by Debra Jupe
He shoved his hands into his pockets and nervously glanced about before he aimed his gaze directly at her. He didn’t need to speak nor did he need to say a word. He didn’t have to.
The look in his eyes told her this would be their final goodbye. “I’m usually good with words, but right now I’m at a loss.”
Darla choked and blinked away an onslaught of tears that seemed ready to attack her eyes. She merely shrugged and spun from him. His hand gripped her shoulder and circled her back to him. Arms around her, he crushed her body into his. For a few minutes neither stirred. Darla focused on committing the warmth of his skin, his male scent, and the power of his muscles against her to memory.
Eric gently pushed her back. He squeezed her shoulders tightly before he placed his lips against hers to softly kiss her.
He withdrew from her and shoved something into her hand, then spun around and walked to the waiting car without looking back.
Chapter 21
“I can’t believe you’re trying to talk me into this.” Darla twisted an errant curl around her finger.
“Raging Impulse is playing only this one reunion concert. We’ll never get this opportunity again.”
“The advertisements are everywhere, Steph. I’ve read it a thousand times. They’re participating in a benefit for drugs and alcohol recovery. They’re dedicating the performance in honor of Drake Mahoney’s memory. His family members are supposed to be in the audience. The press speculates the tribute will be amazing. Very moving.”
“And we should attend because of our connections to the band.” She held up two tickets. “Front row seats plus backstage passes. Extremely hard to get.”
“Fine. Then you go.”
“I am. You need to come with me.”
“Give me one reason why I’d want to.”
“First, because Blaine asked us to. Second, so we can celebrate. We haven’t done anything to mark you getting your new job. We could make a whole evening out of it. I’m thinking dinner and a limo ride to and from the performance.”
“Sounds wonderful, Steph. But I just don’t have time. You know I’m leaving for South America next week to—”
“I’m aware.” Stephanie rolled her eyes as she plopped down on the couch next to Darla. “You’re going to South America with a group of archaeologists to assist in identifying the subtle differences in the tiers of stratigraphy. In layman’s terms, how the layers of earth build up. Your presence will help them understand the variances between one deposit to the next, which allows them to grasp the way the past was buried. Icky, but I got it. What I don’t get is you don’t leave for another week. So seriously. Why won’t you go with me?”
Darla tapped a yellow pad that sat on her lap with the end of a pen. She’d been excited to work on her list of needed supplies after she discovered she would be making the trip. Until now. The realization she could be close to Eric Boyd again ripped away the enthusiasm for her excursion and turned her stomach into mush.
“I’m pretty wrapped up in getting ready for this expedition. The position is too important for me to mess up. This opportunity could open a lot of doors for me if I do a good job. My focus is on my project. I wouldn’t be any fun tonight because my mind will be somewhere else. We’ll celebrate when I get back.”
Stephanie’s appearance this morning with an invitation to go to Eric and the Raging Impulse reunion performance caught her off guard. Already aware of the concert along with the fact the group was in town, her secret plans were to take a long drive up the California Pacific Coast Highway to view some scenery, explore the quaint shops, art colonies, and spend the night at a bed and breakfast. Yes, she’d be doing this adventure alone, which was sad, except she couldn’t endure the idea of being in the same city as Eric Boyd. His memory and the time they shared resurrected too much pain.
Not that she revealed any of this information to Stephanie. They rarely spoke of Eric because she led her friend to believe the relationship had fizzled out while in Texas. She claimed their brief interlude to be a rebound thing for her and a fling for him. They’d said their goodbyes six weeks ago and she wouldn’t go through that agony again.
Stephanie flipped the tickets at her. “You realize I had to pull some major strings to get these.”
“Major strings, my ass. Blaine sent them to you.”
“Actually, he phoned me to make sure I was coming.” Stephanie smiled coyly. “He wants me to come backstage after the concert is over. Well, he wanted me to watch from the wings, but I want to sit in the audience and soak up the atmosphere.”
