The rest of the way to Harmony's Echo, they talked about musical influences and concerts. What got to Taryn was how he held her hand the rest of the way. Thank God they got the other conversation out of the way, because it seemed to smooth things over.
Chris pulled up in Jameson's driveway, shut off the engine, and climbed out to get her chair set up. He opened the door and moved the chair close enough. “Ready when you are, drummer girl.” He slid a sexy smile her way.
As Taryn moved from the car to her chair, she wondered how in the world this happened to her. A genuinely nice guy interested in her. No doubt Chris was kinda quirky, but then again, who wasn't?
“Hey Chris. Hey Taryn! Wow, I thought you'd be coming with Kyra and Matt.” Blaine Grant, Jameson's sister, exited the house and stopped short before them.
“Gee, soon to be sister-in-law, don't sound so broken hearted,” Chris teased.
Blaine giggled. “Sorry. I was hoping to talk to Kyra. I saw Taryn and thought they were here. I had no idea you two were riding together.” Blaine studied Taryn, then Chris. “Then again, I did hear about your date.”
Chris frowned as Taryn laughed. “I forget, you and Kyra talk a lot.”
“Or it was Melody,” Chris said as he closed the car door. “She's been talking nonstop about how I hadn't been on an actual date since I've been here. Wouldn't surprise me.”
“You're both wrong. I heard it from Andrew. He was there that night with friends and saw the two of you. That's what happens around here. We know all.” Blaine shrugged. “Now you'll be the talk of the town.”
Taryn double checked that she'd put her purse on the back of her chair, then wheeled up the paved walkway to Jameson's house with Chris trailing behind her.
“Taryn! Chris! Hi!” Melody waved. She was seated at the dining room table with Jameson and Randy.
“Are we interrupting the wedding plans?” Chris stood behind Taryn. His hand brushed against her shoulder for a second. Her body reacted in the form of a tingle where he'd touched.
“We're right in the middle of them,” Randy answered. “It's a little crazy with three couples planning a wedding at nearly the same time.”
“So you didn't go with the idea to do the same day?”
“No, that was a joke. Randy and I had our own ideas. I think Mom and Chet are about to run off to the court house and do it quietly.” Blaine entered the house and walked around Taryn and Chris.
“We'll figure it out. I guess it's time to put wedding stuff away and get ready for music. We have a live show next Saturday. You up for playing with us, Taryn?” Jameson leaned against Melody's chair, staring at Taryn with inquisitive eyes.
She gulped. “I think so.” This was no different than open mic nights. Why did she get so damn nervous?
“You'll do great,” Chris reassured her, moving his hand to her shoulder again. “I'll go too, and if you feel you need a break, I'll fill in for you.”
“It's at Catered Whims,” Randy added, climbing to his feet. “Not a huge place, but we did talk to them about accessibility.”
“And we can go any time before then so you can scope the place out,” Chris suggested.
“All right.” Taryn held her hands up. “You convinced me. I didn't know if this was too soon. I don't know all your songs, and I don't want to mess up.”
“Don't even worry about that. Just play to your heart's content. We'll go over the set and the songs, and give you a CD and the sheet music. If you create your own version, we're all for it,” Jameson said. “All right, might as well migrate to the garage and wait for everyone else to trickle in.”
Taryn let everyone else go first. Chris leaned in behind her. “We can always get together for more practice, if you're that worried.”
“My drums are here,” Taryn pointed out. But she definitely wouldn't complain about spending more time with Chris.
“Then we'll move them, if you want to practice closer to home. Or, we leave them here. I'm sure Jameson and Melody will give us access to the garage if we want. Or, we can move them to my apartment and practice there.” He shrugged. “All ideas are flexible.”
“I don't want to be an inconvenience,” Taryn protested.
“You know, drummer girl, I don't know who convinced you with their actions that you're an inconvenience, but you're anything but.” He knelt before her and took a hand in his. Gorgeous eyes stared up at her, full of warmth and confusion.
