by Laura DeLuca
“So I have a question for you.” Elisa slammed the bottle on the tabletop to be sure she had everyone’s attention. “When were you gonna tell us about this?”
Lainey blanched when Elisa pulled a crumbled up paper from her handbag and tossed it across the table. “W—where did you get that?”
“Didn’t anyone ever tell you not to litter?” Elisa propped her feet up on an empty chair seconds before someone tried to swipe it. They muttered a few curses as they walked away, but Elisa stayed focused on Lainey. “I found it on the floor in Erin’s car. You dropped it down there after we left Drew’s and I figured it had something to do with whatever got you all riled up. So I went and did a little amateur sleuthing.”
Lainey placed her head in her hands. She had no idea what she’d been thinking. She should’ve tossed the paper in the trash where it belonged. It was one more reminder she didn’t need on a night when all she wanted to do was forget. But there was no point in trying to keep it a secret now. Elisa had obviously read it already, and Erin was ironing the wrinkles from the paper to get a better look.
“Holy shit, Lainey! Is this...” Erin’s eyes nearly bulged right out of their sockets. “Is this what I think it is? Do these people really want to publish your book?”
Lainey hated going into detail, but it was unavoidable at this point. “They offered to represent me. It’s just the first step to attempting to get published. But considering they’re one of the best literary agents in the country, it would only be a matter of time. Everything they take gets sold and most hit the best-sellers list.”
“That’s pretty awesome,” Elisa cheered. She sat back up but pulled the spare chair closer so no one could bogart it before Sharon’s arrival. “If that’s all true why the hell aren’t we celebrating instead of sulking?”
Lainey groaned. Additional shots sounded like a better idea all the time. Instead, she finished off her beer and ordered another from a passing waitress. “Did you read the whole thing? Did you see who the letter is addressed to? Because it’s not me.”
Erin did a quick scan of the page again. “Mr. Palmer.” She read it aloud and then lifted her gaze to Lainey. “But so what? It still says he liked your book. Phantom by Miss Lainey Riccardo.”
“How do I know Drew wasn’t calling in a favor?” Lainey questioned. “I’d rather not be published at all than have it happen because I slept with a celebrity. It makes me feel sorta dirty.”
“Oh, shut up.” Elisa snorted. “Even if Drew did pull strings, so what? We all know you’re good at what you do.”
“Even in high school the teachers always said your stories were good enough to be published,” Erin reminded her. “Drew might’ve fanned their interest, but it was your talent that cinched it. I doubt they’d want to tarnish their reputation on a crappy book, even if it did have a celebrity endorsement. I’m telling you, you should jump on this opportunity. It’s a once in a lifetime sort of deal.”
“Hear, hear.” Elisa raised her beer. “Besides, Drew owes you for what he put you through.”
Lainey flinched and guzzled her second bottle, draining it nearly to the bottom. She wasn’t normally a beer drinker and didn’t even enjoy the taste, but it made her feel better. She understood where her friends were coming from, but how could she move forward with this agent knowing Drew set the whole thing in motion? When she finally held her published novel in her hands, she’d see Drew’s face on the cover instead of the hero’s. Every accomplishment would be shadowed with sadness. Already the familiar ache tugged at her chest. She was glad her head swam from the alcohol. Hopefully the numbness would set in next.
“Hold up.” Erin put the letter aside. “This is why you wanted to see Drew, isn’t it? You just found out about this?”
Lainey nodded. “I found it on my dresser while I was getting changed. I’m guessing Drew left it there the night of the accident. He stopped by and we ... had a fight.”
“And he didn’t tell you about it then?” Erin pressed.
Elisa waved a hand in dismissal. “What difference does it make when he told her about it?”
“It makes a huge difference.” Erin reached across the table to touch Lainey’s hand. “Don’t you see? Drew knew how much being a writer meant to you. He could’ve used this as leverage to win you over. He could’ve withheld it when you wouldn’t listen to him. But he didn’t. It was a gift with no strings attached. If he were the kind of jackass we’ve all been assuming he was, why would he do something so wonderful and ask for nothing in return?”
