I know this is a short chapter but I didn't want to have any distractions from this section.
Chapter twenty-two
Eli's band is on stage and they are winding down their set. Grace is sitting by the bar wearing jeans, a black tank top and black boots. Her hair is hanging out and she has a green hair clip. Julie is sitting next to her wearing a mini denim skirt, a pink singlet and long black boots. Her long blonde hair is tied up into a bun with a few wisps of hair hanging around her head. Phoebe is standing closer to the stage wearing a long emerald green loose skirt, a ruby red singlet and sandals. Her brown curly hair is out and wild. There are a number of girls dancing in front of the stage and the guys in the audience look on in envy. When the boys finish playing they put their instruments down and jump off the stage.
"So we're not going, right?" Grace asks Eli as soon as he reaches her.
"Shit no," he replies.
"But guys, this is like the party of the year. We have to go," Julie pleads and she grasps Cooper's hand.
"Of course we're goin', sexy. And the rest of these losers are comin' so we can teach them how to have a good time," Cooper reassures her as he grabs her hand and spins her around.
Julie laughs, throws her arms around Cooper and gives him a big sloppy kiss.
"Is Sam going to be there?" Grace asks Eli.
Eli hesitates when answering and Grace looks down at the floor.
"Probably…I guess," he murmurs and pretends to be looking at something on stage.
Grace twists her hair around her finger and sighs. A girl with long blonde hair and a tight mini skirt walks up to the bar and orders a drink. She looks Eli up and down and gives him a flirty smile. Eli smiles back and then notices Grace observing them. Eli coughs and turns his attention back to the group.
Julie looks at Phoebe pleadingly and Phoebe looks at Jules and he shrugs.
"Sure, we'll come."
Julie beams and gives Phoebe a big hug.
Grace looks at Eli and he avoids her eyes. Phoebe notices the tension and tries to ease it.
"Grace, you have soccer in the morning so you should have an early night. The rest of us can go," she offers.
Grace shows a look of relief on her face and reaches out for Eli's hand. He takes hold of hers and offers a warm smile. Julie grabs Coopers hand and starts to drag him to the door. Phoebe gives Grace a quick hug and follows the rest.
Jules slaps Eli's hand and nods at Grace.
"See ya guys later. Don't forget rehearsal tomorrow, right Eli?"
Eli nods his head and waves Jules away.
"You don't forget either!"
Jules laughs and walks off.
Eli and Grace are standing by the bar, holding hands and not saying a word.
"Wow. This is awkward," Eli observes.
Grace giggles nervously.
"Why is it awkward?" she asks.
Eli hesitates and looks at the ground.
"Dunno," he mumbles.
"Do you want to go to the party?" Grace asks him slowly.
"No."
"Then what's your problem?" she asks even though she knows the answer.
"Nothin' now…forget it, ok."
Grace sighs and turns to the bar. She gets the waiters attention and orders a coke. Eli gets out his wallet to pay but she waves his hand away.
"I'm sorry, babe."
"Don't worry about it, Eli," she mutters.
"She means nothing to me."
"Forget about it."
"I promise you. It was years ago and she dumped me."
"Eli…" Grace warns him.
Eli goes and stands next to her, wraps his arm around her and kisses her forehead. She leans her forehead against his and closes her eyes.
"I can't help being jealous, E. The idea of you being with someone else just freaks me out," she whispers.
"You have nothin' to be jealous of, babe," he murmurs into her ear.
"I know, but I need reassurance every once in a while, ok bub?"
Eli smiles softly and kisses her once again on the forehead.
"It's a deal."