Page 26 of Bastard Bartender

Chapter Eight

“I can’t believe Marie was able to get Sammy to join us for the concert tonight,” I tell Tom as we walk through the tunnels toward the backstage arena. We just left the sponsors in the suite to view the remainder of the concert. “I’m so excited he’s here. For being such a laid-back, homebody type of guy, he’s a blast to hang out with. Every couple of months, he joins us for a good time, like it checks a box, reminding him what it’s like, and then he remembers he’s just as fine with staying home and doing nothing.”

Tom laughs. “I definitely would not be here if I wasn’t on the clock. Especially at a Bieber concert.”

“Yeah, he’s probably there with you on that thought. He’s heard so much about Nic that I think he just wants to size up the guy to make sure everything is on the straight and narrow.”

Tom stops walking. It takes me a second to realize he’s behind me. I turn and see his confused expression.

“Who’s Nic?”

“Oh. Nicolás. He’s a new friend of mine and Marie’s,” I state easily and start walking again.

“Is that the guy you went on a date with last week?”

“No. Another guy. Apparently, I have many guys in my life. That sounds worse than it is. He’s cool. You’ll like him. Come. I’ll introduce you.”

We exit onto the backstage area, behind where the lights and projections are set up. We show our credentials and I walk up the metal stairs that lead to the VIP area, where we’ve set up our friends and family as Tom leaves to run a quick errand.

“I was like baby, baby, baby oh,” Marie jumps and sings when she sees me. “Like baby, baby, baby oh.”

“Oh God. Please tell me he’s not going to be singing that tonight.” Sammy groans, covering his ears. The opening band just ended, and they’re standing in front of the black folding chairs that serve as their seats for the evening. From here, they have an awesome view of the side of the stage.

“Only if you’re lucky,” I joke, and the three of them all smile as I give Marie a hug hello. “Are you guys enjoying yourselves?”

“You’d better Belieber it! Best seats in the house!” Marie exclaims.

Sammy leans in for a kiss hello. “We’re having a great time.”

I give him the side-eye as I call him out on his shit, “Except for the teenybopper music, am I right?”

“Can you imagine how weird that would be, having to sing a song from when you were sixteen while you’re trying to have this serious career now?” he says.

Marie defends her pop-star crush. “Oh, come on. He’ll always remember where he started.” Marie brings her hands to her chest. “My teenage self is dying inside right now. Actually, my adult self is dying. He’s hot man candy now. I used to have such a crush on him. Do you remember when he’d bring a girl up onstage at his concerts?” She lets out a dreamy sigh. “I would have died if that had been me.”

I laugh at the way she’s staring off in space, all dreamlike. “I’m glad you’re having fun. Now, I have the best part … free booze. Come with me. I’ll show you where the VIP bar is.”

Marie and Sammy walk out of the small area first. When they’re past me, I finally get a chance to see Nic. He’s wearing jeans and a tee. I burst out laughing when I notice it’s a neon Justin Bieber Never Say Never World Tour T-shirt.

“You look amazing.” I motion to the shirt that hugs his chest snugly. “I thought you weren’t a Bieber fan?”

“This is my friend’s. He let me borrow it with the strict instruction to not damage or rip it. If I do, it’d better come back with an autograph.” Nic’s smile dazzles.

“Torn or not, we might be able to get your friend that signature before the night is over.”

“Backstage passes, free booze, and a signed shirt. You’re officially my best friend,” Nic says with a laugh as he places an arm over my shoulders.

We walk past the backstage crew working hard to get the second act of the show ready.

“The job definitely has some perks.” I wave to the security crew, including George and Steve, another security officer working the back gate, as they guide everyone through the underground tunnels to where a VIP lounge is set up.

“Seriously. I hope you know you’re stuck with me for life now.” Nic looks around in awe. “This is so cool!”

I smile proudly, liking that I’m able to impress him in this way.

“What do you girls want to drink?” Sammy asks.

I decline, but Marie’s face lights up. “Let’s do tequila shots!”