“Who cares why?” Elisa turned to Lainey with her drink in hand. “Maybe his conscience got the better of him for two seconds, but he’s still a two-timing pig. I think you should forget Drew was ever involved and accept the contract. That’s my two cents.”
“Definitely take the contract,” Erin agreed. “But I really think you should talk to Drew again, Lainey. You were right not to give up on him completely. Things may not be exactly what they seem. Don’t you think?”
“I’m sorry.” Lainey crossed her arms. “Do I actually get to take part in this conversation about my life? I figured I’d let you two sort it all out for me.”
“I’m serious,” Erin urged. “If Drew had done this only to impress you and it was all about pomp and circumstance, I’d tell you to forget him. But he left it there for you without a word, even after you told him it was over. I—I think the guy really loves you and wants you to be happy.”
“Please don’t.” Lainey let out an involuntary hiccup. “I promised myself I wasn’t going to cry tonight.”
Erin charged on, Lainey’s pleas falling on deaf ears. “You should call him,” she suggested. “And keep calling until you get an answer.”
Finally, a tear rolled free, sneaking out of the corner of her eye. Lainey wiped it away in disgust. “Don’t you think I tried that before I went banging on his door? His number is disconnected. He turned in his keys to the townhouse, and even if he comes back to his new place at the Point, Catherine will probably be two steps behind. Come on, we all watched that news report. Drew is long gone and I have to accept that and move on. “
It was just her luck that the overhead music would go off at the exact moment she was shouting at the top of her lungs. Lainey sunk lower into the seat as the surrounding patrons turned to cast curious glances in her direction. Good thing the deejay was quick to steal the attention.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to Woody’s karaoke night,” Chuck announced. “We’re ready to begin. All we need is a volunteer. So who wants to be our first victim—I mean guest on the stage.”
The bar was more than half-full, but no one raised their hand. Most people sipped their drinks or played with their napkins while they waited. It was too early in the evening and most folks weren’t quite tipsy enough to get near a microphone. Most of the time, Lainey was the first to jump up on the stage and get the ball rolling, but she wasn’t exactly in a singing mood.
“Come on. Anyone?” When there were still no takers, the deejay sighed. “Well, until someone out there is ready to get their groove on, I’ll spin some tunes. Hopefully after a few more drinks ya’ll will loosen up.”
A few seconds later an old sixties melody blasted through the speakers. Elisa tapped her foot to the beat, and tried a little too hard to avoid Lainey’s gaze. Aside from that steady rhythm, an awkward silence fell around their table. Lainey wished Sharon would hurry up and get there. Maybe she’d have some better advice to offer. Erin and Elisa meant well, but their bickering talk-to-him versus let-him-drop-dead routine was stressing her out even more, especially since she had no way to reach Drew even if she wanted to. She was actually relieved when Trevor came over and tapped her on the shoulder, even though she was worried he might ask for Catherine’s autograph next.
“Hey, Lainey.” Trevor fidgeted from one foot to the other. “I really need you to do me a favor.”
Lainey scrunched her nose. She had a feeling she knew what was coming next,
but she asked anyway. “What’s up?”
“I need you to sing for me. You know, break the ice.”
Trevor cracked his knuckles. For some reason he acted oddly nervous, which wasn’t like the jovial bartender at all. It wasn’t the first time he’d asked this type of favor. It always loosened up the room after someone else went first. Normally, Lainey would do anything for her childhood friend, but this time she shook her head.
“Please, Trevor,” Lainey pleaded. “Not tonight. I’ve had a really bad day.”
“I know, I know.” Trevor spread his arms out pathetically. “But I’m telling you, half the people are gonna walk out of here if I don’t give them some quality entertainment.”
