Unexpected Encounter (Singleton)

by Taige Crenshaw

  “Why are you all here?” Driscoll’s words made her look at him, and he pulled her close, slinging an arm over her shoulder.

  “No need to be so rude.” Lila pinched him in the side.

  Driscoll rolled his eyes. “I’m rude because knowing Aida and Irene, being the meddling woman they are, they told them you were in here. Then Stuart rallied them to come check you out.”

  Lila glanced at Stuart, surprised. He smirked and inclined his head.

  “Why?”

  “Because he is an ass,” Driscoll said dryly.

  “Because Stuart wanted to show these”—Stuart said pointing to himself before gesturing to the rest of the band—“jerk-offs that I didn’t imagine you. Driscoll rarely dates and they thought I was imagining it.”

  “Seeing as you always tell tall tales, it’s no wonder,” a woman said from the doorway.

  Lila recognized another living member of the band who appeared on stage as well as the sister of the sax player who played the synthesizer for the group. She strolled in then greeted her as her sister had, but paused and stared at her. Lila returned the look with one of her own.

  The woman grinned then chuckled. “Welcome to Eccentricville.”

  The group echoed her sentiment. Then they started talking about the show and what they would be doing. Lila wasn’t sure what had happened but just leaned against Driscoll and absently listened.

  “There is a party going on and I wasn’t invited.” Bella breezed in and put her hands on her hips. Behind her, Lila recognized Morgan James who worked as a fire investigator at Delko Street Firehouse. They waved at each other.

  The sound increased as more of Bella’s band members came in, as well as crew for Driscoll’s and Bella’s bands. Driscoll introduced her and the whole time he kept his arm over her shoulder and her close.

  “Time to go on stage, folks,” someone she couldn’t see called.

  The crew and others started to disperse. The bands headed to the door.

  Bella, with Morgan standing behind her on Driscoll’s other side, strolled with them as they went into the hall. The space was crowded and people milled around talking. Lila wondered what they were waiting for. Stuart put his fingers in his mouth and let out a loud whistle. The din quieted and Driscoll squeezed Lila before he released her and went into the center of the group, followed by Bella. The duo stopped then linked hands.

  “It’s been a while since we had a full concert like this with Bella’s crew.” Driscoll glanced around at everyone. “The last time it was everyone with us. I’m saddened that we’re missing many of our own.”

  The crew nodded and some wiped their eyes.

  Driscoll cleared his throat. “But I know they are up there and will be grooving with us and doing what they do beside us. Bella will lead us in our usual ritual of prayer then I’ll pick a song to get us started.” He bowed his head.

  Lila lowered hers. Bella said a prayer then when Lila lifted her head she was in time to see Driscoll raise his head then belt out the opening words for Amazing Grace.

  Lila’s breath caught at the beauty of his voice. She’d heard it many times but this close, she was overwhelmed. Bella joined in then slowly the rest of the band and crew. Lila added her voice and she fought not to cry as she watched them all. Soon the song was done and the people went on to do their duties.

  Driscoll came to her and kissed her gently before rubbing her cheek. “Come on.”

  He led her to the stage wings and Lila could hear the crowd chanting his name as well as Bella’s. Driscoll turned her to him. “Irene will take you to your seat. Gotta go to work.” He kissed her again then stepped away.

  “This way,” Irene said.

  Lila followed her, glancing back at Driscoll. His band was crowded around him and he was talking with them.

  “He’s hyping them up. Not that they need it,” Irene said.

  She stepped back and Lila sat in an empty chair in the front row beside Aja. Lila looked back and waved at the group there, knowing many of them through Spencer. Her eyes widened as she spotted the mayor. He inclined his head and smiled. She’d never met him one-on-one and had no idea if he knew who she was, but she returned the greeting. She focused on the front and noticed they were just off stage with a curtain open, but they were shaded from view of the audience. The light dimmed a few times and the audience noise subsided. Finally the stage went dark and no sound could be heard.

