Strings attached, p.8
Strings Attached, page 8
“Hey, you admitted you had a lunch break and that you’re hungry. So I’m making sure you eat.” She turned at a light. “And fasten your seat belt. That alarm is driving me crazy.”
She yanked on the belt and clicked it. “So I don’t have a choice? You’re kidnapping me for lunch whether I like or not?”
“Kidnapping is a rather strong word. I prefer to think of it as whisking you away for a much-needed break.”
She exhaled, resigned. She supposed being whisked away by a beautiful woman did have a nicer ring to it. Fine. She’d swallow defeat this time. She couldn’t very well jump out of a moving vehicle.
“If you relax and stop worrying about work, you might actually enjoy yourself.” Nikki negotiated another turn.
“You just caught me off guard, that’s all.” Nikki seemed to have a knack for doing that. Her heartbeat gradually fell back into its normal rhythm. She might as well make the most of the situation.
“And lunch is on me, so don’t worry about that, either.”
“I can pay my own way.”
Nikki took advantage of a stop at a red light to look at her. “I’m not implying that you can’t—no assumptions, remember? I figured if I’m going to whisk you away against your will, the least I can do is treat.”
Sure. Flaunt your riches in my face a little more, why don’t you? “Either I pay my own way, or I’m not ordering anything.”
“Suit yourself. But I better not catch you stealing fries off my plate.”
“I’m not that desperate.”
“I hope not. I’d hate to have to fight you off with the ketchup bottle.”
Drew laughed in spite of herself. She had to give Nikki credit. She was being a total killjoy, and Nikki was cracking jokes. “I just don’t want you to think I’m a freeloader. I’d feel better if we go Dutch.”
“Then that’s what we’ll do.” Nikki smiled as she cruised through the intersection. “So, if you could eat anywhere, where would you go?”
Drew thought of the local restaurants, many of which were priced beyond her modest budget. “I’m not fussy. Wherever you want to go is fine with me.”
“Okay, but that wasn’t what I asked you. Have you ever been to Italy?”
Whoa. What? Surely she was joking. “No, I haven’t. But I don’t think we can get to Rome and back in an hour. I do have to go back to work this afternoon, you know.”
Nikki laughed. “Okay, then. We’ll stay local today and save Rome for another day.” She cranked up the stereo, and the Jeep filled with an unexpected sound.
“You listen to opera?”
“This is my favorite Mozart aria. Can you believe I used to be able to sing this piece?”
Wow. Nikki Razer could sing opera? She was full of surprises. “My God, Nikki. That’s…incredible. But this is for a soprano. You sing alto. I’m impressed.”
“Four octave range on a good day. My parents put me into opera lessons when I was eight. I rarely hit those high notes now, unless we do a Heart cover. I could never be Ann Wilson, though. She’s untouchable. Most of our songs are in guitar keys, so we stick to our lower registers for most of our stuff. I do expand a bit when I write on the piano, but for the most part, Jaymi’s the prolific one when it comes to writing songs. And Shawn, she’s cranking out new tunes like a madwoman these days.”
“I would’ve never believed you were into opera.”
Nikki pulled into a parking space in the downtown garage. “Don’t tell anyone. You’ll spoil my reputation.”
“Your secret’s safe with me.”
They began walking through the old town, carefully avoiding the smattering of ice and snow on the sidewalks.
“I missed this place,” said Nikki. “Portsmouth is so quaint. They have the most interesting little shops down here. Do they still have that blown glass shop down on Bow Street?”
“Yeah. I love browsing in there, but it’s so expensive, I’ve never bought anything. And I’m always afraid I’ll turn into a bull in a china shop and knock something over and have to pay for it.”
“I know what you mean.”
Drew had a hard time picturing Nikki being clumsy in any setting. They walked on in a steady rhythm, and a comfortable easiness settled between them. She had to admit, Nikki was right. Now that she was relaxed, she was enjoying herself.
