“I hear ya.”
After the call ended, Jack reached for his guitar to work out a new riff. He thought about calling his first solo album, “Bewitched.”
His thoughts spun out as his fingers moved over the strings.
He’d need to do more than bewitch Sally back. No spells or links forged of lust. This time he meant to keep her. For good.
****
Sally, Carlos, and Abby left the private jet at Dulles in the late afternoon. When they walked from the secure area to the public concourse, a uniformed driver stood with a sign reading “Ford.”
“Dad delivered,” Carlos said.
She felt her stomach flip. One step closer to Jack.
They rode in silence, going directly to the auditorium. The chauffeur must have alerted Mitch to their arrival time because he waited for them.
He nodded. “Sally.”
She was surprised he spoke to her given her precipitate escape from the Charlotte hotel. Jack must not have told Mitch that she’d called it quits.
He escorted them through check-in to Jack’s dressing room, which stood empty. “Jack is with the band, but he’d like you to wait for him here. He’ll be back in a few.”
Carlos sank into the couch and checked his tablet. Abby nestled against his shoulder and closed her eyes. That left her with little to do but worry.
Had Jack really wanted her here in Washington, or was this her son’s attempt to push them together? She wouldn’t put it past Abby to stick in her two cents, either. Damn. She never should have agreed to make the trip.
Jack pushed open the door. “Hey, guys. Glad you’re here.”
He didn’t avoid her, but neither was his greeting hug overlong or too tight. Damn. She should have insisted on staying home.
“Want a bite to eat? The caterer Mitch hired knocked herself out with the food.”
She checked his aura and didn’t see anything out of the ordinary. She stood and moved toward the door. “I’m hungry. Come on, you two. You told me you haven’t eaten much today.”
Carlos waved his hand in a shooing motion. “Go ahead, Mom. I have to finish this e-mail to a vendor.”
Abby yawned. “Yeah, go ahead. I’ll stay with Carlos.”
She knew without checking auras that they were up to mischief. “Not a problem. I can wait and go in with you.”
Jack snorted. “Are you auditioning for a birth control gig? I think they want a few minutes alone.”
Abby put her hand over her mouth, her shoulders shaking.
“Oh, sure, fine. I’ll, um, okay, I’ll go on without you.” She would tell the kids what she thought of their matchmaking plans later.
She followed Jack out the door. When he moved closer, she backed herself into a corner. He put one arm on the wall above her head.
“I was hoping you’d wear that hot black number you had on in Charlotte.” His gaze raked her from head to toe. “But what you’ve got on works.”
She smoothed her hands down her skirt. Tonight she wore a purple velvet wrap skirt with a turquoise silk top and a multi-colored scarf that incorporated both colors. She’d pulled her hair up and used hair ornaments. Nothing about her outfit was overtly sexy, but Jack’s regard made her feel like Salome waiting to dance.
Sally looked him over. He looked particularly yummy dressed all in black. His pants clung to muscular thighs and tight ass. The shirt he wore emphasized his shoulders and played up his brown eyes. She could eat him up with a spoon. A tiny baby food spoon so the treat would last longer.
He licked his lips. His pupils darkened. “Glad you came tonight.”
“Thanks for sending the plane, but it wasn’t necessary. We could have flown commercial.” She inhaled. “But it was fun. I’ve never been on a private jet. Do you travel that way all the time?”
“Nah. We use a tricked out bus for shorter tours like this one. I enjoyed sending the plane, you know that, right?” His voice lowered. “I wanted to make sure you showed.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “These last tour dates have been hell.”
His scent surrounded her, confusing her thoughts. She finally managed a response. “Yeah, the media exposure has been brutal toward you.”
“Media? Shit, no. I’ve…never mind.” He ran a calloused fingertip over her cheekbone. “I’m sorry you had to handle the news people alone. I never meant for that to happen.”
She pushed her shoulders back. “It was my decision to leave, remember?”
