The Bad Boy Next Room (Charlie and Taylor) novel Chapter 69

Then, as Taylor walked away, he suddenly pointed at her, teasing, “Babe, you on top tonight?”

Charlie: “…”

Inner Devil: ‘Bullshit. He’s all talk, no action.’

Guardian Angel: ‘Shut up!’

“Really, Charlie?” Luke reacted. “You’ve stooped this low?”

Not in the mood, Charlie turned to Luke and gave him the finger. She retorted, “Oh, shut up! I don’t care what you think.”

***

Charlie arrived at The Nook & Brew Café at six in the evening. She quickly found Tristan and his friends setting up their instruments.

Before the performance, she learned that the three of them, Tristan, Victor (a freshman in the College of Business), and Kevin (a third-year engineering student), had met at the same therapy center and formed the band together.

Playing at The Nook & Brew Café had been Victor’s idea since his uncle was the owner.

“Charlie, I’m so excited!” Tristan fidgeted in his seat. “I’ve practiced these songs for days. I hope Taylor makes it.”

“You’ll be playing two sets, right?” Charlie asked. “He will miss the first one, but he’ll be here for the second. Don’t worry, I’ll record everything!”

“Ladies and gentlemen, we have special guests tonight! Please welcome The NeuroBeats!” one of the cafe staff announced.

Tristan and his friends took their places, Victor on the keyboard, Tristan on the guitar, and Kevin on a small electric drum set.

But just before they could start, the café door swung open, and a familiar group entered.

“Oh, isn’t that the freak? Victor?” The voice belonged to Archie, Sofia’s boyfriend. He was with Luke, Regina, Tom, and a few other players of the Wall Street Warriors.

“What are they doing here?” another one of Luke’s teammates asked.

“Oh, look, it’s Charlie. What is she doing here?” Tom asked.

Luke’s group found seats behind Charlie’s table and began ordering food and drinks. Charlie, on the other hand, just ignored them.

Soon, NeuroBeats began to play. They didn’t have a vocalist, but their combined instrumentals created a beautiful symphony of sound. They performed several modern songs that many people recognized, and some even sang along.

Amazed, Charlie completely forgot about Luke and his friends. She excitedly recorded the entire set while occasionally giving Tristan a thumbs-up. Behind her, she could hear Luke’s friends whispering, but she remained unfazed.

When NeuroBeats finished their first set, the cafe erupted into loud cheers and applause. However, Victor’s response was not typical. He covered his ears and frowned.

Seeing this, Regina scoffed. “How rude. People are praising them, and they don’t even appreciate it.”

Charlie turned, glaring. She said, “It’s not what you think! They have ASD. They tend to have sensory sensitivities.”