Rookie

by JL Paul

  But the tranquility wasn’t meant to be. After a short while, Rob snuck back into her thoughts. Rob with a tall, slim, willowy blonde who Sidney envisioned to be Melanie. In her mind, the handsome couple held hands while strolling on that faraway beach, pausing every few steps to kiss as the gulls flew overhead. Waves slapped gently as their bare feet sank into the bleached sand.

  “Son of a bitch,” she groaned. Holding her breath, she sank further under the bubbles until only the top of her head was visible. But she could only stay there for so long. Emerging, she wiped the bubbles off her face and opened her eyes. “So much for a bath.”

  Climbing out of the tub, she wrapped up in a towel and wiped the mist from the mirror. Staring at her reflection, she wondered what she was going to do about her growing feelings for Rob.

  “This has to stop, Sidney,” she said, frowning at the woman in the mirror. “You have to nip it in the bud. You cannot allow it to continue.”

  Disgusted, she dried her body and slipped into a pair of shorts and an old t-shirt. After draining the tub, she brushed her teeth and retired for the night. Lying in her bed, she fought thoughts of Rob but gave up eventually. It was no use – no matter what, he was there.

  “I’ll get over it,” she said, rolling to her side. “It’s just a little crush, that’s all. Easy. I’ve gone through worse and got over that. I can master this.”

  With those optimistic thoughts floating in her head, she drifted off to sleep.

  Five

  “How much longer?” Rob asked, drumming his fingers on the desk while Sidney rechecked her figures.

  “Just give me a second,” she said, growing impatient with his dark mood. A meeting with investors had him on edge. His claim that he didn’t like to deal with ‘suits’ coupled with the fact that he was desperate to get into the studio to start recording put him on edge and made it near impossible to work with him.

  “Okay,” he said as he stood to pace. He glanced at his watch. “But they’re supposed to be here in twenty minutes.”

  “It won’t take that long,” Sidney said as she began printing reports. His pacing seemed to increase with every page that the printer spit.

  Just as he began collecting the papers, his intercom buzzed.

  “What now?” he growled as he jabbed a button. “What?”

  “Is Sidney in your office?” Leslie asked, oblivious to Rob’s barked greeting.

  “Yes,” Rob said, shooting a dark look at Sidney.

  “She has a long distance call on line two.”

  Startled, Sidney picked up the handset and pushed a flashing button, all the while, very aware of Rob’s glowering face.

  “Hello?” she asked.

  “Sidney,” Grant growled. “What the hell? Why haven’t you called me back?”

  Sidney’s heart skipped a beat and skidded as she chanced a frightened look at Rob. “This is not a good time, Grant. I’m working.”

  “I know you’re working,” he said. “Everyone around here knows you landed that cool job in LA. Stop gloating.”

  “I’m not,” she said, keeping her voice low. Rob turned away to collect the rest of his report. “Look, I’ll call you later, okay? I have to work right now.”

  “You won’t call,” Grant said, his voice growing louder. “You haven’t returned a call since you got there. You’re screwing around, aren’t you? Huh?”

  Sweat beaded on her forehead as she turned her back on Rob, hoping to quickly end the conversation. “I’m not doing any such thing. Listen to me, I’ll call you when I get home and we’ll talk about this, okay? I can’t right now. I’m in the middle of something.”

  “Lying little bitch,” Grant said.

  “I promise, I will,” she said, resigned to the fact that she would have to call him and confront his accusations if she wanted to prevent him from calling the studio again. “Promise. Now I have to go. Talk to you later.”

  She hung up before Grant could respond and sent up a little prayer that he wouldn’t call back.

  “Boyfriend?” Rob asked as he tapped the stack of papers on the desk.

  “No,” Sidney said, returning to the computer screen. She didn’t dare look at him.

  “Sure about that? Because it sort of sounded like it to me.”

  The teasing tone in his voice didn’t escape her notice but still she refused to meet his eye. “It’s just Grant, that’s all. He’s not a boyfriend. He’s just a … an annoying someone from back home.”

