Chapter Text
Baby, don't be scared, want you everywhere
Catch you if you fall, I mean it…
-Make you mine (Madison Beer)
—Are you fucking blind? Watch where you're throwing your stupid shit! —Louise shouted, hurling a soccer ball toward the opposite side of the field.
—Fuck you, Belcher! —one of the players shouted back.
—Oh, you wish!
Louise's early teenage years were awkward and frustrating. Her body changed, her voice changed, and the way people saw her (surprise!) changed too.
To everyone's astonishment, she turned out to be a pretty girl. But Louise couldn't help wondering if people had forgotten who her mother was... Linda was beautiful even after three pregnancies and a lifetime of working herself to the bone in the restaurant.
The next thing that surprised her classmates was the way she dressed. The very occasional (Seriously, she's worn that outfit maybe four times.) short skirt and low heels weren't what anyone expected a girl like her to wear.
Did she really have to remind everyone that she'd been a little girl who loved dresses? Sure, her attitude was openly defiant and she was hardly the epitome of femininity, but she'd been perfectly happy growing up in simple dresses and pink bunny ears.
Her older sister was all skirts and romantic fantasies.
Her older brother lived for theatrics and standing out.
Why was it so strange that she enjoyed some of the same things? Well... aside from her undeniable tendency to dance along the very thin line separating childish pranks from misdemeanor offenses.
During that confusing period somewhere between puberty and adolescence, while she was still figuring out her own style, Louise came to appreciate her mother's uncanny talent for finding genuine treasures in thrift stores. She owned a black leather jacket they'd paid only twenty-five dollars for.
Naturally, Linda thought the original price (forty-five dollars) was outrageous, an absolute crime, so she haggled.
As she argued with the shop owner, Louise could practically feel her stomach twisting itself into knots. If the woman had taken just two minutes to get up from the register and check the brand on the label, the price would've gone up by another hundred dollars.
Fortunately, she never did and Louise learned from the best and happily adopted her mother's bargaining skills.
During her freshman year of high school, Louise was referred to a child psychologist, who recommended enrolling her in sports to redirect all that... creative energy into something more productive for her education.
Her parents followed the advice, forcing Louise to sample the school's extracurricular activities. Basketball was her first choice, but after realizing every girl on the team towered over her and the practice schedule was brutally demanding, she gave up on the idea. She ended up joining the track team instead...
...and turned out to be a remarkably good runner.
During her sophomore year, Jessica suddenly decided she wanted to become a cheerleader and, thanks to what could only have been some sort of dark magic, convinced Louise to try out too.
Against Louise's wishes and to Linda's absolute delight, they both made the squad.
—My baby inherited my talent for dancing! You're going to be amazing! Oh! Bobby, aren't you happy for our little girl?
—Yeah... congratulations, Louise. —Bob answered absentmindedly as he flipped burgers on the grill.
Linda wrapped Louise in a tight hug.
—You're going to look so sexy in your cheer uniform! —She kissed both of Louise's cheeks. —My baby's grown up so fast.
The sound of shattering glass echoed from the kitchen, followed by Bob's horrified gasp.
—Oh... my God.
---
During football season, student activity around town always picked up. Since Bob's Burgers was one of the few burger joints in the area, her parents took advantage of it by extending their business hours until midnight.
The cheer squad was a well-oiled machine, as their captain liked to call it, and they were good enough to compete in interstate championships with most of their expenses covered. Unlike the boys' football and basketball teams, the cheerleaders usually won the championships, or at the very least placed high enough to earn donations for the school.
That night, however, was an exception.
The Football team had won, and the coach celebrated by dumping an ice cooler over Rudy's head. Her friend shuffled toward the locker room, shivering from the cold, knowing there wouldn't be any consequences. After all, the coach was his older cousin.
Poor Rudy had only joined the squad for extra credit and to help meet the minimum number of members required.
So, a victory meant the restaurant was about to be packed.
As soon as the game ended, Louise climbed into the passenger seat of Jessica's car, and the two headed straight for the restaurant. By the time they arrived, every table was occupied, and the takeout order board was overflowing.
