Feta and Freeways

by Baganz, Susan M. ;

  “I didn’t get many rejections, that’s true.”

  “And you’re still friends with your high school buddies.”

  He nodded.

  “Niko, if I didn’t love you so much, I’d hate you. That is not a typical life. That is a charmed one.”

  He pulled her to her feet and dragged her to the overstuffed chair in the living room. He sat and pulled her into his lap. “Why was yours so bad?”

  Tia snuggled in and sighed. “I want to keep the past behind me. I really don’t like talking about it.”

  “Give me the highlights.”

  “Physically abused by my father. Left home at seventeen. Graduated, barely, because I worked full-time while finishing high school. Joined up with music marketing while in college and started helping out a great band. Fell hopelessly head-over-heels in love with the lead singer. Had a few years away from them that were dark and worked myself back into a job when they reunited. Wrote a book. Got attacked. And married the man of my dreams.”

  “I’m sorry, Tia. But I’m glad you got your dream man. That part makes me pretty happy.” Niko wrapped his arms around her and held her close.

  Tia didn’t respond. Tears flowed at all the memories she lacked the courage to share. Niko held her as she fell asleep. In the morning, she was still snuggled in his arms, but in bed where he’d carried her. Safe and secure from the past, at least for now.

  * * *

  Stephanie called the next day. “Tia, we’re going shopping. You have to update your wardrobe.”

  “Why? I’ll be on tour. Jeans and t-shirts have been my stock in trade for years.”

  “Listen. You needn’t hide anymore. Let your light shine. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune. I’m acquainted with all the thrift stores in town. Robbie has the day off and wants me to go shopping, so I insist you join me.”

  “Fine.”

  * * *

  She returned home with bags of clothes. Stephanie challenged her to wear a new outfit every day this next week and report on how it felt. Tia removed the tags and dragged everything to the laundromat, since it was time for that anyway. It was faster than using the two machines in the hallway at the apartment complex. She returned home to find Niko heating up soup from a can.

  “Hi, Niko. Sorry to be late. I got the laundry done.”

  “You realize that’s one of the reasons I married you.” Niko stirred the soup on the stove.

  “Really?”

  “Yeah, I hate folding clothes.”

  “Who said I was going to fold them?”

  He turned wide-eyed. “You’re not?”

  Tia wrapped her arms around his waist. “I’m teasing. They’re already folded. I’ll put things away, and I’ll be back to eat.”

  * * *

  After dinner, Niko sat down with his journal and Tia sat down to read. A knock sounded on the door.

  Tia went to the door and opened it to reveal a portly older man with bifocals and a white wisp of a comb-over. “Hello?”

  “Where’s Nikolos Acton? And who are you?” the man asked.

  “I’m Tia Acton, Niko’s wife.”

  The man grinned. “Well. Hello, Tia.” He thrust a hand toward her. “I’m Harold. I live next door. We’re neighbors.”

  Niko came up from behind her and put an arm around her. “Hi, Harold. How are you doing? Enjoying your summer?”

  “Too hot out. Thought I saw coming and going’s over here and wanted to check in. Didn’t realize you’d brought home a wife. I keep hearing music at night.”

  “A recent addition to my life.”

  “A nice one.” Harold winked at Tia.

  “Guys, I am right here.”

  “A pleasant sight to be sure. Better than seeing that fuzzy mug coming and going and then disappearing for months at a time.” Harold grinned.

  “Come on Harry, you just like more action than I bring to the place. You’re bored when I’m on tour.”

  “True. But I do like the ladies, so this time when you leave I’ll be pleasantly entertained.”

  Tia fought a giggle. Harold’s attempt at a leer fell short and was most comical. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Harold, but I’m Niko’s manager, so when he goes on tour, so do I.”

  The smile faded from the older man’s face. “No. Really?” His gaze went to Niko, who nodded.

  “’Fraid so, Harry. She’s mine, and I’m keeping her close as often as I can.”

