by Mika Lane
“Whew. I was worried there for a moment. Now let’s check the file we put together for you.” He typed some more, sorting through the demos stored on servers. “Okay. Here’s the file that was uploaded for your use. Let’s play it.” He clicked another onscreen tab.
Nothing.
They waited a moment. He fast-forwarded through the file. Still nothing.
What the hell?
“I’ll be damned. If that isn’t the strangest thing.” He typed some more. “I check these files myself. We’ll get you a new one. Don’t worry. But I’m still curious to know how this happened.”
A few more clicks and he seemed happy.
“All righty. The new file is available for you on the server.”
A smile brightened Aurora’s face. “Whew. Oh my god, I was having a heart attack. How do you think this happened?”
Just then, the redhead entered the room, stopping short when she saw Aurora.
Stan said, “Hey, Eliza.”
That’s her name! Eliza…
“Do you know Aurora? Not sure if you two have ever met.”
Aurora responded, “Yes, we’ve met a couple times—”
But the redhead cut her off with a louder voice. “Yes, we’ve met,” Eliza said in an expressionless voice.
What’s wrong with that woman?
Stan said, “We’ve had an issue with the recording file we made for Aurora. Know anything about that?”
Eliza’s face turned nearly as red as her hair. “Nope. No. Don’t know anything.”
He turned to Aurora. “Eliza helps us in the office from time to time. We’ll do some investigating to see what happened. But you now have a good file to send over to the booker. Let me know how it all turns out.” He stood to show her to the door. The redhead stepped out of the way.
Aurora threw her arms around Stan’s neck. “Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are a lifesaver.”
“Hey, I’m just glad I can help out a talented student.”
The redhead glared.
Leaving the studio, Aurora strolled into the sunny day, pausing to feel it bake her skin. Truth was, it could’ve been pouring down rain and she still would have had a giant smile on her face. Her recording was safe.
With plenty of time to get to work, she dropped down to the edge of the curb. Taking her phone, she logged into the app that would let her share audio files with the booker.
Satisfied everything had been properly sent, she went on to dial her parents’ number.
“Hello?” her dad answered.
“Dad!”
“Well, hello.” He cleared his throat like he always did at the start of a conversation. “How are things in earthquake land?”
Without waiting for an answer, he launched into his next “dad joke.” “You know, you’d better move back home to New York before California falls into the Pacific Ocean from some crazy earthquake.” This was followed by one of his “dad laughs.”
For a moment, she missed home. But only for a moment.
In the background, her mother hollered something Aurora couldn’t make out. But it did make her wince.
“I’ll be down in a minute, darling,” her dad called out.
Then his attention was back. “Sorry, sweetie, we’re just heading out to the club. But before we go, how are things?”
His kindhearted words cut right through her. “Things are good, Dad. A little crazy, but good.”
“Really? What’s going on?”
“I made my demo tape last week.”
“Oh great! And how did that go?”
The roller coaster of the past hour ganged up on her. That, combined with her dad’s comforting voice, pushed her over the edge.
“Dad, the recording session went really well. But when I sent my demo to the booker, it was blank.” She wiped at her tears.
“Wait a minute. How does that happen?”
“I’m not sure, and neither was my instructor. He got me a new file, so I’m all set now. But it was embarrassing. And unprofessional,” she added, in a wavering voice.
“I’m sorry, sweetie. But the important thing is that you got a new one. Send it right away, okay?”
She took a deep breath to settle her voice. “I already have. I really want this to work out, Dad. I mean, I love massage, but I want to sing. I’ve finally admitted to myself, this is my long-term dream.”
“You know, Aurora, very few people find out what they love in life, and then have the courage to pursue it.” For a moment, the line was silent. “I know I didn’t.”
“Wh…what do you mean?” she asked in a small voice.
“Oh, you know. I’d really hoped to become a schoolteacher when I was young. But your mother—I mean your mother and I—thought I should pursue another line of work.”
Her heart crumbled a bit more. While they rarely talked about it, the sacrifices he made to please her mother were evident everywhere. Aurora’s ambitious mother had pushed him into a life on Wall Street. It had been lucrative, and they’d lived well because of it. But as she’d suspected, it was never what he’d really wanted to do. And typical of her dad, he never complained.
Such openness on his part threw her off, and she struggled for the right words. What could you say to the parent who sacrifices everything for his family? Thank you?
“Don’t tell your mother I said this, but I admire how you’ve made a new life for yourself. Sometimes I wish I could do that…”
“Dad, I didn’t know you felt that way.”
In the background, her mother called for him again.
“Be right there, Doris,” he said, holding the phone away from his mouth. Aurora heard him sigh. “I need to get going. Can we pick this up another time?”
“Yeah, of course. Have fun at the club. Dad?”
“Yes?”
“I love you so much.”
“I love you, too, sweetie.”
Fingers shaking, she swiped her phone closed. Her dad had never been so frank. In fact, he’d never before alluded to any lost dreams—not that they surprised her. And she’d had no idea he secretly supported her. She swallowed the growing lump in her throat.
If he really was behind her…well shit. The sky was the limit. She’d make them both proud.