“I think it’s great you and Blaine managed to move your relationship to the next level despite all the turmoil.”
“We make each other happy.” Stephanie looked at the sizeable diamond on her left hand. “We’re talking about getting married next summer.”
“You two are definitely the definition of whirlwind.”
“What’s the point of dragging things out?” She shrugged. “When it’s right, it’s right. No use playing games. We’re in love and want to be together.”
“All fine for you, Steph. I’m glad everything worked out and I’m happy you found your soul mate. Eric and I are not anything mates. What I got out of this was the fiasco in Port Isabel ending with Shane McIntyre’s arrest for killing Drake Mahoney and Richard O’Conner and attempted murder for Mitchell and Eric.”
Stephanie shook her head. “That whole mistaking Finn for Richard was a strange one.”
“Yep. Finn cheated death twice.” Shane had not only mistaken Drake for Finn, he also didn’t realize the person lying in the bed was Finn’s brother, Richard. Apparently, Finn had disappeared with a girlfriend for several days, and because autopsy results weren’t completed, no one realized the misidentification until he returned.
“I don’t think the whole Raging Impulse saga will ever go away.”
“Me either. This is one of those things too far-fetched to believe. Yet it happened.” Stephanie looked at Darla. “You get to be smack dab in the middle of it all.”
“Don’t remind me. The rag mags have forever labeled me as Eric Boyd’s girlfriend. Whenever they rerun the story, which is a lot because of this performance I’m still referred to as his woman.” She pressed down on the pen, drawing circles in the paper’s margins. “I never was anything to him. We had one of his little good time affairs and then he was gone. And since he left? Nothing. Not a word.”
“Eric is the real reason you don’t want to go to the concert.”
At first Darla didn’t reply. She’d cut Stephanie off whenever she brought his name up in the past. But she couldn’t pretend any longer. “I’ve no desire to see Eric again. If you want the truth, he disappointed me. Or maybe I disappointed myself.”
Stephanie scooted closer to Darla and patted her on the arm. “The seats are on Blaine’s side of the stage. He’ll never know you’re in the audience. Plus, I made Blaine swear to not tell Eric you’re coming with me. So you’re covered in that area too.”
“What about the backstage passes? Blaine’s a nice guy, but I don’t want to deal with any of that.” She tossed the pen down. “I prefer not to see Eric in case he’s with his latest one nighter.”
“Wait for me outside. I won’t be long. Come on, Dar. This is a once in a lifetime event.”
“I’d rather listen to their band Spiraling UP. They’ve become huge practically overnight. With the exception of Finn, the lineup is the same too now Mitchell’s recovered and joined them as their drummer. I like the music better. The sound is more adult.”
“That’s another reason we need to go. Spiraling UP just released their new record. Blaine’s going to give us a signed copy. I can’t wait to hear it.”
“The music is good. Eric gave me a demo of their recordings right before he left.”
“You didn’t tell me he gave you anything.”
“You returned from Montana with a ring the size of an asteroid from Blaine, Steph,” Darla said. “A rough copy of s
ongs hardly compares.”
“I don’t understand what the problem is. You’ve insisted all along you were never into Eric. He was only a rebound from the disaster with your ex. You barely speak of him. I’m getting he might be more. More than just a disappointment. Are you certain you don’t have feelings for him?”
“Our time together ended with such a letdown. It almost seemed like I failed at something, although I’m not sure at what. Because of these stupid—emotions, I’d rather not risk running into him.”
“You won’t.” Stephanie sneaked a knowing glance in her direction. “Though, if you’re telling me the truth and you aren’t into him, meeting up with him again shouldn’t be a problem.”
****
Darla sat in the front row of the packed stadium, nervously waiting for the band to take the stage. She wished she’d been more honest with her best friend. If she had, she might be on her way to her bed and breakfast by now. Or not. Regardless of any confession, Stephanie would insist Darla come tonight, telling her she needed closure. This was true. She wanted a resolution to get over her sentiments for Eric Boyd. She’d watch him from obscurity and put the past to rest. Her decision to attend was a good thing. After tonight she could move on.
