After Hours Redemption (404 Sound)

by Kianna Alexander

  She took the flowers, bringing them to her face for a sniff. “They’re beautiful.” She gestured to the blanket. “Do you want to...sit down? Chat for a minute?”

  “I’ll stay as long as you’ll let me.”

  She nodded, then took a graceful seat while balancing the flowers in her hands.

  He joined her, leaving a respectable distance between them. He couldn’t help remembering that the last time they were on this blanket, she’d been sitting atop his lap, and they’d been kissing passionately. His groin tightened in response to the memory. He knew better than to lead with that, though. “Before I start, I just want to pass on a message from my father. He said to tell you thanks.”

  Her brow crinkled. “What? Why?”

  “Because of your harping...”

  She poked him with her index finger. “Watch it, Blaine.”

  He chuckled. “I meant, because of your encouragement, I tried to connect with him. I reached out to him with something he’s passionate about and used that to tear down the wall between us.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes. And aside from that, Dad’s willing to offer financing for Naiya’s album, if I need it. We’re on good terms now, and I’m grateful to have his support. I’m glad I took your advice, Eden.”

  She smiled, soft and lovely. “That’s great. But...I can’t take credit for that.”

  “Sure, you can. No one else has ever been able to get through to me when it came to my dad. And trust me, plenty of people have tried.” His siblings, his friends, even Trevor, his engineer, had brought it up on several occasions. But no one had been able to move the needle...until Eden. “You’re magical, Eden. That’s the only explanation I have. I can’t tell you how good it feels, after all these years, to be on such good terms with my father.”

  Her smile broadened. “Wow. That’s amazingly sweet of you to say.”

  “It’s true. Every word.” He reached out. “Can I...hold your hand for a minute?” He missed the feel of her satin skin against his. And while he didn’t expect her to open up to him, he’d take whatever she’d give him.

  She nodded.

  He enfolded her hand in his own. The words he’d planned to say swirled around in his mind, the imagery as bold as a Hype Williams music video. Yet when he opened his mouth, only four words spilled out. “Eden, I love you.”

  She gasped. “Blaine, you...”

  He squeezed her hand. “Please, let me get this out before I lose my nerve. I’m a fool for not telling you how I felt earlier. And an even bigger ass for not showing you.” He looked into the golden-brown orbs of her eyes, seeing the emotion there, silently praying that her feelings matched his own. Yet whatever she decided, he’d accept it. “You were right. Everything you said about me was true. I was being selfish, putting my own desire for success above your feelings, your career. I’m so, so sorry for what I’ve done. I know I can’t go back and change any of it, but I hope you’ll accept my sincere apology.”

  Her mouth hung open.

  “And I don’t want you to think I’m not going to do something about Naiya’s album. I’m not sure what just yet. But we’ve all worked too hard to let it end like this.”

  Tears sprang to her eyes, her lips trembling.

  He stiffened. “Oh, no. Did I say something wrong? Have I hurt you again?” He’d never forgive himself if he caused her even one more moment of pain. She’d already suffered enough because of him.

  She shook her head. “No, you haven’t hurt me.” She moved closer to him. “You’ve made me so very happy.” She showed him a watery smile before placing a soft kiss on his cheek. “And I applaud your patience. I know I’ve come across pretty judgmental...rigid...immovable.”

  He feigned confusion. “What? I hadn’t noticed.”

  She giggled. “Do you have any idea how long I’ve been waiting for you to come around, you knucklehead?”

  He laughed. “Close to a decade, I’m guessing.”

  “You’d be right.” She clamped her soft hands around his face, tilting it until their gazes met. “I’m glad you love me, Blaine Woodson. Because I love you, too.”

  His heart swelled, warmth flooding his body like he’d taken a shot of brown liquor. Only his beautiful, caring Eden was far more intoxicating than even the finest aged bourbon. “You can’t imagine how relieved and grateful I am to hear you say that.”