Louise didn't even bother going upstairs to change. Instead, she tied an apron over her cheer uniform and pulled her hair into a high ponytail to keep it out of the customers' food. Besides, people tipped better when she wore the uniform.
Between waiting tables, clearing them, and taking new orders, Louise managed to stay out of her father's line of sight. Ever since an incident involving a creep, Bob had forbidden her from working in the restaurant while wearing her cheer uniform.
Feeling the heat building across her forehead, Louise wandered into the kitchen. Without taking her eyes off the refrigerator, she opened the door, leaned inside, and rested her cheek against a bag of frozen vegetables. She closed her eyes, savoring the cool relief...
...until she heard Bob let out a pained groan.
—Louise? Do you really have to be dressed like that? —Bob pointed at her uniform with his spatula.
Louise reluctantly pulled her head out of the refrigerator, already missing the cold against her cheek.
—Give me a break. Have you seen the line out there? I didn't have time to change.
—You could've made time.
—Why does it matter? I wear this exact outfit to dance at school.
—It's not like I approve of that activity. —Bob replied, shutting the refrigerator door.
—We've already had this conversation. Being on the squad helps with my college applications and makes me look more involved when I apply for scholarships.
—Wouldn't you rather take dance lessons? Preferably somewhere without windows.
—We're not wasting perfectly good money on something I can do for free. —Louise snatched the spatula and flipped one of the burgers. —Besides, it's not my fault I attract attention. You and your wife are the ones responsible for making your kids with love.
Bob grunted, taking the spatula back from her.
—Go help your mother. Another wave of customers is about to hit... Huh. Never thought I'd hear myself say that.
Louise patted her dad on the back before plucking a tiny hair from his arm just to watch him jump. As she stepped back into the dining area, another group of athletes walked through the door.
—Welcome to Bob's Burgers. What can I get started for you?
There were four boys, all carrying the unmistakable scent of dried sweat desperately disguised beneath chocolate-scented Axe body spray.
Their apparent leader casually raised an arm, revealing a large sweat stain beneath the armpit of his jacket. His eyes shamelessly traveled up and down Louise before he flashed her a wink.
—Hey, gorgeous. Four Burgers of the Day... and we'll have cold beers with those.
Louise calmly jotted the order down in her notepad.
—Perfect. May I see your IDs first?
The four of them exchanged glances. Classic.
—Then that'll be four Burgers of the Day... and four Cokes. Anything else, gentlemen?
—So... what do I have to do to get your number? —asked the broad-shouldered blond sitting at the back of the booth.
He actually had the nerve to reach for her hand and Louise smacked his fingers away with her notepad.
—Ooh... I wouldn't do that if I were you. See... —She leaned over the table, lowering her voice as though she were about to reveal a state secret. —My dad's the cook. —She discreetly pointed her pen toward Bob. —I'm forbidden from dating, and the last guy who asked me out? Dad dragged him into the kitchen and burned his hands on the grill.
The blonde glanced toward Bob. At that exact moment, Bob looked up to survey the restaurant and briefly locked eyes with both his daughter and the table full of athletes.
Something about the expression on his face made the blond visibly shrink into the corner of the booth before raising his menu like a shield.
—Great. I'll be right back with your order. I'll make sure it's extra special for you gentlemen. Congratulations on the win! —Louise chirped with exaggerated cheerfulness.
The boys seemed pleased. Which worked perfectly for Louise. Happy customers tipped well...
...and they were definitely going to leave a good tip.
She waited on a few more tables and helped refill drinks for the customers Linda was serving. As usual, Linda became distracted by some flattering teenage boy trying to flirt with her, much to Louise's horror.
What felt like an eternity later, Louise finally glanced at the clock hanging on the wall.
11:15 p.m.
Just a little longer. The restaurant was gradually emptying out, and most of the remaining orders were to-go.
She grabbed a cleaning rag, wiped down a few tables, then checked the restroom in case she had to kick out yet another horny couple.
She smiled when she realized there were only fifteen minutes left until closing. The smile vanished the moment the entrance bell rang, followed by a voice she knew all too well.
—Nobody told me dinner came with a show, Four Ears.
Logan slid onto one of the stools at the counter. He was wearing one of those ridiculous animal-print scrub caps, and his veterinarian uniform looked as wrinkled as ever.