And then she slipped. Her foot shot forward, and her body went backward, right into Nikki’s arms. Nikki caught her just before she hit the ground. She looked up into Nikki’s face—which was upside down because she was leaning over her from behind—and cursed the heat flooding her face. She should have been feeling grateful that Nikki had broken her fall, but the rush of other emotions she felt at the same time pissed her off.
“You okay?” Nikki lifted her and held on until Drew found her footing again.
“Yeah. Thank you.” She brushed herself off, more so than necessary, until she could collect herself and make eye contact again without feeling like a total fool.
“You sure? You look a little flushed.”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Really.”
They reached the restaurant a few minutes later, and Nikki opened the door for her. “After you, m’lady.”
***
Nikki slid into a booth across from Drew. They ordered drinks and picked up their menus. She had a hard time concentrating on her choices. The serious expression on Drew’s face as she studied the menu was so sexy. Those beautiful eyes of hers had a dizzying effect. She couldn’t get enough of them. She hadn’t been this excited to be in another woman’s company since…since ever. Well, other than Jaymi.
“Good afternoon, ladies. What can I get you today?”
Nikki silently thanked the server for interrupting her thoughts. They each ordered a soup and half-sandwich meal deal and then awkwardly took long sips on their straws.
Drew asked, “So, whose idea was it for you to study opera?”
“My parents’. They say I started singing before I started talking. They thought I was some sort of prodigy.”
“Why opera, though? Why not just regular singing lessons?”
“Oh no. There’s no such thing as regular in my family. You either shoot for the top or nothing.”
Drew looked at her as if waiting further explanation.
Nikki sighed heavily. “My father was climbing the corporate ladder. He worked his way up to CEO and then got into politics. He wasn’t about to let me be some ordinary garage band singer slamming out barre chords on an electric guitar. Too uncivilized for his taste. Or his reputation.”
“Politics, huh?”
Nikki cringed. “He’s a Massachusetts state senator. Ever heard of Nicholas Rozelli?”
“Your father is Senator Rozelli? Is that your real name?”
“Yeah. Razer is my stage name.” She didn’t bother explaining that she’d changed it more to spite her father than to make herself more marketable. Then again, he wouldn’t have wanted the press to know his daughter was in a lesbian rock group.
“So, what changed? How’d you end up in a rock band?”
“I came out to him during my senior year of high school.”
Drew tipped her head in a sympathetic gesture. “I’m guessing he didn’t take the news well.”
Nikki drew a long sip. “He threatened to cut me off financially. I didn’t want his money, but I wanted to go to school. Not only because I wanted to study music, but I wanted out from under his roof.”
Their food arrived, and Nikki appreciated that Drew gave them a minute to dig into their meals.
“So, what happened?”
“I lied and told him it was just a phase. It only made me more determined to make it as a rock singer. He agreed to pay my tuition and school expenses, but I never took another dime from him for anything else. I worked part-time as a bartender during college for spending money. After our first album went gold, I paid him back every stinking cent.”
Nikki tore off a huge bite of her sandwich. Talking about her father always put a damper on her mood. But it felt good that Drew was actually interested enough to ask about her life, even if it wasn’t her favorite topic of conversation.
“That’s definitely something to be proud of.”
“You’d think so, wouldn’t you? But he isn’t.” Her food suddenly had a foul aftertaste.
Drew reached across the table and covered her hand. “I meant that you must be proud of yourself. If he’s not proud of you, then there’s something very wrong with him—and I hope I’m not out of line saying that.”
Nikki looked down at their joined hands. Drew’s palm was soft, and smooth calluses on her fingertips gave her an immediate feeling of familiarity. A musician’s touch. Strong. Sure. Capable. Gifted. It was unlikely that Drew would be offended by her own protective layer of skin and closely cropped fingernails. She had a sudden urge to cry. How did she just do that?
“You’re not out of line,” she said quietly. She swallowed hard and forced herself to look up. “The crazy part is, he’s come around about my sexuality. We just don’t see eye to eye on my career choices.” She relaxed in the warm scrutiny of Drew’s unwavering attention. I could drown in those beautiful eyes. “He’s never been one to dish out compliments or put his heart on his sleeve either, if you know what I mean.”
