The Fire Walker Read Online Free Page A

minds. I wasn't into it, but I wanted to be near Jessie.
    "Are you coming out?" Simone asked, her arm linked with Chris'.
    "C'mon," he said, nodding towards the waiting car. "It'll be bloody horrible."
    That was code for, lets go and laugh at the joint, but even then I wasn't sure. Part of me wanted to go out so I could have a few drinks to steady my nerves and part of me wanted to run back to the hotel. And a huge part of me wanted to go so I could have a chance to talk to Jessie again. Naturally, Zoe and Will bailed, but Frank came up behind us and pushed me into the car with Chris and Simone, making the decision for me.
    Looked like I was going in head first.
     

     
    The club was just as we expected it would be. Flashy and fake.
    The whole red carpet and rope business. I was severely underdressed in my denim jacket, jeans and beat up boots, but that didn't seem to matter. Not when Galaxy were sticking their name on it.
    What else could I say about the place? Nothing that anyone wouldn't already know. I really couldn't care. As soon as we were inside, everyone went straight to the bar and I stood back, my eyes following Jessie's every move. All those smart things I'd thought up to start a conversation had fucked off somewhere else and my head was scrambled and the loud music didn't help.
    I leaned against an island table, ignoring the looks a group of scantily clad, orange Oompa Loompa tanned girls were throwing me.
    Simone stood beside me, putting a drink on the table in my line of vision. "Scotch," she said when I gave her a look. "Double."
    "Thanks."
    Leaning forward on the table, my eyes inevitably went to the bar where Jessie was talking with Frank. I scowled at them and a small part of me was annoyed at him for being so... Frank .
    Simone followed my gaze and nudged me with her shoulder. "Have you talked to her?"
    "She already shot me down," I grumbled, fiddling with a coaster.
    "Since when did that stop you?"
    I looked up at her and shrugged. We were good friends, but I'd only talk about this stuff with Zoe normally. But, Zoe wasn't here.
    Simone slid her arm across my back and gave me a small hug. "I get it."
    I looked up at her with a raised eyebrow, but she just walked off into the crowd with a smile, leaving me alone.
    "Dee Cosgrove."
    I looked up at the sound of a female voice. From the broad New York accent it could only be Georgie. My first thought was, here we go , and that wasn't meant in a good way.
    "Georgie," I said politely, straightening up.
    "What are you doing here on your own?"
    "Enjoying some alone in a crowd time."
    She smiled widely, not getting my meaning. "How have you enjoyed recording in LA so far? I hope Galaxy is doing everything we can to make your stay enjoyable."
    I knew that was a euphemism, but I chose to shudder internally and ignore it. "Recording has been fine. Short, but fine."
    "You know, if there's anything I can do for you, I mean anything," she said, pressing closer to me, "all you have to do is say the word."
    I tried to angle myself away from her, but she was…  there  and I was too polite. Glancing over at the bar, I caught Jessie's eye and her lips quirked into a knowing smile. I coaxed my expression into one that said 'save me' and she must have let out an exasperated sigh, because her shoulders rose and fell dramatically.
    "And of course we want to take you right to the top," Georgie was saying, her hand on my forearm and her breast jammed against my arm.
    I nodded uncomfortably, watching Jessie approach out the corner of my eye.
    "Dee," came Jessie's velvet voice. "If you have a second, I just want to ask you about tomorrow's concert."
    Georgie stepped back glaring at her PA. "Do you have to annoy him with this now?"
    "It's fine," I said. "I don't mind."
    The older woman gave Jessie another glare for good measure and stalked off, disappearing into the throng of people grinding on the dance floor.
    "Thanks," I said, giving her my trademark sexy smile.