His finger pressed against her lips. “Shh. Enough about my screw ups. Tonight is about the future.” He glanced over his shoulder at the bustle of the Rough Cuts crew. “Besides this isn’t the best place to talk. Let’s get something to eat and drink.”
He threw his arm over her shoulders and directed her to another room down the corridor.
They joined the rest of the band and their families. Sally filled a small plate with food but couldn’t choke any down. Jack’s heat surrounded her and once again, she found herself drawn into his orbit. Luckily, Carlos and Abby joined her along with Tony’s wife, Liz.
Liz clinked her glass against Sally’s. “To the tour’s end.”
“I’ll drink to that.” A glass of wine later, she could breathe freely again, though that might have had more to do with Jack standing across the room than having totally relaxed.
She and Liz stood together, watching the group’s camaraderie. Once again, Sally was struck by the easy energy flow between people. Jack had a family, a big one. Many of the people here tonight had been tight with him since the start. She understood Jack’s need to know Carlos, but where did she fit in? Did he, could he still love her after she’d blown him off? She couldn’t deny her feelings for her ex, but with Jack keeping his distance, she thought possibly she’d blown her final chance with him. Probably.
“You know,” Liz began, “Tony and I live at the beach for part of the year.”
“I wasn’t aware.” Was she going somewhere with this?
“Walking the beach keeps me sane when Tony’s writing. You have no idea how hearing the same limited number of chords repeated for three hours can drive me bananas.” She grinned. “So over the years, I’ve collected multiple jars of sea glass.”
“Lucky you. I haven’t been to the beach since I opened my store. I don’t often take vacations, though I do shorten my hours when school is out.”
“That’s too bad. I’d hoped you’d come to visit.”
“I’d like that,” Sally said.
“I’ll show you my favorite places to find sea glass.” Liz shifted closer. “The thing I like about sea glass is that garbage gets dumped into the ocean, but the water takes the pollution, polishes jagged edges smooth, and adds texture to man’s carelessness. And when the glass is returned, it’s beautiful. I never tire of the metaphor.”
“You mean when life’s sharp edges cut us, we can choose to smooth the path we face?”
Liz smiled. “That’s one way to look at it.”
“May I ask you a personal question?”
Liz nodded.
“Did you feel comfortable with Glynnis coming to see Cristal and the band over the years? She’s the kind of woman who, well I wouldn’t trust her. And what she did to Billy was cold.”
“Glynnis is a mess, no doubt about that.” Liz tilted her head. “But you know, we figured she wasn’t the one pouring booze down Billy’s throat. And Cristal is a gift. Things equal out over lifetimes, right?”
Her words struck a chord with Sally. She’d said basically the same thing to Jack. So why had she allowed her back to get up over Glynnis? The woman needed compassion, not anger.
“Yes, you’re right,” Sally said. “I feel like a fool for ignoring the basic principles of karma. Thanks for reminding me.”
Liz looked over Sally’s shoulder, smiled, and slipped off.
Sally felt Jack’s heat along her spine. He whispered in her ear.
“I’ve missed you, babe. Like one of my arms. Or my picking fingers.”
“I’ve missed you too.” She took a deep breath. “I thought about that. That I screwed up. Again.” She turned to face him. “Our timing sucks, doesn’t it?”
“The band’s big announcement about touring breaks tomorrow morning.”
She put her hand on his arm. “Jack, don’t you think you should wait until the Carlos story dies down?”
He shook his head. “No. Get the word out now and both stories will blow over faster.”
“I hope no one blames Carlos for your decision to stop touring.”
He put his fingers over her lips. “Reporters are in the room.”
She froze. “Damnation.”
“That’s why I’ve been making the rounds, to divert attention from you guys. After the show, you, Carlos, and Abby have me all to yourselves.” He waggled his eyebrows. “I hope you know what to do with me.”
A slow grin reached her lips. “I’ll think of something while you’re busy on stage.”
Mitch put his fingers between his lips and gave a shrill whistle. The Rough Cuts members began moving toward the door.
