Page 59 of She is the Darke
“Figured out what things? Oh my gosh, does Callum have a girlfriend? Wife? Secret lovechild?” she asked, her imagination going wild.
Wendell laughed loud enough that the group of concert-goers in front of them turned around. “No, no, nothing like that. His life is much more exciting. It’s not my place to tell his story, but if you get some downtime, or you get bored, there is some very interesting reading at the town library about the Ashbrock family, and a curse on this town.”
“Whoooa, a curse? I’ve never heard about a curse on this town. And I’ve researched this place. What’s it about?”
“My lips are sealed.” Wendell zipped his lips, waited three breaths and then unzipped them, then took another sip of his margarita. “If you want any more answers, you’ll have to find them in the library. Now, lets enjoy the night. Your big bad wolf will be here shortly.”
Big bad wolf? Oh! Right. To match her Red Riding Hood costume. Ha.
The lead singer was a woman dressed as a skeleton, and she took the microphone and belted out a loud, long, heavy-metal rocker note. Geez, she was good.
Wendell winked at her and said, “You’re in for a treat.”
And he wasn’t lying. This band was incredible, and had everyone up and rocking out before the chorus even hit. She was jumping up and down in rhythm with everyone else, and as she turned to say something to Wendell, he’d disappeared. Confused, Stacia stopped dancing and looked around. In the crowd, perfectly still with the chaos dancing all around him, was Callum. His eyes looked even brighter under the undulating strobe lights. His features looked sharper, more handsome, and he wore a slight, crooked smile as he watched her.
Stacia waved and mouthed,Hey stranger.
Callum pointed to his chest and looked around jokingly.
Yeah you, she said, pointing to him.
He sauntered over to her and leaned into her ear. “Second job ran late. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, I’ve been hanging out with Wendell. He’s bought me two Pepsis from the bar. I’m spoiled.”
He chuckled and nodded to someone over her head. When she turned, Wendell was there with a couple of bottled waters and another margarita for himself. He handed one of the waters to Callum. “Figured you could use this.”
He took the water and popped the top, then drank half of it straight down. “Been a long night,” he said.
“Trouble in paradise?” Wendell asked cheekily.
“My life has never been paradise, Wendell.” Callum arched an eyebrow at him. “Behave.”
Wendell zipped his lips again, and Stacia couldn’t help the feeling that she only understood half of what their conversation was really about. When she turned to complain, Callum leaned in and kissed her lips, spun her out and back in, then began jumping with her in rhythm to the crowd around them.
Oooh, he was a fun boy. That made him even hotter.
“I thought you stood me up,” she admitted between songs.
He frowned and looked offended. “How could I stand you up? You are the most interesting, most consuming, most fun thing that has happened to me. I’m not throwing you away. I’ll text if I’m going to be late to anything from here on. It’s been a long time since I did this.”
“Did what?” she asked innocently.
“Chased a woman.”
“Gasp! You’re chasing me!”
“I sent you flowers to your room, goofball. Of course I’m chasing you.”
“Wait, I didn’t get any flowers!”
“Oh. Shit. Maybe they got delivered after you left.” He looked disappointed. “I wanted it to be a surprise.”
“I will act very very surprised when I get back there and see them.”
“Okay, describe your reaction so I can enjoy it,” he told her.
“I’m not going to describe it because you are going to give me a ride home, and then you can see my face for yourself. Also, where is your Big Bad Wolf costume?”