“Did you ever consider hiring an actual band?” Elisa suggested. “You know, as opposed to harassing your paying customers.”
“Hey, I would never harass customers.” Trevor grinned, but still seemed edgy. “Former classmates are another thing altogether. Besides, I gave you those drinks for free.”
Lainey snorted. “Then why don’t you ever nag Erin to sing? Weren’t we all in the church choir together back in private school?”
“Don’t look at me!” Erin declared. “I’m not nearly drunk enough.”
“Listen,” Trevor said, refusing to give in. “If you do this for me, I’ll give your whole table free drinks for the rest of the night.”
Elisa instantly brightened at that offer and nudged Lainey’s chair. “What are you waiting for, diva lady? The man wants you to sing.”
Despite her friend’s enthusiasm, Lainey was still leery. But the combination of the shot and the beer blurred her judgment, and she began to wane. She made one last feeble attempt at getting out of it. “I—I really don’t think it’s a good idea.”
Trevor raised the ante. “Free drinks for a month for the whole gang.”
“That’s it.” Elisa stood from her chair. “I’ll carry you up there myself if I have to, but you’re gonna sing.”
“I have to agree with Elisa on this one.” Erin chuckled. “Besides, you always have fun doing the karaoke thing. It might cheer you up.”
Lainey wasn’t quite so sure. She’d had enough of the limelight for one week, but she was outnumbered and she’d never been good at saying no. “All right,” she relented. “I’ll do it. Just don’t expect anything too upbeat.”
“Great!” Trevor smiled, but his one eye twitched. “Of course, there is one other thing I forgot to mention. Chuck was sort of hoping you’d do a duet with him. He thinks it’ll get the crowd more involved. You know, encourage both the guys and girls to get up on the stage when you’re done.”
Lainey’s mouth fell open. “That was not part of the deal! I don’t work well with others.”
Erin raised her hand. “I can vouch for that.”
“Ah, come on, Lainey.” Trevor knocked her arm gently with his shoulder. “Be a good sport. It’s just one song.”
Lainey pushed up from her seat and poked Trevor in the chest. “You owe me big time, buddy. And drinks aren’t going to cover it.”
“But you’ll do it?” Trevor pushed.
“One song,” Lainey stressed. “And it has to be of my choosing. I know exactly what I want Chuck to play. There’s a great Faith Hill song with Tim McGraw that totally fits my mood right now.”
“No, not Faith!” Elisa twisted her face. “All her songs are so depressing.”
“That’s why it’s perfect.”
Lainey told Trevor the title she wanted and while the bar owner ran ahead to give the deejay her selection, she took some time to freshen up. She splashed some water on her face, hoping it’d counteract the buzz from the alcohol which might have her slurring her words on stage. She tried not to notice her blood shot eyes and pale complexion. She certainly wasn’t fit to perform. At the same time, Lainey was proud that she wasn’t allowing this mess with Drew to stop her from being herself. She always sang on karaoke night. For her it was a much bigger rush than drinking. Why should tonight be any different?
“This one’s for you, Drew,” she told her reflection. “And you didn’t even have to pay this time.”
Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, Lainey left the bathroom and prepared to take the stage.
Chapter Thirty
Drew paced up and down in the driveway as he waited for the cab to arrive. Moving around was painful, but standing still and getting started again was even worse. The townhouse was all locked up with the keys on the counter as he’d been instructed by his landlord. Now he was stuck outside shivering with three bags of luggage set on the curb. While he waited, he dialed Lainey’s cell a few times, but each time it went right to voicemail. He considered trying the office directly but personal calls were limited to emergencies and he didn’t want to get Lainey into trouble, especially after the inconvenience he’d already caused her. However, the driver was taking longer to arrive than he expected and as the hour inched toward four, Drew began to panic. He didn’t want to miss her because he was sure she’d have plans for the weekend.
Beep. Beep.
