London Calling

by Karen Booth

  Gig’s on for Tuesday night. See you then.

  Tuesday night? That was the night of the opening. How could Tim have scheduled something with the band on a night that was so important to his best friend? He’d made a big deal about wanting her to go. Hell, she’d just told Natalie she couldn’t visit next week because she was going. Now he was blowing it off for a gig?

  She stalked back to her desk and ate two more cookies getting increasingly angry as she crunched. Tim had been acting weird for the past several days. Distant. Secretive. Giving her weird, vague answers. When she’d called him on it he’d just said he was tired and working on too many projects at once.

  Like scoring a gig on Gavin’s big night, apparently.

  She told herself she was mostly pissed that he was blowing off his commitment to Gavin, but the truth was she felt like he was blowing her off too. What the hell? Were neither of them important enough to him for him to turn down a gig? She thought they were. Am I deluding myself?

  Before she’d had a chance to stop brooding Tim swept into the apartment. “Have you seen my phone?”

  “It’s on the counter.”

  “Oh, thank God. I thought I dropped it somewhere on my errands.”

  “Nope. Never made it out of the house.”

  “Fantastic.” He scrolled through his messages, nodding as he read. No mention of the gig.

  “Anything new?” She hated prompting him.

  “Yes. I need to go out of town the next few nights. Recording session in Liverpool. They’ve got a few guest musicians coming in just for this. I was going to call you when I found out. That’s when I realized I didn’t have my phone.”

  “Oh. Okay.” That wasn’t the news she wanted to hear about.

  “What’s the matter?” He came toward her and smoothed his hands down her arms. His touch had her wanting to forget all about her questions and just wrap herself in his arms. Or drag him into bed. Or both.

  “I’m fine. I just—” She paused then decided to just be honest. “I saw the last text come in on your phone. Did you book a gig on the night of Gavin’s opening?”

  Tim’s eyes widened and he stayed silent. “Not exactly.”

  “Well the band seems to think you did. I read the message. Sorry. I didn’t meant to, it was just right there. You’re going to miss his big night for a show? Have you told him yet?”

  “No. I, uh, just found out. How could I have told him yet?”

  “I can’t believe you’re putting the band first.”

  Tim’s brow was furrowed and he was chewing his lower lip, something he only did when he was really stressed. “I’ll tell him. He’ll understand. And you’ll still be there.”

  “Well that’s nice of you to decide.”

  He looked panicked. “You’re still going, right?”

  “Of course I am. Gavin would be devastated if we both blew him off. I’d never do that to him.”

  Tim flinched. “I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to him. I bet I can be there by the end. It’s not a typical gig. They won’t need me the whole night.”

  He was being so weird. More evasiveness. And so nervous. Does he just need a break from me? Are we spending too much time together? She wanted to ask those questions but couldn’t bring herself to do it. What if he said yes? She couldn’t handle that. Living with him had been wonderful, for her. There wasn’t a single thing she’d change. If he was having second thoughts…that was too horrible to contemplate.

  “Come here, my beautiful American.” He tugged her up from her chair and into his arms. “How about if I go pack and then we grab a nice dinner at Udapi?”

  It was her favorite Indian restaurant and Indian wasn’t Tim’s favorite meal. He was trying to make her happy. Jenna nodded.

  “Excellent. I’ll grab a quick shower and toss a few things in my bag then we can go have a lovely evening together.” He looked into her eyes until she held his gaze. “I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  His kiss was soft and sweet, leaving her wanting more, but he pulled away and turned on his heel. “Half an hour, tops, and we can hit the restaurant.”

  “Okay.” Was it? Was everything okay? She hoped so.

  The three days without Tim around sent Jenna a little off-kilter. He called every night but he was worn out and the conversations were brief and left her unsettled.

  She tried to act as if nothing was bothering her Tim noticed.

  “You sound funny. Are you all right?” he asked. She could hear the concern in his voice and didn’t want to make a big deal about nothing.

