Free Sandman by Morgan Hannah MacDonald

the doors were closed, Theresa turned to Meagan. “Jesus, did you have to be so rough on the poor guy?”
    “Believe me, he’s not just some poor defenseless guy. He probably pulls this routine on a different woman after every show. Your problem is you trust too easily.” Meagan pursed her lips.
    “And your problem is you don’t trust at all,” said Theresa.
    “I’ve met plenty of guys like him and they all have the same goal in mind. You wouldn’t know, you’ve been dating women your whole life,” Meagan said.
    “Not my whole life, I was married once too , you know.” Theresa said.
    Katy turned around. “It’s just one drink, then we’ll go home.”
    The car was silent a moment, then Meagan said softly, “I’m sorry, I promise I’ll behave. This night’s been so great, I don’t want it spoiled now.”
    “That’s the spirit”, Sarah said. ”Now, here he comes.”
    He followed them in a white panel van to the Dana Point Harbor. Drew got out and crossed the parking lot. Theresa held back and struck up a conversation with him.
    They walked through the bar and out onto the patio to sit by the water. They ordered drinks, and he lit a cigarette.
    Katy was the first to speak. “We really enjoyed your band. How long have you been together?”
    “Well, the band’s been together for ten years, but I’ve only been with them for three,” Drew replied.
    “Have you recorded any CDs?” Theresa asked.
    “We recorded one on our own, but we haven’t been picked up by a label yet. That’s what this tour is all about. Before this, we played Los Angeles and next we hit San Diego.”
    “You’re really good, I’m sure you’ll have a contract soon. How old are you?” Sarah asked.
    Meagan cringed at the obvious interrogation by her friends.
    “I’m thirty-two, but I’ve been playing in bands about fifteen years. There were some record execs in the audience in L.A., but we haven’t heard anything yet.”
    “How long have you been touring?” Meagan finally asked. Drew looked at her and smiled.
    “On and off for about three years now. They were already booked to tour when their lead singer got sick. I was a friend of his and was only supposed to fill in until he got better. Unfortunately for him, the band decided to keep me. I was uncomfortable about it at first, but then I reasoned, that’s showbiz.”
    “Where do you live?” Theresa chimed in.
    “Right now hotels and motels, but my home is in Northern California.”
    Meagan was quiet as she listened to the conversation. The alarm bells that had first chimed through her head had quieted down substantially. Drew didn’t appear to be the egomaniac she’d thought; in fact, his personality was more shy and unassuming.
    He wore faded jeans and a plaid flannel shirt. The casual look suited him. Now that he was so close, she could tell that the color of his eyes were hazel.
    The one drink turned into many, and they ended up closing the bar. As they walked across the parking lot, Drew turned to Meagan, “Can I see you again?”
    “I don’t see the point, you’re leaving.”
    “We’re going to be here ’til Sunday. We’re staying just down the street. Next we’ll be in San Diego, that’s not such a long drive. Please say you’ll see me tomorrow. At least let me call you.” His brows rose.
    “That won’t be necessary.” Meagan answered and watched as disappointment crossed his face. “I’ll meet you here tomorrow night at seven.”
    He smiled. “Great. You won’t be sorry.”
     
     
     
     

TWELVE
     
    Meagan let herself in through her back door. Instantly Godzilla was all over her, and she scratched behind his ears. “I missed you too, boy.” In the bedroom, she disrobed and wrapped her naked body up with her red silk kimono. After she washed her face and brushed her teeth, she closed the back door and returned to her room.
    Expecting to see the dog waiting for her on the bed, she was surprised to find it empty. “Godzilla?” Meagan