5. Wes

Chapter five

Wes

September

B owen is finally in custody and Davis has been singing my praises for days now. To be honest, it’s getting on my nerves. I’m not one for praise in doing what I am paid to do. Unlike some people I work with, just leave me be. Let me do my job and you’ll get your results. While wearing my noise-cancelling headphones, I clean up the files scattered on my desk.

As I sit and meticulously file away folders and input any information into my desktop, I feel eyes on me. I shift my gaze from my computer screen to find Courtney staring at me. I pull my headphones to the side. “Something I can do for you?” I try to suppress the annoyance in my voice as she positions herself in the doorway.

“Everyone in the office is going out to celebrate tonight. Just some after-hours drinks and bar food. It would be amazing if you came out with us, you know since you’re the reason we are celebrating.” Her eyes look me up and down. This woman wants to eat me alive. She’d do anything I asked for a moment of attention.

“Sorry, I’ve got plans tonight.” I mumble in response. It’s not a lie. Layne and Atlas are going to a Gemini Syndrome show in Oakland. I plan on tagging along, well more like going to keep an eye on Layne.

“Oh,” the disappointment is heavy in her voice. “I was hoping you’d come. I’d love to get to know you.” She crosses the threshold of the door and stands next to my desk, resting her hand atop it. “You seem kind of lonely, and someone as handsome as you shouldn’t be.”

Don’t shit where you eat, Courtney.

“I’m not single,” I tell her. My words direct and to the point.

Courtney raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. “Oh really? And who’s the lucky person?” She leans forward, pushing her fake tits out to try to give me an eye full.

I pause for a moment, debating whether to reveal my personal life to her. But I quickly decide against it, I don’t need to prove anything to this woman who is just trying to fuck me. “That’s not something I discuss at work,” I reply curtly, turning my attention back to my computer screen.

She leans in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Come on, don’t be so secretive. I won’t tell anyone.” Her hand brushes against mine, and I instinctively pull away, feeling a ripple of discomfort.

Glancing around the office, I’m hoping someone will come to my rescue, but everyone seems engrossed in their own tasks. Taking a deep breath, I meet Courtney’s gaze, my tone firm. “I appreciate the invitation, but I’m not interested. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.”

She huffs in frustration and reluctantly steps back, her disappointment evident. “Fine, suit yourself. But don’t say I didn’t try. Whoever she is, doesn’t seem to do her job at keeping you happy.” With that, she turns and walks away, leaving me with a hint of anger but also relief that she is now gone .

As I continue my work, I can’t help but feel more annoyed and grateful. Annoyance at Courtney’s persistent advances and intrusion into my personal life, but also grateful for the boundaries I have established. I value my professionalism and prefer to keep my personal and work lives separate.

With my headphones back on, I immerse myself in my tasks, determined to finish before the end of the day. The thought of joining my colleagues for a celebratory night just didn’t appeal to me. I mean, they aren’t bad people, but I would much rather spend the time with Layne, even if she doesn’t know I’m there.

Four-thirty rolls around and I make a beeline for the door, scrambling into my car and racing home to change. I already know I’m going to get stuck in traffic leaving the city. As soon as I got home, I wasted no time in trading my suit for a more relaxed outfit – jeans, my go-to Metallica shirt, and sneakers. I quickly grab my hat, glasses case, and jacket before heading back down to the car.

I hit the gas station up before leaving the city, even though I’m pretty sure that gas is cheaper in Oakland, but I don’t want to stop before getting to the venue. I hop out to pay for the gas and grab a bottle of water and an energy drink for the ride home. The pump ticks away as I stand there. Once filled up, I put the nozzle back, print my receipt, and climb back in.

Just like I suspected, I get caught in the traffic of people who work in the city but live in the outer parts of the Bay Area. I strum my fingers on the steering wheel as Seether blasts through the speakers. Mindlessly singing along to the song, I look out at the bay from the lower level of the bridge. Calm on top, but I know it’s chaos underneath. Just like me .

As I continue my drive; the traffic clears up a bit, allowing me to pick up speed. Glancing at the time I realize that I still have a little over an hour before the concert starts. Feeling a surge of excitement, I turn up the volume on my favorite Metallica album and let the music drown out my thoughts.

The familiar lyrics and heavy guitar riffs transport me to a different world, where all my worries fade away. I find peace in the raw energy of the music, feeling a connection with the band and their passionate lyrics. It’s escapism that I desperately need after a long day at work.

When I approach the outskirts of Oakland, it’s slow twenty minute drive through the streets to get to the venue. I can see the lights of the venue in the distance as I wait in the queue of cars paying for parking. The anticipation builds, and I can feel the adrenaline coursing through me. I’m ready to immerse myself in the concert’s chaos, to let go of all inhibitions, and lose myself in the music. I can’t wait to see Layne. My mind wanders to what she is probably wearing tonight. A short black skirt, maybe a tight band tee, and some tights. I have to stop before I give myself a hard-on and have to wait in the car for it to go down.

Finally, I arrive at the venue, parking my car, and joining the sea of fans heading towards the entrance. The atmosphere is electric, buzzing with excitement and anticipation. I can hear the faint sound of the opening act roadies setting up the instruments , their riffs blending with the chatter of the crowd. Searching the faces of the concert-goers, I look for my girl and her best friend.