  “Not because you’re afraid of me seducing her, are you? I mean, we’re friends, right? I wouldn’t betray you like that. I’ve got a fiancée anyway.”

  “Really? Congratulations.” Tia gave him a smile. “When is the big day?”

  Harold leaned forward and glanced up and down the hallway. A finger to his lips, he gave a soft “shhh” before he continued. “Hillary is in a position in government and can’t leave her husband until she’s out of office. She’s in Washington but says she’ll do better running for president after she marries me.”

  “Do you really want to be First Gentleman of the United States?” Niko asked.

  Harold shrugged. “Hey, we all can’t be as lucky as you, Nikolos. I’ll do okay. Just have to keep it on the ‘down low’ if you get my drift.”

  Niko nodded. “Got it. Don’t we, honey?”

  Tia grinned and nodded. “Got it. Your secret’s safe with us.”

  “I’m still confused. Why the music in the middle of the night?” Harold asked. “Not complaining but, well, I’m often up and I might be old, but my hearing is still pretty good.”

  “I like him singing to me when I can’t sleep.”

  “Ahh, an insomniac. I totally understand. Well, good night and welcome to the building, Tia. And Nikolos…” Harold winked. “You’re a lucky man.”

  “Don’t I know it. Good night, Harry.”

  The older man moved away with a slight limp as he walked down to his door. Niko shut the door and pinned her up against it.

  “How old is Harry?” Tia asked.

  “Not sure. I’d guess early eighties.”

  “So you’re lucky, huh?”

  He leaned in close. “No. Luck has nothing to do with it. I’m incredibly blessed.”

  “Care to prove that? After all, Harold is listening.”

  “I can’t believe you said that. You, sweet wife, are sassy.”

  “You ain’t seen nothing yet.” She ducked under his arm as he reached for her.

  Tia ran but did let him catch her…eventually.

  * * *

  The next morning, Tia dressed with care. Stephanie instructed her to start dressing like a woman and stop hiding her figure. The thought terrified her. The only dress she wore in the past ten years had been her wedding dress. Well, unless you counted that skirt she wore to try to get Niko’s attention months ago. A total failure. She was used to being invisible to men. She tugged on some designer jeans with a little flare they had found at the thrift mart. Practically new. She drew on a soft blouse that hugged her curves and then tucked it in and added a coordinating belt. A colorful bulky necklace completed the ensemble. She zipped up boots that gave her a little height. She fluffed her hair and added mascara and a little blush and lip-gloss. One squirt of perfume.

  She walked into the kitchen, where Niko sat with the Bible, drinking coffee and eating a bagel and cream cheese. She walked over, kissed the top of his curly head, and plopped down in the adjacent seat. “Hey.”

  “Mornin’,” he answered but stayed focused on the page.

  Tia grinned as she poured her coffee and smeared a flavored cream cheese on her half of a bagel. She glanced at her husband. He wore his t-shirt and pajama bottoms, and his hair was a mess. But oh, did she love this man.

  He sniffed. “What’s that?” He lifted his head and glanced at Tia. “Is that you?”

  “You like?”

  His jaw dropped, and he studied her. “Stand up. Please.”

  Tia did and fought against the urge to wrap her arms in front of her.

&nb
sp; “Turn.”

  Tia turned around in a circle. “Can I sit now and finish my breakfast?”

  “Yes.” His voice hesitated. He stared into her eyes. “You’re gorgeous—you realize that?”

  “It’s just clothes.”

  “No. It’s the woman the clothes express.”

  Tia narrowed her eyes. “What does that mean?”

  “Clothes often reveal how someone thinks about themselves. You’ve always been modest, and you still are. But now, there’s color and I can see your curves, and you look wonderful. It’s like you’ve let yourself out of a cave. Thank you.”

  “Stephanie took me shopping. Dared me to try some new things.”

  “I’m liking Steph more and more. She’s good for you.”

  “You’re good for me too, Niko.”

