Beautiful Music

by Lisa DeVore

  “A prank call.” Jena made a failed attempt to regain her composure, but Mrs. R. wasn’t having it.

  “Is this your first?”

  “No. There was one earlier today. I’m sure it’s kids getting their kicks.”

  Mrs. R. opened her mouth to reply, but Andrea bolted around the corner at full speed and stopped with a grin in front of Jena.

  “No running in the house, missy,” Mrs. R. chastised.

  “Sorry.” Andrea attempted to show remorse, but her excitement was obvious. She held her hand out in front of her, balled tightly in a fist. “Close your eyes, Aunt Jen.”

  Jena’s heart wasn’t in the game, but she squeezed her eyes shut. This was important to her niece. She’d play along.

  “Hold out your hand,” Andrea ordered and Jena complied. Feeling something cold, she struggled not to peek.

  “Okay, you can look now.”

  Jena slowly opened her hand and found a diamond tennis bracelet resting in her palm. Her mouth dropped open and her eyes went to her niece. “Andrea, where did you get this?” she asked cautiously.

  “Mama’s jewelry box,” she answered with wide eyes. “I’m not in trouble, am I?”

  “Of course not,” Mrs. R. sniffed.

  “Andrea, this is so nice of you, but I don’t think I should.” Tears pooled in Jena’s eyes.

  Andrea’s face fell in disappointment. “Why not?”

  “It was your mother’s and it belongs to you now. I don’t want to take a chance that I might lose it.”

  “It’s still Mama’s. If she would call, I could ask her, but I’m sure she won’t’ care. Mama always says, ‘Andrea, those two belong together.’” Andrea did a grown-up imitation.

  A look passed between Mrs. R. and herself. Jena didn’t know how to respond to that. It wasn’t healthy for Andrea to refer to her mother in the present tense, but was it healthy for her to push otherwise?

  Jena decided to let it go…for now. She should discuss this with Chase. “Mrs. R., will you help me?” She held out the bracelet.

  “I sure will!” Jena didn’t miss the moisture in the housekeeper’s eyes as Andrea jumped up and down beside them.

  Holding back her own tears, Jena gazed down on the sparkling diamonds on her wrist. “It’s like she’s here with me,” she whispered.

  Mrs. R. awkwardly cleared her throat. “Come on, child, let’s give your Auntie a few minutes to primp, eh?”

  Andrea placed her hands on her hips appraising Jena’s image with the look of a fashion designer. “Ahhh, all right. I don’t think she could look any better.”

  Laughing, Jena replied, “I believe there’s a compliment in there somewhere.”

  Mrs. R. rolled her eyes and led Andrea from the bedroom. Jena was grateful to have a few minutes to compose herself…well, at least, try.

  ****

  Chase climbed into his truck cursing himself. “Damn! I knew I should have bought a car.” He continued to berate himself as he imagined opening the truck door for her. Could he be any more redneck? It was a nice truck, damn nice, but still a truck.

  He turned the key and pulled around his circular driveway onto Gulf Boulevard. The nerves sizzled as they had on their first date. The memories were so fresh they could have happened yesterday, and the anticipation was no less tonight than all those years ago. His feelings went beyond the desire a man had for a beautiful woman. He loved Jena. Why had he allowed pride to get in the way? He lost years they would never get back.

  He thumped the steering wheel with a groan. He didn’t want to screw this up. Jena was vulnerable and scared. He would have to be cautious, but he had to let her know what she meant to him and what his intentions were without scaring her off. No small feat. She couldn’t stand being in the same room with him and that was before she knew they had joint custody. He was the enemy.

  Chase knew, with the insults she threw at him, she had preconceived ideas about anyone involved in a band. To her, he was a traveling musician with no income and even less stability. He was even less sure how to proceed on this subject. What would she think if she knew the truth?

  He turned down her road and his pulse quickened. As he shut down the motor he glanced over to the single red rose that signified I love you. “Calm down,” he said aloud. “It’s not your first dinner with a woman,” he tried to convince the dashboard. Who was he kidding? This wasn’t any woman. She was the woman he loved for a decade. He grabbed the rose and made his way to the front door.

