“You didn’t have to do this.”
“You didn’t have to help me either, but you did. It’s rare.” I hated to admit that I had needed him there. I scrubbed off as much of the blood as I could, and luckily most of it wasn’t his own. “That’s better.” I pushed to my feet and let go of his hand, his calloused fingertips sliding over mine. He had worked hard for what he has. It wasn’t handed to him. I wadded up the napkins and tossed them in a small trash bin along the wall. The guys all settled into the couch, and I sat in a folding chair along the wall as they began to go over their set list.
My brain was a fuzzy haze, and none of what happened tonight seemed real. But tomorrow I would have to face the consequences of what had transpired, as it would undoubtedly manifest into nightmares and anxiety. The unease began to spread. Panic settled deep in a knot in my belly and slowly spidered through my veins like poison. I began to count, whispering rapidly under my breath. I should have known better than to use drugs that only exacerbate paranoia and fear.
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
Five.
Rellik lifted the guitar from his lap and sat it on the floor beside him as he stood. “Are you all right?” he asked. His voice echoed in my mind. I stood, wobbling on my feet as I became lightheaded and panicked.
“I’m fine. I just…need some fresh air. I must have hit my head harder than I realized.”
Catalyst
Chapter 8—Rellik
Catalyst: a person or thing that precipitates an event
“What the fuck was in that weed, Hang?” Trigger asked as I stood in front of Ella, examining her.
“The shock is wearing off,” I called over my shoulder.
“Chicks are too fucking delicate,” Hangman joked. Clearly he had smoked away his sensitivity.
“I’m fine,” she mumbled but wouldn’t look me in the eye as she turned for the door. I looked back at the guys, knowing if she left now, she would break down and have no one to turn to. “It’s just a panic attack. It’s not a big deal.”
“Let me take you home or something.” I clenched my jaw, knowing I was going to delay the concert, but I couldn’t just let her go.
“No. Maric will fire me.”
“I can handle Maric.”
“I don’t need you to fight my battles for me.”
“Clearly you do.”
“Rellik,” Phantom called out, and the deep bass in his voice caused Ella to jump, her hand on her chest if trying to keep her heart from escaping. “She doesn’t want your help. Let it go.”
I turned to her and took a deep breath, forcing myself to bury growing anger toward him. “I’ll walk you out.” I stepped to her side and placed my hand on the small of her back, urging her forward and into the hall. “I’ll be right back,” I promised the guys with empty words. I had no choice. The look in her eye might have been from different circumstances, but I’d seen it in my own reflection. I knew what it felt like to be screaming for someone, anyone, to give a fuck about you.
“You know that’s not what I’m worried about,” Phantom said quietly as I pulled the door closed behind us.
I knew her resemblance to Katie was clouding my judgment, but I had to help her. What kind of person would I be if I had left her in that alley? It wasn’t about Katie. It wasn’t.
“Thank you,” she said as we walked through the mint-colored labyrinth of hallways to the back exit. I could hear her counting her footsteps under her breath. As we hit the warm night air behind the parking lot, I pulled one of the security aside.
“I need the car.”
He nodded and spoke into his earpiece. Ella looked like she was falling apart, and I wanted to be able to comfort her, but playing the nice guy wasn’t something I had a lot of experience at. I had saved her and that would have to be enough. I wasn’t wired any other way. Within minutes a black SUV pulled up beside us, and the guard driving got out and walked around the car to open the passenger door.
“You’re not listening to me. I’m not leaving. I just need some air.” Something was bothering her, and I wasn’t sure the attack in the alley was the catalyst. This chick didn’t seem like the type to cower in a corner to lick her wounds.
“Fine.” I motioned to the man, and the car was taken back to the employee lot. I leaned against the metal exterior of the building, the wall still holding in the heat from an unbearable day. She pressed her back against the wall next to me as I pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, popping one in my mouth.
“Those will kill you.” She folded her arms over her chest, hugging herself.