Dismissed Read online

  ‘Why didn’t you tell me? You made me feel like I was bringing you here against your will, while all along you must have secretly wanted to come.’

  ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t want to make a big deal about it.’

  ‘Well by not saying anything, I feel like now it is a big deal.’ She raised an eyebrow. ‘You’re not in love with Brandon, are you?’

  ‘What? No! I’m with Gabe, remember?’

  ‘What’s that got to do with anything? You can like two people at the same time.’

  ‘No you can’t.’

  ‘Uh, yes you can. So answer me. How do you feel about Brandon?’

  ‘I think he’s a good teacher and seems like a nice guy.’

  She screwed up her nose. ‘I think it’s more than that.’

  ‘Just leave it, OK? You can have him. I promise I won’t stop you.’

  ‘I’m still not convinced. But alright. Just don’t get mad when you see us together.’

  ‘I won’t.’

  Taylor thankfully turned back to the stage. Brandon was looking at Jason now, and Jason was grinning. Brandon gave him a dirty look.

  Lizzie felt terrible. She didn’t want Brandon to hate her, and she didn’t want Taylor thinking she had a crush on him. It didn’t matter if it was true. She did believe that you should only focus on one person. And for Lizzie, that person was Gabe.

  And then she remembered the text message on Gabe’s phone. Why did things have to be so complicated?

  Lizzie tried to enjoy the rest of the concert, but she blushed every time Brandon looked in her direction. Which was often. Taylor lapped it up, clearly thinking his attention was on her. She waved her arms in the air and swung her hips from side to side as if giving him a private show. Brandon eventually pulled his attention away.

  Forty-five minutes in, the band completed a song, and Brandon spoke.

  ‘We’re going to take a short break, but we’ll be right back. Thanks for coming out tonight!’

  The audience clapped enthusiastically as they walked off stage.

  Lizzie knew what was coming.

  It only took thirty seconds for him to find them.

  ‘What the hell are you two doing here? For a start, you’re underage. And secondly, I could get fired if someone sees me associating with you.’

  ‘Relax,’ Taylor said smoothly. ‘It was my idea. I’ll take full responsibility if anything goes wrong. But we do have your brother to thank for rescuing Lizzie earlier.’

  Brandon’s face clouded with rage.

  ‘He knew about this earlier?’

  ‘Not until we arrived. But yeah.’

  ‘I’m going to kill the bastard… I told him…’

  ‘Hey buddy! I see you’ve noticed our little groupies.’

  Lizzie did not like being called a groupie. She glared at Jason as he joined the conversation and leaned casually against a nearby wall.

  ‘Fuck Jase! Don’t you want me to have a career? Because if anyone at school found out that these girls are illegally inside a nightclub with me, I might as well just quit right now.’

  ‘Stop being so dramatic. They’re with me. Not you. And no one will find out.’

  ‘How can you be so sure?’

  ‘I can’t. But there’s no use getting all worked up about it. They’re here. I think you should just relax.’

  ‘No, I won’t relax,’ he snapped. He turned to Lizzie. ‘I’m surprised at you Lizzie. I wouldn’t have expected you to do something like this.’

  Lizzie tried not to cry. ‘I’m sorry. We’ll leave.’

  ‘We’re not leaving until the show is finished,’ Taylor said firmly. ‘We’re paying customers like everyone else.’

  ‘Yes, but you’re not over eighteen like everyone else,’ he pointed out.

  ‘Bro, just let them stay. They’re not causing any harm. They’re not even drinking.’ He conveniently left out the fact that he’d seen Taylor with a cocktail before. ‘I’ll make sure they leave safely after the end of the set.’

  Brandon wavered. ‘I don’t know…’

  ‘Come on. They’re fans. You can’t kick them out.’

  He sighed and looked at the girls. ‘Fine. But it’s probably best if you stay in the shadows and then leave as soon as we’ve played the last song.’

  ‘Will do,’ Taylor said happily.

  ‘And if I lose my teaching job because of this, you’re paying my rent for the next five years,’ he said to Jason.

  Jason smiled. ‘Sure.’

  Brandon walked off unhappily.

  ‘Enjoy the rest of the show, girls,’ Jason said cheerily. ‘I’ll see you after.’

  When he’d left too, Lizzie turned to Taylor.