—Welcome to Bob's Burgers. May I recommend today's special? A Misery Burger served with a side of Poor Life Choices. Someone like you would surely appreciate it.
—Louise, be nice to the customers. —Bob scolded her.
Louise turned toward her father and gestured dramatically at the man sitting across the counter.
—But it's just Logan.
Without saying another word, Bob switched on the exhaust hood to drown them out.
—Just Logan? Ouch. Here I was thinking we were friends.
Louise leaned over the counter.
—Do you enjoy being friends with underage girls?
She clicked her tongue in mock disappointment, and Logan immediately choked on his own saliva.
—You're my only young friend, Louise.
Louise folded her arms. —Do you realize how terrible that defense sounds?
—You don't count. You're eighteen.
—Oh? So "barely legal" doesn't count?
Logan covered his flushed cheeks with one hand. Utterly scandalized, he looked around for help from the only ally he could trust.
—Linda! Louise is harassing a customer, and she hasn't even taken my order yet!
Linda interrupted her conversation with Marshmallow and walked over to them.
—Miss Missy, first you make them order, then you torment them. Otherwise, you won't have any way to keep them tied to the restaurant while they wait for their food.
Linda winked at Logan before returning to her table and picking up her conversation where she'd left off.
—I can't believe you tattled on me to my mom. —Louise grumbled. —Double cheeseburger, no pickles, and a beer. Anything else?
—No. You already know how I like it.
Logan turned his stool toward Linda. —How's your night going, Linda?
—Wonderful! Yesterday I met this girl who sings Tina Turner covers. She's absolutely incredible, with an angelic voice! I've been humming her songs all day!
Louise let out an exasperated sigh as she pinned the order to the ticket rail.
Too distracted by her conversation, Linda failed to notice Logan winking at Louise or the obscene gesture Louise flashed back at him while trying to hide the blush creeping across her cheeks.
After closing, her parents collapsed into bed, completely exhausted. Louise turned off the lights in the living room and quietly shut the door so she wouldn't wake them. She changed out of her cheer uniform, which now reeked of grease.
She stretched out on the couch, silently watching television, and close to two in the morning, she heard four soft taps against the window.
She stood up from the couch, stretched, and went to open it.
—I thought you weren't coming.
—I've spent the last twenty minutes trying to decide whether climbing up here was worth the risk. I'm not young anymore.
—Sorry, old man. How old are you, forty?
—I'm twenty-five, and I've got a bad knee. —Logan rotated his leg. —That's why I'm not a professional basketball player.
Louise snorted.
—The high school hasn't produced a single professional athlete. I can assure you, your knee isn't the reason you're a failure.
—I like it when you're cruel to me. —Logan murmured, pulling her into his arms. —You look ridiculously hot when you're insulting me.
—You really shouldn't be proud of saying that out loud, you disgusting degenerate.
—Your harsh words are music to my ears.
—Give me five minutes. I'll make you change your mind.
Louise took his hand and led him toward her bedroom.
They'd been dating for three months, and this was the fourth time Logan had climbed in through her window in the middle of the night.
The only time they'd tried another approach, Louise had intentionally left the apartment door unlocked so he could sneak inside.
Logan had been tiptoeing upstairs when Bob came out of his bedroom to get something from the kitchen. Logan ended up lying flat on the staircase for twenty minutes until Bob finally went back to bed. They'd almost been caught that night because Louise couldn't stop laughing.
—Logan. —Louise whispered after he squeezed her ass.
Logan was sitting on the bed with Louise straddling his lap. Their kisses were hungry, their fingers tangled in each other's hair. He nipped at her earlobe, earning a soft moan as she rocked against him. Logan tightened his grip on her hips, guiding the rhythm between them.
Louise grabbed the hem of his work shirt and pulled it over his head. Logan fumbled awkwardly with the fabric before finally getting it off. Louise rubbed herself against his crotch, and Logan broke the kiss just to focus on breathing.
The last thing he wanted was to come in his pants and look like a loser in front of her.
He pulled her tightly against his chest before rolling them over, pinning her gently beneath him on the bed. She tried to climb back on top of him, but Logan caught both her wrists, holding them above her head as he pressed a kiss to the exposed skin of her neck.
