Will smiled. “Oh, really.”
She laughed. “Not sex. Well, that might be how the night ends. But something really cool before that.”
“I say we go let off steam, and skip the rest,” Will suggested.
Hannah giggled. She was glad to see his sense of humor had returned. “Gutter brain. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this surprise.”
Will sighed. “Well, how can I say no?”
Hannah leaned across the table and kissed him hard.
“And I promise you all the stress relief you want later tonight,” she said against his lips.
“Deal,” he said before capturing her lips again.
11
WILL SURVEYED THE backstage area of the fashion show. The marine part of him couldn’t resist the urge to look for suspicious behavior. He kept a close eye on the clothing, while Hannah visited with her friends.
Never would he admit it to her, but he hadn’t minded the Zac Langfrad show. Watching beautiful women walk down a runway wasn’t such a hardship, though, Will was tempted to buy them all a bag of hamburgers to share. They were too thin for his taste. He much preferred Hannah’s curves.
They had gone behind the stage so Hannah could hug her designer friend, then she had promised him a surprise.
He couldn’t imagine what she was thinking.
But that was part of the fun with Hannah.
Isn’t that why you gave in to her demands so easily?
The woman should be a damn hostage negotiator. It was impossible to tell her no.
But she’d made a good argument. Being away from her would only make him want her more. He knew that now. This was best for him, but he wasn’t at all sure it was right for her.
She’d promised to keep it casual, but there was nothing casual about their relationship. Will had had girlfriends in the past, although he’d never felt the same way with them as he did when he was with Hannah. She pulled him out of the hole he’d been hiding in, and she had given him a reason to want to wake up in the morning.
It had been a while since that had happened.
Even Rafe had noticed a change in him the past few days. He’d joked that Will laughed twice in one day and that was a new record. Rafe had promised it had been years since he had even smiled.
Was his friend exaggerating? Was Will really that unhappy before he met Hannah? He’d been in a dark place, but he hadn’t realized how dark until now.
He texted Rafe to see if he’d heard anything about the investigation but his friend wrote back that he hadn’t. He knew how important the clothing was to Hannah and he wanted to do what he could.
Hannah ran over to him and threw her arms around him.
“You are such a trooper. You didn’t even fall asleep during the show.”
“The things I do for you,” he grumbled. But he finished the words with a smile.
“Now it’s time for your big surprise,” she said suggestively.
Will didn’t care what it was. He’d follow her anywhere.
“I’M ABOUT TO TAKE YOU to the coolest club. You never know who’ll be there, but you’ll love it.”
“I’m not one for the club scene, Hannah. I prefer quieter places.”
She pulled at his hand. “Just trust me, old man. You’re going to like this place. Besides, I thought marines were supposed to be like party dudes.”
“I suppose some are. Officers have to set an example for their men.” There was a hint of pride in his voice.
“So fun isn’t usually a big part of your day?” She shivered against the cold as they moved down the street. Fashion outweighed survival most days and her bulky winter jacket was at the back of her closet. As they stopped at a red light, Will placed his heavy coat over her shoulders.
“You don’t have to do that. I’m used to the cold.” She sniffed.
“Sure, sure. That’s why your teeth are chattering while you talk.”
He had her there.
“As for fun, I don’t know. I guess I don’t think about it that much. My job keeps me pretty busy. I mean, I work out and play my guitar now and then. And I don’t mind a good round of Texas Hold ’Em.”
“Yeah, buddy. You are a real rebel.” Hannah laughed. “I’m going to infuse some fun into that life of duty of yours. Not that duty isn’t important. It is. But so is life.”
She glanced up to find him frowning. “I’m sorry. I’ve offended you in some way.” What had she said? Was there anyone in the world with worse foot-in-mouth disease than her?
“Not in the least. I was just thinking about what you said. That’s all.”
She wasn’t so sure about that.
“You didn’t tell me it was a blues club.” He stopped short at the top of the stairs leading down to the lounge.
“Well, when I borrowed your phone when mine didn’t have service the other night at dinner, I saw you had your music on there. And I sort of peeked.”
Will’s eyebrows rose.
“I know, I know. You can probably throw me in jail for snooping. But I saw how much blues music you had on there. My friend Dickey owns this club. Master Z. is playing tonight. Dickey says he’s one of the greatest blues guitarists of all time and I have to agree.”
“He is,” Will whispered as she yanked him down the stairs into the basement club. “Wait a minute. Dickey Meyers is a friend of yours? And the king of blues, Master Z., is here? Tonight? Are you serious?” Will sounded surprised.
“Yep. I met Dickey through my friend Kevin when Dickey was looking to upgrade his digs with some style. At the time I was still trying to get my name out there and took any job I could get. They came to me because Kevin likes my funky ’tude. And Master Z. is an old friend, as well.”
“Is there anyone in this town you don’t know?”
Hannah shrugged. “What can I say? I’m friendly. Bonky!” She fist-bumped the bouncer. He was a scary-looking biker guy on the outside and a big marshmallow on the inside, unless he didn’t like someone. There was no way into the club, no matter whose friend you were, if Bonky didn’t like you.
