Though Erica had heard the saga of Ashleigh’s short-lived career before, this time it seemed different. Her mind was in a different place. It was no longer protesting what it was hearing, but rather empathizing with what Ashleigh felt. That is until Alex’s name was mentioned. She’d prepared herself for this part of the story but wondered if something new had been written into that particular chapter. Erica couldn’t stomach the idea of someone else’s hands on Ashleigh. That was a topic for another time.
They’d been engrossed in conversation since leaving the restaurant, barely even noticing the moonlit waters on the boat ride back to the car. Ashleigh no longer asked where they were going, seemingly content with wherever Erica was taking them.
“So what’s it like walking onto a stage in front of a packed house?” Erica heard herself asking.
“It’s terrifying in the hour before the show, but when I finally walk out there, I’m somewhere else.” Ashleigh shrugged. “I don’t remember much about it unless I really screw up. It’s like a dream.”
Erica shook her head. “I’m not sure I understand what you mean.”
“Some people are natural-born performers,” Ashleigh said. “I’m not one of those. I sing and I enjoy doing it, but performing has never been my strength. When I go on stage, I focus on the singing, my body does what it’s been trained to do. Nearly every move I make was choreographed years ago.” Ashleigh laughed. “If you compare old concert footage to the shows we do now, you’ll see that I’m still doing the same thing.”
“But you enjoy it, right?”
Ashleigh was quiet for a moment as she contemplated the answer. “I enjoy the music, hearing all the instruments come together, and the way our voices blend. I always thought our harmony was perfect. But taking the stage and doing a show is an accomplishment for me. The real test is whether or not I’ll run away screaming or if I’ll take the stage. I’m always so proud of myself for conquering that fear after a show. Now it’s your turn, tell me what scares you.”
“Failure,” Erica said as she unconsciously pressed harder on the accelerator. “I’m afraid of disappointing my folks with the family business. Scared that I’ll mess up the opportunity you’ve given me.”
Ashleigh didn’t say anything to squelch her fears; instead she reached over and took her hand and squeezed softly.
To Erica’s pleasure, Ivy’s wasn’t crowded, but she knew that would change within the hour. Ashleigh took her hand as she led them to a table.
“What can I get you to drink?” Erica asked as she remained standing when Ashleigh took the seat she pulled out for her.
“Rum and Coke…I think.” Ashleigh looked at her watch. “If you’re going to keep me out until sunrise, I have to pace myself.”
Erica took a spot at the bar and ordered the drinks while watching Ashleigh as she sat studying her surroundings. In this very bar, she heard “Love’s Someday” for the first time, and now she was on a date with the woman who sang it. Erica smiled to herself. It was really kind of cool, though it had taken her some time to realize it. A month felt like years, and in that time, Ashleigh had changed. She still looked the same minus a few pounds, but there was a confidence that Erica had never noticed before. Ashleigh had never really been one to speak her mind like she did earlier. It was refreshing…and kind of sexy.
“So this is where you spent your youth?” Ashleigh said with a smile as Erica set the drinks on the table.
“One of many. This was my favorite when we came down here to party. I first danced to your song in this bar.” Erica looked around at the patrons of various ages, not feeling as old as she expected to. “It seems kind of surreal to be sitting here with you now.”
Ashleigh cocked her head. “So what else did you do in these places? Just dance?”
Erica thought back to her first and only one-night stand. She stared over Ashleigh’s shoulder at the spot where she’d picked up Susan or Sandy…or something that started with an S.
Ashleigh gave her a playful nudge. “Your face says you did more than just dance.”
“That was a long time ago. My memory is very fuzzy on details,” Erica said with a grin.
“Did you have sex on first dates?” Ashleigh raised a brow as if daring Erica to answer.
“Why? Are you one of those kinds of girls?”
Ashleigh looked at Erica then with an expression that made every muscle in her body tense. “I can be.”
Warmth spread over Erica that had her silently begging for the breeze that made her uncomfortably cool earlier to return. She actually considered stepping onto the balcony for relief from the desire that Ashleigh was stirring within her.