  “Why don’t you kiss me and show me?” She dragged her fingertip over his lips.

  With a groan, he pulled her in and kissed her, long and slow. His arms wrapped around her body, and she leaned in, pressing herself against him. His tongue stroked, hers teased, and before long, he’d forgotten where he was.

  It was only a chorus of “Eeeww!” coming from several young voices that pulled them apart a few moments later.

  “Sorry. I forgot about the young eyes watching.” He gave her a sheepish grin.

  “Hey! What kind of party you two think this is?” Ainsley shouted the words at them from a few feet away, in a voice laced with humor.

  Shaking her head, Eden put her hands to her face, covering the deep red tinge of her cheeks. “I think we’d better put off the rest of that for later.”

  “I agree. Because what I plan on doing to you is definitely not G-rated.” He winked.

  She tossed her curly head back and laughed, and it was the most beautiful sound he’d ever heard.

  Nineteen

  Eden walked through the halls of Marian Gardens Retirement Home Tuesday morning, her steps measured and slow. Most of the rooms she passed had their doors shut, but she’d occasionally see an elderly woman or man inside their room. Some were asleep or being visited by nurses or other care providers. A few were up sitting in their recliners and made eye contact with her as she walked by. She offered a smile and wave but kept moving. She wasn’t exactly comfortable in a place like this, probably due to her limited experience. Still, she’d come here for something important, and she’d already put it off too long. Her time to take care of it might well be running out.

  Taking the elevator, then navigating another long hallway, she finally came to the room the nurse at the front desk had sent her to. 4L.

  His name was printed on a small plaque hanging on the door, and she silently read it. Craig Moorhead.

  Drawing a deep breath, she rapped softly on the closed door.

  “Who’s there?” A deep but quiet voice called from inside.

  “It’s me, Eden.”

  A few silent moments ticked by before he called, “It’s open.”

  Turning the knob, she pushed open the door and eased inside the small room. As the pressure-mounted door shut behind her, she hesitated to go very far into the room. She didn’t want to encroach on his space; their relationship was strained enough. So, she stood there, waiting to be invited.

  He was propped up on a stack of pillows in his bed, watching television. It was Law & Order: SVU, his favorite show. He turned his head, meeting her gaze. Raising his hand, he gestured her closer. “Come on over here where I can see you.”

  She did as he asked.

  He observed her for a few moments. “You’re looking well.”

  “Thank you. How are you feeling, Craig?”

  “I’m all right, for a young fellow.” A dry cough followed his words. “What brings you by?”

  “I...just wanted to make sure you were okay and have a little talk with you. That is if you feel up to it.”

  He nodded, then indicated the upholstered wooden armchair next to his bed. “Sure. Sit on down.”

  She sat, resting her purse on her lap. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately.”

  He chuckled. “Sounds like you.”

  She smiled in spite of her nerves, knowing this was his way. He always cracked jokes to break the tension, and when it came to the two of them, tension made up a larg
e portion of their relationship. She’d come here today in hopes of changing that. “Anyway, I wanted to let you know that I’ve...forgiven you.”

  He frowned. “What you say?”

  “I said, I’ve forgiven you. It took me a long time to...accept the reality of what happened between you and my mother, and how it’s affected me.” She knew the root of her mistrust for men lay in her childhood when she’d longed for the presence of a father. “I’m just ready to let go of all that negative energy. It’s too great a burden.”

  His frown softening, he said, “I’m glad you came here to say that to me. But... I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to forgive myself.”

  She could hear the sadness in her voice. “Talk to me, Craig. Say what’s in your heart.”

  He shifted a bit in bed, angling his body toward her. “I loved your mama. I swear I did. Even though I was fifteen years older than her, I loved her hard. Still do.” A tear came to his eye, and he let it fall. “I was married, but the fire between me and Shirley had gone out years before. Jacinda was a ray of sunshine in my life.” He smiled, a faraway look in his eyes. “I’d always see her there, working at the desk when I went down to the law library to study. Between the stress of law school and the demands of my wife and son... I needed somebody, you know? And she was there for me. Never meant for...things to turn out the way they did.”