“Hey, there, little Miss Hannah. You got you a man tonight.”
Hannah chortled. “Don’t act so surprised, Bonky. You’ll scare him off.” She winked.
Bonky held up his hands in surrender. “No harm, chica. I was just thinkin’ he was a lucky fella. That’s all.”
“Oh, that’s a good save. Can you get Raymond to give us one of the good tables? My friend here is a big fan.”
“Got it.” Bonky pushed a button on his headset. “Hannah Banana is here with a military-lookin’ dude. Tell the host to give her a good table up front.”
Inside the club they stopped for a moment at the front desk where reservations were taken. Unlike most of the clubs in the area, Dickey’s also served food. Nine years sober, he didn’t like the idea of people drinking on empty stomachs. There were several people waiting in line but Raymond motioned her to come around the crowd.
“Ah, you look more beautiful every day.” He kissed her cheek lightly. With his heavy Puerto Rican accent, he wasn’t the easiest guy to understand but she adored him. She loved the whole gang here. When she was redesigning the place she’d come to know them all very well. And most of them treated her like a little sister. Except for Dickey, who called her the daughter he never had.
She hadn’t minded a bit. He was caring and loving—unlike her real father.
“Aw. Don’t embarrass me in front of my date.”
Raymond looked behind her and threw a hand against his chest, spewing Puerto Rican so fast, even if she understood it she wouldn’t have been able to keep up.
“I take it that means you approve?” Hannah couldn’t help but laugh.
“Sí.” Raymond fanned himself as if he were flushed.
“No hitting on my date,” Hannah playfully chided. “Take us to the table.”
Raymond teased, “You never let me have any fun.”
The club was casual with layers of blue, giving it a ve
ry insulated feeling. She’d taken the blues literally when designing the look of the place and even after two years she was proud of the work. There wasn’t anything particularly elegant about it. Dickey wouldn’t have approved, but there was a definite Rat Pack vibe with the dark colors and rich woods. The rounded stage jutted out into the middle of the room, hence the Blues Circle.
“This place reminds me of some of the blues joints I’ve been in. Only it’s a lot classier. You did a good job of making it feel like the real deal without the grunge.”
“Uh, thanks, I think.” Hannah laughed.
The lights dimmed and Master Z. walked out onto the small stage. He hooked up his electric guitar to an amp and from the first strum Hannah could feel the music deep in her soul. A quick peek at Will and she saw he was in some kind of trance, his fingers following the rhythm on the table. The tension that always creased his brow eased.
It dawned on her that he was always at attention. He seldom let down his guard. The only other exception had been when they made love. She’d glimpsed the raw need in him that night—one that matched her own. It suddenly became her mission to help him relax more. If she had to seduce him to make that happen, she would.
Master Z. finished his set. As he walked off the stage he gave her a wink and made a hand motion that only she and a few others would understand. She nodded.
“What was that?”
“His way of ordering coffee.” Hannah flagged down the waitress and gave her the order, adding a new round of drinks for she and Will and some nachos.
“Wait. He’s coming to our table?”
“Yep.”
“You know him?”
“Well, yeah. I told you I did. He was playing here when Dickey asked me to do the reno. I designed four jackets for him that he wears when he’s out on tour with his band. This is home base. In fact, he lives in one of the apartments upstairs.”
“I’m going to meet—” He stopped talking as the musician arrived at their table.
“Pretty girl.” Master Z. kissed Hannah’s cheek. “You come out on a cold night like this to see me?”
“Of course. And I brought someone who loves your music.”
“Ah.” Master Z. held out a hand to shake Will’s.
“What branch of the military you in, son?”
“Marines, sir.” Will shook the other man’s hand. “How did you know?”
“You have that look about you and the posture. I’ve played a USO tour at least once a year for the last twenty years. I know military when I see it. So you like the blues?”
“Love it, sir. Love it.”
Master Z. smiled. “You call me Z.—everyone does. No reason for formalities here. What’s your name?”
“Will, si— Uh, Will.” It was the first time Hannah had seen him flustered. There was even a bit of pink on his handsome cheeks.
“Do you play?”
Will nodded. “But not like you. Several men in my unit play and it’s one of the ways we pass the time.”
“Well, I got an extra set of strings back there. Why don’t you join me for the next set?”
Will blanched and Hannah stifled a laugh.
“I’d be honored, but there are people here. I don’t think I can do that.”
“I don’t follow you, son.”
He motioned to the bar patrons around them. “These people came to see you. I don’t think they’d appreciate my amateur playing.”
“Well, I want to hear you play. How about you, Hannah girl?”
Will’s beseeching look had no effect on her. Okay, it did, but she knew if he didn’t do this he would regret it for the rest of his life. She’d promised him a surprise, and this could possibly be the best one he’d ever received.
“I haven’t heard him play, but so far he’s good at everything. And I do mean everything.” She waggled her eyebrows, and Master Z. hooted.
“Now that’s a recommendation if ever I heard one. You don’t worry about what those people think. I want to hear ya play.” He sipped his coffee. “Come on. Let’s find you some strings.”
