Finding Us

by Debra Presley

  She woke up, startled. “What—”

  “Hi,” Danny said in the dark. “Sorry. Go back to sleep.”

  She felt the bed dip, and then Danny’s arms were around her as he spooned her.

  “I missed you,” she mumbled before she fell asleep again.

  The next morning her bed was empty, and she thought she had dreamed Danny waking her up late last night, but when she turned over to his side of the bed, she found a note on his pillow.

  Baby,

  Sorry I woke you up last night. Text me when you’re awake. Missing you.

  Danny

  She clutched the small piece of paper close to her heart. She sat up and reached for her phone. She opened up the text app.

  Abby—Morning.

  She brought her knees up to her chest and sat there waiting to see if he’d respond right away. God, I’m acting like a schoolgirl. The thought made her smile so hard her face hurt.

  Danny—Hey baby. Did you have a good night’s sleep?

  Abby—I did once I got over getting the shit scared out of me.

  She laughed because she totally didn’t mind getting scared if the reward was Danny’s arms around her.

  Danny—Sorry about that but I sure did enjoy the feel of you around me.

  Abby—Oh, I’m not complaining. ;)

  Danny—What are your plans today?

  Abby—Recording. I think we’re nearly done. You?

  Danny—I got shit brewing here with a client. If I can get it resolved I’ll be there tonight. If not, I’ll see you tomorrow night.

  Abby—KK

  Danny—I’ll try to call you later. Have fun today.

  Abby—I’ll miss ya.

  Danny—Same here. Keep your phone close.

  She jumped out of bed, feeling like she was ready to conquer the world.

  * * *

  “Girl, you’re on fire today.” Aisling’s voice echoed in Abby’s headphones.

  “Thanks. I feel like I’m in a zone.” Abby said into the microphone.

  “Well if this keeps up, I think we can call this baby a wrap tonight.”

  “Really?” Abby was in shock. They were really done? All these years she had dreamt of recording an album that was completely hers, and now she’d finished it.

  “Fuck, yeah.” Aisling sounded almost as excited as Abby felt.

  “Awesome. Let’s get to it.” The end was in sight, and she wanted to get it completed.

  It seemed like everyone was on fire today. They were flying through the songs, and Abby focused on the end game.

  When Aisling and her crew left, Abby heated up some food and spent the evening relaxing on her deck. She looked out at the ocean and missed Danny. He hadn’t called all day and only sent a brief text or two. The breeze off the water made it feel more like fall than summer, but with September around the corner, that was expected. Abby picked up her mug. It was filled with her favorite blend of tea.

  She felt a bit lonely without Danny; after all, she didn’t really see him last night. It was nearly eleven, and she had to face the possibility that he wasn’t going to show tonight. She settled into the lounge chair and pulled her sweater tighter. A few minutes later, the back porch doors opened.

  “Hey,” Danny said.

  She placed the mug on the small glass side table and dashed toward him. She jumped into his arms and held on tight as he swung her around the porch before setting her down and taking her hand.

  “I thought I wouldn’t see you tonight.”

  “King let me know you wanted to head back to New York, so I made sure I was here.”

  “Oh.” She was surprised King had told Danny. “He stole my news.”

  “What news?”

  “I’m done! Well, mostly. Now the mixing and post-production stuff needs to get done, but Aisling and I agreed we can do that in New York.”

  “Excellent. He didn’t tell me any of that.” Danny sat down in the chair Abby had vacated and took her with him.

  “Good. Because I wanted to tell you.” She relaxed into his lap and admired the peaceful ocean.

  “You must be excited.”

  “I’ve been on a high all day. I can’t believe that it’s done and that it’s a record full of songs that I created. I can’t wait until it’s released to the world.”

  “I’m so happy for you,” he murmured into her ear and gave her a light kiss on the side of her head.

  They were silent for a few minutes, and she looked out at the spectacular sky and reflected on how far she’d come in such a short time. She was happy that her relationship with Danny had come together naturally.

  “What are you thinking about?” She whispered into his ear and snuggled closer.

  “Us.”

  “What about us?”

  “I’m so happy that we’re together, and after everything you’ve been through, you still trusted me enough to take a chance.”

  “Of course I trust you. You and Sophie were the only people in my life that always have my back.” She hesitated. She wanted to tell him how she really felt about him, but what if he wasn’t ready yet?

  “What’s wrong?” He placed a finger under her chin and guided her gaze back to his.

  “Nothing. It’s just…” She took a deep breath and let her confession roll off her tongue. “I love you.” She watched his face transform into a dazzling smile, and it gave her the courage to go on. “And finding us through all the chaos and crazy that my life has been has made all that other stuff worth it. I’m happier than I’ve ever been, and that’s because of you. I…” She turned in his lap to straddle his legs. “I never thought I’d find someone like you. No one’s ever cared about me for me. It’s always about my fame and what they can get from me or gain from being around me. With you I know it’s only about us, and that’s worth more to me then fame or any amount of money.”