  “Ah,” Rob said, sitting sideways on the desk. “Little Sidney left a trail of broken hearts back in Indiana.”

  “No,” Sidney said firmly, lifting her eyes to his. “It’s nothing like that.”

  The reckless grin slipped from his face only to be replaced with concern. “Is this guy bothering you, Sid?”

  She shook her head, dropping her eyes to her desk. “No, not really. I mean, he thinks that there is something between us but I told him before I left that there wasn’t. He’s upset, that’s all. He just wants to talk about it.”

  She raised her face, hoping to see belief on his. But his concerned eyes softened as he studied her.

  “Are you sure? Because if he’s bothering you, we can take care of that,” he said.

  Shaking her head again, a nervous smile appeared. “It’s nothing. I’ll take care of it tonight and he won’t call here again.”

  Slipping off the desk, he continued to look at her, uncertainty lingering in the lines of his face. “Okay, but if it becomes a problem, just let me know. All right?”

  “Sure,” she said.

  With a wink, he waved the papers at her as he headed for the door. “Thanks.”

  Once he left, she collapsed on the desk, resting her head on her arms. She should have known that Grant would get desperate and call her at work. It hadn’t been a secret where she’d gone – he was right about that. The tiny circle of people that they’d run around with had known that she’d accepted an internship with Ross Records. She could only hope that if she called him tonight, it would all end and he’d leave her alone.

  ***

  Sidney spent the rest of her morning trying to put Grant’s call out of her head. Every time the phone rang she worried that it was him, stirring up more trouble. But he must have believed that she would call later for he left her alone for the rest of the day.

  Lexie peeked her head into the office around one that afternoon.

  “Hey, how about we run to the deli for some food. I’m starved.”

  Sidney, grateful for a reason to get out of the office, agreed.

  Once they settled at a table with their food, Lexie started in right away.

  “Rob mentioned to me that you might be having a little man trouble.”

  Groaning, Sidney dropped her sandwich to the paper on the table. “Not really.”

  “Some guy called you, though, right?”

  Nodding, Sidney plucked at the lettuce poking out from under the bread. “Yeah, but it’s nothing. It’s just Grant. We dated briefly before I came here and it didn’t end well. He thought we were going to continue some sort of long distance thing but I didn’t want anything to do with that.”

  “So, he’s…what? Threatening you?” Lexie asked as she nibbled on her turkey sandwich. Her eyes, so like her cousin’s, dripped with concern.

  “No, he’s not threatening me,” Sidney said, dropping her eyes to her sandwich. “He’s just hurt, that’s all. He wants closure, I guess.”

  Lexie’s eyes probed Sidney’s, looking for truth or a hint of doubt. “Are you sure? Because Rob seemed concerned.”

  “I’m sure,” Sidney said, forcing a big smile. “I’m very sure. Look, Grant lives in Indiana. His family is there. His job is there. He’s not about to relocate.”

  Lexie visibly relaxed and returned Sidney’s smile. “Oh, is that why you broke things off – because he couldn’t move here with you?”

  Sidney paused, unsure how much she wanted to share. She was embarrassed to be involved wi
th someone like Grant – someone who bullied other people to get what he wanted. But she didn’t want to lie, either.

  “It just wasn’t working out,” Sidney said with a long breath. “I broke it off for a number of reasons, but moving out here was one of them.”

  Lexie brightened, her eyes reflecting the overhead lights. “Does that mean you’re available? Because Mel is going to be here next weekend and she has a friend in town who’s not involved with anyone. We could triple date.”

  Sidney found it difficult to swallow the bite she’d just taken but managed to do so. She chased it down with a swig of her soft drink while carefully forming an excuse. She couldn’t stand the thought of going out with Rob and his ex.

  “I don’t think I’m ready to date anyone just now,” Sidney said, dabbing at her lips with a napkin.

  “Were you and Grant serious?” Lexie whispered, leaning over the table. “Did you date for a long time?”

  “No,” Sidney said a little too quickly. “Not at all. I just…I’m just trying to get my life situated here in LA before I start dating. I just don’t want that complication right now.”