  ‘I think we should go now.’

  ‘No! You heard them. It’s OK. We can stay for the rest of the set.’

  ‘But Brandon hates us now.’

  ‘No he doesn’t.’

  ‘Do you think he’ll want to make out with you or be physically involved with you in any way after seeing how freaked out he was just now?’

  ‘He’ll come around. He’s a guy. They can’t help themselves.’

  Lizzie wasn’t so sure.

  ***

  The rest of the show went quickly, but not quickly enough for Lizzie. She was mortified that Brandon now saw her as a crazy stalker and the type of person who snuck into nightclubs illegally. She didn’t really know what she had expected before coming here. If she’d actually thought about it, there was no way the night could have gone well. If Brandon had welcomed them with open arms, Lizzie would probably have thought less of him.

  But now what? She watched the last few songs, trying to enjoy them, but she worried that everything was tainted now. Would their music even still help her fall asleep?

  The last song ended and the guys waved to the audience.

  ‘Thanks everyone! We’ll be back in a couple of months. Visit our website for details!’ Jason called out.

  The crowd cheered appreciatively.

  ‘We should probably go now,’ Lizzie urged.

  ‘Just wait. They might do an encore.’

  ‘I don’t think so. Look, the lights have gone up.’

  It was true. The lights had brightened slightly, and a dance album was now blaring over the speakers.

  Taylor turned to Lizzie. ‘Do you want to go get some dessert or something? I don’t feel like going home yet.’

  ‘I guess. I’m kind of tired though. I don’t want to stay out too late.’

  ‘What’s with you? You’ve been weird all evening.’

  ‘I just feel bad because we put Brandon in an awkward spot. We should never have come.’

  ‘Yes we should. It was great. Don’t you think their music is even better live than it is on a recording?’

  ‘Yeah,’ she admitted. ‘They are pretty good.’

  ‘They are amazing! And I swear Jason is hotter than I remember.’

  ‘What do you mean? He’s Brandon’s twin. You see someone who looks exactly like him every day at school.’

  ‘I know. But I noticed Jason has a little scar near his eyebrow. And of course those dreads are so sexy. I think I like him better.’

  ‘Well it’s going to be hard to get to him if Brandon has anything to do with it.’

  ‘There’s always a way,’ she said breezily. ‘Come on, let’s get that dessert.’

  They walked back to the Brunswick Street Mall and went into Bigboy’s Cafe. Taylor ordered a slice of cherry pie, and Lizzie ordered a piece of marble cheesecake.

  They collected their table number and went downstairs into the lower dining area.

  ‘Hey, do you know anyone at our school with the initials CC?’ Lizzie asked Taylor.

  ‘I don’t think so. Why?’

  Lizzie explained Gabe’s mysterious text message.

  ‘Ooh. I wonder if he’s got another girlfriend on the side?’

  ‘Thanks Taylor. You’re a big help.’

  ‘Sorry. I really don’t think he
would. He doesn’t seem like the type. As much as I don’t like him, it’s not because he’s a player.’

  Lizzie felt a bit better. ‘But then what do you think it was all about?’

  ‘I don’t know. Maybe you have to think more cryptically. What other things could CC stand for?’

  ‘The brand of chips?’

  ‘That would be weird.’

  ‘Coca-cola?’

  ‘That’s even weirder.’

  Taylor got out her phone and started typing something.

  ‘What are you doing?’

  ‘Looking up Urban Dictionary.’

  ‘Actually, that’s not such a dumb idea.’

  Taylor looked at her. ‘Thanks, babe. I appreciate the vote of confidence.’

  ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. So what have you found?’

  ‘Um, some of them are kind of gross.’

  ‘Show me.’

  Taylor held out the phone.

  ‘Ew, OK.’ She scanned the list for any that might give her an idea as to CC’s identity.

  ‘Are you sure you weren’t just looking at the wrong field in the e-mail?’ Taylor asked.

  ‘What? No! It was a text anyway.’

  ‘Just checking. Because you know they have cc and bcc…’

  ‘I know what you’re saying, and it wasn’t an e-mail! Besides, there’s still the issue of the actual message content. Hey, did you see one of the definitions is cute couple? What if it really is another girlfriend?’

