Justin’s shoulder. Justin smoothed her hair down and kissed the top of her head. A tear rolled down his cheek and in the mirror Avery noticed Ray’s eyes looked a little glassy, too.
Cars were at a standstill lining both sides of Granville Street as they approached the club. People spilled out the door onto the sidewalk and every available space around the Venue like an animate puddle.
“I’m not going to be able to get you even close to the front door,” Ray mumbled.
“That’s ok,” Avery said, leaning forward. She patted him on the shoulder. “We can walk.”
“Marcus wants me to go in with you.”
“I’ll be fine, Ray. I’ve got my brother with me.”
Ray gave Justin an uncertain glance. “I don’t know.”
“I’ll take good care of her,” Justin assured him, hopping out of the car.
Avery scooted down the seat toward the open door on Justin’s side. She looked back at Ray’s worried face. “I promise I’ll call if I need you.”
She followed Justin toward the long queue to get into the club. There were at least fifty people in front of them, all huddled together and shuffling their feet to try to stay warm in the freezing drizzle. As they took their spot in line, several people turned to stare.
Justin unzipped his red hoodie and handed it to her. “Here. Might want to put this on.”
“You’ll be cold,” Avery protested.
“I’m ok.” He leaned in. “Besides, I think you need it more. Looks like some people have recognized you.”
“Uh-oh.” She nodded. “I forgot my hat in the car.”
“Hey,” said a beefy tatted guy with skull capped brown hair standing in front of them in line. “Aren’t you Avery Jones?”
“Yes.” Avery smiled hesitantly and tucked her hands in the hoodie pockets. “How long have you been waiting?”
“I dunno. Don’t have a watch,” Skull Cap Guy replied, turning to his slightly pudgy companion. “How long we been out here, Joseph?”
“Two hours,” Joseph muttered, glancing up from a game of Fruit Ninja on his cell. “It’s bullshit.” His eyes widened when he saw Avery. “Say, aren’t you, Av…”
“Yeah, asshole,” Skull Cap said in a loud whisper, knocking Joseph on the side of the head. “Keep it quiet. Can’t you see she wants to remain incognito?”
“Sorry, Matt.” Joseph ducked his head.
“No worries, guys,” Avery said shuffling forward with the rest of the line as it moved forward. Under the street lamp she noticed the misting drizzle changing over to intermittent snowflakes. She tilted back her head and stuck out her tongue.
“Avery Jones?” asked a man in a Venue jacket with a security band around his arm.
She nodded.
“Why the hell are you standing in line out here in the cold?” He threw up his hands. “Come on. I’ll escort you on in.”
“Sweet.” Justin stepped out of line to follow him, but Avery hesitated. He gave her a questioning look.
“I can’t leave my friends. Matt, Joseph,” she called. “You coming?”
Two sets of eyebrows rose with surprise. “Hell yeah!” Matt exclaimed, jogging up to her. “Later, popsicles,” he said to the people in line as they passed by.
Inside the club the temperature was as balmy as the tropics. Avery immediately shed the hoodie and handed it back to Justin. He raised a brow but tied it around his waist. Glancing around the interior, Avery felt like she had stepped back in time. The set up was very similar to Club Indigo in New York. A huge mirrored bar took up a lot of space near the entrance. Drum chandeliers with bronze accents dangled down from the black ceiling, casting muted light onto high backed crescent booths which lined each side of the interior. The stage at the back was definitely the centerpiece along with the forty foot light display board that hung above it.
Cold Snake was well into their set, playing their number one hit, “Party at the Gate.” The heavy beat of the bass saturated the air and pulsated through Avery’s bones. Ty, the platinum headed lead singer, took a sip of bottled water and then poured it over his head during the guitar solo before returning to the center mic. Joel, the guitarist, joined him there belting out the closing lyrics.
Avery grinned at Justin and started cheering along with everyone else when they ended the number. He smiled back and took her hand, threading his way through the press of people out onto the crowded dance floor.
“You guys want some more?” Ty shouted into the mic.
The crowd in front of the elevated stage went nuts.
“Alright then, let’s