Strangers in the Night

by Ines Saint

  After the laughter died down, Michelle became thoughtful and asked, “Is it awkward for you to play with Julia? I mean you were up for the same position, and now you’ve both been linked to Jake.”

  Keila picked up her violin, eager to play. Confession and laughter had made her feel better and now it was time to stop talking and start practicing. “No. Believe it or not, I like Julia. She got the position and I made peace with that shortly after, and she can definitely have Jake Kelly. In fact, after that endowment for the arts dinner, I honestly hope I never see him again.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  The following two weeks brought beautiful, comfortably brisk weather and a flurry of activity. Rehearsal and practice with the Symphony took up six hours a day, four days a week. Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons were reserved for private students; and performances. Practice sessions with the string quartet, now called String Theory, took place Mondays, a few evenings a week, and weekends.

  And there was Mark. He’d called and asked to get together on a Thursday night. Keila wasn’t sure what to think or how to feel. But he invited her down to the jazz club where he played and she’d decided to go. The first thing he asked after he greeted her with a hug and a peck on the cheek was, “Is it true you’re dating that Kelly guy, the one running for mayor?”

  Keila looked down and sighed before answering a simple and honest, “No.”

  “What about those pictures?” he insisted.

  “Robbie asked me to teach him to dance at SummerDance, and I guess someone recognized him and took pictures. What about you, are you seeing anyone?”

  “No, I haven’t even been able to look at another girl,” he answered, but his facial expression gave her pause. He looked a little too innocent; his eyes too wide, mouth too pouty.

  After watching him perform they spoke for hours; about the music he’d chosen for his nightly gig at the posh night club, feedback he’d gotten, and his crazy hours. He was easy to be with, and she realized she’d missed that about him. Uncomplicated, predictable people were comfortable. And hearing him go on and on made her feel at ease; it took the focus off of her and her recent doubts about her own dreams coming true.

  Mark asked her out again the following night, but she had a previous commitment; The Endowment for the Arts Ebony and Ivory Dinner and Awards Ceremony.

  The event was strictly black-tie, and it was being held at a swank, newly renovated hotel in downtown Chicago simply called The H. All attendees were instructed to dress formally in either black or white.

  Luckily, Tania, who was often invited to big-ticket events because of her local semi-celebrity hot weather girl status, had a steep discount at a chic boutique whose owner only asked that she let everyone know where she bought her dresses. Tania had them extend the same offer to Keila and she’d fallen in love with a gorgeous, floor-length, strapless ivory raw silk gown with gold threads woven throughout it. She paired it with the beautiful topaz earrings and necklace set her father had bought her for her quinceañero, just before he’d died.

  A makeup artist friend of Robbie had taught him some tricks, and Robbie used them to help Keila with her hair and makeup. Her hair was tamed into soft, perfect, shiny waves and her eyes seemed enormous and mysterious; the whole look was very old Hollywood.

  She arrived at the hotel with Simone, Ralph, and Michelle; the four had become even closer during their long practice sessions, and though they knew Jake Kelly would be there, they’d promised not to mention the subject of her body’s desires to her that night.

  Every member of Second City Symphony was there, including, of course, Julia Hamilton. Not only was she a regular member of the symphony, but this was one of her mother’s hotels and her father would be receiving a life-time achievement award. She truly was Chicago royalty.

  The scene inside the banquet hall was exquisite, with scarlet and gold decorative accents setting off everyone’s black and white attire beautifully. Magnificent chandeliers cast a soft glow about the room as the soft, soulful sounds of a jazz band coupled with a sultry, throaty singer belting out classics from the forties complemented the swanky ambiance.

  Mike Summers was already there and she was eager to see how political opponents behaved with each other at private events such as these.

  Keila mingled with friends and acquaintances during the first hour. A few of her classmates from Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music were there, and she was happy for the opportunity to catch up.

