Page 14 of My Undead Heart

Jared winces. “She’s out. With Violet.”

“Wench. She should’ve gotten a fucking lanyard.”

Jared’s brow rises.

“Violet. Not Rae, of course,” I amend.

“So, your hot friends aren’t coming?” Dash asks with disappointment.Shit. I forgot I promised them hot friends. Not that Jared isn’t hot. It’s just they’re two D’s not looking for the D.

“That’s it. I’m calling them!” I announce and scrounge around my bag until I find my phone. “This day’s already gone to hell. I promised you twins my hot friends and I’m no cock block.”

“Mia, don’t.” Jared covers the screen so I can’t select Rae’s name from my list.

“What?” My gaze snaps to Jared and I shake my chin. I’m so confused.

“Come on. We need more drinks. You guys need another? Round on me.” Jared slides out, tugging me so Dax has to slide too or I’ll end up on his lap.

“Thanks, man,” Dax says before reclaiming his spot in the booth.

“Yeah, thanks.” Dash nods.

With the D twins’ agreement, Jared leads me back through the crowd.

“Jared! Where’s Rae? And don’t tell me with Violet. Where did they go?” I grip his arm so he has to stop and turn.

“Let’s get drinks first.”

“Jared, please. I think I’ve had quite enough!”

He gives me a good once over before agreeing. “Probably. Look. Remember that guy eye fucking me at the front of the line?”

“Hello. Yes. I thought he was my ticket to zombie fame.”

“Yeah, well. He’s a jerk. I almost missed my scene because of him.”

“You whore!” I gasp.

“Calm your tits. We were only making out. Anyway, his boyfriend—yes, you heard that right—is one of the supporting characters next season. But he found us. It was a whole thing. Security got involved, and when all was said and done Rae sweet talked one of the bodyguards into dinner.”

“So, Rae’s having dinner with a bodyguard? Why would I care about that?”

“The bodyguard who got her into the dinner, he works for the actor who plays Daryl Di–”

I hold up my hand before he can mutter another word. “Don’t say it! Don’t you dare mutter that man’s name to me.”

“See. Drinks. Pronto.”

I should’ve listened to Jared in the first place. He was trying to protect my feelings but I stupidly pushed him anyway. Tonight is not my night.

The patrons around the bar create an almost impenetrable wall, but Jared links his hand in mine and drags me through the crowd. I notice a small opening at the bar and try to reach it before someone else snags the coveted spot, but instead aguapoin a shirt that’s much too tight blocks my way.

“This place isn’t fer fags or freaks. Fuckin’ freaks.” He spits the words with so much hate they sting almost as much as a physical slap.

Jared and I have been friends for years, back even before he came out. We’ve been through ignorant insults, rude comments, and so much hate. Some things you let go. Some you have to face, but it’s been a long time since some stranger flung verbal shit while we were minding our own business.

“Come on.” Jared tugs me to his other side so I’m no longer between him and the heavily intoxicated man.

The band on stage ends their song and this time the man’s words ring louder above the conversations around us. “I said you’re a fuckin’ fag. Get the fuck outta here.” He staggers closer.