“Gotta run, babe. Can’t wait for later.” He kissed her cheek and sauntered off.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Sally, Carlos, and Abby joined other family members in the wings. Since adding “Eyes of Love” to their Charlotte show, the band had pulled out other old songs they hadn’t recently performed for succeeding dates, rehearsing each during sound checks and days off. The last set they’d play tonight would feature those tunes. Their set changes had sparked media questions. Fans grabbed the opportunity to turn each concert into a guessing game. Which “new” old song would the Cuts play that night?
Everyone’s questions would be answered the following morning. The knowledge made her jittery. She hoped Jack wouldn’t take heat for the decision, even though the band wives were happy their husbands were slowing down. They all knew that none of the guys would retire—the word wasn’t in their vocabulary. The Rough Cuts were and always had been a workhorse band. She fully expected Jack to go back out on the road within three years. That’s the way the band rolled. Plus, they had a fortieth anniversary as a band to celebrate, soon.
She didn’t know if she and Jack would be together at that point. Or even after tonight. She’d thought her life had been lived with courage, but he’d shown her the fear that had ruled her heart. A legacy of regret would be hers unless she took a leap of faith and trusted Jack. One more night together would be better than never feeling him inside her again.
Carlos pulled her into a two-step dance and bent to speak into her ear. “What’s wrong?”
“Wrong?” His question put her thoughts into sudden perspective. “Nothing, sweetie. Not now.” She smiled at him and swung him in Abby’s direction. Her choice? No more fear. Going after her wish wasn’t such a hard decision, after all.
Heart at ease she danced, throwing in a shimmy or two after catching Jack’s eye. She didn’t care who watched, that man would be hers.
When the last set rocked to a close, the band ran into the wings accompanied by the sound of roof-raising cheers and stomping feet. Jack’s chest heaved as he snagged a towel and water bottle.
“The last encore will be for you, babe.”
Tears welled. “Sweetie, I want you to know, I’ve changed my mind about sticking. If it’s not too late.”
Apprehension flashed across his face. He raised his eyebrows. “Not too late?”
“No matter what happens tomorrow, or even in thirty minutes, you top my hit parade. You always will.”
He pulled her against him, thrust his fingers into her hair, and planted his lips over hers. She heard Carlos whooping behind them.
Jack lifted his head and stepped back. “Damn, babe. I’m all sweaty. I think I ruined your blouse.”
He was right. Her silk blouse was damp in spots corresponding to his chest height. She grinned. “I’m thinking it’ll make a good souvenir of your last concert. If I go broke, I can sell the blouse on E-Bay. Will you autograph and date it for me?”
“Nope.” He lifted her chin. “This blouse is a keepsake for our grandkids.”
Tony slapped Jack on the back and spoke over his shoulder as he moved past. “Let’s go, man. Time to wrap this up.”
Jack gave her a quick kiss. “For luck, babe.”
She watched them move back onstage, her heart in her throat. Could be she hadn’t blown her chance after all.
****
The Rough Cuts had ended the night playing their first big hit, “Eyes of Love.” Now champagne flowed in the Green Room.
Jack rested his elbow on Tony’s shoulder and sipped bubbly, though he’d prefer beer. Normally, everyone scattered for home as soon as the last encore faded. Tonight, their crew stuck together, discussing the evening’s highlights. He appreciated the private time. Even though they’d stay in touch, always in closer contact than many families, the scene held poignancy they wouldn’t admit feeling.
His eyes narrowed. Someone had admitted two reporters, who chose the opportunity of finding the band together to interrupt. One of the men, tall and thin with greased-back hair and heavy black-rimmed glasses tapped Jack on the shoulder.
“Jack, we’ve just heard that tonight was your last concert. Care to make a statement?”
“Not really. We’re having a private minute, here.” He scanned the room. “Mitch is in the corner.” He pointed. “Talk to him.”
“Are you having a private moment because this was your last concert? Are you all quitting the music industry?”
Already keyed up, Jack’s hands fisted. “I don’t think you heard me. I’m not talking, but Mitch is.” He turned his back on the reporter.