  Though thoughts of Jake Kelly being there flitted in and out of her mind, she never once allowed herself to look for him. That would be a weakness. Besides, she still hadn’t decided if she was going to chew him out over the rear-end-honking incident, or if she would just spare herself further aggravation. Just the thought of another one of his sinful smiles was enough to make her heart beat at a precarious rhythm.

  About an hour and a half into the evening, Keila found she was only half-listening to a few ideas Simone had for new music because the back of her spine was prickling with the odd feeling that she was being watched and she was trying to resist the temptation to turn and check. Finally unable to withstand it, she turned and saw none other than Jake in her line of vision. Exhaling slowly, she tried not to gulp; tuxedo-clad Jake had some serious James Bond appeal.

  He wasn’t looking at her though; he was engaged in conversation with an elderly gentleman standing in front of him. But no sooner did she begin to turn away than she noticed his eyes flicker toward her, the laser blue gaze finishing the James Bond effect off nicely. A pleasurable but bothersome sensation rippled through her.

  Keila soon noted Jake simply had a way with people in general and women in particular. Magnetism. Some people just drew others to them, whether they wanted to or not. Jake had a rare air of both importance and approachability to him; as serious as he usually was, he also seemed as if he would listen.

  Moments after Keila’s reverie, Tyrone was by her side telling her that Jake wanted to introduce her to a group of people. Simone met her eyes with a smile, but didn’t say a thing.

  As she walked toward him, Jake’s eyes ran the length of her, and the look in his eyes had her fighting off an entire series of feminine thrills. It was simply his magnetic nature, she repeated to herself, mentally pinching her nerves for being so easily affected. Upon reaching him, Jake gave her a slow, slight nod before turning to introduce her to a small group of people.

  “This is Keila Diaz, the young woman I was telling you about.” All were pleased to meet her, and all seemed to be bubbling with excitement over the possibility of an expanded music program.

  “Jake was just telling us what an amazingly talented young woman you are,” a plump, dark haired woman spoke.

  Keila couldn’t help herself, she shot Jake a disbelieving side glance, but he was now in intimate conference with Julia Hamilton, who had just appeared at his side. Julia was leaning in and looking up at him as she spoke, and he was listening intently. An acute and unmistakable stab of jealousy pierced the middle of her chest. So much for saying she had no awkward feelings toward Julia.

  A man beside Keila lifted his wine goblet her way and said, “He was describing how passionately and captivatingly you play, and how you poured the same emotions into the music program he wants to establish.”

  Keila cleared her throat. She wasn’t sure if “It’s very generous of him to say so,” was an appropriate response, but it was all she could think of at the moment. Inwardly, she wondered if the compliments were part of a calculated political persona, or if these were Jake’s real thoughts. The group continued to ask her questions and after turning away from Jake and Julia, she slipped into her comfort zone and was able to thoughtfully satisfy every inquiry.

  When the small crowd broke up, Tyrone led her away, a satisfied smile on his lips. “You were great, Keila. Those people now know Jake Kelly surrounds himself with people who know what they’re talking about, and they’ll spread the word.”

  Tyro
ne led her to the bar as the band played Ella Fitzgerald’s “Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered.” He ordered cocktails for them both, and held out a bar stool for Keila. Soon, they were playfully discussing the song’s lyrics, Tyrone trying to convince her he could bewitch, bother, and bewilder Tania if she gave him half a chance.

  “I would’ve introduced you to her the day you gave me a ride, but you ran away the moment she scowled at you,” Keila teased.

  “She made me feel like I’d done something horribly wrong. She was so damn convincing, it took me a while to realize I hadn’t done anything to her.”

  She laughed. “It’s a special gift she has.”

  They continued on that way, Tyrone pumping her for information, Keila feeding him some, thinking that someone like Tyrone would be good for Tania, if she could just give him a quarter of a chance, until Jake interrupted them because there were a few more people he wanted her to meet.

  His fingertips grazed her elbow as he led her toward a group of women who turned out to be influential members of the Illinois Arts and Music Educators Association. They had many questions and Jake quietly stood by Keila’s side as she took time to carefully listen to and answer their inquiries. Their last question, though, was one she had to turn over to Jake.

