by Seven Steps
Cassie frowned. Translation: the ghetto.
“Paris.”
“Really? What were you doing in Paris, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“I’m an on-staff nurse for Noah LaRock’s world tour.”
“That must’ve been fun.” The woman picked up the other hand, began her furious filing again. “So you’re the nurse here. Okay, now it all makes sense. You know, I was a little confused for a minute, but now I see.”
The woman smiled up at Cassie, relief swimming in her eyes. “You know, you have an excellent boss, let me tell you.” She looked down again, placing one of Cassie’s hands in a bowl of warm water while she began to clip her cuticles. “Most men give their staff a bottle of wine, or a card for appreciation days, but you, you got a very expensive mani-pedi.” She shook her head. “I wish my boss treated me that way. The last thing that he gave me was an earful because I was late to a client appointment.” She chuckled shortly.
Cassie swallowed, glued her eyes to the pool. She knew that if she looked at Sarah again, she would say something very unkind, and Cassie always strove to be kind.
Sarah continued to yammer and chatter about bosses and customers as Cassie kept silent. Was it so hard for this woman to imagine that Noah and she were, well, she wasn’t sure, but he had kissed her, many times. He had held her hand, hugged her, lay in bed with her at night. That had to mean something, didn’t it? He wouldn’t look at her like she was his world if he didn’t want more from her, would he?
What did Noah think they were?
What did Cassie want them to be?
The thought troubled her. She felt the woman pulling her flip-flops off her feet. Felt her drag over a small foot bath.
“So, how long have you worked for Mr. LaRock?” Sarah asked, interrupting Cassie’s thoughts.
“Just this summer.”
“Really? And he treats you like this? You must be one great nurse.”
I don’t want to be his nurse, Cassie thought. I want to be his.
Her heart pounded at the thought, and she placed her hand over her chest to calm it.
Although her mind struggled to understand, her heart knew what she was saying was true. She wanted Noah to be hers, and hers alone. She wanted to watch sunrises and sunsets with him, to swim in lakes, and sit before campfires, and to fall asleep wrapped up in his arms until the end of time.
I want to be his.
She felt like she’d been struck by lightning. Her eyes moved around the room, anxious to find her phone.
I should text him, or call him. I need to tell him. No, I’ll wait until tonight.
Sarah scrubbed Cassie’s feet, then set them out on a towel. After drying them, she began the filing and cutting again.
“So, how long are you staying?” Sarah’s voice was breathy with exertion.
“I’m not sure. A long time.”
Hopefully.
The woman nodded. “Well, good luck to you. I’m sure you appreciate the opportunity. It must’ve been so hard for you growing up and now look at you, in this big house with a great job. You and your family should be so proud.”
Opportunity? Hard growing up? Now this woman had gone too far.
“I’m not just his nurse.”
The woman’s hand froze mid click of the nail clipper.
“I’m his girlfriend.”
She felt Sarah’s hand shake, her eyes staying down.
“Girlfriend. Really?”
“Yes. This isn’t some staff appreciation gift. I’m going to the Grammys with him tonight, and he wants me to look my very best.”
The woman quickly finished clipping, and painted on some clear nail polish.
Her voice was tight when she spoke up again. “Oh, I’m sorry. I just assumed—”
“Yes. You just assumed that because of my skin, I must be part of the staff, right?”
The woman’s eyes shot up. “That’s not what I said.”
“But that’s what you meant.” She stood, purposefully sloshing the water in the foot bath so it spilled on the floor.
“I think that I’m all done here. Thank you. I’m sure that Noah LaRock will pay you at his leisure. Now get out. I’m sure that we won’t be doing business with you again.”
She whipped around and marched up the stairs as if she’d done it a thousand times before.
Sarah Meyers would not be getting a tip from her today.
Chapter 32
Noah
Noah knocked on the sun faded wooden door. The August heat was punishing, and he flapped his shirt to keep it from sticking to him.
The door opened, and a short, blonde-haired woman opened it.
The wrinkles around her eyes deepened as she frowned at him.
Her Spanish accent was thick. “Noah.”
She stood like a wall in the doorway.
“Madrina.”
“Don’t madrina me. Why are you here while my son rots in a French jail?”
“You heard about that, huh?”
“You think Dondo doesn’t call me?”
“I know he does. I came here to explain. Can I come in?”
“You don’t need to explain. When is my son getting out of prison?” she demanded.
“In a few days. As soon as the DNA test comes back.”
“A few days.” She muttered something in Spanish. “I knew it. I knew that hanging around with you would get him into trouble. You with all of those loose girls, the money, the cars…” Her eyes watered. “I knew it wasn’t the life for him. He should have gone to school. He should have made something of himself.”
“Madrina—”
“My son is not a murderer!”
“I know. Look, can I come in? We can talk.”
“No, I don’t want you in my house. You are not welcome in here until Dondo is released.”
“I give you my word, I will get him out.”
Her lips squeezed into a line. Her water logged eyes softened, and she stood back to allow him into the small home.
