Don't Let Go (3 page)

Once we enter the small confines, Grant turns my way. “Are you off to class?” he asks.

“Um…yeah.” My voice hesitates, sounding unsure. Damn, I can tell he knows I’m lying.

“For some reason I don’t believe you,” he says, cocking his eyebrow.

“Well, I’m going to grab something to eat and then I have to head to Wright Hall,” I admit.

“Psychology?” he questions.

I nod in affirmation.

“I usually don’t do this, but you want to go grab a coffee or something?” he asks and suddenly the elevator is traveling way too slow.

I bite my lower lip, stalling in hesitation. Grant’s eyes stay firmly on me, anticipating my answer. Last year I would have said forget the coffee, where’s your dorm? But I’m not that Sadie any longer. A wave of relief envelops me when the elevator beeps and the doors peel open. Unfortunately, my relief only lasts a second, when a set of familiar caramel eyes meet mine.

Brady Carsen looks delectable. He’s wearing a black hoodie paired with charcoal jeans and a set of black Chuck Taylors. His hair is pushed to the side today, making him appear less like a rocker than Saturday. But it’s his smile that absorbs me first. A warm safe feeling blankets me as we stare at one another.

“Sadie Miller,” Brady states.

“Brady Carsen,” I mimic his tone.

He smiles widely at me, but it dissipates when he looks to my left.

“Grant,” he nods over to him. I look back and forth between them, surprised they know each other. Their appearances would suggest they hang out in different circles.

“Brady,” Grant nods back.

Brady quickly disregards Grant, focusing his attention solely on me. “So, did you get my note?” The dimple in his right cheek indents further when his lips turn up.

“I did,” I say, returning his smile.

“What did you think?” He nervously rocks back on his heels. “I mean it wasn’t the live version like I would have preferred.” He raises his right eyebrow to me, informing me I should have never left Saturday night.

“It’s alright,” I jokingly shrug my left shoulder.

“Just alright,” he says softly. His lips turn down in a disappointed frown.

“Hey.” I playfully hit his shoulder with my hand. “I’m just kidding. Just ask Grant who I was listening to a few minutes ago when I was studying.” I point toward Grant, who seems completely disinterested in our conversation.

Brady’s eyes perk up at me. “Really?” He honestly sounds surprised that I like his band.

“Yes really. Tell him, Grant.” I motion with my hand to Grant, who is standing with his hands in the pockets of his khakis.

“Yeah…she was,” Grant mumbles and his attitude makes Brady smile even bigger. “Listen, I have to go. See you around, Sadie.” Grant starts to walk away before I can respond.

“Bye, Grant,” I call out but he’s too far to hear me.

Brady’s eyes follow mine to Grant’s back. “Do you have time to get something to eat?”

“Sorry, I can’t.” I stare at the ground, not wanting to look into his eyes.

“Can’t or won’t?” He dips his head down, trying to see my face.

“Won’t,” I answer softly right before my stomach grumbles. My face instantly reddens.

“I was on my way to get something to eat. Walk with me to the Student Center.” He motions with his head. “We can sit at different tables if you want,” he teases.

“I thought you were waiting for the elevator?”

“Plans change. I heard your stomach and now mine’s reacting. Come on.” He shrugs his shoulder forward to follow.

“Don’t get any ideas Carsen, my stomach made this decision.” I walk in line next to him.

“I wouldn’t dream of it, Sadie Miller.” He wraps his arms around my shoulders before I squirm out of it. “Sorry, I had to take a chance.” He laughs and I try to conceal my grin from him.

Brady doesn’t touch me for the short walk across the campus to the Student Center. When we enter through the doors, tables are filled with students reading and talking.

“What are you in the mood for?” Brady asks me as his eyes roam across the different fast food places.

“I don’t know.” The last thing I want to do is eat in front of him, but I will never make it through Clinical Psych without something in my stomach. “I think I’m going to get a bagel sandwich.” I point to the bagel place.

“Sounds good.” He puts his hand on the small of my back, leading me that way. His hand radiates a wave of heat throughout my body so I start walking a few steps faster.

“You don’t have to get anything from there,” I tell him, assuming he wouldn’t enjoy it.

“What are you trying to say? A guy can’t like a bagel sandwich? Do you think I should stuff my face with fries and burgers?” His face shows no trace of humor.