His lips continued trailing lower, and he felt Louise tremble beneath him.
—May I keep going, Bunny?
Louise drove her knee straight into his stomach.
—Don't ever call me that again, idiot.
Logan rubbed his stomach before retaliating with a hard bite to her shoulder. Louise cried out, punching him square in the chest.
Logan immediately pressed a long, apologetic kiss over the bite mark.
—If that leaves a mark, you're so dead, bro.
Logan sat upright with an exaggerated pout. —Hey, don't call me bro. I'm honey... love... my perfect boyfriend.
Then he gave one of her breasts a playful squeeze.
Louise was just about to slap him when someone knocked on her bedroom door.
—Louise? Sweetheart? Are you awake?
Linda's voice echoed from the other side of the door, and panic shot through Louise as she realized she couldn't remember whether she'd locked it.
She sprang off the bed while Logan desperately tried to disappear beneath the blankets.
Hopefully, Linda wasn't wearing her glasses, because it was a pitiful hiding place.
Louise stumbled toward the door, adjusting one strap of her camisole. She cracked the door open, pretending to be half asleep.
—Mom? What's wrong? Did Dad fall down the stairs in his sleep again?
She immediately clamped her mouth shut. Too many questions.
Fortunately, Linda didn't seem to notice.
—Oh, everything's fine, sweetheart. You left the TV on.
Linda tried to peek into the bedroom. —I thought I heard you scream.
—No, of course not. I was asleep.
The two of them stared at each other while Louise subtly shifted her body in the exact same direction Linda leaned every time she tried to look past her.
—Well... I'm going back to bed. Don't stay up too late.
Louise quietly closed the door and waited until she heard her parents' bedroom door shut once more. She walked back to the bed and punched what she assumed was Logan's stomach with both fists.
—You woke my mom up!
Logan emerged from beneath the blankets.
—No. You woke her up. I made the noise, sure, but you were the one making those sounds.
—Idiot. —she muttered, lightly smacking the side of his head.
Silence settled between them for a moment. Then Logan spoke.
—So... shall we continue?
Louise climbed back onto the bed, pulling her shirt over her head, and Logan's smile turned absolutely feral.
.
.
.
—Do you think I'd be a slut if I slept with Barbash's boyfriend?
Louise scrunched up her nose and tossed a towel straight at her friend's face.
—For God's sake, Jessica, get medicated. —She gathered her hair into a ponytail with a quick shake of her head. —Why do you want to sleep with Rudy?
Jessica shrugged as she buttoned up her shirt.
—I'm curious to see how long he can last before he has an asthma attack. —She turned toward the rest of the cheerleaders. —Is that so wrong? It's for scientific research.
Abigail looked uncertain and instinctively turned to Louise for help, and Louise pretended to touch up her mascara, despite the applicator being completely dry.
She wasn't getting involved...
Gathering her courage, Abigail finally spoke.
—She's your friend, Jess. You can't sleep with her boyfriend.
Jessica clicked her tongue. —That's where you're wrong, Abby. You're Chloe's friend. I'm just her teammate.
—That would be an extremely serious breach of professionalism. I know because I read an article online about ways to maintain team unity and morale. Would you girls like me to send you the link? —Harley chimed in.
—No, sweetheart. We're good,— Jodi replied.
Louise stuffed her things into her backpack and headed toward the locker room exit, having absolutely no interest in staying for that conversation.
—See you later, losers! —she called over her shoulder.
—Hey! You'd better not stand me up tonight! —Jessica shouted after her.
—Pick me up at nine,— Louise replied as she stepped out.
Just before the door swung shut, she caught Harley asking the others:
—Did anyone else notice the hickey on Louise's shoulder?
---
Saturday nights followed a routine for Louise.
She'd finish her homework as quickly as possible, then spend the rest of the evening doing whatever she'd planned: going out or rewatching the Hawk & Chick movies, sometimes with her dad...
Ever since Tina had moved away for college and Gene had blown up on social media as an up-and-coming artist before heading off to New York, the apartment felt emptier, and Bob had begun focusing all his attention on Louise.