  ‘There’s also this definition,’ Taylor said, pointing to the words chubby chick.

  ‘Gabe wouldn’t be that mean.’

  ‘I think you’re overthinking things. Just ask him next time you see him.’

  ‘I guess I should. It’s just odd. I don’t know why he wouldn’t have told me the truth when I asked him.’

  ‘Maybe he didn’t want to hurt your feelings. I assume he didn’t look too impressed when he read it in front of you?’

  ‘You’re right. He looked unhappy. But not angry.’

  ‘Oh my God!’

  ‘What?’

  Taylor started laughing.

  ‘Look who just walked in.’

  Lizzie spun around and saw four sets of feet coming down the stairs.

  It was Orion’s Head.

  CHAPTER 9

  ‘Well, well, well. Isn’t this a coincidence?’ Jason beamed.

  ‘Did you plan this?’ Brandon asked suspiciously.

  ‘No! I swear. But you can’t kick them out of a cafe.’

  ‘I suppose not. We’ll go somewhere else.’

  ‘There’s hardly anything else open. Just chill out, man. I’m sure there’s no rule that says you can’t eat at the same restaurant as a student.’

  Brandon seemed torn. The other three band members had already reached the bottom of the stairs and were looking for a table. The only one available was right next to Lizzie and Taylor.

  ‘We’ve already ordered, bro,’ Jason said. ‘I want my four dollar all-day breakfast. I paid good money for it.’ He laughed at his own joke.

  ‘Why do I feel like the universe is against me today?’ Brandon asked.

  ‘Because you’re a freak who can’t kick back and have a good time,’ Jason answered.

  Brandon sat as far away from the girls’ table as possible.

  ‘So how did you enjoy the show, ladies?’ Jason asked.

  ‘It was great!’ Taylor gushed. ‘My favourite song was Interstellar. And it seems…’ she looked strangely at Lizzie, ‘that it’s this one’s favourite too. She’s such a dark horse. I didn’t even know she knew your music.’

  Brandon smiled, seemingly despite himself.

  ‘So how is it that you found out about our gig in the first place? I hope Jason wasn’t somehow responsible.’

  ‘Hey! If you ask me not to do something, I don’t do it,’ Jason said, put out.

  ‘Since when?’ Brandon asked. ‘You always do stuff I ask you not to do.’

  ‘Like what?’

  ‘That time I asked you not to invite those girls backstage in Sydney. Or the time I told you not to gamble our petrol money at the casino. Or when…’

  Jason laughed. ‘I get it. Yeah, I guess I just don’t like being told what to do. But I only met these girls last week when you were there, so there’s no way I could have told them without you knowing.’

  ‘But you still helped them get in.’

  ‘What was I supposed to do? Get them kicked out?’

  ‘That’s exactly what you should have done!’

  ‘Whatever. It’s over now. And we have two new fans. Think of it from a marketing point of view. Hey, maybe we should organise a gig at your school. Get all those sixteen and seventeen year old girls begging to give you…’

  ‘Shut up!’ Brandon yelled. ‘Don’t you fucking talk like that again in front of my students!’

  Taylor looked as if she found this all highly amusing.

  ‘You guys are hilarious!’

  Lizzie was quiet.

  ‘I’m sick of your crap,’ Jason said to Brandon. ‘Just because you’re a teacher and have a real job now, doesn’t mean that you’re better than us. We’re exactly the same age if you remember, and I’m free to do whatever I like.’

  He turned to Taylor. ‘Would you like to come back to my place for a drink?’

  ‘No!’ Lizzie and Brandon shouted at the same time.

  ‘I can speak for myself, thank you,’ Taylor said, slightly miffed. She smiled at Jason. ‘I would love to.’

  Brandon groaned.

  Lizzie stared at Taylor, aghast. ‘What are you doing?’

  ‘Relax. It’s early. Why are you in such a rush to go home?’

  ‘I’m not. But this is a terrible idea.’

  ‘Listen to Lizzie please, Taylor,’ Brandon urged. ‘You girls need to be hanging out with guys your own age.’

  ‘Pfft. Like Lizzie’s little boyfriend Gabe?’ she said, her voice dripping with disdain.

  ‘Taylor!’ Lizzie frowned at Taylor’s tone.