  She nodded, reaching for his hand. “I know you didn’t.”

  “That day you came here to tell me she was gone...” More tears filled his eyes. “Worse day of my life. I left her behind to try to work on my marriage, but soon as I got sick, Shirley and Craig Jr. just...left me here. Ain’t seen or heard from either of ’em in years now.” He raised his aged hands, brushing away the tears. “I know... I just know that if Jacinda was still living...”

  “She’d be taking care of you.” She squeezed his hands. “Mama never had anything bad to say about you, at least not to me. She always said you made the choice you thought was right, and I shouldn’t fault you. Still, I held on to that anger for a long time.”

  “I don’t blame you. Every little girl deserves to have her daddy around for her raising.”

  “That’s true. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to understand how complicated life and relationships can be. You just weren’t there yet.”

  “I...don’t even know how to apologize to you, Eden.” He cast his eyes downward, as if ashamed of his choices. “What can I say that’s going to make up for what I did?”

  “You don’t have to say anything.” She smiled. “My mama loved you. And I love you, too, in my own odd little way. You did help bring me into this crazy and wonderful world.”

  He cried full-on then. Between sobs, he said, “You’re a special girl. I’m honored to call you my daughter.”

  She brushed away her own tears. “And I’ll be honored to call you Daddy.” She stood, hugged his thin shoulders while he held her close. When she sat down again, she said, “I want you to know, I’m going to keep paying for your care, as long as you need it. Don’t worry about Shirley and Craig Jr. As long as I’m around, you’ve got family.”

  He nodded. “Thank you, Eden. Thank you...for being so kindhearted. You’re just like Jacinda... I know she’d be proud.”

  A vision of her mother’s smiling face entered her mind.

  I think he’s right. Mama would be proud.

  * * *

  When Blaine got off the plane at LaGuardia Wednesday morning, he felt the buzz of excitement rolling through his body. Dressed in his best dark suit and wingtips, with his hair pulled back in a low ponytail, he was ready to take on the meeting at hand. He pulled his single small suitcase, his only luggage, along behind him as he headed for the baggage claim area to meet his private car service.

  The black sedan navigated through the streets of New York, the driver maneuvering through the thick weekday traffic. Arriving in Manhattan at the Hamilton House headquarters, he exited the car and tipped the driver before heading upstairs to the thirtieth floor.

  Tucking the suitcase away with the receptionist, he strode into the conference room. Rupert and Marvin were waiting there for him, seated toward the far end of the table.

  Both men stood, and the three of them exchanged handshakes and greetings. Finally, with the small talk put aside, they all sat down. Rupert occupied the head of the table, with Marvin to his right and Blaine to his left.

  Marvin smiled, lacing his fingers in front of him. “So, we’re glad to see you back in New York, but I’m a bit surprised you asked to meet with us in person, Blaine.”

  “Yes,” Rupert added, looking as constipated as ever. “You could have just faxed or mailed the contracts back to us. No need to hand-deliver them, you know.”

  Blaine smiled. “Oh, yes, gentlemen. I agree. Had I simply been returning contracts, I wouldn’t be sitting here today.” He rubbed his hands together. “I’ll be taking an afternoon flight back to Atlanta, so let’s get this meeting under way, shall we?”

  “Certainly.” Rupert’s eyes narrowed slightly as if he wondered what Blaine had planned. Marvin looked similarly confused. Blaine relished their utter ignorance of what he was about to do for a few moments, then stood once again. He wanted to be able to look down on them while he said what he had to say. “When I first got the documents from you, I spent a good amount of time reading them, going over the terms, etcetera. My first impression was that it was a pretty standard change agreement, one that you’d simply altered a bit to fit our particular situation.”

