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her fair share of Mia’s pointless fights. She wasn’t going to sit and subject herself to the abuse, so she stood and stifled out a goodbye before slamming the apartment door behind her. Trying to shake the fire from her eyes, Mia opened her refrigerator and popped open a beer, leaning against her counter as she choked down the drink. With bitter alcohol slowly seeping through her veins, Mia left for the venue.
                  The Pluto Lounge was aptly named. The walls were lined with thick black velvet; spare a sprawling galaxy scene that spanned the entirety of one wall of the club. Upon entrance, guests are brought right up into the bar of rich woods and flavorful drinks. A few sparse tables were placed near the door. Mia had spent plenty nights nestled into the worn seats. Past the bar was a large open area that funneled into a stage, built up off the concrete floor. The same black velvet that lined the walls was tethered on the stage. On either side of the room were two V.I.P sections featuring tufted benches and large clothe tables, roped off with a bright purple rope.
                  When Mia arrived, the venue was already alive with a Saturday night crowd. Though Burnside wasn’t set to play for another half hour, a health buzz of energy floated around the room as it filled with an eclectic bunch. Light music accompanied the chatter. A quick scanned didn’t reveal anyone she knew, so she approached the bar and ordered her Long Island Ice Tea. She slowly drank it, drifting around the room eager for conversation.
                  “You didn’t text me when you got here.”
                  Mia smiled and turned to look at Tyler. Dressed in a graphic tee and a black blazer that matched his dark jeans with a scowl on his face, he actually looked like a force to be reckoned with. Good thing I know better than that , Mia grinned. His foot tapped anxiously as he awaited a response.
                  “I’m here off the clock, Tyler. I’m going to sit back and watch you guys do what you do best.”
                  “That’s what I’m afraid of,” His face bunched up. He ran a hand through his messy locks. “Fuck, I didn’t expect this to be so stressful.”
                  Mia reached out and placed a hand on his arm, unconsciously stepping closer, “You got into the business for the girls, booze and parties, right?”
                  He tried fighting a smile, but it crept onto the corners of his face, “A little.”
                  “Work hard and you’ll get that.”
                  Tyler’s lips moved as if he was going to speak, but his face fell into a hard mask, “What the hell is he doing here?”
                  Mia closed her eyes as the strong hand slipped around her waist possessively. She pulled away from Tyler and leaned into the gesture, her eyes fluttering upwards at Benson. She swallowed hard and glanced back at Tyler, now unable to read the boy’s expression.
                  “I invited him.”
                  “I see that, but why ? Is it a date?” He spoke through gritted teeth.
                  Mia was talking to Tyler, but her eyes were tilted up at Benson. “Mr. Ward is not the type of man to dabble in romance.” She looked back at Tyler. “He’s here because he graciously signed you guys on for his opening night without hearing a single song. I thought he might like a sample of what’s to come.”
                  Benson’s words were hot on her ear, “I already had my sample. I want my full serving.”
                  Tyler ignored the murmur and flush of Mia’s skin. He found Benson’s gaze and with a tight jaw nodded, “We’ll give you the best damn show of your life, sir.”
                  “Save that for opening night, Mr. Abbott,” Benson