Page 13 of Storm's Deliverance

CHAPTER FOUR

STORM

“You should come,I’ve heard great things about them,” Linc says enthusiastically as he strums his guitar. He’s always been into music, playing in his band with his friends.

“Sure, we will come.” I nod and look at Zeke.

Zeke blinks. “Er, yeah. If I’m not on shift,” he agrees.

I grin back at Linc, just as Drix walks over, straddling the log around the fire pit as he sits next to me. “What band are we seeing?” he asks, snatching my drink from me and knocking back the last of it.

“Hey!” I protest, thumping his thigh. He just winks and gives me a playful smile.

“High Fade, they’re a Scottish band. Freaking incredible. Funk rock,” Linc says enthusiastically.

Drix nods. “Sounds good, I will be there. We all should go. It’s been a while since we’ve all been out.”

Linc grins. “It’s why I brought all of us tickets. Even got one for you Zit.”

“It’s Zeke,” Zeke corrects.

“Right.” Linc shrugs.

Zeke huffs and eats some of his brisket before placing his plate down. “Right, we need to get back. Work tomorrow,” he declares, his gaze telling me he’s done.

I nod and place my plate down before standing. “He’s right. He’s got an eight am surgery tomorrow.”

“It’s nine pm,” Enzo mutters.

I give him a tight grin. “Okay, so we will see you Saturday for High Fade,” I state cheerily, deflecting the conversation from getting awkward.

Zeke takes my hand and leads me through to the clubhouse. I look for my parents, and when I’m unable to find them, I stop. “Scar, can you let Mom and Dad know we’ve left, and that I will be home after shift tomorrow? I’m staying at Zeke’s place tonight.”

“Sure thing.” He leans down and places a kiss on the top of my head. “Drive safe,” he warns before turning his attention to Zeke. “Good to meet you. Get her home safely, or I will kill you,” he says, his face turning from soft to deadly serious. Zeke’s eyes widen as he swallows anxiously. Scar’s lips twitch before he bursts out laughing. “I’m fucking joking!” he roars.

Zeke lets out a nervous laugh.

Scar claps his hand down on Zeke’s shoulder, squeezing it tight. The laughter and smile disappears on his face. “Or am I?” A moment of silence passes, and Scar steps back, grinning. “Catch you kids later!” he yells over his shoulder as he walks away.

Zeke swallows. I give his hand a little squeeze. “You okay?” I ask softly.

He blinks, clearing his throat. “Yeah, of course. Let’s get home,” he says before leading us out to our cars.

I rush around the bedroom,looking for my favourite top. It’s just a black lace halter top, but it’s a hot night, and with my cut-off denim shorts, it’s great for keeping cool at concerts. It’s a little sexy, too. As I throw pieces of clothes out of my wardrobe, desperately hunting, my cell pings with a message.

H: How are you getting to the concert?

I quickly type my reply.

S: I think Zeke is driving us. Do you want a ride?

H: Fuck no. None of us are driving in, so we can drink. I managed to persuade my mom to drop us. You want picking up?

I nibble on my bottom lip, smiling to myself. It will do Zeke good to have a drink and let his hair down.

S: That would be great!

H: We will be there in ten minutes.