“I know exactly what you mean, when it comes to my mother, anyway.” Drew repeatedly doused a French fry in ketchup but didn’t eat it.
“You’re not close?”
“No. Emotionally or geographically. Which is fine with me.” Drew’s tone suggested otherwise. “My dad more than makes up for it, though.” She ate the fry. “I’m sorry you had a rough time with your dad.”
She mentally noted Drew’s quick deflection back to fathers and didn’t dare force the subject. “It’s not all on him. I know I was a handful growing up. Sometimes I think if he hadn’t been such a pain in my ass, I wouldn’t have had as strong a drive to succeed. Guess I should be thankful.”
Drew smiled and withdrew her hand. Nikki missed the physical touch immediately, but the emotional connection she was feeling made up for it big-time.
Drew tipped her soup bowl and scooped up the last of its contents. “I’m sure your fans are thankful.”
“You’re very sweet, you know that?”
Drew blushed, and it took Nikki every ounce of energy not to grab her hand and pull her up out of the seat so she could kiss her senseless.
“I’ll be even sweeter if you let me order dessert,” Drew said, her cheeks growing even redder.
Nikki got the impression she wasn’t used to flirting. It was endearing.
“You can order anything you want. Dutch, remember?” Nikki checked her watch. “Do we have time?” God, she hoped they had time. Right now, she couldn’t get enough time with her.
“What the hell. I rarely take my full hour lunch.” She pulled out her phone and dialed. “Hey Geena? What time’s my next lesson this afternoon?”
Nikki grinned. She liked the sound of this.
“I know Jerry’s leaving for the day right about now, but are you okay if I’m not back until then? Okay, then. I’ll see you at three.” Drew released a smile and picked up the dessert menu. “Wanna share something?”
Did she ever. They placed their order.
“By the way, Nikki, you’re welcome and thank you.”
“For what?”
“You’re welcome for the dance,” Drew explained. “And thank you for the flowers.” Nikki smiled and shrugged.
“I wanted to thank you yesterday, but I had no way to call you.”
Nikki held out her hand. “I can fix that. Let me see your phone.”
Drew slipped it out of the holster on her hip and gave it to her. Nikki found the contacts page and added her number.
“Seriously?” Drew said. “You’re giving me your number?”
“Can I trust you not to sell it on eBay or share it on your Facebook page?”
“I don’t know. I could make a lot of money with this.”
“What if I make it worth your while to keep it to yourself?”
“How so?”
Nikki handed Drew her own phone. “I promise I won’t sell your number either. And next time, lunch is on me.”
“That’s it? Nikki Razer’s number is only worth one lunch?”
“Hey, you’re also the first one to get a ride in my new Jeep, and…”
“And what?”
Nikki grinned. “You don’t think I’m going to show all my cards at once, do you?”
Drew toyed with the phone for a minute and then gave it back to her. “You’re assuming you’ll have another opportunity to show me more cards.”
“Ah, we’re back to that, are we?”
The server showed up with their chocolate mousse pie. Nikki’s attention was torn between the succulent flavors on her tongue and the fantasies of licking it off Drew’s body instead. They had no problem polishing it off. Nikki left a generous tip, and they walked quietly back to the parking garage.
“I feel bad that we spent our whole time talking about me,” Nikki said when they got to the Jeep. “That wasn’t why I asked you to lunch.”
“Kidnapped me for lunch. You kidnapped me, remember?”
“I thought we agreed on whisking?”
“Tomato, tomahto. Either way, it’s fine. I don’t have much to talk about. I love my job, but other than that, my life isn’t all that interesting.”
“I don’t believe that for a second. I see the way you light up when you talk about teaching. It’s obvious you enjoy what you do. You’re close enough to your father that you guys can work together. That alone makes me jealous.”
Drew laughed. “Yeah, right. You’re jealous of me.”