  “Give yourself to my keeping.” Driscoll’s voice rose in the darkness. “No one can fulfill”— The lights flashed on, illuminating him. He moved across the stage with the light following him— “Your urges like I can.”

  He rolled his hips in a move that made Lila’s pulse race. He was sexual temptation personified.

  “Fill me and make me yours.” Bella added her voice as the lights included her. She slid her hand into Driscoll’s and he pulled her into him. Bella lifted her leg and the spilt of her dress showcased her calf as she placed it around Driscoll’s upper thigh. They swayed in place, looking into each other’s eyes and singing.

  Lila sat forward, captured by their chemistry and the familiarity as they moved together like lovers.

  “I wonder if they were ever actually lovers,” Aja whispered.

  “No,” Lila said as a man with a deep voice did the same behind her. She looked to her left at Morgan who had a smile on his lips.

  “How’d you know they weren’t? Did Driscoll tell you?”

  Bella and Driscoll continued to perform and she absently listened to them as she talked with Morgan.

  “No he didn’t. He as well as she has denied it in the media.” Lila shrugged. “They would have lost nothing to admit it if they had. People love the idea of them together and if they had said they did, it might have increased their sales. So why deny it? I think they did because it was not true.”

  “Yes. You thought about it different than I did.” He smiled wryly. “I believed what the media and fans said.”

  “Can’t believe everything you read in the media.”

  “I know that now,” Morgan said.

  “How long have you and Bella been dating?” Lila leaned closer to ask.

  “A few months until I was an ass.” He smiled again, but there was regret in it. “But she took me back. How about you and Driscoll?”

  “We only had one official date.”

  “Really,” Morgan muttered. “I better get that other T-shirt made up.”

  “What other T-shirt?”

  “Just a shirt that is an opposite to something Driscoll said about love.”

  When he didn’t say anything further, Lila, curious about what it was, opened her mouth to ask.

  “Look at me.”

  The intensity of Driscoll’s words made Lila’s head snap around. She gulped as she saw he was staring at her while dancing and singing with Bella.

  “See me laid bare for you to take.” Driscoll kept his gaze locked on hers as he rolled his body against Bella’s.

  Lila swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry. He continued performing yet kept her in his sights. When the song was complete, he finally looked away. Lila put her hand over her chest and blew out a breath.

  “Intense,” Aja said hoarsely. “You lucky heifer.” She pushed at her arm. “You’re actually dating him.”

  “Yeah,” was all Lila could say.

  As the concert continued, she was captured often in his gaze. Lila smiled, knowing he was seducing her sexually but also in her mind. The lyrics of the songs were powerful as well as thought-provoking. With the group around her and the audience, Lila stood screaming as they performed. Bella sang solo many times and Driscoll did too. She yelled the lyrics along with them, knowing their songs. Lila danced by her seat, laughing as Aja and the others around her also grooved. On the stage, Bella and Driscoll were again together as they slid against each other.

  “Live for me, my prince. Feel for your diva lover.” Bella stroked her hand down the side of his face.

  “Toget
her we are stronger.” Driscoll leaned close until he almost kissed her while they sang together, blending their voices in melody.

  They were locked in each other’s gaze then suddenly they turned and looked out at the audience.

  “My diva lover and her prince.”

  Driscoll glanced at Lila and winked. She blew him a kiss before chuckling. The lights went down and the stage went dark. The sounds of drums kept playing and Lila was impressed as she usually was with Stuart’s talent.

  The lights came up slowly and the stage was empty except for Stuart on the drums. The mayor walked onto the stage. Lila glanced toward his chair—she hadn’t seen him leave. She looked back at the stage as the mayor thanked everyone for coming and discussed why they’d had the benefit concert. He gave people numbers to call if they wanted to help further by donating time to help with rebuilding for families who had lost their homes. Stuart kept up a steady drumming as he spoke.

