False Gods: The Show Jumper's Challenge

The call dropped. Cory tried calling back, but there was no answer. She slipped the phone into her pocket and looked up and down the empty street. She rubbed her arms and jumped up and down to keep warm. The back door to the club opened again, casting a shaft of light into the parking lot. A dark figure walked toward her.

“You forgot this.”

The drummer, with her jacket in hand. She grabbed it and slipped it on.

“You left kinda quick. What’s the story?”

She wanted to be alone, but then again she didn’t. Not out here in the dark.

“I just didn’t want to stay. I have to go home.”

“Oh, yeah? I can give you a ride if you want.”

“Don’t you have to stay and play another set? Besides, I’ve got a ride.”

He leaned his back against the wall and put one foot up against it. “Sure, well that’s good. Hey, you look cold. Do you want to wait in my car?”

Cory shook her head. She stood beside him and slumped against the brick wall.

“Okay, hey, I think I know what the problem is.”

Cory turned her face to him as he pushed off from the wall and stood over her, a hand placed on either side of her head. Cory shrunk lower, but there was nowhere to go. His breath smelled strongly of mints in the cold air.

“See, I’ve been in this band with Kevyn for a long time. A lot of girls really like him, and he’s a cool guy. Don’t get me wrong, but Kevyn doesn’t exactly discourage them from getting certain ideas about things, you know. Girls think they’ve got something exclusive with him.”

Cory sucked in her breath, a sound like a quiet sob. Her hands covered her face. This was so stupid. It’s not like they were dating or anything.

“Hey, it’s okay. I’m sorry to tell you.”

The drummer’s arms wrapped around her. He gently pulled her closer as her face grazed his leather jacket. He was sympathetic. He was trying to be nice. And, he was honest, unlike Kevyn. He stroked the back of her head, cupping it in his hand. She looked up to tell him she was okay now. Up close, she saw he was much older. Fine lines spread from the outer edges of his eyes and he hadn’t shaved. He tilted his head, paused, then pressed his lips against hers. She shifted back, but was trapped.