For Bob and Linda, it was their chance to cherish their last little chick before she inevitably flew the nest too. Bob even entertained selfish little fantasies, like breaking his own leg on the day of Louise's graduation just so she wouldn't move too far away from them.
As a result, he spent more time with his daughter and became far more lenient than usual. Louise took full advantage of it, telling her parents she was spending the night at Jessica's house when she was actually sneaking off to Logan's apartment.
That night, her plan was to accompany Jessica to a "concert."
Which was a massive euphemism for an obscure band playing in a dump of a bar located in the roughest part of town. Louise could hardly contain her excitement at the thought of spending her evening surrounded by drunk teenagers and suspicious-looking adults.
Bob wasn't thrilled about the idea, so, to finally win him over, Louise helped close out the register and clean the grill.
Her parents were heading to Aunt Gayle's apartment to watch her cats while she went on a blind date. Linda had very obviously been the mastermind behind setting it up.
Bob protested wasting his Saturday playing cat-sitter but eventually gave in to make Linda happy.
—Louise, do you have your set of keys? —Linda asked.
Louise lifted her keychain while wiping down the counter with a rag.
—Perfect. Don't forget them. We don't know if we'll be back tonight, and I'd really rather you didn't try climbing through the apartment window again.
—No, Mom... Are you planning to go somewhere afterward?
Linda lowered her gaze to her shoes. —Oh... you know... just in case Gayle gets lucky on her date and, well... we end up staying at her apartment a little longer.
Louise gasped dramatically. —Mom! Are you actually hoping Aunt Gayle gets laid?
Bob groaned. —Louise, don't say things like that.
—My apologies, Father. Allow me to rephrase.
—Please don't. —Bob groaned again.
—Mother... are you hoping your sister engages in carnal relations with her companion tonight in order to satisfy her basest human desires?
Bob blinked. —How do you always manage to make it sound worse?
—Talent. —Louise replied, glancing at the clock on the wall. —I'm not trying to kick you out of the restaurant or anything... but shouldn't you two get going?
—Fine. —Bob stood up from the booth, stretching his back. —Check the back door before you leave. I don't want raccoons in my kitchen again.
Once they were gone, Louise made one last round through the restaurant before locking up, waiting inside with only the kitchen lights still on.
Jessica picked her up around ten o'clock that night. Louise checked her reflection in the glass of the front door and adjusted her black skirt before climbing into the car.
—He's so freaking hot. I've spent hours looking through the pictures on his Facebook page.
—How thrilling.
—I even put on a matching lingerie set... just in case I get lucky.
Louise wrinkled her nose. —Your mother's?
—No, idiot! The one I stole the last time I went to the mall. Who knows? Maybe I'll introduce you to the guitarist. He's totally your type.
—A deformed criminal?
Jessica rolled her eyes as she turned onto the street leading past their high school.
—White, blond, and painfully bland.
Louise didn't answer. She simply touched up her makeup instead. She wasn't interested in meeting anyone else, but it wasn't a conversation she wanted to have with Jessica.
For starters...she'd have to admit she was in a relationship.
Yeah. She'd rather keep that little detail to herself for a while longer.
She just hoped nobody spilled beer all over her. The last thing she needed was to come home reeking of alcohol and have her parents assume she'd gotten drunk.
At least not when she'd actually behaved herself.
Besides, possessing at least two functioning brain cells, she fully intended to stay away from the suspicious, probably tampered-with alcohol that bar insisted on serving.
They'd been shut down just last month after one of their regulars suffered partial blindness. Frankly, the place shouldn't even have been allowed to host live events anymore.
They pulled into the parking lot, and the car's headlights swept across a couple making out behind a dumpster.
—Look. That'll be us in a couple of hours.
Louise rolled her eyes as she got out of the car, linking her arm through Jessica's.
Knowing the routine, they held out their hands to the security guard, who drew a large X across each of them with a permanent marker before letting them inside.
—I can't wait until I'm old enough to get drunk.
—That has never stopped you before. —Louise replied, staring down at the X on the back of her hand.
As soon as she stepped inside, Louise wrinkled her nose at the overwhelming smell of mildew and sweat hanging over the crowd. The band was playing a considerably less exciting version of I Was Made for Lovin' You. It wasn't really her place to judge, but if she were representing KISS, she'd sue them for defamation.