“No, that’s not it. It’s just…” I try to backpedal.

“I’m kidding, Sadie. To be honest, I have never tried this place but you have piqued my interest.” We stand away from the shop to look up at the menu. “So, what do you usually get?” he asks.

“The veggie de lite.”

“Are you a vegetarian?” he inquires, sounding like it could be the worst thing in the world.

“Is that a deal breaker for you?” I ask.

“Deal breaker?” he scrunches his eyebrows, confused.

“You know, something you find out about someone that makes you not want to date them,” I answer.

“What’s yours?” he asks.

“I asked first. If I was a vegetarian, would that be a deal breaker?”

“I’m not sure anything I find out about you would be a deal breaker, but to be honest, I don’t understand vegetarians.”

“Hmm.” I turn around to give my order to the cute red head behind the counter who can’t keep her eyes off Brady.

“You never answered. Do you eat meat?” He comes up behind me.

“No, I’m not a vegetarian. I just like the sandwich,” I honestly reply. “I’ll have a veggie de lite with low fat cream cheese,” I say to the girl. Usually I get the garlic and herb spread, but I’m not about to talk to Brady with garlic breath.

“What can I get you?” The red head looks Brady up and down while her co-worker starts to make my sandwich.

“Same, but garlic and herb cream cheese.” He smiles over to me and I’m sure awe fills my face. I’m half tempted to change my order. “I hate that low fat shit.”

“They have meat, you know,” I tell him.

“I know. I want to experience why you like it so much.” He scoots next to me and my heart races when his hand brushes against mine. I quickly make my way down the line away from him.

When we get to the cash register, Brady pulls out a twenty before I can even get in my messenger bag, adding chips and drinks to our meals.

“Don’t pay for me!”

“Why not?” Brady looks around, seeing a few students peering our way after my outburst.

“This is not a date,” I confirm.

“Hey, just because I decide to buy you lunch or dinner or whatever this meal is, doesn’t mean it’s a date.” He softens his voice, getting closer to me.

“It’s just…things get implied with dates.” I’m desperate to compose myself. I don’t want to owe him anything.

“Relax, Sadie. I’ll make you a deal.” He grabs our tray and leads us to a table.

“What?” I take a seat, happy he picked a table in the back.

“You can buy me a meal tomorrow.” He smirks up at me.

“Nice, Carsen.”

“A meal for a meal, then we’re even.” He takes both straws and pounds them on the table until the wrappers fall down. He puts one in mine and the second in his own drink.

“When are your classes tomorrow?” I ask.

“Well…I live off campus and I don’t have classes on Fridays, so it will have to be later.” He takes a bite of his sandwich.

“Later, when?” I ask before I take a bit of mine.

“This is really good, you don’t even miss the meat,” he says, lifting his sandwich. “After my show,” he answers my question.

“I told you the sandwich was good. After the show, what?” I take a sip of my soda.

“I have a show tomorrow night. We will get something after I’m done,” he casually says while he continues to eat his sandwich.

“Sorry, but I’m not going to that bar, house or whatever it is from last week.” I shake my head back and forth.

He laughs. “Good, because we are playing at Aces. I’ll pick you up.”

“Um…no. Let me just give you the money.” I dig through my bag and get the ten dollars out, placing it on the table.

“That’s not the deal. A meal for a meal. Just so you know, after a show I’m so hungry you might get the raw end of this deal,” he jokes.

“I think I already got the raw end. I can’t go to your show tomorrow or out to eat,” I say, putting my sandwich down, suddenly not able to finish it.

“What do I have to do?” he asks me before he pops a chip in his mouth.

“Nothing. I don’t date.”

“Okay, it won’t be a date. A friend coming to another friend’s show and then grabbing something to eat. I will even invite my band if it makes you feel better.” His eyes are begging me and I have to admit I want to go after listening to him sing the last few days.

“Fine,” I sigh. “But I’m bringing my roommate, Jessa, with me,”

“Great, the more people the better. I’ll pick you both up.” He picks his sandwich back up, happier than before.

