Page 119 of A Little Jaded
EVERETT
As I watch her go, I realize Raine’s dad isn’t looking at her. Hell, he isn’t even watching his son on the stage. His sole focus is on me, and I don’t know what to make of it until the song ends and squeals ensue.
Turning back to the stage, I see why. Dodger has jumped off the edge and is now strolling through the sea of fans, nodding to some, stopping for a quick picture with others, until he waves everyone off, asking for a minute with his dad.
And just like that, his fans listen. Keeping their distance. Giving him space. The guy’s arrogance radiates off him like cologne as he strides toward the bar, bringing his dad in for a quick hug and slap on the back. After, both of them turn to me.
I get it now. The timing. The reason why Raine’s dad stayed quiet, barely casting me a glance until this moment. This is an interrogation. And a decently orchestrated one, too. My sister would be proud.
I wait for pleasantries. For something. For whatever theywant to say to be said. Instead, they only stare at me, waiting for me to crack.
I’ve played this game before, though. I’m used to the pressure. The heavy, charged air. The silent game of chicken.
Dodger’s eyes thin slightly before he gives in and demands, “How long you been dating Bo?”
“I’m Everett,” I reply dryly. “Nice to meet you, too.”
“Ah, you’re a funny one,” Dodger returns. He grabs a pretzel and tosses it into his mouth. “You the reason she’s pulled away from the family since last year?”
My jaw tics, and I fight the urge to defend myself, breaking Raine’s trust in the process. Reaching for my glass, I take a sip, then set it back on the counter, choosing my words carefully. “Have you asked Raine about any of this?”
“Raine’s good at keeping us in the dark. The more we push, the less she comes around,” her dad answers. “Honestly, it’s a miracle she even agreed to come work with me after moving back to Lockwood Heights. You the reason?”
“For Raine moving back?” I ask.
His chin dips.
“You’ll have to ask her,” I deflect.
“Why is she working with my dad, anyway?” Dodger demands. “And why do you drive her when she has a perfectly good car?”
“I see you two are close,” I note, swallowing the last of my beer and setting the empty glass on the counter. “I’m close with my family, too.”
“And my sister,” Dodger points out. “You seem awfully close with?—”
“Hey, Dodge,” Raine interjects. With her hands up and a what the fuck expression on her face, she adds, “Way to wait until I was gone to end the set.”
“Hey, Bo.” Dodger yanks her into a hug and squeezes her. “Missed you.”
“Missedyou.” After patting his back, she wiggles out of his hold and looks up at him. “So? Are we through with the interrogation?”
“His part in it,” Dodge shrugs. “Sure.”
Scoffing, Raine drags out, “Aaaanyway. How was the tour?”
“Long,” he admits. “I could use a few months off, but our manager wants us to do a quick world tour before taking a breather and writing our next album.”
“Aquickworld tour?” Raine snorts. “Dude, our lives are total opposites. You know that, right?”
Scratching the scuff of his jaw, he lets out a quiet chuckle. “Yeah, it’s wild. So, who’s this?” He lifts his chin toward me.
“This is Everett,” Raine announces. “Everett Taylor. Although I have a feeling you already know.”
“Hey.” I offer my hand to Raine’s brother, but he only stares at it.
“Are you the reason my baby sister’s been so absent this last year?” he demands.
Apparently, he didn’t like my answer the first time. I keep my expression blank and drop my hand. Raine’s right. This guy won’t give me an inch. Not willingly.