  “How will individual progress be evaluated?” a Mrs. Montgomery wanted to know. Keila watched Jake closely.

  “We decided to go on attendance and teachers’ reports for lower elementary school students and formal evaluations for the older children,” Jake answered, looking at Keila.

  The older woman nodded. “I believe we will be able to endorse your program, Mr. Kelly. It is well thought out, and I commend you both,” she said, about to leave.

  He’d found middle ground again. It was the only way to get things done. In the end, what mattered was that children would benefit from a great program. Without thinking, she stopped Mrs. Montgomery and said, “Mrs. Montgomery? I really want to stress that though Jake and I didn’t agree on everything, he showed me he knows how to compromise. I think that’s an important trait in a leader, don’t you?”

  Mrs. Montgomery and friends agreed and lingered a bit longer before taking leave.

  “I promise I’m telling everyone Jake Kelly is a man of compromise!” Keila declared soon after.

  Jake smiled and looked into her eyes, obviously amused and entertained by her excitement. But a moment later, his eyes lost their smile and took on a different sort of spark. He leaned in and said, “It just goes to show how a pair of hot pink panties can mess with a man’s head,” before turning and leaving her standing there, mouth agape.

  Keila didn’t know whether she wanted to stab his retreating back with her three inch heels or laugh.

  Neither, she decided, because she understood him. He was just keeping things light. She had nothing to be grateful to him for: she had just done her job and he had done his.

  She watched as Mike Summers and Jake Kelly finally exchanged a cordial handshake, before going on to work opposite sides of the room.

  Later, Keila was introduced to Jake’s opponent. Mr. Summers’ smile was wider and his handshake more enthusiastic than Jake’s, but she felt Jake’s fewer, more spontaneous smiles were more compelling, and his handshake more sincere.

  Keila sipped chardonnay, settled into a mellow mood, and people-watched. Ralph couldn’t take his eyes off of the voluptuous, raven-haired singer. Julia, who had spent most of the evening at her father’s side, was talking to someone from the band. Tyrone was always at Jake’s side.

  The evening so far had been enjoyable, but not memorable.

  Until the moment the band began to play “Strangers in the Night.” Keila’s back tensed and her heart slowed as she scanned the crowd, seeking Jake and feeling pathetic, because if he hadn’t remembered her from that summer night, he certainly wouldn’t remember the last song they’d danced to. When her eyes finally found his, he was watching her, too, and his gaze was filled with such burning, white hot intensity that she suddenly had no doubt in her mind: Jake Kelly hadn’t forgotten their last song and he hadn’t forgotten her.

  Keila immediately looked away, her breathing uneasy. Forcing a smile, she excused herself and slowly zigzagged through the crowd, making her way to the glass exit doors, in need of fresh, outside air.

  Why had he pretended not to know her that day in his campaign headquarters and why hadn’t he ever said anything? Different thoughts whirled around in her head, yet only one really made sense. He hadn’t known she was Cate’s friend so he’d probably thought she’d found out who he was and had hunted him down like some infatuated groupie, thinking that night had meant something.

  Both pride and vanity became wounded by the ridiculous idea. A minute ago she’d felt respected by him, and now she felt belittled. She conveniently put aside the fact that if she could have managed it, she probably would have pretended she didn’t remember their sizzling night of dancing, either, just so she could feel more comfortable around him.

  Out in the hallway she saw Julia, alone, sitting on a black lacquer and silver chair, her expression dreamy.

  “Julia?” Keila called out, tentatively. They’d never really spoken, Julia always seeming distant and apart.

  “Yes?” she answered, and Keila was taken aback by the shy, apprehensive note in her voice.

  “Um, is there are a garden nearby, or a pool area, maybe? Some place where I can get some fresh air?” she asked.

