Learning to Walk Again

by S. L. Kassidy

  Nicole turned around to face Danny. “I want to take you somewhere. My treat. Is that okay?” Her eyes searched Danny’s face, waiting for any sign of distress with the idea of Nicole treating her.

  Danny glanced over at their families and smiled. “With them?”

  “They’ll definitely be there. Is it all right?”

  “It’s not some place fancy, right?” Danny was dressed fairly well. Not as well as everyone else, but she looked at opening night as coming to work while they looked at it as a special occasion. She had on tan slacks with an argyle sweater vest on top of a white oxford shirt.

  “I managed to talk them out of it. That will be tomorrow because of the time,” Nicole said. It was almost ten. No one had been sure they’d be able to make those reservations, especially those with children, but they had a better idea of how things would work now. Reservations were made, and their whole party would be in some insanely expensive restaurant that would undoubtedly embarrass Danny tomorrow night.

  Danny groaned. “No way out of it?”

  “I dunno.” Nicole motioned to their families with one hand. “Can you in all honesty beat my father, mother, Lynn, Henry, Mina, Clara, my grandparents, aunts, and uncles in a verbal fight?”

  Danny laughed. “I can’t even beat you in an argument.”

  “Then, no, there’s no way out of it. We’re having a huge dinner tomorrow to celebrate. Go handle your business while I start directing everyone where to go. I’m sure by the time you come back, I’ll probably have everyone on the way,” Nicole said.

  Danny chuckled and gave Nicole another kiss before rushing off. Nicole turned her attention to their families and friends. How the hell was she going to get all these people to a diner? Well, time to find out.

  ***

  Dane was barely ten steps away from Nicole when Andrew found her, glowering. His eyes blazed with fury. He definitely didn’t like Lennox and Samiyah showing themselves during the final battle. It ruined his precious vision. To be fair, he had a right to be angry. She’d want to strangle someone, too, if they shoved something into her score without her permission. But, the audience ate it up.

  “Look, I’m sorry about the musicians stepping out, but I knew you wouldn’t go for it and I knew it’d be great. They wanted to, and it didn’t distract the actors,” Dane said.

  Andrew put his finger up. “They could’ve ruined everything.”

  Dane tilted her head to the side. “Not really.” The actors knew the musicians would come out with them. They liked the idea, too. But, she didn’t want to say that and get them into trouble.

  Andrew huffed. “You could’ve messed up my whole show.”

  “I’ll give you the show was better than I thought it’d be and I don’t think I had the power to mess it up,” Dane said with the hope he’d take the olive branch.

  She honestly thought Andrew got this pet project because his daddy was paying for it, but the audience reacted well. They laughed at his jokes, loved the hero, and maybe the villain a little, and were satisfied with the ending. It was definitely better live than on paper or the bits she’d seen at rehearsal. Of course, it was helped by wardrobe doing a fantastic job and the scenery was nothing short of beautiful.

  “I’ll bet.” Andrew sneered at her. “I don’t need your validation. My work speaks for itself.”

  Dane’s brow furrowed. “Whatever. Just be aware, the music didn’t ruin anything. Have you talked to anyone? They liked when Samiyah and Lennox got up. They cheered for crying out loud, long and loud. The orchestra got a damn standing ovation. Do you hate the fact that someone wanted to enhance your art that you can’t see the forest for the trees?”

  “You didn’t enhance anything,” he fumed, throwing his hands out like a wild man. She could almost smell smoke from the way he burned up. “You were out of line. You messed up.”

  “Then, what are all these pats on my back?” She jabbed her thumb behind her as two guys walked by and patted her on the back. They’re literally patting me on the damn back for the show!

  “They think the music was good because of the play. It’s not the other way around!”

  “Are you seriously nuts? I didn’t say they thought the play was good because of the music,” Dane said.

  Ryan pushed his way through the crowd and came over to her before Andrew could hit her with another head scratcher. “Dane, you got people over there looking for you.”

  “Looking for me?” Dane looked over, thinking it might be more family or friends. Turned out, it was her former family and friends. Dane marched over to them. “What the hell are you clowns doing here?” She couldn’t believe she was in front of Destined for Nowhere.