  He leaned forward to give her a lingering kiss. “I sure hope so. You’re stuck with me for a long time.”

  He started into their devotion, and they prayed together. He rose to dress and came back glancing at the clock. “The guys are going to wonder where I am. I’m running late.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. Leaving you is never easy. I’ll be glad when we’re on the road and we can be together more.”

  “Play well, Niko. I’ll see you later.”

  “I’m looking forward to it, Tia.” He gave her a long and lingering kiss and departed.

  * * *

  Niko missed Tia when she stayed home writing or editing. He preferred it when she stopped by and hung with the band. In the evening after dinner, he would write and sometimes sit with her to struggle over lyrics and melodies. How had he ever written a song without her?

  The day she came down dressed more like a woman than a roadie took him by surprise. He loved his wife. Adored her personality and devotion. She was cute. But dressed differently and it rocked his world. If she had dressed like that years ago, would he have noticed her? The thought shamed him. She was a looker with sweet curves, and he was glad that she was his and he didn’t need to fight anyone else for her affections.

  Now if he could only keep her happy and willing to continue dressing nicer for him. He’d be even more proud to have her standing next to him wherever they went. Unless that meant other men started to notice her. The thought bothered him. She was his, after all.

  In spite of the change in clothing and confidence he saw blossom in his wife, it didn’t improve their nights together. Evenings were wonderful. She rarely disappointed in pursuing him. Only rarely did they snuggle in and talk. But it didn’t matter how the night started, by the middle of it, he was singing to her and sliding to the far side of the bed to avoid getting hurt should she lash out. Heaven help him if he ever lost his voice.

  * * *

  One afternoon as the band worked through a song, Wayne piped up from the drums. “This song screams for a female vocal.”

  Johnny bristled. “I can sing high.”

  Wayne stood and pointed to him, “Yeah, but you’re still not a woman unless you’re keeping a secret from us.”

  Johnny ground his teeth.

  “Come on, guys.” Niko stepped between them. “We are not adding a woman to the band. We’re tired, and the song has been a struggle to get right. Let’s drop it for now and come back to it tomorrow.”

  “We need to pray about it. Anytime we’ve been stuck, that’s been what’s opened the door.” Marc said.

  “Great idea.” The guys put down their instruments and left the basement to settle in the living room to pray together.

  Niko finished the last amen and stood to leave. He got in the car, and it hit him. Tia could do it. She already knew the song. The real question was—would she?

  * * *

  After dinner, he told Tia how they struggled with a song and he pulled out his guitar and played it for her.

  “I love that tune. What’s Johnny singing on it?”

  “He’s doing a tight harmony, but the guys still think something’s missing.” He started the song again and sang a higher part, almost an echo on the chorus and some soft sweet sounds on the verses and bridge.

  “What do you think?”

  “You need a woman in your band, but we leave on tour in only a few weeks. It doesn’t make sense to bring a female on tour for one song.”

  “My thoughts exactly. Which is why I was wondering…” He raised an eyebrow at her.

  She frowned, shaking her head. “No. You wouldn’t ask me that.”

  He grinned and shrugged a shoulder. “Yeah, honey, I would. Either you try to sing it or we may need to ditch it from the tour.”

  “You can’t scratch it from your play list. It’s one of your best songs.”

  “We can get a woman to record with us in the studio, but if we are going to do it live, it won’t be the same without a female background vocal. Please? Just try it with me now?”

  “No demands or expectations?”

  “Can I hold a strong hope?”

  “Fine. Sing it,” she grunted.

  He started the song, and she closed her eyes, hummed, and soon was singing the part he had suggested, but even better than he hoped for. “That wasn’t too bad, was it?”

  She shook her head.

  “Come with me tomorrow and sing it for the guys.”

  “You didn’t tell them I could sing, did you?”

  “No. I’ll share that I found the part and see what they think as you sing it.”

  “I’m not singing on stage with you.”

  Niko frowned but nodded his head. “It’s your choice.” He set the guitar aside. “I’m heading up to bed.”

