Nebula is not where I wanted or expected to be tonight. We didn't discuss Torin's texts to us over dinner, and neither of us sent replies. But as we finished dessert, Phoenix suggested dropping by the show for a few songs to keep things on the level with Torin, and then slipping out at the first opportunity to enjoy the rest of our night.
By comparison to what he sent Phoenix, Torin's message to me was friendly enough. Nash told me he just saw you. Are you going to swing by the show tonight with Ava? I'd love to see you.
It's possible I read too much in his emphasis on going to the show with Ava, with no mention of Phoenix, but the three lines gave off a particular vibe. Even if he tolerated Phoenix's presence at the after party the last time we were all together, Torin was clearly wary of him being anywhere near me that night, and he probably still is. Did he intentionally exclude Phoenix from the invitation with the hope or expectation I would ditch him, or is he counting on him making an appearance so he can give him a piece of his mind?
"It's not too late to do literally anything else," I say as we approach the velvet ropes outside of Nebula. The glittering casino lights and lively music from the slot machines only reinforce my opinion of how much happier we'd be by choosing to stay out here, or by spending the night somewhere else in the city.
"It has to happen some time," Phoenix reminds me. "It may be better to do this in a public place Torin invited you to, especially since he'll be on stage soon. I also don't want you to feel like you have to avoid your friends because I'm with you."
He has valid arguments, but none of them ease the dread gnawing at my insides. Visions of worst-case scenarios flit through my mind like a mental kaleidoscope of doom while he speaks with the doorman. If Torin once wanted to punch Phoenix for bringing up my name, what will he do now that we're romantically involved again? I hadn't planned on keeping him out of the loop forever, but I would have appreciated having more time to figure out the best way to approach the subject with him. I'd also have preferred it to happen after Phoenix wraps up what he's working on and is no longer in Las Vegas, where Torin can hunt him down.
Then there's Ava to deal with. She's chilled out a bit since the day at my condo when she threw up flags and concerns all over the place, but she's also impulsive, and she's made it clear she doesn't trust Phoenix yet. It's a given that she'll be drinking tonight, and buzzed Ava has less of a filter than her sober self does. With alcohol in the mix, and Torin's backing, this is a recipe for disaster.
The doorman unhooks one of the ropes. I clutch Phoenix's hand as we make our way to the hidden entrance. The tension in my shoulders must be visible to him when the metal door swings open and we enter the bar, because he places a hand on one of them and gently kneads it.
"Want something to drink?" he asks.
"Just water."
"Are you sure that's all?" His hand slides over to massage my other shoulder.
Perhaps I should break my own rule. I could use some help mellowing out, and I won't be writing again until I'm back in LA. Phoenix also doesn't seem concerned about having alcohol around him, or at least that's the impression I had on my birthday and the last time I was here.
I close my eyes for a few seconds, feeling my muscles relax under his touch. "Can I claim dire circumstances and ask for a vodka ginger ale?"
"One vodka ginger ale coming up, no dire circumstances or explanations needed. Want to find us a spot to watch the show from?"
I open my eyes again to scan our surroundings for the most inconspicuous place we can stand that will also permit an easy getaway later. The ideal place seems to be on the other side of the room, so I point it out and begin making my way over there to claim it for us.
I'm halfway across the room when someone taps me from behind. "Blink twice if you need my help."
I stop and whirl around. Torin leans forward to hug me, but his embrace feels tentative.
"You're funny," I reply.
He releases me from his arms and steps back. The way he studies my face, I get the feeling he's searching for the answer to something.
"I wasn't trying to be. What's going on?"
"What's going on?" I repeat, doing my best to sound cheerful and clueless about what he's asking. "Isn't it obvious? I'm at your show."
"With him." He jerks his head toward the bar.
"Correct."
"In Las Vegas."
"That appears to be where I am, yes." I give him my most dazzling smile, hoping it sends the message that I'd rather keep the mood light.
If he gets the hint, he doesn't play along. "Why didn't you tell me you're in town?"
The devil and angel within me have it out in record time, and we all agree a tiny lie is justified to keep the peace. I don't need Torin blaming Phoenix for me ghosting my friends.
"Because Nash did it for me. I'd just gotten here when we bumped into him."
"Where are you staying?"
"Have you become my mother?"
It's meant to be a joke, but it doesn't land that way. Torin's lips pucker as if he's tasted something sour, and he examines me for a long moment.
"You're staying with Phoenix," he concludes.
"Also correct."
"I might actually kill him. How does he think he has the right to weasel his way back into your life, just to get you into bed--"
I cut him off with a stern look. "Enough. Last I checked, I'm capable of thinking for myself and making my own decisions, and visiting him here was my idea."
Torin blinks a few times, surprise registering on his face. I'm tempted to ask if he's considered that I haven't been brainwashed and have willingly welcomed Phoenix into my life again, but decide to hold my tongue. Riling him up won't make this easier on me.