  Chapter Nine

  Jena peered out her bedroom window. Her mind wandered, replaying the prank calls in her head. She trembled once again as she remembered the caller’s words. Who was she getting dressed up for? How could the caller possibly know that unless he was watching? Even though the caller whispered she could tell he was male. If she told Chase he would overreact and they would be dining at the police station. No, she needed to quit being so jumpy. It was most likely a teenage prank. All thoughts left her when she spotted Chase walking up the sidewalk. She placed a hand to her throat. “Whew…he looks so…wow,” she whispered to herself. How could she pretend this was just dinner when her stomach was hosting not butterflies, but fighter jets? This wasn’t a good idea. Maybe she could feign the flu.

  “Aunt Jen! Aunt Jen!” Andrea burst in the door out of breath. “Uncle Chase is here for your date.”

  Why did everyone insist on calling this a date? “I’ll be right down,” Jena said forcing a smile.

  Andrea retreated downstairs and Jena dropped on her bed burying her head in her hands. Why had she agreed to this? Andrea’s voice floated up the stairs and Jena groaned as she heard, “She looks like a movie star, Uncle Chase. Wait ’til you see her!”

  Although the prospect appealed to her, she couldn’t hide up here forever. Lifting herself up, smoothing her dress, and taking one last look in the mirror, Jena moved with determination to the top of the steps. As she glanced down she saw Chase talking with Andrea. His eyes met hers and his smile melted her fears.

  “Andrea, I think you’re right. She does look like a movie star.”

  Her niece had a smug smile on her face. “I told you so. I picked out her jewelry.”

  “Andy, you did an amazing job.” He narrowed his eyes, his expression serious. “I think we need to hire you out as a fashion consultant.”

  Willing her voice steady Jena descended the stairs. “You look very nice, Chase.” Oh boy, besides being the understatement of the year she was mortified by how stupid she sounded.

  “And you…take my breath away,” Chase whispered.

  Jena bit her lower lip. She cast a quick glance to the floor, sheepishly avoiding his eyes. Those deep, dark eyes had always taken any coherent thought from her brain. Tonight, she could tell, would be no different.

  “Chase! Aren’t you looking the handsome devil?” Mrs. R replied coming from the kitchen flinging a dishtowel over her shoulder.

  “Mrs. R., you’re looking lovely this evening.” Chase planted a kiss on her cheek.

  “Oh, you flatter an old woman with your lies, and shamefully I allow it. You take Jena out and show her a good time, will ya? She could use it…much too uptight.”

  So much for Mrs. R. saving her from an awkward moment.

  “I plan on it,” he said glancing at Jena with a challenging look.

  “That’s a pretty flower you have there. What do you plan on doing with that?” Mrs. R. laughed.

  Chase glanced down at the rose in his hand and Jena couldn’t be sure, but she thought she caught a glimpse of color in his face. Somehow, she took satisfaction in the possibility he was as uncomfortable as she. Holding it out to her, he said nothing but winked.

  Could he be any sexier? No, this was a horrible idea.

  Jena tilted her head to the side. “Thank you, but I thought we agreed this wasn’t a date.”

  “Hey, it doesn’t have to be a date to give a friend a flower, does it?”

  Andrea chimed in. “It’s a date for sure now.�
�

  “Didn’t I tell you to get lost?” Chase poked Andrea in the stomach.

  “Nooooo…” Grabbing her stomach, Andrea squealed with laughter.

  “Let me take that rose and put it in some water before it wilts with all this hot air,” Mrs. R. joked.

  “Well…are you ready to go on our no-date?”

  “Chase,” Jena warned.

  Mrs. R. gently pushed Jena toward the door. “Have a good time and don’t hurry back.”

  “We won’t be too late,” Jena quickly argued as Chase opened the door, stepping aside to let her exit first.

  He followed her down the sidewalk and called after them, “Don’t wait up!”

  “That’s the spirit!” Mrs. R. yelled in return as Jena reached the truck.