Aurora’s favorite part of the ride to work was the section of bike path that veered away from the street and deep into a forest of redwoods. The sound of traffic all but disappeared and the trees’ tall canopy filtered the sunlight. The bit that shone through glittered on the asphalt below her tires.
The fleeting solitude was a refreshing turn from the crowded streets. And it gave her a moment to process the call she’d just finished. Her dad’s unexpected words, “courage to pursue,” played over and over. In fact, they were probably the best compliment she’d ever received from him. Or anyone, for that matter. Creating a new life hadn’t been easy. She surely didn’t need his approval, but it sure was nice to have it.
The bike path merged back into the real world and brought Aurora right to Devi’s doorstep. Locking her bike, she approached the front door with a new spring in her step.
Funny how a few words can make your day…
Once inside the spa, her phone buzzed from inside her bag. She scurried down to the staffroom for privacy.
“Hale,” she answered, dropping her bags and settling into a comfy chair.
“Hey, beautiful. I was sore after that hike the other day. I suppose I need more exercise.”
“You could always try riding a bike,” she chided.
“Oh boy. I shouldn’t have opened that can of worms. Hey, what’s up with your audition? And the booker?”
“Well, as of earlier today, nothing. But I think all is well now.” She filled him in on the mystery of the blank file. Re-telling the story pissed her off all over again.
“I have no idea what happened.”
“That sucks. I’m sorry,” he said. “But listen, I have an idea. I have a friend in Tiburon with a studio, and he said
I can bring you by. He also works with one of the best sound engineers in Northern California and knows a lot of people. Both here and in L.A.”
“My instructor is fixing my file, so—“
“It doesn’t matter. Come with me to Tiburon anyway. Try this guy’s studio out. You won’t believe how you sound.”
“Hmmm. Can I let you know? I need to get to work. My client is here.”
She ended their call and sat in one of the staff room’s cushy chairs. What the hell was that hesitation about?
Only one day had passed before she heard from the booker again.
“Aurora, hi. Hey, we got your file. Thank you.”
Her heart was pounding. She lowered herself into one of her living room chairs.
“Oh, thank goodness. I’m so sorry about the last one. We still haven’t figured out what happened.”
“Not to worry. Technology sometimes lets us down.”
That’s not all that lets us down.
“I hope you like my recording. I…I was thinking of making another, at a bigger, more professional studio. Would you like that, as well?”
“Absolutely. I encourage people to always put their best foot forward. I have a couple other clubs I can share it with.”
“Oh, thank you. That’s great!”
“Hey, and I have even better news. My boss would like you to come in. He wants to see you sing.”
A wave of dizziness washed over her, and she gripped the arm of the chair till her knuckles turned white. Thank god she was sitting.
“Really?” she managed to squeak out in a small voice.
He laughed on the other end of the line. “Yes, really, Aurora. Can you come in next week? Maybe Monday at ten a.m.?”
She was speechless. And when she could speak, she later only hoped that what she’d said had made sense. Because she couldn’t remember a damn thing.
All she knew was where she was supposed to be next Monday at ten a.m.
Holy shit. Was it happening? Was it really happening?
Chapter 8
An entire day off. At last.
A week had passed since she’d last spoken to Hale. Avoiding his calls, which made no sense whatsoever, was no easy feat. But she knew she had to listen to her little voice inside, the one that was causing her so much unease. She’d ignored it before, and her life had blown up. It could be all bullshit of course, the annoying sound, just a remnant of her past. But she wanted to be sure.
At least as sure as she could be.
There was only one way to find out. Give the guy a chance.
From the passenger’s seat in Hale’s truck, Aurora watched the waterfront whizz by as they sped toward the stunning coastal town of Tiburon. She’d conceded, thanks to his patient persistence, and agreed to test out his friend’s recording studio.
He reached across the front seat for her hand and lifted it to his lips. When his breath brushed her fingers, she shivered as a zing shot right to her core. There was no denying his spell.
Dammit.
And had he felt that shock, too?
“What? Did you just say something?” he asked.
“No. Not me.” She shook her head. Turning toward the window, she suppressed her smile.
She’d lain awake most of the previous night, playing over in her head what it might be like to see him again. And what it might be like to record at his friend’s studio. And she couldn’t decide which was more nerve-wracking. It was really a toss up.
Several winding, hilly roads later, they pulled up to a house on Tiburon’s famed Paradise Drive.
“Holy shit.” Aurora’s mouth dropped open.
The sprawling ranch-style house was nestled into one of the many hills making up the tiny peninsula that jutted into the San Francisco Bay. Because of the hilly terrain, every house in Tiburon had a breathtaking view. Some looked toward the water and San Francisco, and some looked inland to the mountains. The really lucky few managed panoramas of each. And today’s house was one of those.
As they got out of the truck, Aurora asked, “Who did you say this guy was again? His house is insane.”
“Isn’t it awesome? Eddie was in the music business. He worked with the Grateful Dead back in the day. Jam bands like that.”
Aurora stopped in her tracks. “You’re kidding me.” Her hands flew up to her eyes and drew down her face in disbelief. “You’re having me sing in front of someone who’s worked with The Dead?”
