Chapter: Disposable
I headed back toward the event hall feeling like my body was moving without me.
The grand ballroom had transformed since I left.
Warm gold lights spilled over crystal chandeliers overhead. Massive LED screens glowed on both sides of the stage while soft orchestral music played beneath the chatter of important guests. Round VIP tables stretched across the lower floor while elevated sections closer to the stage were reserved for performers, models and special guests.
Our band had been seated near the side wing of the hall, close enough to see the stage clearly but far enough away from the media chaos.
I barely reached the table before every head turned toward me.
"Man!"
Jason nearly jumped out of his chair.
"Where the hell have you been?"
Oliver widened his eyes dramatically.
"I could swear you vanished off the face of the earth."
Jason leaned closer.
"We thought you got kidnapped or something."
They all chuckled.