Will gave Hannah a look of horror as he stood. “Hey—” she grabbed his hand “—you’ll be great. Trust me, all kinds of people come in here to play. People are used to it. And I have a feeling you aren’t going to suck.”
As he walked off, she thought his hands might be trembling a little.
12
WILL, WHO HAD FOUGHT in two wars and faced more enemy fire than he cared to remember, was about to throw up. How had he been talked into playing with one of the greatest blues legends to ever live?
He blamed Hannah.
“How does this one feel?” Master Z. handed him a guitar.
Will took it because he didn’t want to be rude, but his mind was trying desperately to figure a way out of the situation. He put the strap over his shoulder and fingered the head of the guitar. That’s when he realized what guitar it was.
“This is the one you played in New Orleans at the jazzfest concert.”
“Were you there?”
“No, si— No. I was in Afghanistan, but a friend of mine videotaped your concert and uploaded it for those of us overseas. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched it.” Will squinted his eyes. Could he sound more like a psycho fan boy?
“Well, then, I want you to play it tonight. Seems fitting. Let’s go.”
The older gentleman tugged at Will’s sleeve.
He reluctantly followed him out, keeping his head down to avoid the spotlight. An extra stool had been set up for him while they’d been backstage. After waiting for Master Z. to sit, Will did the same. Plugging his guitar into the amp, he waited.
The flock of birds fluttering in his stomach threatened but Will swallowed hard. He would not puke in front of all these people or one of his musical heroes. Master Z.’s music had helped him through some tough times and he would do his best to not embarrass the man.
Master Z. pulled a microphone closer to them. “This here is Will. He’s a marine and he fights every day to keep us safe. Let’s give him a hand.”
Will’s nerves intensified. What if they started throwing things when they heard how bad he was? He was going to kill Hannah for not helping him get out of this.
Master Z. strummed a few bars from an old John Lee Hooker song Will knew well. He let the music swell around him and without thinking his fingers joined in. He desperately tried to focus on the music and not think about who he was playing with on the stage.
After four minutes, which had felt like a lifetime, the music ended. The applause was loud and Will could see a few people standing. He figured it was the fact he was a marine. A lot of people had more respect for the armed forces, more so than they did in the past.
Will smiled his thanks and started to rise.
“Where you going?”
“Back to the table,” Will told Master Z.
“Nah, you sit here and finish out the set. You’re damn good, boy. You got some soul in them white-boy bones of yours. Probably seen more hurt than you should for a kid your age, but it comes out in your music. So sit your butt down and let’s get going. Don’t suppose you can sing?” Master Z. pushed the microphone toward him.
Will laughed. Master Z. had just called him damn good. He wished he’d recorded that. “I sing a little, but I think I’ll stick with the strings.”
The older man shook his head. “Nah, I heard ya hummin’. You sing this next one.”
The giant frog that was lodged in his throat threatened to croak, but Will managed to get the words out. He closed his eyes and lost himself in the music.
Forty-five minutes later he was allowed to leave the stage. Master Z. followed him to the table after they put up the guitars.
“Hannah girl, you didn’t tell me the boy could really play. And that voice…”
Hannah gave the man a thoughtful look and then faced Will. “That was mean good. Like, for real. Your voice is like nothing I’ve ever heard. So smooth, and you can play the
guitar. You’re a double threat.”
Will waved her off. “Nah, I just make it look like I can.”
“Bull. If I say you’re damn good, you’re damn good,” Master Z. interrupted.
“You heard him say that, right?” Will’s smile was so wide it made his face hurt. He probably looked like an idiot, but he didn’t care.
“Oh, yeah. You are just full of surprises. People in the audience were even talking about you. In a good way,” she added. “Master Z., you are the best.”
“Hell, that boy can come back and play with me anytime. The way Dickey’s looking over here, I have a feeling your military man could actually book some dates.”
Will laughed out loud. For the first time in a long time he felt so free. He glanced down at his feet to make sure they were touching the ground. “Now you guys are laying it on a little thick. But thanks for the confidence. It’ll be a good story to tell the guys in my unit. Though they’re never going to believe it.”
“Oh, they’ll believe it.” Hannah held up her phone. “I videoed it and took several pics. I already sent them to your phone and email.”
Will was happy. He didn’t care if he was good or if they were trying to make him feel better. It was a great night.
Master Z. stood. “Listen, I’ve got to get back to work. But I want you to have my email and phone number.” He handed him a card. He wasn’t sure what surprised him more, that the seventy-year-old man had email, or that he gave his personal address to Will.
“You want to get serious I’ll hook you up with some guys who might be interested in recording you. Blues can always use an infusion of new blood and you’ve got the talent.”
Will took the card and stuck it in his wallet. He stood up and held out his hand. “I want to thank you for letting me play. This is one of the best nights of my life and one I’m never going to forget.”
Master Z. shook his hand. “I mean what I say. You can come play with me anytime. And also—” he pointed to Hannah “—he needs to meet Terry and Hawkeye. He’s got a look and he can play that guitar. That voice of his is blues gold. They’re going to love him.” Hannah smiled.
Model Marine Page 8