  “Oh, God, could this get any more embarrassing?” Jena sighed.

  Chase laughed as he opened the door for her.

  “I’m amusing?” she asked as he helped her in.

  “Your honesty is sometimes refreshing.”

  “And other times?”

  His eyes twinkled with amusement. “Other times it’s aggravating.” He closed the door before she could respond and walked around the front of the truck.

  She watched him…couldn’t take her eyes off of him. The spotlight on the garage illuminated the driveway, as the sun was nearly set. As he walked in front of the truck her mind strayed to a place she hadn’t been in a long time. The corners of her mouth did a slight upturn as she admired the black trousers, black dress shirt, and black tie he chose to wear. Chase’s attire matched what he represented to Jena…danger. She smiled at the thought drifting through her mind … His tailor should be commended.

  The driver’s side door opened and he slid in beside her. The aroma of his cologne was familiar. Taking a deep breath she closed her eyes momentarily to savor the moment.

  “Are you ready?” he asked with a smile.

  “Probably not, but let’s go.” She returned the smile.

  Chase put the truck in gear and backed out. The movement of his hand caught the light, drawing Jena’s attention to his watch. “Hey, is that a Rolex?”

  “Knock off,” he replied quickly.

  “Hmm. Looks real.”

  “It’s supposed to,” he said glancing her way. “Are you hungry?”

  “For what?” Her anxiety returned. Did she really just say that?

  “Dinner…Lighten up, Jen. It’s not like we’re strangers. I don’t bite. Well, not until, at least, the third date. And strip poker,” he paused, “we can wait until the fifth or sixth date.”

  She pursed her lips, tilting her head. “Funny, but since this isn’t a date I won’t have to worry about that.”

  “We’ll see about that. Don’t look so horrified. You have nothing to worry about if you’re a good card player.”

  “Have you thought of moonlighting as a comedian?” Her comment was returned with a devilish grin. Why couldn’t she be so sure of herself? Change the subject, Jena. “So, where are we going?”

  “It’s a surprise.”

  “How about a hint?”

  “How about you wait and see?”

  “I don’t like surprises. Must be the lawyer in me. Why don’t you tell me, so I can relax.”

  “I’ll tell you it’s about a half hour away.” She could tell he was enjoying this. “I like surprising you.” His voice held a promise she knew she wasn’t ready for.

  Ignoring the comment, she chose a safer subject. “This is a nice truck. I didn’t know they made them so…luxurious.”

  “I’m sorry. I should have rented a car. A truck doesn’t go with a fancy dress, but it was either this or the Harley.”

  “Am I over-dressed?” she asked, subconsciously running her hands across the material. “I told them I should change, but you didn’t tell me where we were going.”

  “You look perfect, and if I told you it wouldn’t be a surprise.” Reaching over he gently squeezed her hand and to her shock she didn’t pull away. She liked the feeling of his strong, warm hand sending electrical currents up her arm. The closeness was intoxicating. She allowed herself a moment to indulge.

  Gathering her wits, she released her hand from his and swiped a lock of hair from her face. A comfortable silence ensued as they rolled down the highway.

  The night had fully descended. The truck was dark except for the blue light illuminating the dash. The light reflected on Chase’s face and Jena made an attempt to study him without being obvious. His shoulder length dark hair was a bit shorter than the last time she saw him—sexy, but respectable. He did clean up nice. A small smile escaped across her face. Her attention moved to his hands. They fascinated her. A vision floated through her mind of Chase caressing her neck. Closing her eyes, she took a quiet breath and forced the image from her mind.

  Yes, he was most definitely a man now. “Whew! Is it warm in here?” She wanted to open the door and jump from the truck.

  “I’m sorry. I’ll turn the air up.”

  “Great. Thanks.” What else could she say? You’re incredibly sexy and my blood is boiling? No, not a good idea…ever.

  The silence was the enemy as her mind continued to drift to places she didn’t want to go. She had to distract herself. “So, what kind of band are you in?”

  He flashed her a quick look of surprise. “Rock. Not heavy metal, but edgy. Do you like rock?”