  ‘Look, I’m going back to Jason’s and that’s final. You can come too, or don’t. It’s totally up to you.’

  Lizzie looked at Brandon pleadingly.

  ‘It would probably be safer if you two stuck together,’ he said finally.

  Taylor clapped her hands together, like she’d just been given permission to run wild. ‘It’s decided then. We’re all going back to Jason’s.’

  ‘It’s my place too,’ Brandon said quietly.

  ‘Even better! I get to check out Mr Thomas’ house!’

  He looked pained. ‘This is not going to end well.’

  ‘It’s fine. You two are such worriers.’

  Lizzie looked at Brandon. ‘I’m so sorry about this,’ she said.

  ‘Just keep an eye on her,’ he warned.

  ‘I’ll try.’

  The food arrived and Taylor scoffed her cherry pie, keen to leave. Lizzie ate her cake as slow as was humanly possible, dragging out every mouthful. It looked like Brandon had the same idea with his meal.

  He looked at his watch. ‘It’s after midnight. Shouldn’t you two be heading home to bed?’

  ‘Probably,’ Lizzie said.

  ‘What are you talking about? You never sleep.’ Taylor laughed.

  ‘I sleep,’ she replied indignantly.

  ‘Since when?’ She turned to the guys and stage whispered, ‘Lizzie is an insomniac.’

  ‘Me too,’ Brandon said with a trace of surprise. ‘I never go to sleep before one at the earliest.’

  ‘This one either.’ Taylor gestured with her thumb at Lizzie. ‘She’s a freak. Still manages to be a complete nerd at school and work a part-time job as well.’

  Brandon smiled. ‘And then there’s the beatboxing.’

  Jason perked up. ‘Beatboxing, huh? Why don’t you show us something, sweetheart?’

  Lizzie clammed up. ‘I’d rather not.’

  ‘Come on. Show me you’re not as uptight as you lo
ok.’

  Brandon shot Jason a death stare. ‘Careful, bud.’

  Against Lizzie’s better judgement, she rose to Jason’s challenge.

  ‘You want to hear some beatboxing? Alright.’

  She broke out into an intro that sounded like a heavy and slightly warped version of the Black Eyed Peas’ Let’s Get It Started, before gradually increasing the speed to build the intensity. She then dropped into a fast and complicated sequence that left Jason’s mouth hanging open.

  Brandon actually started to look like he was enjoying himself. Taylor didn’t look nearly as happy as she normally did when Lizzie showed off her skills. Which was probably because she didn’t want someone else impressing Jason.

  All four band members watched her in awe. Lizzie tried not to pay attention, but she did enjoy having Brandon’s eyes on her. She finished off with a bit that sounded like she was singing to a beat.

  ‘Oh. My. God. Dude, can you imagine? If she can do that with her mouth…’ Jason started.

  ‘Stop!’ Brandon exclaimed, punching Jason hard in the arm.

  ‘I’m just saying. Hey darlin’, do you want to come on tour with us?’

  ‘I’m not being your groupie,’ Lizzie said scornfully.

  Jason chuckled. ‘I didn’t mean that. I meant as part of the band. Although…’

  ‘Jase,’ Brandon glared. ‘That is so far past appropriate...’

  ‘Why? She’s really good. She could warm up the crowd for us.’

  ‘No,’ Brandon said firmly. He stood up. ‘I’m going home.’

  ‘Great. We’ll see you there soon.’

  Brandon looked at the other guys. ‘You need a lift?’

  They shook their heads. ‘Nah,’ Ethan said. ‘Thanks anyway. We’re probably going to stay out for a while. Check out the action here in the Valley.’

  Brandon turned to Lizzie and Taylor. ‘I’m begging you, please go home. Do not come back with Jason.’

  ‘I’ll see what I can do,’ Lizzie promised.

  ‘See you soon!’ Taylor sang, waggling her fingers at him.

  He shook his head and walked out.

  ***

  ‘Should we get this party started?’ Jason asked Taylor.

  ‘Yes!’ Taylor seemed way too excited for her own good. Lizzie thought that her friend could benefit from retaining a little mystery. Jason would be getting completely the wrong impression if Taylor hadn’t yet decided how far she wanted to go with him. And Lizzie didn’t think he would be the kind of guy who’d take kindly to a last minute case of cold feet.