  “I see,” Lexie said, leaning back in her chair. She narrowed her eyes, causing Sidney to pick up her sandwich again. “But don’t think that I won’t be monitoring this situation. When you’re ready, I’m going to get you out there and find you a man.”

  Sidney couldn’t help but to laugh. “Okay, Lex.”

  Beaming, Lexie launched into her plans for the next weekend. Apparently, Melanie was coming to town on Thursday evening in order to meet with store owners to discuss an LA boutique.

  “I guess the owners of the store are buying out a boutique in Beverly Hills. Melanie thinks that they want her to run it,” Lexie explained.

  “Sounds exciting,” Sidney said as she picked at her sandwich, sneaking a look at her watch. She adored Lexie and enjoyed being in her company but she didn’t think she could stomach much more gushing over Melanie.

  “It is,” Lexie said, finishing her sandwich. “We’re all hanging out at my place next Friday night. Chad’s cooking steaks on the grill. Paulie and his wife, Tracy will be there. So will Bruno. You’ll be there, too, right?”

  Everything inside of Sidney balked at the idea of spending an evening watching Rob and Melanie moon over each other. But she didn’t want to insult her friends and besides, she couldn’t think of a single excuse. If she was the tiniest bit honest, she’d admit that she was a little curious about Melanie, too.

  “I’ll be there,” Sidney said, wrapping the remains of her sandwich. “I need to get back to the studio. Are you ready?”

  “Sure,” Lexie said.

  ***

  When she got home, she stood in the kitchen, contemplating the phone. Did she dare call Grant or should she continue to ignore him? She quelled at the idea of an argument and didn’t have the strength to reiterate that she didn’t want to be involved.

  Still, if she didn’t call, he’d most likely continue to pester her at the studio, causing more questions from Rob and Lexie. She’d just have to bite the bullet and get it over.

  Picking up the phone, she dialed his number, waiting for him to answer. It didn’t take long.

  “Yeah?” he snapped.

  “Hi, Grant,” she said, closing her eyes.

  “It’s about damn time,” he said, his voice gruff. “I thought you’d blow me off again.”

  “I told you I’d call and I did,” she said, trying to keep the anger out of her voice.

  “Yeah, well, you told me that we’d make things work when you left, too, but we see how that turned out.”

  Releasing a frustrated breath, she opened her eyes and moved toward the living room, focusing on the traffic outside the window. “Grant, I told you that I wanted to end things. I told you that it was over and that a long distance relationship wouldn’t work.”

  “I don’t remember that,” he said.

  Of course he didn’t, she mused. Towards the end, his memory seemed rather selective. “I did tell you that, Grant, but if you don’t remember, I’ll tell you again. It’s over between us. I’m really busy and don’t have time for a relationship right now, anyway.”

  Silence. It unnerved her, making her wonder what he was plotting.

  “You still there?” she asked.

  “Yeah,” he snorted. “So, who is he?”

  “Who is who?” she asked.

  “Who are you screwing, huh? You sure as hell wouldn’t put out for me,” he snarled. “You were just using me, weren’t you? Someone to buy you shit and take you places until you could leave. You’re screwing around with someone at that studio, aren’t you?”

  “No,” she said, closing her eyes again. She inhaled deeply, hoping to calm her nerves. “I’m being honest with you. There is no one here. There is no one anywhere.”

  “You’re a lying bitch, Sidney,” he said in a low tone. “I can’t believe a word you say.”

  “I don’t care if you believe me or not,” she said, her control snapping. “I don’t owe you an explanation. I was trying to be nice and explain things but you’re only hearing what you want to hear.”

  “Bitch,” he said. “You owe me something, all right. Remember that.”

  He hung up before she could utter another word.

  Her hand trembled as she pushed the OFF button. Carrying the phone to the kitchen, her mind blurred. What had she done? Had she angered him further? And would he retaliate?

  ***

  Friday evening, a week before Melanie’s arrival, found the studio unusually quiet. Lexie had left that morning to spend a weekend with her mother and sisters in San Diego and attend a baby shower for a cousin.

