Night shifts black

 

∞∞∞

 

Casey and Luke make good on their promise to take me to 49^th & Finch for di

Based on the reactions of the host and staff, it’s pretty obvious they’re immediately recognized as high-priority guests. There are bottles and glasses on our table before we even have our jackets off.

“And I thought I got VIP service at Jemma’s,” I mutter to Luke.

He smiles over at me. “Just wait.”

“Shit…” I hear Casey mumble, and glance over at him in alarm. He’s staring across the restaurant at another table of glossy patrons, one of which looks very familiar. Luke must notice as well.

“Oh, man. Sorry, Case. You want to leave?”

Casey sighs and shakes his head. “Nah, it’s fine. Maybe she won’t see us.”

Luke scoffs. “Jana Furmali? That woman has a freaking radar for you.”

Casey glares at him. “Yeah. And thanks for inviting her to your little get-together, by the way. She practically tackled me.”

Luke gives him a look. “Of course I didn’t invite her! She must have come with Davis and Kane.”

Casey grunts and fingers his napkin. I reach over and grab his hand, which seems to startle him out of his daze. He gives me a weak smile that tugs at my heart.

“Sorry. She’s just…”

“Persistent,” Eli finishes for him, and Casey sighs again.

“Yeah, persistent. We went out a couple times a few months ago and she will not let go. I told her it wasn’t going to happen.”

“I picked up on that at the party,” I comment. He seems concerned as he searches my eyes, but relaxes a bit when I squeeze his hand. “I’m not worried,” I assure him, and he gives me a quick kiss.

“Dude, she just saw you,” Sweeny warns, leaning close.

Casey curses under his breath, and now we’re all staring at her as she squints through the restaurant. Her face ignites when she concludes it’s him, and she starts moving toward us.

“Can I kiss you?” Casey whispers. “Please?”

I almost laugh, and pull him into me. We put on a pretty decent show, and I can feel Luke’s amusement to my right.

“Hey, guys! So good to see you!” a voice interrupts, and Casey and I pull apart.

“Jana, how’s it going?” Sweeny asks in a flat tone.

“Great! Good. Casey, how have you been?”

Casey glances at her and forces a polite smile. “Fine.” He holds up my hand clasped firmly in his. “Hey, did you get a chance to meet my girlfriend Callie at Luke’s place last week?” he asks, and we can all see the moment when her world crashes down around her.

“Um…no, I don’t think so. Hi,” she says in a painfully unconvincing greeting.

“Hi,” I respond. “I love your dress.”

I can sense the guys holding in their laughs.

“Thanks. It’s a Bella Amberosi.”

I nod. I don’t know what that means.

“I like your…” She hesitates, unable to even vaguely disguise her disgust and confusion at my existence.

“Boyfriend?” I finish for her. “Yeah, I know. He’s amazing. I don’t blame you.”

She almost chokes. I can feel the others’ shock, but know I guessed right when her eyes narrow and she mutters some unintelligible retort. Finally, she spins and marches back to her table.

“Oh man, that was awesome!” Sweeny laughs.

“You’re my hero, Callie!” Eli echoes, slamming his fist on the table.

I grin, and steal a glance at Casey who is still shaking his head in amused disbelief.

“Dude, she is it,” Sweeny continues, pointing at me, and I squeeze Casey’s hand.

“Thanks, Callie,” he whispers, his face broadcasting everything I need to know.

I nod, then grow serious.

“What exactly is a Bella Amberosi?” I ask, and they laugh.

 

∞∞∞

 

Casey and Luke order what seems like the entire menu of appetizers, and I’m blown away by each one. I can still feel Jana’s hostile gaze from across the room, but I don’t let it poison the incredible food.

The guys weren’t kidding about 49^th & Finch’s bar food. The wings, the pretzels, sliders, everything I try is a familiar flavor, but completely different at the same time. I realize I was right on with my joke that they’ve simply upgraded the same food they ate when they were a poor garage band crashing in cheap motels.

Casey orders a couple bottles of that champagne I liked at Luke’s party, and I love that he remembers my reaction to it. He pours a glass for all of us, and we toast Friday’s return to the studio.

As the night wears on, I settle into my seat and study each of them in silence. Sweeny and Eli seem like good guys, down-to-earth and passionate, but clearly not in the same league as Casey and Luke. There’s no question in my mind where the heart and soul of Night Shifts Black is. It makes sense, given the band’s history I’m starting to piece together.

Based on the clues I’ve assembled, it seems that Casey and Luke started playing together when Casey was fifteen and Luke was seventeen. Whether they were serious or not, or had other band-mates at that time, I don’t know, but Sweeny and Eli would have come into the picture two years later. They’ve put out four albums together since then, and I remember the first one being dated seven years ago, with the second one the following year. Several of the songs were the same on both, but the newer one sounded much fuller and more professional to me. I’m guessing that’s when they signed with their mega Label. Since then, they’d done two more albums, the last one going platinum and wi

My stomach flutters when it suddenly occurs to me I might have to start. I glance over at Casey and realize I may even have to attend one. I’m still pretty sure I’m sleeping, and yet, at the same time, it’s almost like the rest of my life was the dream. Casey credits me with bringing Luke back to life and Luke credits me with inspiring Casey again. But what about what they both did for me?

I feel alive for once. Awake. I have hope, purpose. Value. Not because I’m the girlfriend of a rock star, but because I’m somebody who can love enough to make an impact. Because I can create. Because I’m a whole person even if some of the parts are broken. I’m Callie Roland, friend, counselor, inspiration. Writer. I’m Callie Roland and I’m someone.

 

∞∞∞

 

After several more bottles of alcohol, and way more food than we should have eaten, we eventually lose Eli and Sweeny to a table of single women.

Casey excuses himself to the restroom, and Luke leans back in his seat.

“So…” he says, glancing over at me with a smile.

“So…” I answer, returning it.

“We’ve come a long way since breakfast club, huh?”

I laugh and lean back as well. “I’d say. Although Jemma’s made a killer cup of tea.”

Luke grins. “I’ll find you a suitable replacement. I promise.”

“You better since you got me ba

He laughs and shakes his head. “Yeah, sorry about that. Not one of my finer moments.”

I squeeze his knee and let go. “I’ve got you, Luke. Always, ok?”

His eyes change as he studies me, and I let him look. I have nothing to hide. I mean every word.