Making my way through the crowd, I find a spot at the tables at the back of the venue. The lights dim, and the crowd erupts in cheers as the opening band takes the stage. The energy is palpable, and I can’t help but let go of everything else, surrendering myself to the chaos of the music.

For the next few hours, I’m lost in the euphoric pull of the music, head banging along with thousands of other fans. The chaos of the concert matches the chaos within me, a cathartic release of pent-up emotions and frustrations. As I make my way back towards the bar to order a drink, and that’s when I see her.

Layne looks fucking gorgeous, her obsidian hair braided in tight French braids, a black mid-thigh skirt with no tights underneath, and a weathered Alice and Chains shirt. All I want to do is throw this girl over my shoulder, caveman style, take her out to my car and worship her. Or pull her into a dark corner and kiss her until we both need air.

“Let’s go check the merch before Gemini comes on,” I catch Atlas saying to her. Layne nods and they make their way to the entrance hall of the venue.

Forgoing the drink, I follow behind them. I watch as they peruse the merch tables. Layne’s eyeing a Gemini Syndrome shirt, but when she asks how much, she scrunches her face at the price and decides against it. Well, now I know what to get my girl. When they finish looking around, I hear Layne say something about the bathroom and they walk away.

“Hey,” I say, getting the attention of the attendant. “Can I get that shirt in a woman’s large?” He gives me a look and shrugs, grabbing the shirt and I hand over the cash. I toss the shirt over my shoulder and wait across from the doors to see when they go back inside. I take my hat off and run my fingers through my hair, trying to keep the curls from peeking out, flipping it backwards. I spot them as they enter the concert, making their way back to the bar.

Layne’s decision to drink at venues bothers me, especially because half the time Atlas is equally as intoxicated and unable to protect her. Rolling my eyes in frustration as I watch them order shot after shot of tequila at the bar. It’s now apparent that I can’t rely on Atlas to keep Layne safe tonight.

As they make their way to the front of the crowd, I struggle to contain my anger. The sight of countless men ogling my girl infuriates me, but I refrain from acting on my violent impulses. I stay a few steps behind them, ensuring that I don’t get noticed .

With clenched fists, I resist lashing out at those who dare to look at her. The possessiveness I feel towards her is overwhelming, but I know that violence is not the answer. Continuing to follow behind them while maintaining a safe distance, I don’t let them escape my line of sight.

The music blares and the crowd pulsates, I can’t help but worry for Layne’s well-being. I want to protect her, to shield her from any harm. But for now, all I can do is remain in the shadows and ensure that she stays out of danger.

As the last notes of the last song fade away, I am left breathless, sweaty, and completely exhilarated. The chaos has subsided, and a sense of peace washes over me.

Pushing my way through the crowd, I head outside to smoke and wait for my girl to leave. I want to make sure she gets a ride home before I head to my car. Leaning up against the wall, I flick my lighter and bring it to the cigarette between my lips. The flame ignites the end, the orange hue illuminating my face in the darkness. Smoke surrounds me as I exhale and wait, after ten minutes, finally, my dark-haired siren emerges.

They wait a few moments and when a car pulls up, Layne confirms it’s her ride. She hugs Atlas goodbye and climbs in and the car takes off. I stub out my butt and head towards my car. Driving back into the city, the traffic is non-existent at eleven p.m., allowing me to reflect on the night’s experience. It was a good show, well, what I actually paid attention to. My girl has pretty good taste in music.

Instead of heading home, I go straight to my spot a few blocks from Layne’s apartment. While I wait for her to get settled, I crack open the energy drink then pull out my Kindle from my glove box, and read a little before I go check to see if she is asleep. I get lost in my horror novel and lose track of time and by the time I realize it, it’s three in the morning.

“Fuck,” I mutter as I hop out of the car, reaching back in to grab the shirt that I got for her. I lock the GTO and make my way to her apartment. I just hope she is asleep and I can sneak in, get a peek at her, then duck back out to go home and get a few hours of sleep before I have to get up for work.

As I get closer, I see the lights are off. I climb up the fire escape ladder, make sure the coast is clear. Pulling the window up, I climb through and see that Layne is lying on the couch instead of in bed. Almost as if she came in the door and just flopped on it and passed out.

“Baby,” I whisper as I shake my head at her, still fully clothed, shoes included. I drape the shirt over the back of the couch then cross the room to her bed and grab the comforter off the bed. I cover her up and stealthily remove her shoes. A bold urge washes over me and I bend over and kiss the top of her head. She shifts a little but stays asleep.

“Goodnight, Ma Petite Mort .”

“Mmmm,” she mumbles in her sleep. A smile forms in the corners of my lips. That’s the most acknowledgment she’s ever given and you know what, I’ll fucking take it.

Slipping out the window and down the ladder, I quickly make my way back to my car to head home. Once back home, I change into a pair of joggers and crawl into bed, alone, still buzzing with adrenaline. As I close my eyes, I replay the concert in my mind, seeing Layne and how beautiful she looked tonight.