Chapter 99

"Oh... hello. Sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt. Nice to see you again, Ashley", Pearl excused herself and went back to her table. It was awkward and she wanted to crawl in a hole.

"I see Mr. Wonderful has moved on." Dylan said.

"Yes. It appears he has." Pearl tried to ignore what was going on at the table in her view. She wanted nothing to do with him and seeing him was spoiling her dinner.

They ate and talked and laughed. Ian was starting to fit in well with everyone. Pearl caught glances of David and Ashley and every time she looked his way, he was glancing at her. It couldn't be more uncomfortable.

They decided they would go to a local bar after dinner that usually had live music. "Yes! Let's go the Orbit Room! I think my friend Alex's band is playing there tonight."

Pearl told them she was tired and was wanting to go home. Iris begged her to come out for a little while. Pearl agreed and they all left to head to the other side of town. David pretended not to notice as they walked out. Pearl was glad.

The place was packed. Blake led them to the side door and talked with the security guy outside. He shook his hand and asked for their autograph. It was Pearl's first time being asked and she blushed, signing his book. He let them in and they entered a hallway, waking into the main room. It was all open and standing room only. The band was playing and they sounded pretty bad ass. Pearl and Iris walked to the bar and got in line to order a drink. A very drunk guy behind them kept bumping into Iris. "Sorry sexy, didn't mean to run into you", he said, putting his arm around her. Iris pushed him off and he pushed her back. "Hey! Excuse me! You need to fuck off" Pearl said. "This lady means business. Damn! Look at that rock on her finger. Must have a rich hubby around. What you are gonna do, sue me?" He slurred, grabbing Pearl's hand.

"No, but I will gladly kick your ass." Pearl looked to the side of the man and saw David standing there, looking like he was going to murder the rude drunk.

"It's fine. I'm fine. I don't need your help." Pearl grabbed Iris and walked back to the guys.

"I thought you were getting us beers?" Ian asked.

"The line was too long." Pearl said.

"Well fuck. I'll go and get in line." Ian said and headed to the back of the room.

"You ok?" Dylan asked.

"Yeah. David is here." She said.

"What? Why? Is he following you?" Dylan was over it all. He wanted peace just as much as Pearl did, but this kind of shit seemed to keep finding her.

She looked around and saw David and Ashley standing in a corner, across from the stage. They were obviously flirting and enjoying each other. It was weird to see it. She had moved on and loved Rhys very much, but seeing David like that, with someone she knew, was affecting her and she didn't like it. They stayed for one more set and Pearl finally convinced them to leave. Ian had met a girl that Pearl recognized; they had went to high school together and she and Ian were laughing and talking at the bar.

"Ian, we are heading out. Desiree, right? Great to see you again. It's been years!" Pearl mustered up some friendliness even though she had little energy for it. "Yes! Congratulations on everything. I can't believe you're dating Holden Tomlinson! Is he here?" She asked.

"No. He's out of town. Ian, you are welcome to bring Desiree back to the house." Anything to get them out of there, Pearl thought.

"Yeah, sure, if you'd like to." Ian said.

They discussed it and they all headed out. Pearl went to the bar to take care of their tab. Just as she was turning to leave, she saw David standing at the bar. "It was really nice seeing you. I know I shouldn't say it, but I've missed you", he said, looking into her eyes.

"I wish I could say the same." She signed the receipt and left.

She was so relieved to be home. She kicked her shoes off and plopped on her bed. She checked her phone saw she had three missed calls from Rhys. She hadn't heard her phone in the loud bar.

"Hello, love of my life." He said as he answered the phone.

"It's so good to hear your voice. Sorry I didn't answer earlier, we all went out to eat and they convinced me to see a band. It was loud. I was happy I convinced them to come home."

"I'm glad you did, too." Rhys said.

They talked until they fell asleep, still on the phone.