  She came in later that night and spooned behind him. To his surprise, when the sun rose in the morning, she was still there.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Music is an agreeable harmony for the honor of God

  and the permissible delights of the soul.

  Johann Sebastian Bach

  He regarded Tia closely at breakfast. She was subdued and gave only minimal responses to their devotional. Niko prayed and took her hand in his.

  “The guys adore you. It’s going to be fine. I love this new outfit.” She wore a belted dress over leggings and boots. The soft material flattered and caressed her curves, tempting him to follow with his own hands.

  “I’m not afraid of them.”

  “I like having you with me.”

  She gave him a weak smile.

  “Did you realize we woke together this morning?”

  She grinned. “I liked that.”

  “Me too. I pray it happens more often.”

  “I pray so as well. I went to bed a bit unsettled.”

  “You didn’t initiate anything. Trust me, I would’ve been willing.” A rosy flush colored her cheeks, and he grinned. “Come on. I think the guys are in for a surprise. When it comes to it, close your eyes and imagine it’s just you and me. You can even come and stand by me and sing in my mic for today.”

  She chuckled. “Wayne might drop his drumsticks if I sing.”

  “I guarantee he won’t be tossing them at you.”

  “Yeah, well, I’m not that good.”

  “Neither am I, and yet here I am, leader of the band.”

  “You do more than lead the music—you shepherd the hearts of those guys.”

  “The first years I didn’t, and we suffered for it.”

  “You did pretty well. I was around. I watched you. It’s taken time for you to mature and find out what works best for you all.”

  “You’re good for me.”

  “I better be, since you’re stuck with me.”

  * * *

  They headed out, and the guys gave Tia hugs as she sat down to listen to their rehearsal and provide feedback and encouragement. Niko listened to her joke with the men. He was certain they missed the brittleness underneath as she awaited the song. Lunchtime drew close.

  “Let’s play that one song from last night, guys. I have an idea I want to try.” He winked at Tia, who rose to st
and by him, hugged him from behind, and kissed his back as the music began. As the lyrics started, she came to his mic and added her part. The song continued and finally ended. He leaned over and kissed her.

  Silence hung in the air as the last chords resonated in the room.

  Johnny put his hands on his hips, scowling as he let his guitar hang from its strap. “You sing? All these years and you never told us?”

  Niko chuckled.

  “I’m really not a singer, Johnny.”

  “Sure sounded like singing to me,” Sam grumbled.

  A drum lick took over the space, and with a series of cymbal crashes Wayne shouted. “It was perfect!”

  Marc folded his arms. “Will you sing with us on this song, Tia?”

  She swallowed and grew pale. She strode away and ran up the stairs. Niko set his guitar down and took off after her. He heard the screen door slam as she raced outside.

  He followed her down the sidewalk, but as much as he wanted to grab her and hold her tight, he knew she’d resent it. He shoved his hands in his pockets as he came alongside her and matched her pace. He said nothing.

  They walked in silence for blocks. The only sounds were their shoes slapping the concrete in tandem, the occasional car whizzing by, and a dog barking when they strode past his carefully guarded yard.

  She stopped. “I don’t…I can’t do it.”

  He nodded.

  She turned to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. She rested her head against his chest. He removed his hands from his pockets and embraced her. Leaning his head down, he kissed her fluffy curls. “What scares you about singing with me?”

  Her head wiggled back and forth, and he smiled. Muffled into his chest, she spoke. “I get terrible stage fright. So nervous I might puke.” She peered up at him. “I had to sing a solo in front of the choir in high school. I finished, they clapped, and I had no memory of the entire thing. I was so scared I shook for at least thirty minutes afterwards.”

  He rubbed her back as he squeezed her to himself. “That was a solo. You’ll be with me. You. Were. Perfect.”

  She let out a deep sigh. “It means a lot to you?”

  “To all of us.”

  “You promise it will only be the one song? I won’t be expected to do this on a regular basis?”