The overhead lights slowly reduced. The coliseum’s beams dimmed lower and lower until they were in complete darkness. A wave of screams erupted from the crowd. Bright spotlights swung across the stage illumining a hazy mist rising from the platform’s floor. Strums of music vibrated over the speakers, pulsating within her veins. A flashing Raging Impulse logo dropped from the ceiling and settled behind the drum kit. Screeches from the audience grew louder before they exploded as an invisible announcer introduced the band.
The stage lit up highlighting Raging Impulse. Eric began the show by playing a rip and broke into one of the group’s biggest hits. Darla did her best to avert her eyes away from him except he was so near. She found his close proximity too tempting not to stare. In the beginning, she only allowed herself to take small peeks at him. Halfway through the first song, she’d locked her gaze onto Eric’s side of the stage.
He never looked better. He’d kept his mustache, although he’d styled his hair different. He continued to wear it longer and the new cut worked for him. The well-fitting jeans and tight sleeveless shirt showed the efforts of his workouts. But his appearance didn’t captivate her as much as his playing. Darla became mesmerized. He had a way of making the instrument a part of him. She sensed his passion. Sweat stained his shirt as he meticulously plucked away at the guitar strings and sang backup for Finn.
And after all the time of her mentally scolding him for his choices, tonight as she watched him, she got it. He projected a vibrant presence and he’d always stand out wherever he was. But up there, performing, he appeared truly in a place where neither she nor any women could ever compete. Darla’s moment of realization was sobering and liberating. And a painful one. After the show’s main performance, the group did two encores before they exited for good.
Stephanie’s brows rose, asking a silent question. Darla shook her head.
“At least come backstage with me. You don’t have to go in. According to Blaine, we should go behind the stage, follow a long hallway, and present the passes to the guards at the door. I will be allowed inside for a meet and greet.”
“I’ll just go back to the car.”
Stephanie motioned at the ecstatic, rowdy crowd. “This is a total mob. We don’t need to separate. Come with me and wait in the hall. I promise I won’t try to persuade you to go any farther.”
Darla didn’t entirely trust Steph in that her friend wouldn’t attempt to coax her to accompanying her into where the band assembled. Though if she were honest, she’d like to get one more glimpse of Eric before she walked away from him forever. Maybe she could get a peek through the door without him noticing her.
“All right,” she agreed. “I’ll go with you, but I refuse to go inside, so don’t try to convince me.”
The two women fought through the throngs of people trying to get to the platform. Stephanie was right. This was a mob. Backstage, a barricade was set up to keep the fans at bay. Guards stood at different intervals to make sure no one busted across although they stayed busy pushing those back who tried to infiltrate the stronghold.
Stephanie flashed a pass at a man in uniform. He moved to allow her inside. She spun to Darla and held up the second badge. “You’re sure?”
Darla choked back a sudden rush of tears she didn’t understand. “I can’t.”
Stephanie nodded but pressed the spare permit into her hand. “If you change your mind.”
After Stephanie went inside, Darla shuffled to the far end of the line and found a small cubby to back into. She brushed at a rogue tear. The memories of the last moment she’d been with Eric became clear as if they’d just happened.
Before he left, he’d made no promises to keep in touch nor did she ask if he would. She didn’t want to hear his answer, but she’d hoped…and held on to the hope of someday up until tonight. Now she understood. This life was too much a part of him. They would never happen.
The door to the room flung open bringing Darla back to the present. She stepped out of her refuge and quietly viewed the scads of people pouring outside. The crowd thinned as a number of large built bodyguards appeared from the band’s chamber.