“I have to ask you something.” Ashleigh set her drink down and folded her arms. “Have you…been seeing anyone else? I know it’s none of my business, but I need to know.”
The fire that Ashleigh had effortlessly stoked was extinguished as quickly as it began. The answer was simple for Erica, but now that it was out there, she would invariably ask the same of Ashleigh, and the answer just might kill her. “No, I haven’t dated or slept with anyone.” Erica wanted to turn the question on Ashleigh, but the apprehension rose in her so quickly she could only stare with an expectant expression on her face.
“Neither have I,” Ashleigh said, looking Erica in the eyes. “I had some weak moments…”
Game over! Erica’s mind screamed. If I jump off the balcony now, I won’t have to face her, and the probable broken ankle will make it easier for me to catch a cab because they’ll feel sorry for me. I’ll call the car rental company and tell them where to—
“Erica.” Ashleigh reached over and took her hand. “What did I just say?”
“You said…you had some weak moments.”
Ashleigh nodded. “And what else?”
Erica took a sip of her drink and contemplated the balcony railing.
“I knew you zoned out on me.” Ashleigh shook Erica’s arm. “The minute I said ‘weak moment,’ your eyes glazed over.” Ashleigh put her finger under Erica’s chin until she had no choice but to give her full attention. “I was caught up in the lure of old memories, but never once was I unfaithful to you. Yes, I know we were broken up,” Ashleigh said before Erica could say it. “Regardless, it would’ve been cheating to me because you still have my heart.”
Doubting she could hide the relieved expression on her face, Erica smiled and took Ashleigh’s hand. “Dance with me.”
Ashleigh was smiling too until she realized what Erica was saying. “I…I’m really not that good—”
“Bullshit, baby,” Erica said, still grinning as she pulled Ashleigh to her feet. “I’ve seen you onstage.”
“This is our first date. You’ve never seen me onstage. Play the game, Erica,” Ashleigh said as Erica pulled her to the dance floor.
“I call time-out.” Erica pulled Ashleigh tightly against her, forcing Ashleigh’s hips to move in time with hers. “See, I’m doing all the work. All you have to do is move with me.”
A chill raced up Erica’s spine when Ashleigh whispered against her ear. “I’m not a lazy woman. I’m more than happy to share the workload with you.” If Erica wasn’t completely certain that Ashleigh was not talking about dancing, she got the picture when Ashleigh ran her tongue down the side of her neck. Erica’s internal GPS searched out the nearest hotel and was screaming the location while Erica fought to keep her focus. “So do you think you’ll grant me a second date?”
“Nice subject change there,” Ashleigh said with a laugh.
Erica twirled Ashleigh and pulled her back tight against her body. “I know the game you’re playing. You’ll tease me until I can’t think and I’ll let you off the dance floor.”
“Hmm, you have me figured out pretty well, even though this is a first date.” Ashleigh turned and pressed her backside against Erica as they moved.
“You’re killing me,” Erica said as Ashleigh reached up and put her arm around her neck while moving her butt against her. Ashlei
gh was pushing every one of her buttons, and by the way she laughed, she knew it. The next song that played had a faster tempo, and Erica pulled away but caught Ashleigh’s hand when she attempted to leave the floor.
Ashleigh laughed when Erica pulled her close again and spun them around.
“Move those hips like I know you can.” Erica moved away as Ashleigh let go and began to move, then danced close again. “I wish we would have done this a long time ago.”
Ashleigh’s smile faltered. “I wish we would’ve too.”
Erica took her hand and pulled her close, dancing slower despite the fast-paced beat. Ashleigh clung tightly to her when she whispered against her ear, “The first time is always special, regardless of when it happens.”
They left the club too exhausted to dance another step. “Are you hungry?” Erica asked as she opened the passenger’s side door.
“Starved,” Ashleigh said as she sank into the seat.
Erica climbed into the driver’s seat and turned the key. “I know just the place. It’s another one of my old haunts and I think you’ll love it.”
