson, Dom, Kel and the rest are back stage. I, like the awesome friend that I am, decided to wait here for you."

I squint my eyes, studying her hard. "Problems in paradise?" I ask knowing or at least suspecting there is something wrong.

She sighs. "Things with Evan are a little weird. He hasn't called since Wednesday we went out on the date. I am freaking out here."

I pull her to me giving her a hug. "Don't worry little grasshopper. Maybe it's all in your mind. Breathe, talk to him, and see how it goes. If things still don't change tell him how you feel."

Sighing, she nods her head and clasping my hand in hers, drags me front stage. It's another ten minutes before the girls come to us. They both have silly grins on their face. Hmm...had Carson found her own band mate? I'll have to ask her later. Minutes passed, maybe just mere seconds who don't know, when Kellan comes out from back stage. He is smiling, his dimple greeting me, clad in black jeans and a plaid teal button down untucked with sleeves pulled up right below his elbows. His hair is disheveled but looks quite fitting since he seems so carefree. Is then that I remember how young he is and how in someways he seems old.

He stalks towards us and my heart skips a beat. Calm the fuck down, what is wrong with you Balthazar?

"Who's Balthazar?"

Oh shit. Did I say that out loud? I chuckle. "That's how I call my stomach. Little Balthazar." I blush the minute the words slip out of my mouth. Gosh, I just sounded like a ten year old.

His rich laughter flows through my ears and it's wonderful. I was partially scared of seeing him tonight after the awkward goodbye and my bathroom revelation but somehow I'm always comfortable around him. Well, minus the times my heart or Balthazar decide to go apeshit.

"Isn't that a mighty fine name for the beast?"

I gasp, and bump my elbow to his side. He just grins and it almost reaches his eyes. Almost. Sons de Chiennes start their set and I am swaying to their music. Since I heard them play last week, I can sing some of them. Halfway through the set, I feel a hand on my ass. I stiffen and swiftly turn around. The guy is smiling smugly. I narrow my eyes and I speak as low as the music allows me to, "If you don't want me to break each and every single one of your finger you don't dare touch me again."

He just continues. "Oh come on sweetheart, losen up some." His hand sneaks out and I grab his pinky finger pushing it towards his wrist.

"You were saying?" I defy as he squirms painfully. I let him go and a string of curses come out of him. Wanting to get out of the bunch of people around me, I make my way to the bar. God, I need a drink. I order a strawberry daiquiri and as I turn to face the stage I see Kellan moving towards me. With his thumb, he points to where we were minutes prior. "Will I get the same treatment if I say that seeing you do that to the poor asshole over there kind off turned me on."