  Rupert nodded. “That’s exactly right. Very astute, Blaine.”

  He noted the condescension in Rupert’s tone, but ignored it. He’d be singing a different tune soon enough. “Anyway, I took the document to Naiya and Eden for discussion and signing. And I’ve gotta tell you, neither of them was on board.”

  Marvin frowned. “No? So how did you proceed from there?”

  “I didn’t. Both of them walked out of the meeting, leaving the documents unsigned on the table.”

  Rupert scratched his chin. “Oh, I see. So, you’ve come here to brainstorm with us and work out some ways to get them to change their minds.”

  “So...how shall we start?” Marvin interjected. “I don’t think we should go straight to threats of dropping Naiya from the label—that’s a bit harsh. We’ll need to use a light touch with them if we want them to agree to the terms.”

  “I agree. Perhaps a fruit basket or something nice from the corporate gift catalog would soften the tension a bit.”

  After watching them go back and forth for a while, Blaine could no longer contain his laugh. He laughed, loud and long.

  Both men looked at him, their bewilderment obvious.

  Marvin said, “Blaine, what’s so funny? Have you gone off the deep end?”

  He stifled his laughter, sobering up. “No, I haven’t. Actually, I’ve got more clarity now than I’ve ever had.”

  “I see. So, you know how to proceed with this situation, then?” Rupert leaned forward in his seat as if anticipating his answer.

  “Absolutely.” He leaned forward as well, wanting to make sure they heard what he had to say. “I’m going to proceed by telling you that you can feel free to drop Against the Grain from your roster of labels.”

  Marvin recoiled. “Blaine, surely you don’t mean that. Have you really thought this through?”

  “Marvin’s right. Have you considered how long your label will survive without our backing?” Rupert tugged his lapels. “It’s a cruel world out there when you’re a little fish in a big pond.”

  Marvin folded his arms over his chest, nodding in agreement.

  Blaine scoffed. “I’m not as small a fish as you two might think. Not anymore.”

  “You aren’t serious.” Rupert’s expression took on a hard set.

  “I’m very serious.” Blaine felt his jaw tighten and his re
solve grow. “Let me tell you something. I believe in Naiya. I believe in her talent and in her vision. I also believe that Eden has been true to that vision. If following through with the album in its current iteration is a deal-breaker for you, so be it. I’m not going to sit by and let you destroy what we worked so hard on, in the name of some corporate focus-group bullshit.”

  Rupert’s face folded into a grimace. “Blaine! I’ve never known you to be so unprofessional. I’m shocked, frankly.”

  “I’d rather be unprofessional than be a doormat. And as far as funding for my ‘little label,’ don’t sweat it, boys. Because effective immediately, Against the Grain is a subsidiary of 404 Sound Recordings. And 404 will be funding her debut album. And just in case it should come up in one of your meetings, 404 Sound Recordings is not for sale.” He shook his head, a triumphant smile on his face. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got things to do. But feel free to kiss my ‘unprofessional’ ass as I leave.” With one last look at their flabbergasted faces, he strode out.

  By the time he climbed into the black sedan idling at the curb, he could no longer contain his elation. I’m free! Now I can run my label the way I see fit. And he knew exactly who he wanted to be the first to hear the great news.

  Taking his phone out of his breast pocket, he dialed a number. “Hello, Naiya? I’m sure you’re still upset with me, but I promise, what I’m about to say will make up for it.”

  After hearing Naiya’s happy squeals and agreeing to meet with her at the studio next week to talk marketing strategy, he ended the call and dialed Eden. “Baby, guess what I just did?” He gave her a brief recap of the meeting.

  “Wow, Blaine. That was incredibly bold. I’m proud of you.”

  “How proud?” He didn’t bother to hide the teasing in his tone.

  She gave as good as she got, as always. “Why don’t you get your ass on that plane home, come over to my place and I’ll show you.”