  “I’m fine. Just busy. I have to head over to two of the shops on Tuesday. I got the last pieces ready and I want to bring them over and help set them up for the Friday exhibition.”

  “But you’re still going to Gavin’s right?”

  “Of course.” Not that you’re bothering to.

  “I’ll do my best to be there. I promise.”

  Tim had never broken a promise so she comforted herself with that word. Still, she couldn’t help but wonder if things were changing. Maybe he wanted to spend more time with the band and less time with Jenna and Gavin and the restaurant—-all the domestic things in his life. Her stomach twisted with nerves.

  “See you tomorrow night,” she said, wishing he was already there.

  “Love you.” He hung up before she’d even echoed the words back to him.

  Feeling even less settled than before their chat, she dialed Nat. There was no answer at the café so she called her cell. Nat picked up quickly, but sounded rushed. “Is this a bad time?”

  “Yeah, kinda, I’m putting my clothes back on after getting felt up by a pissed off TSA worker.” She said the last words extra loud.

  Jenna could hear flights being announced in the background.

  “Where are you going?”

  “Well you wouldn’t come to the city and we have time off so Bruce insisted we take a break. Our plane’s about to board so I really need to run right now.”

  “Okay, sorry.”

  “Don’t be sorry. Everything okay?”

  “Yes. Fine. I’m absolutely fine. Don’t worry about me. Have a great getaway. Call me as soon as you get back.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ll call sooner than that.”

  Jenna hung up and knew there was only one person she could express her concerns to and be truly understood. It was eleven p.m. and Gavin was usually at the restaurant until midnight. She though about calling first, then decided that she’d just stop by. Make it look more casual. She threw on black jeans, boots and an oversized gray sweater—one she’d stolen from Tim ages ago—and headed out the door.

  Only the bar was open because the grand re-opening of the dining room hadn’t happened yet. She took a seat on one of the low-backed leather stools and ordered a mojito.

  “Is Gavin around?”

  “Here I am, love.” She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned just in time for Gavin to plant a kiss on her cheek.

  She smiled. “Hey. Is this a bad time?”

  “It’s never a bad time for a mojito.”

  “I meant are you busy? I can just hang out at the bar if you’ve got stuff to do.”

  “I’m never too busy for you.” He motioned to the bartender who set down Jenna’s drink and a tall glass of something for Gavin. “It’ so good to see you. Where’s that ne’er do good boyfriend of yours?”

  “He’s up in Liverpool doing band things.”

  “Ah, band things. Wouldn’t want to interfere with that, now would we?”

  “You know he may miss your opening.”

  “That prat better not. It was his idea to make a big thing of it all.”

  “He may.”

  “Well if he misses an evening with you, eating wonderful food and dancing, then he’s a bigger fool than I thought.” Gavin sounded suitably pissed off and it made Jenna feel better and worse at the same time. She wanted her feelings validated but she didn’t want to upset Gavin. What she wanted most wa
s for Tim to actually make it tomorrow night.

  “He’s just busy.”

  “You’re defending him.”

  Jenna groaned and put her head down on the smooth wood of the bar. “I know.”

  Gavin pet her hair. ”Don’t fret, love. You adore him. We all know this. And don’t kid yourself. He’s totally gone for you as well. Never seen him anything like this with anyone else.”

  “Really?”

  “Honey, tell me you’re not really worried about this. He loves you. Of this I’m absolutely certain.”

  Jenna managed another smile. “Thanks. And I’m still coming to your big night, even if I’ll be by myself.”

  “You won’t be alone. You’ll be with Phillip. He always feels abandoned at these things because I have to be in the kitchen so much. He’ll be thrilled to have you as his date for the evening.”

  “Perfect. We’ll be each other’s pity dates.”

  Gavin’s eyes twinkled at her as he sipped his drink. “He’ll be delighted when I tell him. Though I don’t think I’ll use the term pity date.”

  “Fair enough.”

