Page 26 of The Bad Boyfriend Curse
“Oh my God, I wonder if that’s the talent scout,” Kaitlyn says, grabbing Reagan’s arm. She’s looking at a man sitting alone at the bar, but there’s nothing about him that tells me he could be a music scout. The Lady Gaga cover is still going,but the guy doesn’t seem to be paying any attention to the stage, despite the singer being amazing. I look at the woman singing—and am surprised to see that it’s the Asian waitress we saw here earlier.
“I don’t get why a scout would even come here,” Reagan says. “They could scout for talent on YouTube. Everyone is posting there these days.”
“They want to strike gold twice,” I say. “That folk singer Abbey Shields was discovered in Cherrybridge.”
Liv raises one eyebrow. “Look at this newcomer knowing more about our town than we do.”
I shrug, but then I notice Quinn staring at me with admiration, which makes me blush again. I totally get why Liv said he’sintense.I awkwardly get up from the table. The room is still spinning a bit. “I… um… need the bathroom.”
I head toward the restrooms, which are down a hallway near the bar, and I full-on collide with someone after turning the corner.
Someone thin with a band shirt that does not fit him.
“Sorry,” Noah says. “Wait… Noorani?” He’s shocked to see me.
I wave, even though he’s standing right in front of me. “Noah! Hi! Sorry!” Noah looks amazing. With dim bar lighting making his hair inky black and shiny, and that devastating smirk. I exhale, trying to calm my racing heart.Quinn who?
“You’re the last person I expected to see here,” he says with that little smile behind his eyes. I used to think that smile was laughing at me, but now it kind of feels like he’s laughingwithme. Like we’re both in on the same joke. Like he understands me, and I understand him.
I’m probably imagining that. Maybe it’s the wine. “Why?” I ask.
“Wouldn’t have thought this place was your vibe.” He smiles with his whole face now, and I relax.
“I’ve only been in town a week, remember? I don’t have a vibe yet. But this is my second time here. Very good apple fritters.”
He chuckles. “I’m impressed, Noorani. I take it you’renothere with your folks?”
I shake my head. “I came with my cousin Sadie. Stepcousin. And her friends.” I point to the table where they’re sitting. “Her friend wants to be a singer, so she’s doing the open mic thing.” The woman on the stage finishes her Lady Gaga song, and the crowd claps.
“Oh really?” He squints to make out the people at my table.
“Yeah, Kaitlyn heard there was some music scout that came last month and offered a big gig in Montreal.”
“Ah.” He nods along slowly. “It was a small gig. And the scout isn’t here today.”
I frown. “Do you know who was scouted?”
Someone speaks into the mic, interrupting our conversation. “I’m Kaitlyn Chambers, and this is my own original song.”
“Oh shoot. That’s Kaitlyn,” I say. “I should probably go support her.” I turn, but wobble on my feet a bit.
Noah holds my upper arm. And his touch most certainly does not cause my whole body to erupt in goose bumps. I’m fine. Totally fine.
“Have you been drinking, Noorani?” His eyes are serious, and those expressive brows of his are turned up in the middle, concerned.
How can he tell? Am I a sloppy drunk? “I had some wine before we got here.” I force my eyes to hold steady on his face, and I smile. “There’s some left. Want me to try to get you a cup?”
He drops my arm and takes a step away. “I don’t drink. Enjoy the show. And I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.” He turns and walks toward the bar, and I can’t tell if he’s mad at me. I thought he did drink? Maybe he only drinks vodka, like that Braden guy in CROP said.
Kaitlyn’s still singing after I use the bathroom and get back to the table. She sounds pretty good. Not as good as that waitress, but not bad.
“Who was that you were talking to?” Reagan asks, leaning close to me.
I don’t get the chance to answer because Kaitlyn’s song ends and people clap—our table the loudest. Kaitlyn bows, beaming, then says her full name in the mic again before coming back to where we’re seated.
Everyone tells her how amazing she was and how she’s going to hit it big. But I don’t say anything, because my focus is one hundred percent on the person who’s stepping onto the stage after her.
It’s Noah.
