First love, p.15
First Love, page 15
When taking her leave of Fitz, Lizzie jokingly called out, “See you around!” even though she suspected she never would.
* * *
From their table by the window, Lizzie and her aunt watched the commotion outside. Squealing female voices and flashing cameras punctuated the night.
“I told you this was a nice hotel,” her aunt said, slinging her purse onto her shoulder. “In my time working here, I’ve met Donald Sutherland, Lily James, and Dame Judi Dench. There must be someone extra famous staying tonight.”
“This place definitely deserves all five of its stars,” Lizzie agreed.
Removing the linen napkin from her lap, she promised to meet her aunt by the door and went to use the ladies’ room. When she stepped out of the restroom, she nearly collided with someone. Mumbling a quick apology, she started to move on. Then their eyes met.
“You?” she and Fitz exclaimed at the same time. He laughed self consciously, but she could only stare. How many times had she caught herself thinking about him this summer? Now, impossibly, here he stood.
“What are you doing here?” she asked when she could form words.
“I’m staying in the hotel with the band. We performed at the arena today. Why are you in Vancouver?”
“I’m visiting my aunt. She’s a maid here. They gave her a gift certificate to the hotel restaurant for being employee of the month.”
He listened without a hint of superiority. “That’s a nice job perk! If you get dessert, you should order the tiramisu. I barely got two bites of mine before Charlie stole it.”
She grinned at the mental picture. “I had the tiramisu too, and I agree it was amazing.”
“You’ve already eaten?” His face fell.
She nodded. “I was about to leave. My aunt’s waiting by the door.” The disappointment she felt saying the words took her by surprise.
He perked back up. “I’m going that way too.” Motioning they should walk together, he asked, “How long are you in town?”
“A few more days. You?”
“We’re leaving first thing tomorrow.”
Lizzie felt a pang in her chest, and she at once reprimanded herself for it. It was ridiculous to feel like this. She didn’t know him that well. Sure, they’d spent a nice evening together six weeks ago, but it meant nothing.
At the door, she introduced him to her aunt. He told them he grew up an hour south of the city, which gave the two plenty to discuss. They compared notes on how the area had changed, leaving Lizzie with little to contribute.
Fitz didn’t notice when Charlie appeared at his side.
“I see how it is, leaving me to pay the bill.” His voice trailed off when he saw her. “Lizzie?”
She couldn’t believe he remembered her name. After explaining why she was in town, she asked, “How’s the tour going? I saw screaming fans outside, so I assume you’re still drawing crowds.”
“All our shows are sold out,” he confirmed. “Collin wants to add more dates to the end of the tour, but I’m worn out.” He rubbed the back of his neck.
When she looked at him closely, the exhaustion was obvious. Dark circles showed under his eyes.
He tried to laugh off her concern. “Listen to me, I sound like an old man. It’s not the shows that get to me. I need a thicker skin around fans. I’ve learned to be careful letting anyone in. I should’ve listened to Fitz. He warned me. Most people just want to use you.” He glanced at his friend. Seeing him deep in conversation with Lizzie’s aunt, he whispered, “How’s Jane? Does she still work at the same station, or has she moved on to bigger things?”
The question bewildered her. Where did he get such strange ideas about Jane?
Recovering from her surprise, she said, “Jane’s fine, and yes, she’s still at Coalesce. She loves working there.”
She intended to say more but didn’t get the chance. A procession of patrons entering the restaurant forced them to step aside. On the heels of the crowd, Collin arrived and witnessed Charlie smother a yawn.
“No more socializing with fans. You need rest. We have an early start tomorrow,” he said.
Charlie groaned. “You’re probably right. I’m beat.” He trudged toward the elevator. “Nice seeing you again, Lizzie.”
She watched him go, a frown still on her face.
Collin lingered to murmur, “Poor boy.” He glanced appreciatively at Fitz. “Luckily, he has someone watching out for him, or he’d have already fallen prey to a gold digger.” He said it loudly enough to be sure she heard, then followed Charlie.