Hale laughed. “Don’t worry. He’s a friend of the family. He grew up with my dad. I wouldn’t bring you here if he weren’t a great guy. In fact, I practically grew up in this house.” He threw an arm around her shoulder. “You have nothing to worry about. I’ve heard you sing, and I know how good you are.”
Drawing back, she looked up at his dark eyes and long eyelashes.
Where the hell did this guy come from?
“All right. Let’s go.” She’d gotten this far.
He punched a six-digit code into the panel of a large security gate, and the wrought iron creaked open.
Once inside, Hale and Aurora followed a crunchy gravel path around the side of the house. The grounds were as impressive as the house itself. Its landscaping was deceptively simple; but in reality it probably required an army of workers to maintain it. Some smart gardener had established drought-resistant plantings that would flourish the typical semi-aridness of Northern California. The effect was like being in a succulent botanical garden.
They climbed the steps to the home’s back deck. “Hello,” Hale called. “Hello?”
“This is why I moved to California,” Aurora said, turning to take in all of the three hundred sixty degree view.
Hale laughed. “And this is why I stay in California.”
Footsteps emerged from French doors that opened from the house to the deck.
“Hey!” Hale turned and threw his arms around their host like a long-lost friend.
“My man. It’s good to see you,” the burley guy replied, stroking a long, white, slightly unkempt beard as he stepped back to take a look at Hale. “You look well. Geez, it’s been awhile.”
Hale gestured to his right. “Eddie, this is my…good friend, Aurora.”
She shot him a look. Good friend?
What was that hesitation? Had he wanted to say something else?
She extended her hand, but instead of taking it, Eddie pulled her into a huge hug, too. She caught a slight whiff of old man and cigarettes.
Oh, the stories he could probably tell.
“Wow! Good hug. Nice to meet you,” Aurora said when he released her. “Your place is incredible.”
Eddie looked around, showing the same appreciation for his mind-blowing digs. “You know, I do love this place. I’ll probably never leave it. Except in a long, wooden box.” He threw his head back and roared. When he finished, he clapped his hands together.
“Guys, how ’bout some lovely California wine or a nice local microbrew? Then we’ll get to some singing.”
Aurora and Hale looked at each other with huge grins.
“Sounds divine.”
Two hours and a few good songs later, they were back on the deck, relaxing. From their perfect view of the San Francisco Bay, they watched as the late afternoon wind picked up, swirling the water into angry white caps.
“Damn, you can sing, pretty lady,” Eddie said.
Aurora was giddy with adrenaline, at first from nerves and then from having sung her heart out. She took a deep breath as she dragged her sleeve across her clammy forehead. “That felt good. I don’t know how to thank you, Eddie.”
“Hey, it’s nothing. A friend of Hale’s is a friend of mine.” He threw Hale a loving, fatherly look. “Actually, I should say any friend of a Saxon is a friend of mine. I set Hale’s parents up on their first date.” Leaning back, he polished off his pale ale.
Hale laughed. “Yeah, and if my mom were alive, she’d still be pissed at you for that.”
Eddie looked up at the cloudless sky. “Yu
p. We used to double-date way back when, Hale’s parents and me. In fact, Hale’s mom was a songbird, just like you. Never did much with it, though, she was so busy with the kids. Kind of a shame.”
“You’re married?” Aurora asked.
“Was married. My wife passed a couple years ago.”
“Oh gosh. I’m so sorry.”
“Yeah. Me, too. Hale’s dad and I have both lost our wives. Now we’re lonely old bachelors.”
“Hardly, Eddie. You have the busiest social life of anyone I know.”
Eddie looked at his watch. “Speaking of which, I’ve got to run into town for some errands. You kids are welcome to stick around as long as you want.” He stood to leave, delivering his affectionate hugs all around.
Aurora took his hands. “Eddie, you’ve been more than generous. Thank you.”
“Thank me when you’re a star, pretty lady.”
When Eddie had gone, Aurora walked to the edge of the balcony. “You sure he doesn’t mind us hanging out here?”
“Not at all. Like I said, I practically grew up here. I still have a scar on my leg from climbing over that fence down there, at the bottom of the hill.” He walked up behind Aurora and put his arms around her. He pressed into her backside, nuzzling her neck through her mass of curls.
She leaned back into him and closed her eyes. He felt good. And safe. The annoying little warning bells, remnants of her shitty past, were nowhere in the vicinity.
Before long, his growing erection nudged the cheeks of her ass. Her hips pushed back against his growing shaft, and slid his hands up to her breasts.
“Jesus. You see what you do to me?” he murmured, grinding into her for emphasis.
“Mmmm. You feel what do you do me?” She slid one of his hands between her legs. Even through her dress and panties, she knew he felt her heat.
“Damn,” he whispered, spinning her to face him. “We haven’t even done anything yet.” He kissed her eyes and nose and then worked his way to her lips.
Aurora glanced around. The neighboring houses were out of sight, separated by huge yards and tall wood fences.
This could get dangerous. Good dangerous.