“Hey, you think just because I’m famous my life is perfect? Trust me. It isn’t.”
Drew looked away and shoved her hands into her coat pockets. “I do know. Far too well.”
Nikki had hit a nerve, but she didn’t know what it was. “Drew? What is it? What’d I say?” She saw Drew check her watch and knew she didn’t have much time to turn this around. She lifted Drew’s chin and looked into sad eyes. Someone had hurt her. “Who are you thinking about?”
“It doesn’t matter. I’m sorry. Forget I said anything, okay?”
“Okay.” Damn. After having such a good time, this wasn’t how she pictured they’d part. She wanted another chance. She wanted more time with her. That had to mean something. It was a long five-minute drive back to DJ’s.
“I think your student is here.” Nikki pointed to a teenage boy who’d just been dropped off in front of the store carrying a guitar in a vinyl gig bag. Drew made no move to get out and sighed heavily. Nikki poked her in the shoulder. “Get going, you slacker. Who do you think you are taking off for an extended lunch with a crazy-ass rock star?”
Drew’s smile seemed forced, but she was glad her attempt at humor lightened the mood a little. “I have to get back to work.” Drew opened the door, and Nikki caught her arm before she jumped out.
“Hey, can I take you out again?” Nikki flashed her best smile. “Please?”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” She got out and closed the door without another word.
She watched Drew jog into the store and disappear. Wow. Either I’m losing my touch or she’s…she’s what? What the hell was the rest of that sentence? Not interested? Gun-shy from being burned in the past?
Confused?
Because I certainly am.
***
“I can’t believe you’re dating Nikki Razer.” Geena sounded even more excited than Drew was feeling. She was helping Drew organize the books and sheet music racks so the night person wouldn’t have to worry about it when he came in at five.
“We’re not dating. It was just lunch.”
“Yeah, a two-hour lunch and then some. You never take more than a half-hour.”
Drew shrugged as if it were no big deal. She didn’t know how she felt about it, and she wasn’t ready to dive into analysis.
Geena said, “So, let’s review: she spent half the day in here shopping and flirted with you the whole time. Then she takes you to her concert in her limo. She sends you flowers, and then today, she takes you to lunch? Sounds like dating to me.”
Geena was on Drew’s heels as she retreated to the office to get her things.
“She’s been on tour for months. She’s probably having withdrawal from the excitement and needs something to do to keep from getting bored. She probably has a fling with some lonely chick every time she comes off tour, one who’ll fall all over her because of who she is.”
She hated the words as soon as they came out of her mouth. Nikki acted cocky at times, but when she wasn’t, she had been nothing but sweet. Yet Drew still managed to push her away. Anyway, it didn’t matter. It wasn’t as if this thing between them was going to lead to anything. Before long, Nikki would be busy writing and recording again, and then she’d be back on the road to who knew where for who knew how long. Drew would be left behind and forgotten. Again.
“Drew, you’re nuts. Haven’t you seen the way she looks at you? Have you guys kissed yet?”
“What? No, we haven’t kissed because we’re not dating. Not that it’s any of your business.”
Drew shrugged into her coat, and they headed down the hall. Mario was helping a customer with guitar amps. She made sure he was all set for the evening and told him they were leaving.
Once outside, Geena gave her a playful shove.
“Hey, you behave,” Drew said with a laugh. “I’m still your boss, you know. There are boundaries that say I don’t have to share details about my private life with you.”
“I know that. Which is why I have no problem with you taking two-hour lunches.”
“Good to hear.”
Geena tucked her straight, sandy-brown hair under a University of New Hampshire Women’s Hockey cap and zipped up her heavyweight Army jacket. She had a girlfriend on campus who played on the team, but Drew knew she turned a lot of heads and enjoyed the attention. And why not? She was twenty-one and would be graduating top of her class with a business degree in the spring. She was attractive and smart and had her shit together. She had no interest in the college party life and rarely drank, which was another reason why Drew trusted her with the store.