  Fae drew back, putting a hand to her chest, as a crooked grin settled on her tan face. Cinnamon eyes flashed, partly amused, but something else. “Us? What the hell are you doing here? You vanished for four years and pop up writing music for children’s plays?”

  Dane snorted and tossed her head to the side. “I vanished. You guys seemed fine with letting fucking Bryan try to replace me.”

  Maro spoke up. “Please. You think we didn’t know he’s not good enough to fix your guitar strings. You were gone, though.” His voice was just as scratchy as she remembered, something that was due to smoking from the time he was fourteen. The cigarettes hadn’t hurt the way he played the keyboard when they were a band.

  Dane eyed them, trying to figure out why they were here. They seemed like they’d gotten along quite fine without her. “How’d you know to find me here?”

  Trill rolled her eyes, holding thick arms that had hit the drums with so much skill across her chest. “Crow. She handed out, maybe a million flyers, at all sorts of clubs, underlining you did the music for this thing. Most people thought she was nuts. Our fans are mostly gone now, but we remembered you. You walked away from us.” A hard frown settled on her face, making her thin visage look severe.

  Dane shook her head. “I walked away from everything. I walked away from living.”

  Their faces softened a bit, and Fae watched her with gentle eyes. “Why?”

  Dane shrugged. “It’s a lot to explain and not even relevant anymore. I’ve changed. How have you guys been?”

  The exchange was short and generic. Dane didn’t have the time for more. She made sure she grabbed Nicole, who was still pushing their families out of the door, and introduced them to her former band mates. They took one look at Nicole and judged her like Crow had when she first met Nicole, except maybe worse since Nicole was dressed to the nines today in a creamy evening gown that was off the shoulders with an embroidered design on the bodice. It took all Dane’s self-control to not drool over the dress. They didn’t even shake her hand when she offered it. Nicole smiled through the awkward introduction.

  “It’s good to meet you. Love, I’ve got to go. I already see Mina heading in the wrong direction,” Nicole said and she hustled away, undoubtedly not wanting to stick around for frozen glares.

  Trill shook her head. “You left the music scene for high society?”

  Dane put on a neutral expression. She didn’t owe them anything. “Think what you want, but I’m happier now than I’ve ever been. Before you judge me or my girlfriend, find out what we’ve been through. Walk a mile in our shoes and see how you come out in the end. It was good to see you guys, but I’ve got other stuff to do.”

  Dane walked off, doing her best not to limp, knowing the band watched her leave. She wouldn’t be the person they knew ever again. She had no desire to be that person either. This Dane Wolfe had found something their drugged out goddess of rock and roll never would have even known to look for. She found happiness, love, and acceptance for who she was. Screw them if they wanted to judge her for that.

  Dane went to check on her orchestra. They were enjoying a lot of attention from people still around. She figured she could go, but before she found Nicole again, she ran into Calvin.

  Calvin wasted no time patting Dane on the shoulder and grinning at
her like he sold ice to penguins and made a fortune doing it. “Good work, Dane. We’ll talk later, okay? Tomorrow, bright and early.”

  She nodded. “Sure, and thanks.”

  He was gone before she could totally figure out what that was about. Shaking it off, she found Nicole again, alone and apparently able to get her massive party out of the theater.

  “Care to give a moderate success a ride home?” Dane asked with a lopsided grin.

  Nicole chuckled. “Maybe later. But, for now, I’m waiting for a huge success because there’s a late dinner to be had.”

  Dane smiled and rubbed her belly. “That’s good. I’m really hungry. I haven’t been able to eat all day.”

  Nicole took her hand and led her out. “Nervous about the show?”

  “Yeah.” And other things, but the show definitely.

  For the ride, Nicole gushed about things in the show she liked, mostly the music, but she enjoyed the costumes as well. Dane grinned so widely it hurt her cheeks. She was surprised when they pulled up to the little diner she introduced Nicole to. It was back when Nicole was the first person to celebrate her birthday with her, before they were lovers.