  “I love you too, baby,” He whispered before capturing her mouth with his. She melted into him. He tightened his hold, and before she could protest, Danny was on his feet and walking them back into the house.

  “I don’t think your neighbors would appreciate the PDA.”

  She laughed as he closed the door and headed toward the stairs.

  By noon the next day, Abby was in Danny’s car heading back to New York. King and his team acted as escorts in vehicles ahead of and behind them.

  Abby phoned Sophie after receiving a text message from her a few minutes ago. “Hey, we’re headed back now. What’s up?”

  “An executive at MTV called, and somehow they heard that you were recording new music. I explained how it was totally different than your current stuff. The whole ‘new sound, new management, new you’ kinda deal. They want you to open up the awards this year. I know we canceled everything after your attack, but I think it’s a good idea. Plus you’re up for a couple of awards.”

  They wanted her to be the opening act? Awesome!

  “I like the idea but what do you think, Miss Manager?”

  “I think it’s the perfect platform for you to kick-off promotion. I have your photo shoot scheduled for Monday. We can conference call with Emma about maybe coming up with a new look to go with the ‘new sound, new you’ campaign we have going on.” Sophie was in her element now.

  “I agree, and I love the idea of the new look. Set up the call and add it to my calendar, please.” Abby was nearly bouncing with excitement in her seat. She was going to perform her new music on the MTV awards. The idea of updating her look just sort of made sense too. And besides, Emma was a kick-ass stylist. Abby knew anything she’d come up with would totally rock.

  “Of course. When will you be back in New York?”

  “A few of hours if the traffic stays light. We’re heading in the opposite direction of traffic so we might get lucky.”

  “Safe travels and let me know when you’re back.”

  “You got it.”

  Abby placed her phone in the middle console between her and Danny.

  “New look?�
��

  She glanced at him. He was smiling at her while waiting for the traffic light to change.

  “Maybe. Would you mind?”

  “You could wear a sack, and I’d think you were the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

  “Flattery? Mr. Nucci, that might get you places.” She unhooked her seatbelt and leaned over to kiss his cheek.

  “Put your seatbelt back on, baby. The light just changed.”

  Abby did and relaxed into her seat while Danny drove them back into Manhattan.

  * * *

  When Monday rolled around, Abby left with King to meet Sophie, her stylist Emma, and her hair and make-up crew at Emma’s office. Emma had styled Abby for the last two years. She was excited to see their ideas in person. They didn’t have much time to pull a complete presentation together, but she had full confidence in them.

  “I got you a tea, no milk.” Emma handed Abby the steaming cup of coffee.

  “Thanks.” Abby sat down at the round conference table in Emma’s office.

  “Okay, here are some ideas on dresses for the event.” Emma opened up her portfolio and dove into dozens of designs. They didn’t come up for air until Abby selected a very sexy, floor length, black dress with a deep V-neck in the front and two thin straps that crisscrossed the back.

  “Very cutting edge,” Emma said. “I like it. I’ll contact the designer and give them your measurements. Also, Amy’s waiting in the studio to do your hair. Time for your transformation.” Emma sat down at her desk and picked up the phone.

  “Off to become a brunette or red head or who knows. Oh, what about silver. That seems to be all the rage.” Abby laughed.

  “Um. No.” Emma and Sophie both looked at each other before answering in unison.

  Abby laughed and left Emma’s office. She turned right and moved down the long, narrow hallway until she reached the studio. It was a large room with several stations filled to the max with everything a hairdresser could ever dream about.

  “I have a vision,” Amy announced when Abby sat in the chair.

  “I hope the vision is of me with fabulous hair,” Abby teased.

  “Ha! You’ll soon find out.”

  “Do your worst, girl.”

  “You got it.” Amy winked, and Abby closed her eyes, waiting to see what the stylist would come up with.

  * * *

  “Baby, where are you?” Danny called from the living room.

  “In my room.” She was searching for a light sweater to put on.

  “How’d you make out today?”

  “You tell me.” She shook her hair out.

  “Wow. I like. A lot.” He took her in his arms. “I’m not sure what color it is, but it makes your eyes stand out.” He bent down and claimed her mouth, and she willingly opened her lips to allow his tongue access.

  “It’s called black cherry.” She explained breathlessly without pulling out of the kiss. She loved the feel of his mouth against hers and didn’t want to surrender the contact for even a moment.

  “You look hot.” He released her. “We need to go, otherwise I don’t think we’ll make it to dinner. Ready?”