Jessica shoved a woman aside to claim a spot in the front row and threw both hands into the air to catch the drummer's attention. He noticed her immediately, responded with a wink, and ran his tongue across his lips in an obscenely suggestive way.
Louise hated that she'd had to witness that.
Jessica started jumping along with the rest of the crowd to the beat of the music while Louise scanned the room for a familiar face.
She got lucky. The Pesto twins were sitting at the bar.
Ollie raised a hand and waved.
—Hey! I'll be back! —Louise shouted into Jessica's ear.
Jessica barely acknowledged her, so Louise made her way over to the twins.
As she approached, she caught Andy shamelessly checking her out. Just as she had for the past year, she pretended not to notice. Stopping in front of them, she watched Ollie twirl his index finger in a circle.
Louise stretched out her arms and spun around to show off her outfit.
Ollie rewarded her with a thumbs-up. —A belt would've done a better job defining your waist.
Louise snorted before leaning in to hug them both.
—Jessica has it. What are you two doing in this dump? Mommy didn't give you permission.
—Dad's on a date. He paid us a hundred bucks not to come home until morning. —Ollie replied, sliding over to the next stool to make room for her.
Louise sat down between them. —Jimmy must be really desperate to get laid.
Andy wrinkled his nose before finishing the last of his Coke, grimacing as the warm soda slid down his throat.
—Maybe that'll finally convince him to pay me. —Andy muttered.
—That's the magic of a family business, sweetheart. You can't exactly sue your bosses for labor exploitation. It's counterproductive.
Andy turned his stool toward Louise and folded his arms, giving her a playful smile.
—Oh yeah? Explain.
—Let's say you sue them and they end up in jail. Well, once they get out, they'll be old and completely incapable of taking care of themselves. Then they'll sue you so they can move into your house... and that's when your sentence begins.
—You've really thought this through.
—I have. But I actually like working with my dad. He lets me keep most of the tips, and that's pretty generous.
She flashed him a smug smile. —I get a lot of tips.
—Well, of course you do. You're gorgeous. All you have to do is smile. —Andy said, secretly hoping she'd at least punch him playfully. He liked it whenever Louise leaned in close to him.
Instead, Louise slowly turned toward him, her mouth hanging open in exaggerated disbelief.
—Excuse me? Do you have any idea how sexist that sounded?
Andy visibly tensed. Behind Louise's back, Ollie discreetly gestured for his brother not to say another word.
—It's not that easy. Smiling is an art you develop with time and experience. You have to know how, when, and for exactly how long to smile if you don't want to end up with your throat slit in some alley.
Andy threw both hands into the air. —I take it back.
—As you should.
Louise leaned closer, catching the scent of his cologne while Andy remained completely rigid. She leaned away again.
—I'm glad you got rid of that old cologne. Trust mom. You'll have a much better chance of getting a date if you keep listening to me.
Seeing the expression on his brother's face, Ollie tapped Louise on the shoulder to get her attention.
—Did you hear Millie's dating Alex now?
Louise gasped. —No! Tell me everything.
The conversation drifted naturally from school gossip to college applications. Ollie admitted he'd only just started filling his out, while Louise complained about how exhausting and tedious the whole process was.
By the time they realized they no longer had to shout to hear each other over the music, Louise stood up to go find Jessica. The band had finished their first set and was gathered near the stage chatting with people from the audience.
Louise spotted Jessica leaning against a wall talking to a man she recognized.
One of Logan's friends. Jacob.
—Should I arrest you for indecent provocation, Jess? —Jacob asked, leaning closer while taking a sip of his beer.
Jessica let out the deep, flirtatious laugh she'd practiced countless times with Louise until it sounded completely natural.
—How are you planning to arrest me when you haven't even graduated from the academy yet?
—Give me two months, and I'll be a real damn cop.
—Then will you let me borrow your handcuffs?
Jessica teasingly ran one finger along the zipper of his jeans. Startled, Jacob immediately glanced around before quietly scolding her.
Already tired of Jessica's little game, Louise interrupted them and pointed toward the men gathered near the back of the bar.
