Chapter 7
The four couples had decided on a breakfast at the local coffee shop, taking up two tables that the owner, Julie’s aunt Victoria, gave them permission to push together as long as they put them back. Dylan and Nick were being grossly into each other, until Dylan whispered something to Nick and they left in a hurry. Reggie put the other table back, the six of them that were left could fit at one. Flynn and Carrie got refills for everyone, while Julie ran to the bathroom.
“How are you three so similar and yet so different?” The band mates blinked at Carrie as she stood in front of them. Alex and Luke were lost on what to say.
Reggie wasn’t even phased as he answered, not looking up from the book he was reading as he toyed with Alex’s fingers. “A study once showed that extended exposure to the same person could cause you to transfer some mannerisms and traits that the other person will then adopt, which is why people see couples or friends that have been around each other for years at a time, and they get the impression that they are family, because the actions they see cast a resemblance.”
Luke and Alex always forgot how much Reggie liked to read, and they momentarily forgot the girl talking to them as they beamed at the dark haired boy. Alex with a look of fondness for his boyfriend, Luke with a proud expression of his friend. Carrie just shook her head with a smile, taking the open seat next to Reggie. “Oh shit,” Alex muttered, “Dad alert.” Reggie only looked up long enough to give Alex an apologetic smile before he switched hand that held his book, his newly free hand playing with Carrie’s fingers. She didn’t complain or try to hold him still. She just let him do it. Alex squeezed Reggie’s knee, just to show that it was okay. Trevor Wilson wandered over to the table a second later.
“Hey, there, kids.” Everyone gave him tight smiles, not liking changing their dynamic when he was around. Julie came back from the bathroom, as Flynn came back with the last of the coffees. They saw Carrie’s dad and Julie immediately zoned in on the fact that Flynn wouldn’t be able to sit beside Alex with Luke there.
“Luke, babe, you don’t have to take Flynn’s seat every time she gets up. Alex is not that lonely.” She said, laughing a little forcibly.
Luke’s eyes widened just a bit, “Sorry, Flynn. Here.” He hopped up, taking Flynn’s seat next to Carrie. They both gave him grateful smiles, but he waved it off as he wrapped his arm around Julie.
“Reggie,” Trevor called, causing the dark haired boy to set his book down and look up, “What are you reading?”
“Oh, sorry, sir. It’s called A Raven’s Post. The author was supposedly so inspired by the work of Edgar Allen Poe that she wrote an entire book on the life of someone that would result in them having an omen of a raven appear at their door.” Alex squeezed Reggie’s leg quickly, just enough to let him know he was on his way to rambling. Reggie stopped, giving the man in front of them a smile.
“Oh. I didn’t expect something that sounded so serious.” Alex wanted to reach for Reggie. He knew his boyfriend would take that off handed statement to heart. Unaware, Trevor blinked, “Well, I don’t want to hold you kids up. I’m just grabbing a coffee on my way to the airport.”
Carrie frowned, “You’re leaving again? You just got home yesterday.”
“I know, Princess.” Trevor sighed, “But they want to extend the tour, the shows they set up in Berlin have already sold out. I’ll be home soon, I promise.” Carrie just pressed her lips together and nodded. Reggie saw Flynn’s face contort a little in pain, so he stopped playing with Carrie’s fingers, folding his hand around hers and giving it a squeeze. Trevor kept talking, “Why don’t you have one of your parties while I’m gone? Invite your friends here.” He grinned, clearly thinking that made up for bailing on his daughter.
Carrie gave him a fake smile, and the rest of them suppressed a cringe at how forced it looked. Then suddenly it turned real, “Maybe I will, if I can convince these guys to perform.” She scrunched up her nose as she looked over at Reggie and Alex, who blinked back at her.
“They play?” Her dad asked, seemingly shocked at the news.
“Oh, yeah, you should hear them, daddy. I’ll record them at the party and you can show your label.”
“Yeah, Princess, you do that.” The barista called out his name, “I gotta hit the road. I love you, baby girl.” He pressed a kiss to her hair before grabbing his coffee and heading out the door.
“Ugh!” She groaned, planting her forehead on the table, Luke and Flynn immediately traded seats again, Flynn rubbing her back. “Two good things have come out of this, I guess.” She said as she sat back up, letting Reggie switch his hands back to Alex. “I get to spend the next few days with Flynn, and you guys will have an in with a studio for your demo.”
Reggie blinked at her before he grinned, “You mean we aren’t supposed to secretly record each other and show it to people?” Carrie narrowed her eyes at Alex, but before she could say anything, Reggie leaned into him. “I’ve actually been meaning to thank you for that.” He pressed a kiss to his boyfriend’s cheek before turning back to Carrie, “So thanks.”
“Anything for you, Reg.” She grinned softly.