“What is Bosco’s?” Ashleigh asked a few minutes later when Erica pulled into a crowded parking lot.
“It stays open twenty-four hours a day and serves the best breakfast you’ll ever eat.”
Ashleigh took Erica’s hand and followed her inside the tiny dive that she would’ve never given a second look much less ate in if Erica wouldn’t have suggested it. They were seated in one of the last few remaining tables, and Ashleigh’s stomach growled as she smelled the food being prepared.
“The specialty of the house is Eggs Sardou, a poached egg served with artichoke hearts and some kind of sauce, but it’s rich.” Erica looked over the top of her menu. “The pecan pancakes are awesome, too, if you’re looking for something more breakfasty. Oh, look over your shoulder.” Erica nodded. “That’s Bosco, the owner.”
Ashleigh turned and noticed a short stocky man with a head full of thick black hair sprinkled with silver speaking with one of the busboys.
“When I used to come in here, his hair was completely black. That’s how long it’s been since I’ve been here,” Erica said with a smile.
“I guess the food’s still good then because this place seems to do the business.” Ashleigh looked down at the menu and decided to take the gamble. “I’m going to try the specialty since this is a night of firsts.”
“Good and I’ll get the pancakes just in case you don’t like it, we’ll trade.”
But when the food arrived, Ashleigh second-guessed her decision and eyed Erica’s pancakes with longing before taking a timid bite of her own dish. “Oh, my God, this is delicious.”
“Try this.” Erica held out her fork and Ashleigh took a bite of pancakes that melted on her tongue.
“Mmm, dating you is going to do irreparable damage to my waistline,” Ashleigh said after she swallowed. “But I have to admit that I’m enjoying it.”
“Really?” Erica asked. “You’re really enjoying yourself?”
She looked so vulnerable that Ashleigh felt her insides quiver. “Yes, this is the best date I’ve ever been on.”
After they’d eaten their fill and Erica had consumed enough coffee to keep her awake for the drive home, they made their way back to Baton Rouge. Ashleigh sat straight up in her seat despite Erica’s suggestion to recline and catch a nap. She didn’t think it fair that Erica had to stay awake while she slept. Nevertheless, her head bobbed with the rhythm of the road as she fought to keep her eyes open.
“Ash,” Erica said softly, causing Ashleigh to sit up and look around.
They were back in Baton Rouge and parked in front of the LSU lakes a mile away from Vicki and Chantal’s place.
Ashleigh scrubbed at her face, feeling disoriented and deeply disappointed with herself. “I’m so sorry, Erica, I didn’t want to fall asleep, but I guess I did.”
“That’s okay. I’m wide awake enough for the both of us.”
Ashleigh reached over and squeezed Erica’s hand. “I don’t want you to drive all the way up to St. Francisville. You’ve got to be exhausted.”
Erica smiled and stroked her face. “I’m wide awake, and look.” She pointed toward the eastern sky that had already begun to brighten.
“Is that the sunrise?” Ashleigh looked at her watch. “You did keep me out all night.”
“Watch it with me.” Erica pulled Ashleigh close.
Ashleigh moved as close as the center console would allow. And though it poked her in the ribs, she stayed as close as she could to Erica as the sun peeked out. She sighed, thinking it was the perfect ending to a perfect date. The only thing that would’ve made it sweeter would have been to curl up next to Erica in their bed and sleep the day away. She hoped that’s where this would eventually lead.
Sleep was struggling to claim Ashleigh once again when Erica kissed the top of her head and shifted so that she could sit up again. Ashleigh thought of things to say as Erica slowly made her way closer to Vicki and Chantal’s house, but when they pulled into the driveway, she didn’t know what to say.
“Thank you for the most memorable night I think I’ve ever had.” Erica shifted the car into neutral. She pulled up the emergency brake and got out before Ashleigh had time to respond. Erica opened the passenger’s door and held her hand out for Ashleigh to take.