Lizzie shot Fitz a look he didn’t see. She’d understood Charlie correctly after all. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. She barely heard her name spoken.
Her aunt tried to include her in the conversation but soon gave up. She ended with, “Well, it was a pleasure meeting you, Fitz. Meet you at the car, Lizzie?”
All it took was a nod, and suddenly she was alone with him. Her head throbbed, and she rubbed at her temples. She wanted to ask what Charlie meant by “Fitz warned me.” Twice, she opened her mouth but couldn’t get the words out. Why accuse him if she’d never see him or Charlie again?
She’d decided to walk away when his voice cut into her thoughts.
“Look, I know you were leaving, but if your aunt can spare you, would you want to grab a drink with me? I’ll get you a cab home after.” He smiled hopefully when she met his gaze.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
His eyebrows shot up in confusion at her sudden coldness. “Oh, okay...” He took a breath to say something else but released it in a frustrated sigh. He stuck his hands in his pockets. “Can I ask why?”
Keep your mouth shut. Don’t cause a scene.
Instead, heated words tumbled out. “What did you say to Charlie?”
Her own ferocity stunned her. Fitz shook his head and stubbornly awaited clarification.
She’d need to spell it out. Crossing her arms, she said, “He seems to think Jane used him to advance her career, which is ludicrous.”
Alarm crossed his face, followed by a look of recognition. If she thought he’d feel shame for his interference, she was wrong.
His expression hardened. “I know she’s your friend and you see nothing but the best, but Charlie’s my friend. He’s too trusting. He’s the type to rush in blindly and get his heart broken. If I can protect him from being used, I will.”
She gritted her teeth and tore into him, not caring who heard.
“Jane is the last person to take advantage of anyone! She’s the most selfless person I’ve ever known. If she were ambitious, she could’ve accepted a high paying job in Chicago last year. She turned it down because she’s happy at Coalesce. It may not seem like much, but she loves that station. It’s where she got her start as an intern. She pulled together the concert because the station was going under. The revenue and publicity bought them a year, tops. She didn’t do it for herself, and she didn’t use anyone. Jane really liked Charlie. When he stopped returning her calls, she...”
Lizzie had to stop, or she’d say something she shouldn’t. It wasn’t her place to tell anyone how long her friend cried. Her jaw clenched. “I should go. My aunt is waiting.”
She couldn’t look at him anymore. Keeping her gaze forward, she marched past the stunned musician and out the door.
* * *
Jane burst into the apartment with energy she hadn’t shown in months. “Lizzie, you’ll never believe what Bennet told us at work today!”
Lizzie looked up from the attendance board she was preparing for the first day of school. After months of moping, her friend was back to her bubbly self.
“I’m guessing it’s good news?”
Jane’s whole body trembled in excitement. “Clyde’s concert in May was such a hit, the station was approached to do an encore in September. This time, the show will be two nights with multiple bands.”
Lizzie’s stomach did a flip. Hearing the band’s name jarred her. She and Jane usually avoided speaking it. She’d never mentioned seeing Fitz in Vancouver. She didn’t regret keeping the encounter secret, but it left her to stew alone in her thoughts.
It took a second for the words to register. “An encore? But surely Clyde isn’t coming back. You mean it’ll be different performers this time, right?”
Paying closer attention, she observed Jane wringing her hands. It wasn’t excitement. It was nerves.
Jane confirmed her worst fears. “Two new groups will perform along with Clyde. Bennet said their manager, Collin, hyped our concert to some industry contacts. He told them outdoor shows in small towns like ours are an untouched market. They’re handling all the publicity. We don’t have to lift a finger except to promote the event on the air.”
Lizzie needed to sit.
It crossed her mind to skip the concert. Coalesce was Jane’s job, not hers. One look at her friend’s face and she dismissed the notion. She’d go for moral support.