As soon as Noah could afford it, he’d moved Dondo and his mother to this quiet LA neighborhood. After all, it was Dondo and his madrina—godmother—who had been there for him when his parents died. The least he could do was see that they lived in comfort.
The inside of Maria Rodriguez’s house was dark, all of the curtains pulled shut. The air conditioner was on full blast, cooling him. It smelled of spices and cooking chicken.
Small glass figures of various saints sat on shelves along the walls, amidst paintings of dogs playing poker. The couches were covered in plastic. In the corner, an old record player collected dust, a stack of vinyl albums next to it.
It looks just like her old apartment, Noah thought. He found some comfort in the familiar surroundings. Visions of Dondo and him running through the house, jumping on the sofas while his madrina shooed them back outside with a broom. He remembered flavorful dinners and warm hugs.
“It looks just like your old house,” Noah said.
“I want my son back.”
“I will get your son back.”
She watched him as he sat on one of the couches, the plastic squeaking as he sunk into it.
“I’m mad with you, Noah.”
“I know, madrina, but I’m trying to help him.”
She paused, her mouth turned down into a disapproving frown. After a few moments, she sighed.
“Did you eat?”
“I was hoping for one of your special dinners.”
She scoffed, muttered again in Spanish as she shuffled into the kitchen.
He sat in silence, breathing in all of the memories that Dondo and he shared together. Though madrina didn’t believe him, he wanted Dondo back just as much as she did. He missed their banter, their friendship. Without Dondo, things seemed a little dimmer.
She placed a plate on his lap, and he ate the chicken, rice, and bean dish hungrily.
“What have you been up to, Noah? Still singing?”
“Still singing,” h
e said between mouthfuls.
“Good. Keep singing. No one has a voice like you. God put the music in your heart. It’s a gift.”
They talked for the next hour, mostly about Dondo, Noah’s travels, and Maria’s health. Finally, she said something in Spanish and smiled at him.
“When will you give me god babies?” she asked.
A picture of Cassie flashed through his mind, and he buried his face in his plate.
“I don’t know,” he said. “I’m still so young.”
“Who is the girl who is making you blush, eh?”
I can’t hide anything from her.
“Her name is Cas, uh, Cassie.”
“Have I met this girl?”
“No. It’s no one from the old neighborhood.”
“Oh, too bad. Is it a pretty girl?”
“Beautiful.”
“And smart, funny?”
He nodded.
“All of the things that I want for my little gauchito.” She reached over and pinched his cheek.
He grinned, handed her the plate.
“And you still have your appetite, I see. I hope this girl can cook.”
He shook his head. He would have to remember to ask her.
He stood. “Well, I have to go, madrina.”
“Are you going to be on the music show tonight?”
He nodded. “Yes. Will you root for me?”
“I will be the proudest madrina there ever was.”
She reached up, hugged him, and kissed his forehead.
“You take care of my Dondo,” she said.
“I will. I promise.”
“And bring your girlfriend over sometime, eh. I want to meet the girl who has stolen your heart.”
Noah paused, plastering a smile on his face.
Cassie would be going back at the end of the week. She wouldn’t get to meet Maria, or anyone else. He turned toward the door so his madrina wouldn’t see the sadness clouding his eyes.
With one last goodbye, he left his godmother and walked back to the car.
Chapter 33
Cassie
“I’m sorry, but I was given specific instructions by Mr. LaRock.” The makeup artist was the third person to tell Cassie this.
First, it was the wardrobe girl, insisting that she wear a green silk dress with gold piping instead of the black dress that had caught her eye.
Then, it was the hair stylist, insisting that Mr. LaRock would prefer that she wore her hair in its natural, curly state instead of straightening it.
Now, it was the makeup artist, who informed her that no lipstick would be applied to her lips before he arrived. After Cassie told the man that Noah had come back an hour ago, he clarified that Mr. LaRock wanted to see her before her makeup was finished.
She rolled her eyes, her temper rising fast.
Who did Noah think he was? Why couldn’t she wear what she wanted? After all, no one was going to see her. She was sure that Noah would sneak her through the back and she’d watch the proceedings from the general audience. What did he care what she looked like?
When he came downstairs, pulling on his cuffs, she was momentarily struck by his handsomeness. His brown hair was slicked back, and his stubble was nicely shaped. His dark blue suit and white shirt were tailor made for him, highlighting his thickly muscled arms and legs.
He spied her as he approached the bottom of the stairs. Their gazes met, devoured. He seemed to be in slow motion as he walked toward her.
“You look perfect,” he said. “Like a goddess.”
She blushed.
“You look quite handsome yourself.”
He came closer, wrapped his arms around her.
“No lipstick?” he asked.
She shook her head, reminded herself how angry she’d been with him before. “No lipstick.”
She was just about to give him a piece of her mind when he covered her lips with his. He kissed her slowly, allowing the time to stretch as he leisurely explored her mouth.
Her brain counted to five, cursing every second that brought them closer to the kiss’s end.