  Dane’s forehead wrinkled as she eyed the diner. “You remembered this place?”

  Nicole chuckled. “Oh, how could I forget? I first met Crow here and she looked at me as if I smelled bad.”

  Dane shook her head. “At least she’s learned to behave.”

  “Come on. Everyone’s waiting for you.”

  “Waiting for me?” Dane’s face scrunched up, but she didn’t resist as Nicole tugged her along.

  When they entered, a huge cake with the word “congratulations” written across it greeted them along with balloons, streamers, and cheers. Dane almost jumped out of her skin, especially since the kids had noisemakers and weren’t afraid to use them. Then, she grinned.

  “Thank you, guys,” Dane said. “And since I have everyone’s attention, I’d like to do something before eating and passing out.”

  Dane doubted they expected what she was about to do, even as she turned to Nicole. She doubted Nicole knew, even as she looked this amazing, beautiful woman in her sparkling eyes, more precious than the gems they were colored after. I will never lose her. She had to take a deep breath.

  “Nick, none of this would’ve been possible without you. I wouldn’t be possible without you. Being with you has been the best three years of my life, even when we were just friends. You’ve become the most important person in my life, but you’ve brought so many important people into my life.” Dane motioned to everyone in the room. Without Nicole, none of them would know her or want anything to do with her or be aware she still existed. Everything good in her life was possible through Nicole.

  Nicole blushed. “Baby, it’s okay. It’s your night.”

  “No, it’s our night, no matter what. More importantly…” Dane reached into her pocket as she tried her best to get down on one knee. From the collective gasp, she figured they knew where she was going with this, even though she couldn’t quite make it into the proper position.

  “Love, no, no, no. I don’t want you to hurt yourself. Get up,” Nicole urged, tears gathering in her eyes.

  “I want to do this right. You deserve this done right,” Dane insisted through gritted teeth.

  “I also like to think you deserve to be able to walk after this.”

  Dane chuckled. “Fine.” She probably wouldn’t have been able to get up anyway, not without help. Still, she pulled out the jewelry box. “Light of my life, angel on my shoulder, you have brought me joy and delights beyond anything I could’ve imagined. I never want to be without you. Will you marry me?” She opened the box to reveal a platinum band hugging three gems, a diamond with two emeralds flanking it.

  Nicole gawked at the ring, like she couldn’t believe what she was looking at. Dane’s stomach trembled and her nerves jumped, even though she was certain she knew what Nicole’s answer would be. Still, the silence was a killer.

  “Nicole.” Mina stepped over and nudged Nicole, causing her to blink and possibly rebooting her brain. Still, she stood, quiet as a grave.

  Dane couldn’t breathe. What if this wasn’t the right move to make? Yes, they had been in a better space after their argument, but maybe it wasn’t the right time to propose. She needed Nicole to know despite the stupid things she said in the argument and the stupid things she did, she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Nicole and only Nicole. Does Nick feel differently?

  “Oh, wow. You’re waiting for an answer, right? Wow,” Nicole said, breathing fairly quickly. Tears slid down her cheeks.

  “Nikki,” Alicia whispered.

  “Oh, god.” Nicole panted now and fanned herself. A couple more tears slipped free.

  “You okay? Damn it. Do you need to sit down?” Dane looked for the nearest chair as her heart splintered and cracked. This was stupid. She should’ve known better than to propose when they were still working their way toward normal.

  “Yes,” Nicole muttered.

  “Okay, lemme just—” Dane turned to grab a chair and hide for a moment. How long would it take to piece together a shattered heart? Part of her wanted to die.

  “No.” Nicole took hold of her wrist. “Yes.”

  Dane’s brow wrinkled and did her best to avoid looking at Nicole. She’d die if she looked at Nicole. “Do you want the chair or not?”

  Nicole smiled and pressed herself against Dane. She gave Dane a soft kiss and everyone cheered.

  “Yes,” Nicole said.

  That one little word made the night greater than anything ever could. Forget it was a great opening night. Forget people complimented her music. Nicole said yes to her in front of their friends and family. Nicole said yes!