Who didn’t take the hint. “We’ve heard your first ex-wife has asked you to stop touring. Is that right? Are you getting back with her?”
“You’ve got your facts wrong, and this is your business, why?” Jack exhaled through his nose. “Look, you’re blowing my high. If you don’t get lost, I’ll ask Security to lose you for me.”
“So the rumor is true? You’re quitting music at the request of your secret family? You feeling guilty for leaving them behind all those years ago?”
Jack made a sudden move, but Tony had a hand on his shoulder before he could deliver the physical reply he wanted to give. He settled for a glare. “Get. Lost.” He narrowed his eyes. “Got it?”
The reporters backed off looking nervous. “Yeah, got it.” They located Mitch and headed in his direction.
“You know you gave him a story,” Tony said.
“Fuck me, yeah.” He checked Sally’s location and saw she was standing with Liz and Abby. He knew he’d have to tell her what happened. Disheartened, he turned back to his buddies. “We had a hell of a show tonight.”
“We had a hell of a tour,” Dougie, the bassist, said.
The men nodded and smiled at each other.
“I’d say let’s do it again next year,” Jack said, “but you know I’d be lying.”
They laughed and made plans to gather over the holidays. Jack joined Sally, who was now flanked by Carlos and Abby. He put his arm around her. “Ready to go?”
“You betcha,” she said. She went up on tiptoe and whispered in his ear. “I’ve figured out what I want to do with you.”
When he was younger, those words, in that voice, would have given him an instant boner. As it was, he had a respectable start. He steered them toward the door and into a flash of cameras. He held up his hand. “Tour is over, guys. Give us a break, hey?”
Sally placed her hand in the middle of his back, and her touch helped him recover the calm that had slipped. He drew her under his arm.
“I’m beat. Want to kick back at the hotel.” He flashed his trademark grin. “Us old farts need our sleep. Can’t play those two hour plus shows and party all night anymore.”
A young man clad in mostly black leather said, “We’ll be quick, Jack. We’re wondering why you played nothing but old songs in your second set ton
ight, in a departure from every previous tour. Social media posts are running wild.”
“Other people’s speculation is not my problem,” he answered.
A short, scruffy man called out next. “Yeah, and you didn’t start playing old hits until the Charlotte date, halfway through your schedule. Word is you’re giving up music and settling in the sticks.”
“Told you, man, I just want to lay out at the hotel. Sooner than later.”
A woman’s voice chimed. “Did your first wife put a spell on you, Jack? That’s her next to you, right? I heard she sells voodoo dolls in that witchcraft store she owns.”
“If she can get someone like Jack, I’ll buy a dozen kits,” a second woman yelled.
Sally’s muscles tightened under his hand. Before he could take a breath to reply, her voice sounded over the melee.
“Now, hush. Shame on all y’all. Jack and the rest of the band shared their souls with you tonight. They played their hearts out, and you stand out here wanting another piece of him. He’s being polite and answering your questions when any fool with half a brain can see he’s exhausted. Oh, wait. I forgot my audience. Now, shoo. It’s past time we were away.” She waved her hand as if conducting an orchestra. “Clear us a path, why don’t you. Thank you, kindly.”
Two of the reporters drew back, and Sally pushed him in their direction as security guards arrived to help escort them out.
He bent to her ear level, ignoring the cameras flashing behind them. “Thank you, kindly? What were you doing? Channeling a Southern belle?”
“I can put on the Scarlett when required,” she said.
I’ve never called you Red because you told me you’d feed me my balls if I did, but I’m reconsidering whether I need my testicles now that I’ve seen your Scarlettness.”
She arched a brow. “Scarlettness? You don’t want to go there. Besides, I like your testicles right where they are. For now.” She winked.
The partial hard-on that had faded when they ran into the reporters returned with a vengeance. Damn. How’d he ever lived without her? Would she still be willing to join her life with his now that reporters dogged their steps?
Déjà Vu All Over Again Page 20