He pulled away and turned to the makeup artist, his voice tight, his eyes heavy, while she panted in his arms.
“Now, you can put on her lipstick.”
She closed her mouth with an audible click, and watched him turn away and walk toward the limo.
“Giiirrrlll,” the man said, flipping his long black hair behind his head. “Noah LaRock has a thing for you.”
Her cheeks turned to flame. Suddenly the room felt very warm. She put her fingertips to her lips, still feeling him there.
“You’d better bag him up and quick.”
She felt like she was on a delay. She shook the fog from her head, turned back to the makeup artist.
“I, uh, I can’t,” she said, sitting slowly in the chair. “I’m going back to school.”
“School my foot. You have Noah LaRock. That is all the schooling you need.”
Noah jogged back into the house, his black shoes clicking against the kitchen tile. He had flames painted onto the toes.
“You ready, sweets? I don’t want to be late.”
“One more second, Mr. LaRock,” the makeup artist said, dabbing a bit more color on Cassie’s still buzzing lips.
“Okay, she’s all done.” He stood back to admire his work.
Noah stood next to him.
“Mr. LaRock, she is gorgeous.”
“I know.” He grinned. “And she’s all mine.”
Cassie’s breath caught in her throat.
He held out an arm to her, keeping his gaze trained on her eyes.
She was sure she would faint.
Somehow, she made it to his arm, leaned on it for strength.
“You look smitten.” He grinned.
Her mind screamed at her to tease him back, but he was so close. Her heart pounded in her chest as she struggled to breathe.
“Whomever made you look like that is one lucky guy. One lucky guy indeed.”
He handed her over the kitchen threshold and into the carport, where the limo awaited them. The same driver as before was in the front seat.
He jumped out when he saw them, held the door opened.
Cassie turned to the man who stood behind her. The man who had stolen her heart without her even realizing it. The man who made her soul sing. They only had a few days left. The thought made her body ache. Only a few days left.
“Noah, there is something that I want to say, but, I don’t know if it’s the right time.”
“Okay.”
His blue gaze was intense, zeroing in on her.
Just say it, she thought. You only have a few days left. Just say it. Speak your truth.
“Noah, I love you.”
He froze.
The world stopped.
There was only him.
There was only her.
The moment stretched as she waited for his answer.
He pulled her close, kissing her hard, ruining her lipstick.
He pulled away, their panting like a percussion in the night. “I love you too,” he said. “I don’t know when it happened or where. But I love you too.”
She shook her head, leaning on the limo for support.
She loved him.
He loved her.
She was leaving.
She wanted to sink into the floor in sorrow and rise to the clouds in joy.
“What are we going to do?” she asked. “I’m leaving.”
Her eyes watered, her breath came in short gasps. There was only one thought on her mind.
I can’t leave him. But I’m leaving. But I can’t leave him.
“I don’t know, sweets.” Noah’s voice was soft.
The limo driver cleared his throat, his eyes darting to his watch.
Cassie frowned at him and turned her attention back to Noah. He nodded, waved her into the limo.
They had a ceremony to attend.
Chapter 34
They ro
de in heavy silence. Though they didn’t speak, their fingers never unclasped.
Finally, they joined the long line of limos, each carrying the greatest artists of their time to the red carpet. With each passing moment it became increasingly apparent that she would not be entering the Grammys through the back door as she’d hoped.
Cassie felt like she was going to vomit.
“Are you nervous?” Noah asked, gripping her hand tightly.
Her eyes were glued to the flashing lights outside of the window as the limo crept closer.
“A little.”
“Don’t worry.” She felt him slide over and place a tender kiss on her shoulder. “Cas, look at me.”
She swung her gaze to him, his cool blue eyes comforting her.
“Don’t worry. It’s ten, fifteen minutes at the most. Just follow my lead, okay.”
“What if somebody asks me something?”
He shrugged. “Then answer.”
“What if they ask me who am I? What I’m doing there? What do I say?”
“Tell them the truth.”
“The truth?” Her voice rose to a squeak.
He put his forehead to hers, place a hand on her hip. “Just breathe,” he said. “It will be fine. You will be fine. Just do what you think is right.”
“Mr. LaRock,” the driver called. “Are you ready?”
Noah raised her chin, smiled at her.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
She felt her stomach flip. “I don’t know.”
“It’s okay. You’ll be okay.”
He turned back to the driver. “We’re ready.”
The driver disappeared from the front of the limo, and reappeared on Cassie’s side of the car. The door clicked. It opened. Lights flashed. Fans screamed. Reporters stood in a long line, waiting for their chance to talk to The Rock King.
“Just breathe,” Noah whispered, handing her out of the car. “Just breathe.”
He held onto her hand tightly as they walked over the red carpet and through the cheers and cries of the Rocktards in the crowd.
The first reporter in the line, an older blonde woman in a tight red dress and sparkling jewels, approached them.
“Noah LaRock!” she exclaimed, handing him her hand to squeeze.
