Page 39 of Ravaged From Fate

“You were adopted from birth?” he asks me.

“Yeah. I don’t know my birth mother. I think I was born outside of town, but I don’t really want to know about all that. The past is the past. My family here is my family. East Springs is my town.”

“I understand.”

We continue down in relative silence. I’m still freaking out over kissing the man, but he doesn’t seem fazed at all.

I really don’t know what’s going on in his head.

As we start to descend into the town, we spot a billboard on the side of the road.

“Who are they?” Caspian asks me, pointing at the sign.

“The Kill Joys,” I say. “A local band that performs at the bar once a month. I know them. The lead singer actually went to the same elementary school as me in the next town over.”

The billboard has the band all standing around a drum kit, trying their hardest to look cool and edgy. But I know Liam, the lead singer. He’s the least edgy guy I know. He actually works as an accountant as his main job and does the rock band as a gig on the side. I think that whole music stardom thing has probably passed him by, but he loves performing at East Springs’ bar. It’s the big event every month.

“They’re on tonight?” Caspian asks, reading the tiny lettering on the sign.

“Yep.”

And then I come up with a genius idea.

“How about we get a drink and watch them?” I suggest. “They’re always good.”

Caspian shakes his head. “I’m not really into watching bands.”

“But you’re a drummer.”

“I’m not into that scene.”

He’s grumpy. I gotta shatter that.

“Come along for one drink,” I say. “Hey, and you owe me a drink for saving your life from the severe and life-threatening injuries from the gang.”

“You didn’t save my life,” he responds. “You were the damsel-in-distress. I’m not going to this performance.”

“Just buy me a freaking beer, Caspian.”

I raise my fists into a boxing pose, daring him.

Caspian raises his hands in mock surrender and smiles. “Okay, fine. Let’s get that drink, jeez. Don’t beat me up.”

Oh, boy. I’m really beginning to really like that smile of his.

18

ELSA

Caspian is true to his word. “Here’s your wine,” he says as he hands me a glass.

“Thank you, sir.”

We’re at the bar. The place is filling up with people wanting to see the Kill Joys. It seems like I know everyone in here, seeing as they are the people I’ve grown up with and treat at the clinic every day. I get a lot of welcoming hellos and handshakes. Caspian watches on with these interactions with the townsfolk of East Springs, clearly impressed with how I seem to know everyone.

“Hopefully tonight ends up a bit different from last time we were both here,” I say to the big man, nudging him cheekily. He purses his lips.

“Yep. Hope so.”