"Fill in some blanks for me, please. The last time I saw either of you, he had you cornered in my kitchen, and then you avoided him for the rest of the night until you and Ava went back to your hotel. What changed?"
I get why he's baffled, and I understand his concern, but I didn't travel here this weekend to explain or defend my romantic choices. "People get back together sometimes. It happens."
"After the ending you two had?" He shakes his head, clearly unsatisfied with my answer. "He must have said something out of this world to reel you in again, because the Del I know would have sent him packing before he finished saying hello."
The universe or some other higher force out there needs to grant me patience and strength. I'll need both things if Torin is trying to shame me into feeling like I made the wrong choice during a moment of weakness.
"I know you're watching out for me, but this isn't up to you. I know what I'm getting into and I'm happy. That's all that should matter."
"I'm glad you're happy, because if he makes you unhappy again, you won't be able to stop me from putting him through a wall."
Torin's jaw tenses, and his right hand balls into a fist at his side. Something tells me he isn't kidding, and if we weren't where we are and if he wasn't about to get on stage, he'd be over at the bar and in Phoenix's face right now, telling him the same thing.
"Violence won't be necessary."
"I'm sure it wasn't necessary when he and Chaz had it out, either, but look at who you're dealing with. You should think about that if you're against violent behavior."
"There are things you don't know." I rub a hand over my face, not caring what happens to my makeup. "I realize you'll never be besties, but can you try to be civil tonight?"
"Has he done something to deserve that?"
"Do it for me."
"Fine." He folds his arms across his chest. "If you think I'm bad, though, wait until Ava gets here and sees you with him."
"She's aware of my weekend plans." I sound unconcerned, but it's a front. While Ava has had several weeks to get used to the idea of Phoenix and me being together, it only means she's had more time than Torin has to devise a plan for exactly how she'll get under his skin.
"She knows about this and didn't tell me?"
"Relax, Torin." Ava's voice breaks into our conversation. "Focus on your show and we can talk about this later."
Ava throws her arms around me, then steps over to Torin and hugs him, too. She's smiling, and there's a lighthearted bounce in her movements. Either she hasn't spotted Phoenix yet, or she got in early enough today to have pregamed the show with a drink or two. Except she doesn't seem like she's been drinking, and now she peeks at the bar, so she has to see him. Something else is afoot.
I inspect her more closely. Ava is always careful with her appearance, especially when we go out, but tonight she's dressed to kill and looks like a goddess. She's also giving off here-for-the-best-night-of-her-life energy.
"Where's Nash?" she asks.
Torin's eyes sweep over Ava, also taking in her appearance, and then he and I exchange a glance. As upset as he might be about why I'm in town, the upward curve of his mouth and amused twinkle in his eyes tells me we're on the same wavelength and have guessed the same thing.
"I'll find him for you," he replies. "Excuse me for a minute."
Ava and I watch him weave through a group of people blocking the aisle. Once he's a few feet away, I nudge her.
"You're all decked out to see Nash, aren't you? And here you denied being interested in him."
She maintains a decent poker face, but she can't hide the flush of color that creeps into her neck and cheeks. "Never mind what's going on with me. You're the one living dangerously by letting Torin know what you're up to."
"I didn't have a choice. Nash ran into us on our way to have dinner and told him I was here with Phoenix. Text messages happened. I assured Phoenix I could talk to Torin later, but he decided it was better to clear the air and face both of you now."
"You don't need to worry about me tonight. I'll behave."
"What have you done with Ava?"
She laughs at this. "Why do you think I didn't tell you I'd be here?"
"Other than your plans to hook up with Nash and keep me in the dark?" I tease. "What happened to the world not being ready for that kind of chaos?"
She ignores me and continues. "I wasn't about to interfere in your weekend of getting all loved up. I still can't stand what he did to you, and I don't like him, but I'm sure there will be other opportunities to question his ass without mercy."
A low whistle from nearby stops me from replying. Nash walks up to us with Torin right behind him.
"You look incredible." Nash kisses Ava's cheek. It's a friendly peck, but there's something in the way he looks her up and down and then pulls her into a hug that confirms my suspicions of something more brewing between them.
Torin catches my eye, and we exchange another knowing look while I struggle to contain a laugh. He appears every bit as entertained as I am, but then his entire demeanor changes, like sunshine giving way to storm clouds. His gaze shifts away from me.
Phoenix is at my side seconds later. He passes me my drink, then glances at Ava and Nash. "Did I miss something with those two?" he whispers into my ear.
"Your guess is as good as mine," I whisper back.
Torin couldn't watch us any more intently if he was an actual hawk, waiting to pounce on his prey. I pretend not to notice his dark glare.
Phoenix must see it, but he smiles and extends his hand out to him. "It's good to see you."
"I can't say the same about you. I thought we had an agreement." Torin's mouth pinches together, and he keeps his arms at his sides.
"I heard you out, but I didn't agree to anything. Recollections may vary."
"What agreement?" I ask.
Phoenix twists the cap off of his water and takes a drink, and then he and Torin lock eyes. Neither of them answers me.