“When?” she asked.
“In two weeks. They added us to the end of their tour.” Jane was too worked up to notice her roommate’s tension. She clasped her trembling hands. “This will be great for the station. It may even turn things around!”
While Jane listed sponsors the station was in talks with, Lizzie repeated the same two thoughts over and over: He must have done this, and Will I see him there?
Two weeks zipped by. Lizzie’s mind swirled in a mixture of dread and anticipation. Judging by Jane’s behavior, she felt the same. Neither of them mentioned the musicians’ names. The day of the concert, there was no work to do. Even Jane arrived a mere hour early.
Lizzie ventured cautiously backstage to meet Jane. She hoped the band was in the dressing room. When she found Jane, she was busy…locking lips with Charlie.
Stifling a gasp, Lizzie ducked around a corner. She didn’t see the rest of the band, but she wouldn’t take any chances. When the show started, Jane had a faraway look and walked right past where Lizzie waited.
“I’m guessing you two figured things out?” she teased.
Jane beamed. “Oh, Lizzie! Can you believe it? It was all a misunderstanding. He didn’t think…” She sighed dramatically. “Oh, it doesn’t matter. He asked me to come visit him in LA after they record their next album. I have three weeks of vacation to use. Then, he’s coming back here for a few weeks in November.” She stopped the rush of words to take a breath.
“I’m so happy for you!” Lizzie said and hugged her.
“I’ve never felt like this,” Jane gushed. “It’s like I could go a thousand directions at once.” Looking at Lizzie, her joy faded. She reached for her hand. “I wish I could set you up with someone. I want to see you as happy as I am. Tell me what you’re looking for in a man. I’ll keep my eyes open.”
Suddenly Lizzie had to force the smile that came naturally a moment ago. “There’s no list of requirements,” she said. “It’s not something you can find for me. It’s a connection you feel when you’ve met the right person. I guess it’s chemistry. There’s no way to force it. It simply happens.” Jane didn’t hear her add, “And if you miss it, you may never find it again.”
The roar of the crowd grew. Electric guitar riffs lit up the night.
“Come on, we’re missing the show!” Jane squealed and dragged her out.
Lizzie could barely see over the heads before her, but she recognized Fitz’s voice over the sound system. Hearing him sent an excited shiver down her spine. She cringed as she recalled the last time they’d spoken. Why had she been so harsh?
“This is a new one,” he said. “You’ll be the first to hear it. It’s a throwback inspired by someone special.”
She stood on her tiptoes to get a look. On stage, Fitz gripped the mic stand with both hands. He closed his eyes while the guitar crescendoed and then silenced. The drums hammered a staccato beat as his voice took over.
So fierce, she sees with the eye of the tiger
Into my soul, lit my whole world on fire
Those eyes that shine, every smile takes me higher
We had instant connection, but nobody mentioned the wait
What happened to fate?
With one word from you, will I know it’s all through? Just one date?
Or am I too late?
Did I ruin my chances? Those fiery glances you sent
I’ll never forget
Should’ve let down my guard. Oh, you hit me so hard
The day that we met
Our words still haunt me
Memories taunt me
Wish I’d just said
I’m sorry instead
Lizzie’s eyes couldn’t get any wider. She listened to the words, her jaw hanging open. Was she deluding herself to think this could be about her? The Eye of the Tiger reference was hard to ignore, but it wasn’t definitive. By the end, she convinced herself the song was about someone else. Charlie co-wrote a lot of the music. It must be about Jane. Her mind raced, and she barely heard the rest of the lyrics. One thing was certain. That growl in Fitz’s voice was perfect for rock.
The song ended to thunderous applause.
Jane shouted in her ear, “That one was a different style than usual! It reminded me of the eighties. Did you like it?”
She gave a favorable response, relieved the din around them made it impossible to say much.