  Chapter Eighteen

  DANE WOKE UP TO the sweet feel of Nicole placing light kisses on her cheeks, mirroring how she went to sleep last night. It was a great way to end and begin the day. She wrapped her arms around Nicole’s waist and pulled Nicole on top of her. Nicole squealed in surprise, which Dane ended up swallowing as she kissed Nicole properly.

  A smile settled on Dane’s face as she pulled away. “Morning, Chem.”

  “Good morning, love.” Nicole put her hands on either side of Dane’s head, using her right hand to comb through soft locks. Her eyes drifted to the engagement ring. She had spent a great deal of last night staring at it, which made Dane feel overwhelming pride.

  One day, Dane would tell Nicole she used her very first paycheck to buy that ring. She hadn’t known when she’d give it to Nicole, but she knew eventually she’d give it. Even when she screamed those vile things at Nicole and dared to think she’d leave Nicole, she kept the ring close. She bought it on her own and didn’t ask anyone’s advice on how to propose. The only thing she regretted was never getting Raymond and Kate’s permission, but they didn’t seem to resent it. They seemed to understand this was something inevitable. She didn’t want them to be upset with her, but considering the congratulations they dished out last night, she suspected it was all good.

  “You know, I can feel it on my finger, beyond what you’d expect from a ring,” Nicole said.

  Squinting, Dane studied Nicole and then glanced at the ring. “Like a weight?”

  Nicole nodded. “Not in a bad way, like when you hold my hand, like we’re connected from a distance.”

  Dane smiled and pushed up to give Nicole a kiss. It was like the heavens opened for her and delivered her this angel. She cupped the back of Nicole’s head as she pulled away.

  “I will cherish you always, angel,” Dane said.

  “I know. We’ll get there, baby,” Nicole replied and she kissed Dane’s jawline.

  “For now, I’ve got to get to work.” Dane sighed.

  It was Saturday, but Dane still needed to get to the theater by ten for rehearsals. They had an afternoon show today along with the evening show. Things would be like that for a while, she hoped. If the show got canceled, she’d be shit
out of luck. Plus, she needed to see Calvin before work. But, a wicked voice in the back of her head told her to let Nicole have her way with her.

  “But, you gonna do something while you’re up there?” Dane asked.

  Nicole smirked and glanced at the clock. She needed to make sure they had time, too. Nicole seemed to deem her worthy of such a gift as she kissed her way down Dane’s neck.

  Dane sighed as she reveled in the soft feel of Nicole’s perfect lips. There was nothing between them. As Nicole got to her breasts, she went right to work. Her lips and tongue swept across the swell of Dane’s left breast while her hand cupped the right. Dane whimpered, her legs spread automatically, and Nicole’s body dipped into the new space.

  Nicole glanced up and smirked before taking Dane’s nipple in her mouth. Dane moaned and lost her hand in Nicole’s wild, auburn hair as delicious jolts fired through her. The pleasure skimmed over her before digging deeper, hitting her just right. Squirming, she felt Nicole’s free hand slide down her abdomen and her stomach fluttered in anticipation. Her hips practically jumped off the bed to meet Nicole’s middle finger. She moaned as Nicole stroked her tenderly, owning her down to her soul.

  “Love you.” Dane sighed happily, feeling bliss dance down every nerve in her body, making her brain foggy as Nicole touched her with just the right amount of pressure. Her body hummed with a beautiful melody in time with Nicole’s attention.

  “I love you, too, my fiancée.” Nicole lightly bit her nipple and Dane groaned, ready to melt through the mattress from both the attention and the title. We’re engaged. She said yes. The thought intoxicated her, but Nicole had an even stronger buzz to offer.

  Nicole nipped and sucked at Dane’s flesh while her finger glided through Dane. Her fingers threaded through Nicole’s hair as she kissed her way down Dane’s body. At the first touch of Nicole’s tongue, Dane groaned, which blended into a content purr, her back arching off the bed. Nicole’s tongue was magic and light and all things wonderful.

  “You take such good care of me, Nick.” Dane squirmed against Nicole, seeking more, needing to feel Nicole in every inch of her.