Taryn could make a long list, but maybe the better option would be to forget the past six years and all of the changes she dealt with, and maybe look to a brighter future for the first time. She had people around her that looked beyond her incapabilities and recognized her for what she could do. That counted for something. It shouldn't matter what happened in her past. She had a future worth reaching for.
It didn't matter what others said back then. She had to keep telling herself that. Talking about being an inconvenience all the time only left her looking stupid, and Taryn had enough of that attitude.
Time to move forward, finally.
*****
After practice, most of the band stuck around to mingle and talk like they normally did if no one had plans right away.
“Kyra hired me as her choreographer to put together some stuff for her tour!” Blaine announced. “She's coming to the studio to work with me while she's home. She says everyone is welcome to stop by as well. That way, she can give you details on things about the shows.” She turned to Taryn. “Fess up. How much work do I have ahead of me? Is Kyra a good dancer?” Her eyes glittered.
“She can be,” Taryn replied with a smile. “We used to dance all the time, but it was always goofy stuff. She's a quick learner, though. Your name sounds familiar. Didn't you have a studio or something in Hollywood? Years ago, Kyra mentioned the name Blaine, but now I can't recall why.”
“It wasn't my studio, but I was working in Hollywood for a while. I came back to Harmony's Echo because I needed a break, and now I own a studio here. It's much smaller, but my desire to work in dance is back. Kyra is my first big client since returning.” Blaine practically blushed. “I've been working more with kids, which is great. Sometimes, I miss working with big names, though.”
“You wouldn't mind if I came to watch? I promise I won't throw rotten tomatoes at her,” Taryn joked.
Blaine laughed. “You're totally welcome. The studio has plenty of room for everyone. She's coming by Friday night. Maybe we'll even coax Matt out on the floor. Now that would be fun!”
“If I can do it, Matt can do it,” Randy piped up.
“It wouldn't be a bad idea to see what it's all about,” Avery finished packing her guitar. “It's going to be interesting, learning all of these things for a tour. By the way, Belinda offered up her tour bus for us to use. She's not touring this summer and has several buses available. I thought I'd bring it up to you guys and see how we want to do this. Guys on one bus, girls on the other? Although there's only two- three of us, if you end up playing for us this summer,” she directed at Taryn.
Taryn looked away. “Kyra actually suggested I go with her on her bus. I had some concerns, and if this ends up working out, I might take her up on that. I've toured with her before, and I'd feel a little more comfortable.”
“That makes sense.” Avery nodded, then she glanced at Chris. “This was never brought up before, and it should be now. If for whatever reason Taryn can't or doesn't want to join us, are you willing to tour? I'm not trying to pressure, but if we have to find someone to fill in while we're on the road, I need to know.”
No pressure from them. Sure. But now all eyes were on him, including Taryn's. He couldn't get a word out, because he couldn't come up with a good answer. No, he didn't want to go on tour, but he didn't want to let anyone down if Taryn decided not to.
“I'll do it,” Taryn broke her gaze away from Chris. “I'll do the summer tour. We'll see how that goes, and if it works, then I can join the band as a drummer. I mean, if you'll still want me to, tha
t is.”
Chris finally reached for her hand. “Taryn-” What a quick change all of a sudden. Was it because she saw right through him?
“No, it's okay. I'm hesitating for my own personal reasons, but I've done this before. I can do this again. I'll ride on Kyra's bus, and I'll play as your drummer. It gives me a few months to get to know you all more, and then we'll see how we fit on the road. Maybe we can see if Kyra's drummer can back up if I can't do it one night or something. It's just a few summer dates. What can it hurt?”
“Like I said, no pressure on either of you,” Avery replied softly. “We'd love to have you join the band, Taryn. Kyra spoke highly of you, and with good reason. I want to make sure we're set for this tour, because it's our first. We want to make a good impression.”
“I get that.” Chris finally spoke. He gave Taryn's hand a squeeze, causing her to look his way again. He ignored everyone else's stares, especially his sister's. Chris was pretty sure she'd ask what this was all about later. Melody noticed all.