After a few solo songs, another band joined Clyde onstage, doubling the screams from the crowd. While Jane enjoyed the show, Lizzie snuck away. Using her pass, she went backstage and grabbed a bottle of water. She found a secluded spot where she could be alone with her thoughts.
She was staring at the floor when someone asked, “So, what did you think?”
She nearly dropped the water bottle. Fitz stood before her, still sweaty from the heat of the stage lights. She caught a glimpse of Charlie grinning their direction before he disappeared around the corner.
“I liked it,” she said, her cheeks warming, “especially the first song.”
He cleared his throat. “I wrote it last week. If it goes over well, it could be the start of something new.”
Lizzie wasn’t sure what to say but knew she had to speak. “Thank you for doing this show. It means a lot to everyone. The station landed several new sponsors thanks to this concert.”
He shrugged. “I’m glad to hear it, but I’m not here to save a radio station. I wanted to ask you…” The crease between his eyebrows deepened.
She waited, barely breathing.
He kept his gaze fixed on the floor. “Charlie tells me Jane’s sticking around after the show. Do you think you will too?”
A shy smile spread across her face. “Yeah, I will.”
His answering smile brought out that dimple she remembered so well. “Good.”
They stood grinning at each other like idiots until he finally made a move. He leaned in slowly, but Lizzie had waited long enough. Going up on her toes, she grabbed him by the collar and kissed him. When he’d recovered from his surprise, he met her enthusiasm with his own. The kiss was long and slow…and a little scratchy. Rock stars always had manly scruff.
Lizzie lost all track of time. When she looked up, Jane and Charlie stood there. Embarrassed, she hid her face in Fitz’s shirt. To her chagrin, Fitz didn’t seem self-conscious at all. She felt his chest vibrate as he chuckled at her reaction. She tried to disentangle herself from him, but he caught her around the waist and tucked her against his side, just as Charlie had positioned Jane. The two men exchanged a nod of unspoken understanding.
Later that night, at Jane’s suggestion, the four of them returned to the same coffee shop. This time, the couples sat across from each other to allow for cuddling. Lizzie relished the feel of Fitz’s arm around her. They didn’t leave until the café closed.
On their way out, Fitz suggested, “Maybe you can help me with something. I’m working on a new song, but I can’t get the beginning right. It’s about first love. I need an opening line that rhymes with edged.”
She mulled it over while studying how perfectly her hand fit into his. “How about, ‘It’s a truth universally acknowledged?’ It’s an opening line from a classic love story.”
“Sounds like a perfect beginning,” he said.
Lizzie beamed. She couldn’t agree more.
The End
Kim enjoys living vicariously through her characters as they fall in love and save the world, or just their little corner of it. Some of her favorite things include bargain hunting, eating chocolate-covered pretzels, and watching singing competition shows on TV. Originally from Indiana, she now lives in British Columbia with her husband, two young children, and a sleepy little dog named Marley.
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Marmalade Sunset
By Denise Covey
It was Cora’s idea to holiday in the Greek Islands. “Come with me, Damon. I’m too old to travel alone. Soon they won’t let me board an aero plane. This is my last chance.”
A light shone in Cora’s eyes Damon had not seen before. She was one mischievous lady; what was she cooking up now? Were they finally getting to the business of why she had invited him for drinks at her retirement home?
He gazed out the window of her spacious room to the manicured gardens and sipped the excellent scotch she kept hidden in a recess behind a nondescript painting of a blue villa on an island at sunset. He moved his gaze to the painting and studied it as he always did each time he visited. It was precious to Cora, so he tried to be generous in his critique. To him it was a child’s painting, a child who possessed talent but lacked knowledge of color. The sunset was nothing more than a smear of marmalade on buttery toast. Endearing, but a sunset like that did not exist.
“Damon? I need an answer.”
He remained silent. Cora was forever coming up with desperate plans to escape the prison she liked to describe rather dramatically as holding her with silken bands. Not bad silken bands, Damon thought. Every luxury at her fingertips.