  Julia stood up and fumbled for something inside her black satin clutch, finally pulling out a keycard. “There’s a rooftop garden — but you need this to reach that floor.” She motioned Keila to the elevator, following Keila in. She inserted the keycard, hit 75 on the floor indicator panel, and then quickly got out of the elevator. Smiling timidly, she added, “You’re going to love it.”

  Keila smiled back and thanked her, just as the door shut, and she leaned back against the cool metal wall, thoughts of how she didn’t get Julia Hamilton now crowding in with thoughts of how full of himself Jake must be until a soft thud told her she’d reached the seventy-fifth floor.

  As soon as she stepped out onto the rooftop paradise, Keila gasped, delighted. Hundreds upon hundreds of roses and shrubs in mahogany rectangular boxes were arranged in step fashion all around her. Vines and ivy crept and trailed up the elegant railings and wall brackets surrounding the roof, and fragrant maples and evergreens dotted the landscape in blue glazed pots, with a few willows stooping down over wood and iron benches here and there. A fairy-tale garden, she thought.

  She nearly jumped a minute later when the door to the garden opened, half-expecting someone had come up to tell her she couldn’t be there.

  Instead Jake stepped out and Keila felt her heart begin to pound dangerously. “Julia told me you were here.”

  “You were looking for me?” Keila asked, eyebrows raised. She waited but Jake surveyed the view and ignored her question.

  “I thought we were done promoting the music program and I’m sure you have many other things to promote and attend to tonight, so why are you up here looking for me?”

  He finally looked at her, a challenge in his eyes. “I’ve had a hard time not looking for you all evening,” he finally said, and as revealing as his words were, his tone was, as usual, infuriatingly even.

  He took a step toward her and held out his hand. Keila, at a rare loss for words, looked at his hand for a long moment before finally deciding to take it. He led her to the railing, and her breath caught at the sight there.

  Thousands of city lights dazzled below and beyond, and hundreds of stars refused to be dimmed by the city’s glow as the moon reflected off of Lake Michigan in the distance. It was exhilarating and Keila couldn’t take her eyes off of the city she loved. “It’s breathtaking,” she murmured. Sighing, she wondered how she’d ever leave it, if her career took her elsewhere.

  “So are you,” Jake said, softly. He let go of her hand to place it on the railing between her hand and her waist, h
is arm grazing her back, and she knew she had never felt as conscious of anything as the words he had just whispered and the proximity of his body.

  “You’re lucky, you grew up with a view just like this one,” Keila remarked, struggling with composure and feeling a strong need to highlight the distance between their lives.

  Jake jutted his chin in the direction of her neighborhood. “And you grew up in a loving home behind one of those lights. You’re lucky, too.”

  Goose bumps ran up her arms and, as a way to explain them, she quickly observed, “I guess you’re so used to this sight, you don’t get chills when you look out over the city this way, the way I do.”

  “Chills? Not really.” Jake noticed her goose bumps and lightly ran his fingers up and down her forearm. Keila could barely breathe. “Filip once told me that behind each of those lights are real homes; some complete, some broken, some happy, some sad. So now, that’s all I can think of when I look out over the city. He ruined it for me.”

  “So Filip is your Jiminy Cricket? I like that you listen to Filip,” Keila finally smiled, too, and looked up at him. But that was a mistake. His fingers lightly touching her, intense blue eyes watching her, it was too much. She’d never had such a confusing reaction to anyone before. “He also should’ve taught you better manners than to make a person feel forgettable,” she added.

  “I think you know I didn’t forget you.”

  “Then why did you pretend to forget?”

  Jake smiled his wicked smile and looked away. “You’ll get mad if I tell you, and though I’ll admit it’s entertaining to see you all riled up, I’m not sure I could handle it right now.”

  “You thought I was some sort of psycho stalker, didn’t you?” Keila accused. She looked out over the city again and tried to find the will to walk away from Jake and go back inside.

  “Only for a moment,” he admitted.

  Finally, Keila pushed off the banister and prepared to leave.