A Bleu Streak Summer (The Bleu Series Book 3) by T.I. Lowe Read Free Book Online

food on the guests instead of just the normal and disappointing alcohol. Drinking was something none of his crowd partook in.
    They found the band gathered around a long velvet booth midway of the room. It was the VIP section and at a glance, Max noticed each of the long line of fancy booths held other performers for the evening’s event. He nodded at few familiar faces, some already trash-talking about taking his title of guitar master this year. He donned the expected cocky grin and pretty much told the few rivals to “bring it on” as he swaggered on to his table.
    Everyone stood, the women looking like gorgeous blonde dolls and the guys looking like ultra-cool hipsters in their formal yet not quite attire. Each guy had the sleeves of their tailored button-downs rolled up, displaying colorful art on their forearms. Will was the only one with no ink, but Max had a feeling that was all in due time. The young member was proudly showing off the rebellious one behind his ear tonight with the mohawk spiked out of the way.
    The girls attacked Mona first, wrapping the brunette in hugs, whining about missing her.
    Jen perched her sassy hand on her sassy hip and glared at Max. “You need make more time for this chick. We miss her!”
    Max ignored her and tried lightening things up. He pulled Mona out of Izzy’s embrace and draped his arm over her shoulder before pointing at Dillon. “Dude has jeans on, too.”
    Mona easily played along with his light banter. “But there are no holes in his pair.”
    “Plus I’m wearing this hip vest with my dress shirt.” Dillon smirked as he smoothed the front of the black suit vest that he had paired with a white button-down. The vest had a muted pattern on the upper right reminiscent of a tattoo design. Between that and his thick hair styled in a faux mohawk style, the rocker somehow pulled off an edgy formal appearance.
    “But I’m sporting this swanky hat with my holey jeans.” Max winked one of his dark-brown eyes at Mona.
    The guys taunted one another for a little while longer as the hall seemed to reach full capacity. All the while, Max kept a firm grasp on Mona, needing his anchor. Everyone in their group had their acts together, but he still found himself flailing around in uncertainty. As he watched them chat and mingle so free-spirited, bafflement clamped his jaw firmly.
    What is wrong with me ? The words whispered through him.
    Eventually, an announcer encouraged guests to find their seats and enjoy the meal before the festivities got underway.
    Max helped Mona scoot in before taking a seat beside her, his hand not leaving her shoulder. He looked up and caught Dillon staring at him.
    “What’s up?” Dillon said, voice impassive yet all-telling.
    Max played dumb and grumbled, “Food, I need food. Like yesterday.” He needed to put something in his gut besides the aching dose of guilt and regret, so that he could to get through the next several hours.
    Dillon kept his eyes trained on Max as he casually lifted a hand. The small gesture made a waiter appear instantly.
    “Hey, my man,” Dillon greeted. “We need some food.”
    “Lots of food,” Max and Mave added simultaneously, pulling a needed chuckle from the group. It was obvious they had picked up on the tension Max and Mona brought along with them.
    The night progressed on in a sluggish pace with eating lavish food, receiving a few coveted awards, watching performances, and then finally the anticipated guitar showdown. An attendant guided Max backstage where a bevy of people rushed around. Someone handed him his custom electric guitar he had specially made for this performance—the body glowed in gold metallic with a vivid blue outlining the curves of it. It made a statement and that statement pulled a wry grin to his face when he caught a few of his competitors eyeing the impressive instrument.
    The announcer’s voice bellowed from the speakers out front. “All right, ladies and dudes, who’s ready to see if