“Anyway, the bus is another thing we need to figure out. I was wondering how we wanted to do that, so it's nice that Belinda offered up hers.” Avery stood, then picked up her guitar case. “I guess I'll see you all at Blaine's studio?”
Everyone scattered about, saying goodbye, heading out to do whatever they were planning to do. Chris faced Taryn. “You're really okay with playing for the band on tour? You were hesitating before.”
Taryn's eyes watered slightly. “I know. But drumming is what I do. It's what I know. If I keep hesitating, then I may never get back to what I love. I can tell it's not your calling. Your heart isn't there. I just have to get past my concerns. I'm not one to easily let people in or help me. I never have, but it's worse since the accident. I don't want extra attention drawn to me. But part of the hesitance is also because I've been there. I've seen and have been through the ups and downs of the touring life.”
The garage had completely emptied, leaving the two of them alone. Chris didn't know what to say right off the bat, so it took him awhile to come up with his thoughts. “Yeah, but … I don't want you to get in over your head because I don't want to do this. I care what happens to you.”
“And I care what happens to you. I hope you find something that lights up a spark within you one day. You remind me of myself after the accident. I was miserable, lost, depressed...” She stopped, then stared at something on her drum set.
She'd hit it on the dot.
“But just before practice, you weren't even sure about playing next weekend.” Hell, why did he feel the need to argue?
“I'm a woman. Changing my mind constantly is a quality I hold near and dear,” she shot back semi-playfully. “I'll take you up on the practice offer, though.”
He lit up in a smile. “Yeah?” Hell yeah. More chances to chill with Taryn without everyone around.
“Yeah, but feed me first.” Taryn grinned shyly.
“If that means more time with you, drummer girl, I'm in.”
As they settled in the car, Chris wondered about the sudden change in Taryn. This had been what he wanted- for someone to take his place in the band so he could move on. Now that it might happen, Chris second guessed his moves, and it had to do with Taryn. His chance had arrived, but walking away when she still hesitated wasn't going to be easy. If Taryn was 100% committed and had no worries, maybe it would be a different story.
That was what got him.
Chapter Eleven
“So that's my worst horror story. I had to be careful what I ate before performing. Good thing there was no injury, but I was mortified! Greasy hands and drumsticks don't mix, even though I washed them several times before getting on stage.” Taryn and Chris were sitting in his apartment after they grabbed a take out lunch. “And yes, I was on tour with Kyra. I think it was our third show. I thought 'Oh man, that's it. She'll fire me.'”
“That obviously didn't happen.” Crinkles formed around his eyes when Chris laughed.
“No, but I remember being such a crying mess behind the scenes. Kyra took me to her dressing room and she proceeded to tell me how many fails she'd had as a singer on stage and to pick myself up and move past it. We spent the rest of that night on her tour bus laughing over stuff. I think that was the night that really built our friendship.” She leaned back in her chair, smiling fondly at the memory. Well, part of it. “She took me everywhere with her after that.”
“How often did you have to see the guy you hit in the head with your drumstick?” Chris asked.
“Well, considering that we started dating a few months later, I'd say quite often.” Taryn giggled. “James used to worry that if we fought, I'd hit him in the head again.”
“Wow. Must have been some impression.” Chris chuckled. “You're not together with him now?”
“Umm, no.” Taryn averted her gaze. Her heart ached as she thought of James. “He died in the crash.”
“Whoa.” Chris sat up straight. “I'm so sorry. I didn't realize the one who died in the crash was your boyfriend.”
“He never stood a chance,” Taryn whispered, her voice etched with emotion. A heavy weight crushed her chest. She never did well talking about James' death. Never. “Every time I complained about how horrid my life turned out to be, I thought about him. At least I had a chance to live. James died on impact.”
“So you two were pretty serious.”
