Sunrise(Pact Arcanum 2) Read Free Page A

sipped at his drink, contemplating his two best friends. Sometimes it seemed like they had been together since they were zygotes. They had somehow picked each other out in junior high, each discovering a common love of music that transcended their diverse backgrounds. Takeshi had lived in the city with his grandmother since he was a child, but Anaba and Rory were transplants, from New Mexico and Massachusetts respectively. They had watched each other’s backs ever since, against all the trials of adolescence, and the idea of forming a band together seemed like the most natural thing in the world. That they had managed to attract a fan base never ceased to amaze him. He was just out there having fun, and people were actually willing to pay him to do it.
    I’d be happy doing anything, if it was with Take. And Ana, he corrected himself silently as he glanced over at his companions. Damn. I can’t afford to make that kind of slip-up, not even in my own head. He scowled as the old fear resurfaced, deflating some of the buzz generated by their dinner celebration. Take would never want me like that. It’s pure masochism to let myself think of him as anything more than my best friend. He sighed inaudibly. Life sucked, suddenly.
    Rory was wrenched out of his sour musings by the object of his secret thoughts tapping him on the wrist. He looked up to find Take and Ana staring at him expectantly. “Sorry, what?”
    Ana rolled her eyes. “Take asked why you looked so pissed off all of a sudden.”
    Rory reddened. “Um, it’s nothing. Just a passing thought.”
    “Care to share with the class?” Take raised an eyebrow.
    Rory shook his head, absently brushing a strand of hair out of his eyes. “Guys, I think it’s time to call it a night. We have to work in the morning, at least until the album starts to take off.”
    Take, his eyes on Rory’s, just sipped at his beer.
    “Fair enough.” Ana checked her watch. “I’ll flag down our waiter and we can hit the road.” Not bothering to signal, she stood, smoothed down her beige suit, and put on the matching jacket. Then she walked over to where the wait staff stood talking quietly.
    Rory grinned. Another example of Ana’s classic impatience. Turning his attention back to Take, he found his friend’s eyes completely focused on him. Rory froze, knowing that Take only looked so intent when he saw a problem to solve, and then nothing would get in his way until he had an answer that satisfied him. Shit.
    “Is there something you’d like to tell me?”
    “Like what?” Rory swallowed nervously.
    Take frowned, his eyes narrowing. “You keep getting in a bad mood lately, even when we’re having fun.” He leaned back and steepled his fingers in front of him. “And when you do, most of the time you’re looking at me. Did I do something wrong?”
    “No! No, Take. Honestly, it’s nothing you did.” Rory’s thoughts turned inward and he silently berated himself for being so obvious. “It’s my problem, not yours.”
    Take laid his hand on Rory’s. “Are you sure it’s a problem?”
    Rory blinked. Did he know? “What?”
    Take shrugged. “What’s bothering you—are you sure it’s a problem? Maybe it isn’t as big a deal as you think. If you want to talk about it…”
    Opening his mouth to speak, Rory thought better of it. “It’s nothing.” He dropped his gaze.
    Take squeezed his hand again and then let go. “If you change your mind, let me know.” He stood. “Are you sure you’re ready to go home? It’s not that late. Maybe we could go to a club or something.”
    Rory sighed. Sooner or later, I really have to grow a spine. “Okay. Maybe another hour or two, but then I have to go.”
    “All set.” Ana returned, waving the bill.
    “Change of plans. We’re going out.” Take grinned.
    “How did you convince him?”
    “I asked.”
    She snorted. “That was direct.”
    “I’m a direct kind of guy.”
    “Anyplace in particular?” asked Rory.
    Ana’s