Chapter 4

Brady texted me this afternoon, saying he would pick us up at seven. Jessa was going to the show anyway so she agreed to come with me and Brady. I don’t think she understands why I don’t want to go with him by myself and I’m not about to tell her how much he scares me. I wouldn’t have picked him out of a lineup two years ago. Sure he is attractive, but not my usual well-groomed type. My dad would have a coronary if I brought him home. With all of that said though, I can’t remember feeling so relaxed with someone. He looks at me differently, like I matter. As though what I have to say is important. My guard falls every time he is around and that is the last thing I need right now. I have to keep remembering the promise I made to myself. I will go to his show and pay for his meal. Then that will be the end of Brady Carsen in my life.

At seven on the dot my cell beeps; it’s Brady telling me he’s outside. I take one more look in the mirror. I straightened my hair, so it falls a couple inches past my shoulders and my eyes are smoky with dark eyeliner and mascara. Since I recently swore off red lipstick, I opted for a nice soft shade of pink lip gloss. I smooth out my blue blouse over my dark skinny jeans. Sometimes I still don’t recognize myself in the mirror. Closing my eyes, I tell myself it will be okay. Relax and have fun, Brady has no expectations.

“You look great. Let’s go.” Jessa smacks my ass, walking to the door.

“Thanks, so do you.” I grab my phone and lip gloss, shoving them in a small cross body purse. I don’t know how Jessa goes without a purse every time.

She is giddy with excitement as I follow her down the hall. Her short skirt with checkered tights and Doc Martens makes her look so much sexier than me. A twinge of jealousy sweeps over me, that Brady might prefer Jessa over me. Who wouldn’t?

Brady is leaning against a midnight blue Camaro with two white racing stripes down the middle when we walk outside. He smiles up at me, pushing his body off the car to open the passenger door for us.

“Hey,” I say, my eyes barely looking at him.

“Hey,” he returns, motioning with his hand for us to get in.

“Brady, you remember Jessa.” I signal my hand out to her.

“Yeah, hey Jessa.” Brady shakes her hand.

“Hi, Brady,” Jessa responds and I see her lips turn up in appreciation, eyeing him up and down before she gets in the back of his car.

Right before I bend down to get in the car, Brady reaches around my waist and pulls me in for hug. “You look incredible,” he whispers in my ear and my face immediately starts to blush.

“Thank you. You look pretty good yourself.” I quickly sit in my seat before he notices how red I’ve become.

“God Sadie, what did he say?” Jessa eagerly asks from the backseat while I watch Brady make his way around the car to the driver’s side.

“Shh…I’ll tell you later.” I wave my hand at her.

“You better.” She relaxes back into her seat and secures her seatbelt.

Brady eases into his charcoal-colored fabric seat. He’s wearing another band t-shirt that looks as old as the band displayed. When he starts the ignition, I notice a couple of black leather bands around his right wrist.

“We Built this City” by Starship blares and Brady hurriedly turns it down before pressing a button on the radio. “Sorry, must have come on after the song I was listening to before,” he quickly comes up with an excuse.

I remain silent. I don’t mention that I saw him press the button, switching it from CD to radio. I most definitely don’t mention my appreciation of eighties music as well.

“It sounds like your music, Sadie,” Jessa chimes in from the back seat. I can’t turn around to give her a dirty look so I stay quiet. Brady looks my way and grins, waiting for me to say something.

“I’m pleading the Fifth.” I slightly smile and stare ahead, trying to ignore him staring at me.

“Me too.” He smiles and turns back toward the road, putting the car in drive.

Aces is an actual bar, not like the place I saw The Invisibles play last week. The stage is situated to the right and booths line the wall along the windows. Tables fill the floor with a small bar in the corner on the left.

Brady grabs my hand and leads me to a circular booth off to the right of the stage, motioning for me to get in. The bar seems empty except for a few middle-aged men sitting in the stools around the bar and a few couples occupying the tables.

“We have to get everything set up. Do you want something to drink?” Brady asks, staying on the outside of the booth while Jessa and I scoot in.

“No, I’m fine. Thank you.”

“Alright. It won’t be long,” he says hesitantly, standing by the table.

“Jeez. Just go. I’ll take care of her,” Jessa impatiently tells him.

Brady grins and turns around to head down the hallway.

“Be nice, Jessa. He’s just being polite,” I tell her.

“That
was
nice. I could have told him to go get his fucking equipment and give you some damn breathing room,” she responds, straight-faced.