  “Whew, am I wiped,” Driscoll said beside them.

  Lila glanced at him. He was sweat-soaked and grinning.

  “We’re getting too old for this.” Bella was pressed against him, laughing. “I prefer when I perform at my club. Not as much preparation for it and so much…” She gestured with her hand.

  Morgan rose and grabbed her hand, pulling her from Driscoll. “We just have to go to this party then we can go home, right?”

  “Yep.” Bella kissed him briefly. “Come help me change.”

  The look she gave him made Lila suspect there would be more than changing going on.

  Driscoll held out his hand and Lila rose. She told her friends bye then followed him.

  “Come help me change.” Driscoll smirked.

  “Nope. You can get dressed all by yourself.” Lila pursed her lips. “Mama didn’t raise no fool. I’m not falling for that.”

  “Shucks, I need to work on my delivery. You didn’t even hesitate to tell me no.” Driscoll kissed her softly as they stopped in front of his dressing room door. “Thankfully things will get back to normal after this concert and this party. I can go back to my quiet life.”

  “Normal. Somehow I don’t think of that word when I think of you.” Lila didn’t believe for a moment Driscoll knew what normal was.

  “I’m as normal as the next person.” Driscoll frowned. “I work, have fun and enjoy living. Isn’t that what anyone does?”

  “Yes.” Lila didn’t push the subject.

  “I’ll be right back.” He went into his dressing room.

  Lila leaned on the wall and waited for him. Driscoll was an adventure and she was looking forward to seeing where he led.

  * * * *

  A week later, Lila grabbed a beer then found a seat on one of the benches they’d set up for the bonfire. She took a sip, recalling the day they’d had. The dune buggy riding had started at Bella’s place and the good-natured heckling had been funny. Lila had wondered why they hadn’t used the lake that was on the property for the bonfire, but Driscoll had explained that although they had lakes all over the area by the homes they’d figured they would have the get-together where they ended the race. When they’d set off, people had been racing to see who would win. The joking had continued since they had helmets allowing them to talk to each other. They had used a trail that led from the Locke property to the public beach. By the time they’d ended the race and winners had been announced, Lila hadn’t laughed so much in a long time.

  “Smirking over being one of the winners?” Driscoll plopped down beside her.

  “I have skills.” Lila put her hand on his thigh. “Aja too.”

  She chuckled. She, Aja and a few others had won the race, tying as they came in together. The group who had set things up hadn’t planned on multiple winners, but they stated each winner would get a prize. The second runner-ups had also gotten a prize. They had swum before eating then had been hanging out since.

  “I’m so full,” Driscoll groaned, rubbing his belly. “But I want dessert. When are we doing the s’mores?” he called out.

  “Soon,” Bella yelled back.

  Driscoll leaned closer to Lila. “Are you having a good time?”

  “Yes.” Lila glanced around at the large group of people.

  So far it had indeed been a normal get-together. Folks having a good time and acting crazy. Teasing, fun and just chilling out with each other. It had been interesting watching the dynamics between everyone. The gathering was big yet she’d gotten to talk with everyone and they had gone out of their way to make her and Aja feel included. There were many famous faces in the crowd, but they seemed like regular people.

  “Then why are you frowning?” Driscoll ran his finger between her eyebrows.

  “Oh, I didn’t realize I was.” Lila lifted her bottle before sipping again. “I just thought things would be…” She didn’t even know how to explain.

  “What? Because a few of us have been on TV, stage or other venues, you expected us to not be human?” Driscoll clicked his tongue. “We do put on our pants one leg at a time.”

  “I know,” Lila said, then, “I’m going to have to get used to it. Seeing all of you like this and on stage is a little disconcerting.”