  “Something tells me we’ll all manage to have a wonderful night.”

  Jenna felt much better after talking to Gavin. For the first night since Tim had been away, she fell right to sleep. She woke refreshed and ready to tackle her meetings with the shop owners.

  By the time she wrapped up at the second gallery it was late and she barely made it home in time to change. She’d been hoping to catch Tim before he left for his gig, but he’d already come and gone.

  A note greeted her on the kitchen table. “See you later. Love you.”

  Seeing his words on paper made her miss him, but every good thing Gavin had said was still present in her mind. She put on her new purple dress, the one Tim liked because it had a low shawl back and a slim fitted skirt. Jenna liked the silkiness of the fabric, the way it felt cool and slick against her skin as she moved.

  She put on her highest strappy sandals and a row of her favorite bracelets, so many that she jingled when she walked.

  The short walk to the restaurant felt longer in heels, but the night air calmed her. Cool and refreshing. It kept her from obsessing about Tim. She breathed in deeply telling herself he would keep his word and make it tonight at some point. As she neared the restaurant she wondered why there were so few cars outside. The sign on the front window said, “Closed for private party.”

  She opened the heavy wooden door and peered inside.

  “Jenna!” Phillip pulled her into a hug and kissed her cheeks. “So glad you’re here. You look perfectly lovely.”

  He held her at arm’s length and looked her up and down then gave her a twirl. “You’re looking pretty dashing yourself.” Best pity date ever.

  Phillip kept hold of her hands. “Seems there‘s been a bit of a mix up regarding the start time. The reminder email said nine p.m. instead of seven, so it seems guests will be a bit late.”

  “I was wondering why it was so empty. I’ve been out all day and didn’t go through my email. Is Gavin freaking out?”

  “He’s fine. He’s got plenty to keep him busy. Why don’t we sit and have a drink?”

  He ushered her into a seat facing away from the band, which was just as well. She didn’t really want to be reminded of musicians tonight. Not unless Tim arrived. Until. He said he’d be here. She wanted a drink and some of Gavin’s magical food to lighten her mood. Later she and Tim could have a serious talk about priorities.

  Phillip returned with a tall thin glass for her, with a deep red drink. “It’s a new concoction. Champagne, strawberry and watermelon, I think.”

  She took a sip. “And a hint of mint. Delicious.”

  She waved at the bartender with a thumbs-up and he grinned and winked. Playing with her straw made it a little easier not to stare at the door to see if Tim was here yet. She heard it open and glanced anyway. No Tim. Just a flustered bus boy.

  As she drank, she started to relax, but instead of calm she just felt sad. She missed Tim. She wanted him there by her side. She wanted…the piano started playing, a song she didn’t recognize, yet it felt familiar. Then a man started singing. Not just any man. A voice she’d know anywhere. Tim.

  She saw the small grin on Phillip’s face as she turned toward the sound.

  Tim sat behind the piano, stroking the ivory keys as sweet, soulful music reverberated from them. She craned her neck for a better view. Head down, hair dipping down in front of his closed eyes, voice so beautiful she could scarcely pay attention to the words.

  You gave me hope

  Changed my world

  Gave me love

  Tears prickled behind her eyes. Was he singing about her? Her heart swelled as she listened.

  Stay with me forever

  Let our love grow

  Will you share my life

  Will you be my wife…

  The guitar and bass kept playing, a soft strain of the melody, but Tim stopped. He stood and walked to Jenna’s table, got down on one knee—oh my God—and repeated the last strains of the song “Will you share my life? Will you be my wife?”

  He pulled a ring box from his pocket, popped it open and placed it on her shaking leg. Jenna’s eyes blurred as the first tears spilled down her cheeks. All she could do was stare at him.

  Tim had always wondered why men got down on one knee to propose. Now he knew. Had he been upright, he was certain stress would have felled him like a tree. On his knee he could keep the balance, apart from some minor shaking. Had he said it right? Had he said enough? Were those happy tears? Instinct told him to keep talking but the rest of him said to shut up and give her time.