A ripple of panic swept across her. The guards were surrounding the band members. From the way the men had lined up, they were hustling Raging Impulse in the direction of the barricade, through a pair of gigantic swinging doors displaying a waiting limo outside. Each member would pass directly in front of Darla to get to the exit. She tried to shrink into her hideout. Fans shrieked and shouted their favorite’s name, jumping up and down. The men obligingly turned with a smile to wave to them. Eric was last to make an appearance.
Darla strained to disappear into the mass of people, but their momentum to reach him drove her the other way and into the barrier. If he looked in her direction there was little chance he wouldn’t notice her.
Eric grinned and held up a hand, pointing to the crowd inciting more deafening screams. Darla was close enough to tell his eyes weren’t focused on any one person. The dread in the pit of her stomach rose to her throat as he approached. Her heart banged against her chest, twice its speed. Would he speak? What should she say to him if he did? His guards urged him forward, and then he passed her without even a glance her way. She released the breath she was unaware she held.
The instant he reached the double doors he stopped. Slowly he turned to face the crowd. Blue eyes immediately connected with hers, holding her gaze for the briefest moment before the guards steered him outside.
Darla stared at the closed doors.
“Are you ready to go?” Stephanie stood beside her. “I’m going to meet Blaine later, so if you’re good let’s get out of this mess.”
****
Darla couldn’t sleep. She got out of bed, threw on her jeans and a hoodie, deciding to go for a late night walk to clear her head. Outside, she found the salty breeze uplifting. She strolled down the beach, traveling as far as to the house where she’d attended the party weeks ago before she elected to reverse the other way and go home.
Wind whipped her curls in her face as the cool ocean rolled over her bare feet. The chilled night air raged off the water, pushing in a blanket of clouds over the darkened sky. A rumble boomed in the distance as glimmers of light flashed above, the smell of rain clung to the breeze. Goosebumps prickled over her skin. A mountain of nostalgia swept through her. The evening was too similar to the evening she met Eric.
At her deck, she mounted the steps. The walk didn’t help her restlessness and she’d deal with another sleepless night. Maybe some ice cream would make her feel better.
She ambled across the planks to the back door. Hand on the handle, she was about to give the knob a twist, when she glanced at Eric’s old house like she did every time she was outside. The lights were o
n. She stared at the lit home. The place had remained dark since they’d parted ways in Texas. Blaine was staying with Stephanie tonight. So, who was inside?
“Why didn’t you come backstage?”
Darla flinched. She stayed immobile for a few moments, then forced herself to rotate around. The familiar steely indigo gaze pierced into her. Eric slowly rose from the chaise lounge at the edge of her deck. His eyes remained linked and held hers as he strolled across the boarded surface. He walked over to where she stood and stopped in front of her.
“How’s the arm?”
“Better. It gives me trouble every once in a while like your dad said it would.” He hesitated. “You ignored my question. How come you didn’t come see me?”
She took a deep breath. She grabbed an errant curl and twisted the hair around her finger. “I had no reason to, did I?”
Eric’s eyebrows shot up. He had the nerve to appear hurt. “We experienced quite an adventure a few weeks ago. I’d think that’s reason enough.”
Darla pushed away floods of emotion which she would need to deal with, although not now. “We did share something, a lot from my standpoint. But you’ve been quiet since. At least toward me. I’ve kind of gotten the impression you’d moved on. What did you say? You don’t believe in this whole love and happily ever after crap. We had an attraction and you acted on it. Your way of thinking is we’d see things through and let them run their course. Pretty close to what happened, right?”
Eric laughed. “Ah, I love when my words come back and bite me in the ass.”
“I bet.” She chuckled too, though her laugh carried a sarcastic tone. “So why are you here?”
He shrugged and shoved his hands into his pockets. “I’m staying at my house for a few days. Wanted to say hello since you couldn’t bother. Oh, and tell you congratulations. Stephanie told me you got a new job. Something about you assisting on an archeological dig?”
“The excavation is in South America. I’m taking a sabbatical from the college. I leave in a week.”