As Ashleigh walked with her to the front door, she thought her heart would break at the prospect of Erica walking away. But since she had left the car running, Ashleigh knew she had no intention of staying. Ashleigh swallowed around the lump in her throat as they stopped at the front door. “When I said this was the best date I’ve ever had, I meant it.”
Erica looked at her for a second as if she were going to say something, then Ashleigh watched as her head tilted and she moved in for a kiss. Ashleigh’s heart hammered in her chest as if this was the very first kiss that she’d ever received from Erica. When their lips met, Ashleigh pulled Erica as close as she could and clung to her, never wanting to let her go. When they parted, her lips tingled, and she craved more than she knew she could ask for at that moment.
“Call me when you get home. I need to know you made it safely.”
Erica smiled and ran a fingertip down the side of her face. Ashleigh closed her eyes, reveling in the tender touch. “I don’t want to wake you up.”
“You have to. I won’t sleep if you don’t.”
“Okay, I promise.” Erica leaned in and gave her a quick kiss. “Good night and good morning.” She took a step back and walked to the car.
Ashleigh went inside when Erica flashed the headlights at her but watched Erica drive away through the window with her fingertips against her still tingling lips.
Erica stopped and contemplated turning around twice before she merged onto the interstate feeling like she’d left her life on Vicki and Chantal’s doorstep. She could see it in Ashleigh’s eyes, felt it in her kiss that all she had to say was, “come with me,” and she would’ve gone in a heartbeat. Despite the pain in her heart, she knew they needed this time with no interruption of the mundane things of life. It would be too easy to slip back into old ways, and she was determined to show Ashleigh that nothing would be the same. They would begin anew…if it killed her.
She knew she should’ve been exhausted when she tossed her keys on the kitchen counter and snatched up the phone, but knowing she would hear Ashleigh’s voice kept her wide awake as she dialed the number.
“You’re calling me from the house phone, that means you’re all tucked in safe and sound,” Ashleigh said when she answered.
“I am, and I’m not going to keep you long. I just wanted to say…that I love you, Ash.”
Ashleigh was silent for a second, then said, “I don’t think you’re supposed to say that on a first date.”
Erica smiled. “Did I jinx myself?”
“No. I love you, too.”
“Sleep well, love,” Erica said, missing her more than she thought possible,
but filled with hope.
Chapter Thirty-five
“You gonna sleep all day?”
Ashleigh kept her eyes closed as Vicki moved around the bedroom, opening the blinds and making as much noise as she could.
“You’re not gonna be able to sleep tonight if you sleep all day, then your internal clock will be all out of kilter.”
“You just want to know what I did last night,” Ashleigh said with a smile as one eye opened. “I’m surprised you didn’t come in here sooner.”
Vicki flopped on the bed. “Chantal wouldn’t let me. I made a break for it when she went into the bathroom, so talk quick.”
“I had a wonderful time.”
“Then why are you still here? Not that I mind. I wish we could keep you permanently, but if it went so well, why aren’t you waking up with her?”
Ashleigh stretched and sat up. “When she said she wanted to date me, she meant it. We had to pretend that we were going out for the first time last night,” Ashleigh said with a smile. “It was kind of silly, but sweet.”
“So no talk of where the relationship is headed?” Vicki shrugged. “Nothing?”
“We’re starting over. We date, get to know each other again, then it progresses from there.”
Vicki’s voice was hesitant as she posed the next question. “And what happens if…after getting to know each other again, you don’t like what you find or if she doesn’t?”
“I pack up my stuff and find a place of my own.”
“That simple, huh?”
“Right.” Ashleigh’s eyes teared at the thought. “I know she loves me. We’ll work it out.”
“Do you love Erica? Is she what you want?” The absurdity of Vicki’s question stunned Ashleigh into silence for a second. “Don’t look at me like that,” Vicki said with a slight smile. “You remember Chantal’s friend, Rachel. Her partner dumped her for someone else, and Rachel fought tooth and nail to get her back. But once she did, she woke up one morning wondering why she wanted her back in the first place. She got so caught up in what she lost that she forgot they had major problems in the relationship that she was extremely unhappy with. They broke up again two weeks later.”
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