A bright pink low-rider turned the corner, a loud honk announcing its arrival. Drew worried it was the wrong car until he noticed the words Flamingo Cab scrawled on the side, right above a mural of pink birds, which were a shade darker than the cab itself. Each of the beaked monstrosities sported a top hat and cane and were frozen forever in an eerie rendition of the can-can. Feeling like he’d stepped into one of his own movies, Drew hefted one of his bags with his good arm and prayed he wasn’t wandering into a fifties time warp or an episode of the Twilight Zone.
“Let me give you a hand with that, man. You ain’t in no condition to be hauling them bags around. “ The cab driver leapt out of the car. The dark skinned man, who sported a wide grin and a red Philly’s cap, didn’t match his mode of transportation at all.
“Thanks, I appreciate the help, Mr....”
“I’m not one for formalities. Call me Dwayne.” The driver clasped Drew’s fingers in a firm handshake.”
“Drew.”
With introductions out of the way, Dwayne unlocked the truck and tossed the two larger suitcases inside. He was about to open the door for Drew when his features suddenly lit with recognition. “Hey now, ain’t you that actor man everyone’s been going all crazy over? I heard about the accident that happened down the road, which might explain why you look like you went a few rounds with Mohammad Ali.”
Drew cringed. “Would it do any good to say you’ve got the wrong guy?”
Dwayne laughed. “Don’t go worrying yourself. In case you haven’t noticed, I ain’t no hormonal teenage girl. The only thing I care about is that you pay your fare, ya dig me?”
“Got it,” Drew agreed. “Thanks for your discretion.”
With his bags secured, Drew slid in the back seat. Inside, the interior was shiny white leather with a vintage feel. There was even a pair of fuzzy red dice hanging from the mirror. Drew remembered Lainey mentioning Wildwood had been a big do-wop town back in the day. There were still a few fifties style diners complete with jukeboxes sprinkled around the island and even a classic rock museum. Drew wondered if the cab service was attempting to recapture the glory days.
“Where to, brother?” Dwayne tipped his hat, revealing a hint of gray in his jet-black hair. “The clock is running.”
“Bank Street in Cape May,” Drew directed. “I need to get to the In-shore-ance Agency before they close at four.”
“Right, right.” Dwayne glanced at the time on the dashboard before turning onto the main road. “I know the place. I do all my business with them. Good people, you know. They haven’t sold out to the man. I’ll do my best to get ya there, but we’re cutting it close.”
Dwayne was a friendly and chatty companion, a welcome change after the last few days with Paulie and Catherine. Drew did his best to keep up with the polite conversation. He didn’t want to be one of those celebrities who acted like they were too good to associate with the rest of society, but
it took a great deal of effort to remain casual. Not only was he distracted by the time inching closer to four, he felt renewed waves of discomfort every time the old car hit a speed bump. It had definitely been a smoother ride in the limo, but Drew always was more comfortable in a cab and didn’t miss the luxury.
“So, I’ve told you all about my wife and children,” Dwayne continued as they crept over the Cape May bridge. “Tell me a little something about yourself. You still messing with that red-headed chick I saw in the papers?”
“No,” Drew answered honestly. “That whole thing was a stupid media ploy. I’m chasing my real soul mate right now, and I plan to win her back if it’s the last thing I do.”
Forgetting his normal concerns about privacy, Drew launched into his whole story, telling Dwayne about everything from his chance meeting with Lainey to his agent’s scheme to break them up. The cabby was a sympathetic listener who offered some sound advice.
“No surprise to me you fell for a Jersey girl,” the older man reflected. “There’s something special about ‘em, at least the ones on the South side, if you know what I mean. I wouldn’t trade my lady for any super model neither. They gotta have more than a pretty face and a smokin’ hot bod. Gotta be gorgeous inside and out to turn my head. I’d do anything it took to keep my woman in my life. You do the same thing, brother. If she’s the one, don’t let her get away. Cause once true love is gone, there ain’t no getting it back.”