  She considered lying, but why should she? “Actually, I prefer country music. The station I listen to has a great morning show.”

  Chase glanced over at her and grimaced, which was followed by a killer grin. “I’m surprised,” he said concentrating on the road.

  “Why?”

  “I wouldn’t think lawyers listen to country music.”

  She was insulted, sort of. “I didn’t know we had to listen to a certain type of music. I missed the memo.”

  “Whoa!” he followed with a laugh. “I just meant…you’re right, I have no defense, Madam Attorney.”

  Jena made the decision to put him on the spot. “What kind do you listen to?”

  “I don’t all that much. I find myself analyzing everything. I guess you could say the business ruined me.”

  Business? How much business could be associated with a local band? “So, you’re able to make a living with your music? Or do you have a day job?” Her question was sincere.

  “No day job,” he said seriously. “My income comes from the band.”

  “You can live on that?” Jena wondered how that was possible.

  “Yeah…unless there’s a bar fight that shuts us down. Those really suck. Kills the cash flow and makes for a long week.”

  “I bet.” What a hard life.

  “You don’t know, do you?”

  “Know what?”

  He hesitated. “I’m in a real band, Jen. We have several albums, an agent, a crew, a big bus, and we play in front of real people who pay to hear us. I’ve traveled the world.”

  Her eyes widened. Was he teasing her? “Are you serious?”

  “Completely.”

  “Wow.” She was stunned. “I had no idea.” Could this be a game changer? She was hoping to use her income as leverage for custody of Andrea. She leaned her head against the seat and stared out the window watching the Florida landscape pass her by. Well, she could still use the stability card.

  Chapter Ten

  “People know you in public?” she asked with sudden concern.

  “I get the occasional autograph request. Is this a problem? Are you in the Witness Protection Program or something?” he joked.

  “No, I just…”

  “What?”

  “I don’t like to be the center of attention. When we get to the restaurant will there be photographers there?”

  “Easy, Jen. No one pays us much attention. That’s why we keep our home base here. We can have somewhat normal lives. My guitar player and I are the only bachelors,” he explained. “Living here allows for the others to raise their kids outside
the game.”

  “The game?”

  “Yeah, that’s what we call it; the paparazzi, the attention, the crazy schedule, the attempt to keep your face in front of a camera to be popular. For us, the music is why we do this. We stay focused on that. We’ve kept it real, and we still make a good living. I learn from my mistakes.”

  He noticed her squirm. She didn’t respond, but instead changed the subject. “How do you do it?”

  “Do what?”

  “Get up in front of all those people. I’d throw up.”

  He laughed. “You get up in front of people.”

  “Yeah, well, not that much. I do most of my work from a leather chair.”

  “It’s my job.” He was quiet for a moment. “I still get nervous. Sometimes I don’t know if my feet will move, but after the first song… it’s just a rush. Hard to explain unless you experience it.” He made the decision not to tell her the first song was one he wrote for her.

  “I had no idea,” Jena’s voice drifted.

  “Jasmine never mentioned it?” He found that odd.

  “Honestly,” she said cautiously, “I tuned her out when she talked about you.”

  “You hate me that much, Jen?”

  “I don’t hate you,” she answered quietly.

  He wanted to ask so many questions, but now wasn’t the time. His objective was to talk her into staying in Clearwater. If she left, he would get no second chance. He decided to turn the conversation on her. “So tell me about life in Ohio.”

  “It’s cold,” she replied evenly.

  “I bet you’re a damn good attorney,” he chuckled.

  Her forehead wrinkled. “What makes you assume that?”

  “You answer a question with a question. I bet people hang themselves when you cross-examine them.”

  “I’m not a criminal attorney,” she explained little, adding only, “my job isn’t very exciting.”

  “I doubt that. What kind of law do you practice?” He needed her to drop her guard. She put up a wall once things got too personal.

  “I’m a corporate attorney,” she offered. “I negotiate contracts mostly, mergers, acquisitions… although we do have lawyers with a concentration on lawsuits. I occasionally help with those.”