  Instinct won out. ”Jenna, for months now we’ve been living together and I’ve been so blissfully happy. Happier than I ever thought I could be and I realized, I want this, you and me together. Forever. I want to wake up to you every morning, and steal your shampoo, and eat takeaway on the floor snuggled on pillows, and watch movies all night then go to bed and wake up next to you and start all over again.” He paused and ran a hand through his hair. “Is that…I mean…do you want that too?’

  Tears continued to stream down her face and for a panicked moment Tim thought she was going to say no. His insides threatened to revolt but before they had a chance, she spoke. So softly it took all his concentration to hear her. “Is this real?”

  Tim managed a nod. “Quite. Will you marry me?”

  She nodded rapidly, sending droplets of tears scattering everywhere.

  “Really? So that’s a yes then?”

  “That’s an oh hell yes.”

  Even better. He took the ring from its velvet nest and slid it onto her finger then leaned in and kissed her, soft then harder, then twirling his tongue around hers and pulling her close, fingers sinking deep into her hair.

  His heart pounded wildly but he forced himself to pull away. “I’m sorry I’ve been so weird the past week. I have a surprise for you though.”

  “A surprise? You mean this wasn’t the surprise?” Her eyes went wide.

  “It’s only part. First off I was in Liverpool to see Mum, to get my grandmother’s ring. She’s delighted I’m finally giving it to you, by the way. The rest of your surprise is in the kitchen. He stood and helped her to her feet then yelled. “Guys, you can come out now.”

  Jenna turned and Tim wrapped his arm around her from behind. First came Phillip—she hadn’t even realized he’d left the table—and Gavin, then Tim’s sisters and lovely little Lucy who ran straight in for hugs from both Jenna and Tim. Then the door swung open again and out came Natalie and her husband, followed by Jenna’s brother, Ethan.

  Jenna hugged them all, a mix of shock, joy and tears on her lovely face. She turned to Tim. “These were all the secret calls you were making?”

  He nodded. “Good surprise?”

  “The best. God, I love you.”

  “Good. I love you too. And you’ve just agreed to marry me so there’ll be no get
ting rid of me now.”

  “Sounds perfect.”

  Gavin came up between them and gave them each a smooch on the cheek. “Perfect indeed. Almost as perfect as my food. Sit down everyone. This is a private celebration but you still get to taste my new menu. Let’s eat, drink and all raise our glasses to Tim and Jenna.”

  Everyone lifted their arms and clinking sounded all around, but Tim couldn’t focus on anything other than Jenna. Her smile, her laughter, the glow of her cheeks—he could freeze this moment and live off the happiness for a lifetime. Maybe two.

  “What are you thinking about?” she asked, catching him staring.

  “That I’m the luckiest man in the world.”

  “And I’m the luckiest woman.”

  He tugged her into his arms, swaying with her as the band continued to play. “I don’t mind telling you I was a bit nervous about tonight.”

  “Really?” She stroked the base of his neck, her warm fingers feathering through his hair.

  “The only time I’ve ever been more nervous was that night in the hallway outside your apartment.”

  “You were worried then?”

  “I could barely keep hold of the phone when I dialed your number. I was terrified you wouldn’t pick up.”

  A slow smile spread across Jenna’s beautiful lips as she looked up at him, eyes sparkling with love. “How could I resist? It was London calling.”

  THE END

  Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed London Calling, you might enjoy these other books by Karen Booth and Karen Stivali.

  Rock Starred by Karen Booth

  Photographer Katie’s broken heart won’t let her give a man more than one night. Rock star Peter wants more.

  “As a lover of all things rockstar, Karen Booth speaks to my soul with her books. All of my teenage dreams play out right before my grown-up eyes.” -Scandalicious Book Reviews

  Available now for Kindle and Kindle Unlimited

  Leave the Lights On by Karen Stivali