  “I’m retired. The concert was a rare thing. From time to time, I do perform here and there but nothing like that. I’m just a songwriter hoping folks will want my stuff.” Driscoll smoothed his finger over her nose. “I’m sitting here with a sexy lady who hasn’t even noticed I changed. I should be offended, since I made sure to bring another T-shirt to change into since she said she liked them so much.”

  Lila glanced at his T-shirt, which read I’m an enigma wrapped in a spiky wrapping that is just nasty. She glanced at Driscoll. “Do I even want to know the story behind why you said that?”

  “Since I have no idea what it is—nope.” He winked then nuzzled into her neck. “Can you come over tomorrow?”

  “Sure.”

  “I’ll feed you.”

  “Yummy. You keep feeding me so well and you’ll never get rid of me.” Lila stretched her legs out.

  “Maybe that’s the plan.” Driscoll slung his arm over her shoulders then put his fingers by the comb in her hair.

  The strumming of a guitar captured her attention. Spencer stroked the cords and started to sing softly. Surprised, Lila listened to his deep baritone.

  “I see it runs in the family,” Lila whispered.

  “He loves music but healing others was his calling.” Driscoll rose and held out his hand. “Dance with me.”

  “If you dance the way you do on stage, I won’t be responsible for my actions.” Lila put down her bottle then slid her palm into his.

  Driscoll pulled her up. “I dance even better off stage.” He placed his hands around her, bringing her close.

  People rose around them and started to dance—some pairing off and others in groups. Driscoll held her, moving with her slowly. Lila sighed, resting the side of her face on his shoulder. The scent of sweat and man filled her senses. The strength in his arms as he danced with her made Lila feel cherished and special.

  What do you do to me, Driscoll? There is so much more beneath your exterior that I want to explore. She lifted her head and he leaned down and kissed her gently. Lila opened, sucking in his tongue and moaning as he tightened his arms around her. Moving with him, Lila heard others joining Spencer as he sang. In Driscoll’s arms she snuggled against him, enjoying being with him. Every time they were together, it got better and better.

  * * * *

  Lila yawned widely as she trudged into her house. She let her bag drop on the entryway table then toed off her heels. Rubbing her hand at the back of her neck, she rolled her shoulders then thought of going to turn on the lights, but she didn’t have the energy to. The last few weeks had been more hectic than usual at work. The summer months were usually busy. People got adventurous, which could create dangerous situations where some didn’t make it. The other seasons had their own things that came up like winter and snow where people drove like
maniacs, which caused accidents. She’d become used to being busy but this summer had been crazier than any before, with injuries that had resulted in casualties. Lila rested against the wall by the door, yawning again. This week had been especially bad since she had a few people on vacation, making the team she worked with—already stretched thin—work even harder. They were understaffed because of budgets, but hopefully that would be rectified soon. In about six weeks, at the end of September, she had a meeting to pitch her budget to get more funding to hire some new people.

  Her thoughts turned to Driscoll as they usually did and she smiled. Over the last few weeks, she’d spent as much time as she could with him. They had done many activities and she’d kept going by after work for dinner as she had from the beginning. They’d also called, texted and emailed each other often throughout each day, but it was dinner time when she saw him that she couldn’t wait for, so she could be with him. Her smile slowly faded. This week they had communicated, but she hadn’t seen him at all—she’d had to miss going by to dinner at his house. Today she’d been tempted but being as tired as she was, she wouldn’t be good company.

  “Tomorrow I’ll see him. Thank God, I have the day off and with some of the staff back, I hopefully won’t be called in.” Lila rubbed her hand over her face. “And I really need to stop talking to myself. I need company that can talk back to me.”

  The sound of the doorbell made her jump. Frowning, she turned, not sure who it could be. She checked the peephole and her heart raced as she opened the door.

  “Driscoll,” she said.

  “Hey.” He stepped close, holding a bag. Driscoll brushed his finger over the side of her cheek. “You look tired.”

  “Hmmm…” She turned into his touch.

  “I won’t stay long, I just wanted to see you.” He kissed her softly.