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pockets like a seventeen-year-old. The vulnerability on his face is quite charming. “I should go.”
    “I appreciate the welcome wagon.”
    “No problem,” he says with a short chuckle. “I’ll catch ya later.”
    “At the show. Break a leg.”
    “I’m not superstitious.”
    “I am,” I reply.
    “Good to know.” He opens the door and the bellhop is standing there with his hand raised as if he was about to knock. Handing the kid some money as he passes, Dex says, “That’s for her.”
    “Thank you, Sir.”
    As the bellhop carries my case inside the room, I’m left standing there baffled by what just happened. Dex has always been hard to figure out, but this time, he’s near impossible.
     

     
    The night started off innocent enough. Lara and I had dinner and drinks, then headed to see The Resistance. In the past, New Yorkers have always been crazy and fun at their shows. I assume they won’t disappoint tonight.
    Feeling sexy in my new black jeans and tank top, I decided my high-heeled knee boots, silver and black necklaces would complement. The outfit is a departure from my normal California style, which tends to be very laidback and more free-flowing with some Mom mixed in. Tonight’s theme is sex appeal and rock n’roll. Lara was influential in the ensemble.
    She looks amazing—effortless, but always at the edge of fashion. Together, we are both beauty and brains. We learned a long time ago that we can be sexy without coming off like bimbos.
    Clutching her purse under her arm, she glances my way. “So I’ve been thinking about our conversation last week. Maybe it’s time for you to start dating again.”
    There’s a quiet between us as we both take that in. Finally, I say, “And why do you think that?”
    “Seems like you might be more ready than you think.”
    I shrug. “I dunno. I don’t think about it much.”
    “Tonight seems like a good time to start.”
    “Start what? Thinking about it or dating?”
    She shrugs this time. “Maybe both.”
    With a laugh, I say, “I can tell you’re gonna be trouble with a capital T tonight.”
    “Is there any other way to be?”
    Shaking my head, I laugh again. I love her spirit and energy too much to deny her the possibility of the fun in store for us. I also feel my more adventurous side revealing itself. It feels good to let loose. It’s been too long and the rush of adrenaline hypes me up after so many years. Taking her hand, I pull her into the massive crowd toward the doors.
    When we enter, I realize it’s also been forever since I’ve been on this side of a concert. The T-shirts, buttons, posters, and passion displayed for the band makes me smile. But I’m soon tugged to the left by Lara when she spots a bar. “Shot time.”
    While we wait in line, I ask, “You’re gonna get me wasted, aren’t you?”
    “If my plan works.”
    “Fine. First round is on me.” I bump her hip with mine. “If we’re gonna do it, we’re gonna go big.”
    After two shots and a Jack and Coke to-go, we make our way backstage, flashing our badges when necessary. I leave the guys alone, not wanting to interrupt their pre-performance routine. I lead her down to the VIP area off to the side of the crowd next to the media. “This is great,” she says, squeezing in next to me.
    The anticipation builds just like it always did when I used to come to their shows. I would watch Cory, my eyes fixed on him. Tonight I stare at the spot where he used to stand to start the show, but he’s not there. I take the other shot, wanting to drown out the memories and live in the here and now. The music being piped in overhead stops and the arena goes black. My heart starts thundering in my chest from excitement. This is how The Resistance has started every show since the first tour, and for tradition, they still do. With one loud hit on the drums, the entire place goes quiet. Dex is at his kit, doing a countdown even though the arena lies trapped in darkness. I smile.
    I