  Rob and Chad had worked all day with the band. Satisfied that the bulk of the recording was done, they’d cut out early for a nearby pizza place, leaving Sidney pretty much alone.

  Tired of worrying about Grant and not particularly fussed about going home, Sidney retreated to the rehearsal room. Shaking her head with a smile, she found it a bit of a mess: sheet music sprawled across the piano, water bottles and soda cans lying about, the trash can overflowing. She picked up the trash and set it on top of the already full can – smashing it down with her hands. Next, she gathered up the sheet music and placed it into a manila folder on top of the piano. Unable to resist, she dropped to the bench and ran her fingers over the keys. Smiling, a memory surfaced, filling her heart with love.

  “Gently, darling,” her mother said, sitting on the bench next to her. “Gently. Let your fingers glide over the keys – float.”

  “Okay, Mommy,” an eight year-old Sidney replied as she straightened her back and tried again. The notes flowed from the piano, each like a fairy dancing together among the flowers. Gaining confidence, she continued, playing from her heart, a song her mother had taught her.

  “That’s it, Sidney,” her mother exclaimed as she clapped and hugged her daughter. “Beautiful! You have such talent!”

  Tears falling to her hands woke Sidney and dragged her back into the present. She wiped her face before tapping a key or two, remembering the sweet song her mother had taught her all those years ago. Scooting to the middle of the bench, she shifted, getting comfortable, before releasing her fingers to the keys, closing her eyes as the melody washed over her. Soon, her voice joined, singing a song about angels playing in the clouds, watching over little girls. A cheesy song, sure, but one she’d made up with her mother – one that was forever ingrained in her heart.

  She finished with a flourish, opening her damp eyes to stare down at the keys. With a sigh, she ran a finger under each eye, clearing away the tears.

  “Well, this is an interesting development.”

  Jumping, Sidney turned, surprised to see Rob lurking in the doorway. He leaned against the frame, arms folded across his chest, crooked smirk gracing his lips. He quickly straightened and crossed the room in three quick strides.

  “Rob,” she said, her hand on her heart. “Um, I thought th
at you were eating beer with the guys!”

  He sat next to her, touching her cheek. “I don’t eat much beer, Rookie.”

  “I mean,” she said, her cheeks flushed. “Um, why are you here?”

  “I left my phone in my office,” he explained. “And then I remembered that I left all the music on the piano. I came up here to get it and imagine my surprise to hear an angel singing about angels.”

  The flush in her cheeks deepened as she ducked her head.

  “Rookie, you’re amazing,” he said, cupping her chin and drawing her eyes to his. The scent of stale beer mixed with tomato and garlic sauce reeked from his breath. “Why didn’t you tell me that you can sing?”

  Shrugging, she offered a sheepish smile. “I don’t really sing much. I mostly just write.”

  He blinked, his hold tightening a bit. “You write music? Songs?”

  She nodded, chin still in his grip. “I mess around with it.”

  He released her as he got to his feet and crossed his arms again. “Do you have any of your stuff here?”

  “Um, stuff?” she asked, her head beginning to spin. “Like, stuff I wrote?”

  His grin melted her heart. “Yeah, like stuff you wrote. Do you have any of it here?”

  Blinking as if she had something in her eyes, she pointed at the door. “In my bag. In my locker.”

  His grin widened as he dropped his arms. “Well, go get it.”

  She slid off the bench and scampered to the floor, stumbling over a cord and righting herself before she fell. She ran out the door, cheeks flaming, and reached the elevator, panting. Jabbing the button, she glanced over her shoulder, verifying that he wasn’t following. She wasn’t sure why she didn’t want him to come along except that she was a little ashamed of the tattered notebook that she used. It wasn’t nearly as nice or expensive as the one that Rob used.

  “Doesn’t matter,” she muttered, stepping into the car. As she rode to the first floor, her heart continued to hammer a rapid beat against her ribs. What would Rob think when he saw her stuff? Sure, he liked the song he heard her singing but that was just something silly she’d done with her mother as a child.