—I think the band's free now.
Jessica immediately turned to look for the drummer. The moment she spotted him, she hurried off, leaving Louise alone with Jacob. After an awkward silence, Jacob cleared his throat.
—Hey, Louise. How've you been?
Louise rolled her eyes. —Jacob... we don't have to pretend we like each other.
—I was just trying to be nice. —Jacob said, frowning. —How's Logan doing?
—You own a phone, don't you? Call him and ask him yourself.
Louise took a sip from her can, then realized she'd sounded a little...too hostile.
—Seriously, you should call him. He told me you bailed on him last Saturday.
Logan's friend relaxed his shoulders and smiled.
—I was busy, but you're right. I'll give him a call soon. Take care, sis-in-law.
Louise opened her mouth, ready with a comeback, and realized she didn't have one.
The nerve of that guy!
—How dare he call me that? —Louise muttered, tossing her empty can into the trash with far more force than necessary. —That's what I get for trying to be nice to that idiot's friends.
Standing on her tiptoes, Louise searched for Jessica and finally spotted her sitting at a table with the drummer. The man lazily stroked Jessica's chin with his thumb.
—Pleasure to meet a fan. I'm Aaron.
Jessica let out one of those sweet little giggles that made Louise's blood sugar spike.
—I know. I follow your Facebook page.
Louise sat down across from Jessica just as the drummer glanced over at his bandmates and flashed them a thumbs-up.
—You've made me feel very welcome. —Aaron said, resting a hand on Jessica's hip.
Louise nearly gagged. —So, why'd you guys choose to play in this dump? Couldn't you find better opportunities in the city?
He pulled a face before giving her a slow once-over.
—We think it's important to connect with our fans in shitholes too.
Louise pressed her lips together while Jessica leaned toward him with an excited sigh.
—You guys are amazing. Can I buy you a drink?
—I would love that.
Jessica leaned over and kissed the drummer on the cheek before getting up and heading toward the bar.
Louise hurried after her, stepping in front of her to block her path.
—And exactly how are you planning to buy him a drink? You do remember you're eighteen, right?
Jessica barely had to think about it. —I'll flash the bartender my boobs. That creepy old pervert's been staring at our asses all night. It'll be easy!
Jessica marched confidently toward the bar. Louise sighed and leaned against the fake wall beside the stage, muttering insults under her breath.
—Sam, what do you think of that girl? —the drummer asked, pointing one of his drumsticks toward Jessica.
—I don't know. She seems a little too bold.
The drummer draped an arm over Sam's shoulders and pulled him closer.
—Trust me. I know girls like that. They love flirting with you, getting you all worked up... but they never actually go through with it. They get off on leaving you wanting more.
—You sound pretty confident.
—I grew up around girls like that. There was one just like her at my school; Gabriela White. Hot girl... and she's definitely still a virgin.
Louise stepped out from behind the fake wall, thoroughly offended, and planted herself right in front of them.
—And why the hell do you care if she's a virgin? That's a hell of a lot better than being a compulsive dick addict like you.
The rest of the band burst into laughter. The drummer, however, remained completely unfazed. He'd already gotten the only piece of information that made the trip to this shithole worthwhile.
Grinning to himself, he climbed back onto the stage as the band launched into their next song. Jessica returned carrying two beers, setting them down on a nearby table before making her way toward the front of the crowd. The vacant expression on her face made Louise follow after her.
The band hit the chorus with even more energy, then Louise caught the faint smell of smoke. She turned around, fully intending to snatch the cigarette away from whichever idiot was smoking indoors.
But nobody was.
Instead, she saw a couple sprinting out of the bar while people at the back of the crowd shoved one another toward the exit.
The problem was that the doors were so narrow only two people could squeeze through at a time. A man pointed frantically toward the stage, shouting something as he rushed outside. Louise and several others followed the direction of his finger.
Smoke was beginning to pour from the stage lights.
In desperation, two truck drivers grabbed chairs, hurled them through the windows, and dove outside. The screams became deafening.
When Louise tried to move, she discovered her legs simply wouldn't obey her.
Ollie reached her, grabbed her by the arm, and shouted:
—Louise! Snap out of it!