Behind the Scenes(55)

“Yeah, Eryk!” Crystal yells, jumping up and down.

Eryk blows kisses while he slinks backwards and off the stage. Someone steps up next to Dana and every cell in my body jerks.

Simon.

He stayed.

He glances at me, one corner of his mouth lifting up in the slightest smile possible.

Crystal swivels around, unintentionally stepping between the two of us. “Let’s get out of here,” she says. “I’m sweating like a pig.”

“What about Eryk?”

“He already texted me. He’s not waiting around for the rest of the show. Come on.” She grabs my hand and pulls me. The other three follow behind, although before they do, Brendan shoots Simon a look. Laced with contempt, it’s not one to be easily misinterpreted.

If Simon sees the look, he doesn’t let on.

We explode onto the sidewalk, the girls standing slightly off from the men. Dana plays with a strand of her hair, looking the most uncomfortable of any of us. In fact, she looks like she’s dangerously close to barfing.

“Hey, bitches!” Eryk exits Micky’s, pulling his wig off as he does so. His face is slicked with sweat, but Crystal’s makeup job is still in place. She must have thought ahead and made sure to only use waterproof cosmetics.

His step noticeably slows down when he catches sight of my boss.

I speak up. “Eryk, this is Simon Mulroney.”

Eryk holds his hand out for a shake. “It’s a pleasure.” He shoots me a grin that everyone can see. Thankfully, he doesn’t mention seeing Simon at that bar.

Brendan clears his throat. “Nice show up there.”

“Thanks, Brandon,” Eryk responds, turning away and pulling his wig back on.

I send Eryk a look meant to cut him in half. There’s already too much going on tonight, and before we left the apartment, he gave the impression he would at least try to play nice.

Brendan acts like he doesn’t notice the attitude, which is commendable. Once we’re alone, I’ll have to apologize to him for Eryk’s behavior.

“What now?” Brendan asks.

“There’s a karaoke bar near here,” Crystal says. “Want to go?”

“Sounds great,” Mr. Mulroney says.

A short silence follows during which Dana narrows her eyes at me.

Crystal claps loudly. “Let’s go!”

She loops her arm through Eryk’s and they lead the way down the block. The two other men follow behind, but Dana grabs my arm and holds me back.

“Why did he take you outside?”

“He just wanted to say hi. It was loud in there.”

I’m an awful liar. The fact that I said the words to the ground is probably enough to give me away.

“Sydney,” she says, real low. “Is something going on between the two of you?”

“No,” I quickly say. “We’re gonna lose them. Let’s catch up.”

She still holds onto my arm. “You can tell me if something is happening.”

I look down the street. The others are still walking, oblivious to mine and Dana’s conversation. “Okay. Thanks.”

“He’s changed.”

That’s got my attention. I look up and into her eyes. “What do you mean? Changed in what way?”

She shakes her head. “He’s just… he’s always been unpredictable, but he’s gotten even more so since you started. And now, this — showing up to a drag show. That’s not the Simon Mulroney I know.”

“He’s a hard person to know,” I murmur. “He’s not exactly an open book. Maybe he loves drag.”

“Not when his assistants are there. He doesn’t love anything having to do with us.” She lets my arm go. “I wouldn’t tell anyone. I’ve got my own secrets too, and I know what it would mean for them to get out.”

I slowly nod. I want to trust her, but I’m just not sure yet if I can. “Okay. Thanks.”

We start walking, and I push my legs as much as possible without flat out breaking into a run. I’m terrified of whatever conversations might be occurring ahead of us. Mr. Mulroney plus Brendan? That equation doesn’t sound like it can possibly have a positive result.

They’ve already arrived at the karaoke bar, and Mr. Mulroney — Simon — holds the door open for the others. I’m the last one in, and as I go, his eyes catch mine. The heat between us is sweltering, but he makes no move to reach out and physically touch, and neither do I.

The others slide into a round booth near the front windows. I take a seat on the red vinyl, right next to Brendan.

Which means I’m now between Brendan and You-Know-Who.

Across from me, Dana sets her hands on the table, looking like she’s in the middle of a board meeting. Brendan doesn’t seem much more comfortable himself. The only people who are totally relaxed are my roommates.