“As serious as twenty year olds could be.” Taryn pulled a napkin from beneath her plate and dabbed her eyes. “So yeah, there's my story. You got a better one to top it?” She tried to divert the subject slightly and lighten the mood. Her pulse quickened as memories continued to swarm her. Not that they ever went away, but when she got on the subject of James, the feelings were amplified.
Chris set his fork down, wiped his mouth with a napkin, then leaned forward. His bright eyes pinned her with an intense stare. “I do, actually. This is a story about two offbeat drummers, each alive, but not living their lives. Boy drummer meets girl drummer, and he's intrigued, smitten, and suddenly, his dark world finds a little light.”
Taryn's stomach fluttered, knowing exactly what he referred to. “Interesting story. It definitely tops my dramatic one. How does it end?”
He tapped his chin. “I'm not sure. I'm still stuck on the first few chapters. It could go different ways right now. Drummer boy and drummer girl could move forward and maybe even do some pretty cool things in life. All I know is drummer boy is very interested in learning more about drummer girl.”
“Only if drummer boy tells drummer girl more about him. You know so much of my story, some of it because I've been in the public eye with the accident and Kyra's name being cleared, but you're still a mystery to me.”
“What if I like mystery?” Chris teased.
“I like mystery, but I also like getting to know someone, especially someone I actually connect with.” Taryn shot him a pointed look, then smiled, feeling a little shy.
“Fair enough,” Chris said. His eyes were ablaze with strong feeling. “You're kind of addicting, you know that?”
She laughed, completely taken aback by the statement. “What? What exactly does that mean?”
“It means I can't stop smiling when I'm around you. I love watching you fiddle with your purse or something on your chair, or when you twirl your hair around your finger. I can't stop watching you play the drums, because you make the strangest face, which makes me laugh. I also can't stop thinking about the kiss the other night, and I want to do it again.”
“Chris...” What the hell did she say to that? They'd cleared the air about it, but Taryn didn't expect him to want to do it again.
“Tell me you felt it, too. Taryn, a few weeks ago, all I knew was that a female drummer would come play on stage. I knew I wanted to find something for me. What I didn't know was how much I'd be intrigued by the most independent, feisty drummer I've ever met. When the conversation turned to the tour, I was actually disappointed over the fact I wouldn't see you for mont
hs. Then you say you'll do the tour even when you hesitated just hours before.” Chris knelt before her. “The night at the arcade, I connected with you even more. There's just something about you, about us, that makes me want to explore things. It's strong, and it's something I haven't felt in a long time. I meant what I said about this dark world being light. I-” He inhaled sharply, flicking his gaze down. “I'm going through a lot. I don't know why I'm telling you this, but there it is. I take life a day at a time, hoping that maybe things will fall into place.”
So that was the hollow look in his eyes she recognized several times. “Is it because of what happened to your family? Kyra told me a little of what she knew.”
Chris clasped her hand. “That's part of it, but it goes further back than that. Do you want to move to the living room? We'll talk there.”
Taryn shrugged. “Whatever makes you comfortable.”
“Well actually, I wanted to ask you...”
“What is it?” Her heartbeat quickened. This was not a conversation she expected.
“Okay, don't take this the wrong way. Do you ever sit anywhere aside from your chair? I mean, is it uncomfortable to maybe sit on the couch?”
Taryn stifled a laugh. That was it? He hesitated to ask her that? She thought something more.
“What?” His tone sounded deflated.
“Oh God, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have laughed. I was relieved when that was all you asked. Again, I ask, why is everyone so intimidated by me? I can tell some of you worry too much about saying the wrong thing. Blaine's eyes were on me when she mentioned the dance studio and everyone coming, almost as if I'm going to get offended because you all have two working legs to go dancing with. I don't know. Maybe I'm being dumb.”
“We just had that conversation, too.” Chris stood, brushing off his jeans. “I don't even realize I'm doing it. In my case, I don't want to upset you, because I'm trying heavily to impress you.”
“Why?” she blurted before she could think. Yeah, brilliant. The first guy to genuinely show an interest, and I question it.
Offbeat (Love and Music In Texas Book 5) Page 10