  “Yes.”

  They left through the garage exit. Per Emma’s instruction, Abby was trying to avoid the press so that her new look wouldn’t be unveiled until she hit the red carpet in a few days.

  “What did you ladies decide on for dinner?”

  “Sophie’s cooking,” Abby said with a straight face, but Danny’s horrified expression made her laugh so hard she couldn’t breathe.

  “That’s not funny. That’s terrifying.”

  “Truth. But don’t tell Sophie I said that.” She hopped in the car and waited for Danny to get in before she continued. “I think she ordered an assortment of food from the local deli. Their food is really good.”

  “Thank God. I didn’t feel like spending the night getting my stomach pumped.”

  “Ha, sad but true. How was your day?”

  She listened while Danny chatted away about some new clients and how he finally resolved the issue that had kept him so busy over the last week or so. She loved to listen to him talk about work, but she loved the way he seemed to have adjusted to having King in charge of her security detail even more.

  “No King tonight?”

  “No. They all have the night off. It’s just me protecting you. Hope I live up to your standards.”

  “My standards are quite high, Mr. Nucci.”

  “I’d expect nothing less.” They were stopped at a traffic light, and she glanced his way. His gaze was heated and full of promise.

  “Anyway…I do like King. He’s on top of his shit, and I feel safe with him.”

  “He’s very good. It’s why I allowed him to take the lead. Connor is the only other person I’d trust with you. I want to talk to you about something before we get to Sophie’s. This way we talk about it and then you let it go and have fun with your girl.”

  “Okay.” Abby didn’t like Danny’s demeanor. Something was definitely up.

  “I have an update on Sean and Kelly. They are both pleading not guilty. So unfortunately you might have to testify if it makes it to trial.”

  She groaned. “Great.”

  “Hopefully, the DA can get their lawyers to talk some sense into the two of them.”

  “I sincerely doubt that.”

  “We can keep our fingers crossed. I wanted to make sure you heard this from me.”

  “If I do have to testify, you’ll be there, right?”

  “Of course. I wouldn’t let you go through that alone.”

  She relaxed a little. “I’ll try to stay positive. I’m not thrilled to have to see either of them again, but I can do it if necessary.”

  “You don’t have to do it today, so relax.”

  They walked into Sophie’s Manhattan apartment, and Abby smelled something good heating in the oven.

  “What’s that I smell?”

  Sophie emerged from the kitchen. “I’m heating up some appetizers. Mini quiches, pizza roll ups, and mini chicken parm balls.”

  “Chicken parm balls?” Yes! Chicken parmesan was one of Abby’s favorites.

  “Yeah I ordered them for you. There’s a whole smorgasbord of food in the kitchen. Help yourselves. Hi, Danny.”

  Abby moved into the kitchen and filled a plate with a variety of foods, especially the chicken parm balls.

  “Holy shit, look at your hair.” Connor said as he entered the room, then he made a weird choking, coughing sound as he stifled a laugh.

  Abby glared at him.

  “It’s purple,” he teased.

  “It is not. Are you color blind? Or do you need glasses, old man? It’s called black cherry.” Abby gave it to him right back. She was used to his teasing sense of humor by now.

  “And I love it,” Sophie said. “So leave my friend alone.”

  “Looks purple to me.” Connor shrugged and piled food on his plate.

  Danny playfully slapped Connor on the side of his head, and Abby laughed.

  “It’s a wonder you’re still not single.” Abby shook her head at him in mock annoyance and left for the living room.

  “He might be after tonight,” Sophie added with a little laugh as she followed Abby.

  “Pfft, you’d be crazy to leave all this.” He motioned to himself.

  “Don’t be so sure.” Sophie smiled.

  “Come on, the game’s on.” Connor settled onto the couch.

  Five minutes later, Abby was yelling at the screen. “Come on! Did you see that? He was clearly safe. That ump needs to fuckin’ pay attention.”

  “You’re adorable when you watch baseball,” Danny said. “And that filthy mouth of yours is especially tempting,” he added in a whisper.

  Connor started to say something, but Abby interrupted him. “Don’t talk bad about my Yankees,” she playfully threatened.

  “They suck this year.” Connor said, bravely.

  “They what?” Abby moved out
of Danny’s arms.

  “You heard me.”

  “You don’t like breathing, O’Brian?” she threatened, teasingly.

  “I’m breathing fine.” He took in a big pull of air and smiled at her.

  She narrowed her eyes and pointed at him. “Keep it up and you won’t.”

  Danny must’ve had his fill of her antics because he laughed, a real belly shaking laugh, and when she turned to look at him, he was wiping away tears in his eyes.

  “What’s so funny, Nucci? Because I know you ain’t laughin’ at me. Or my Yankees.”

  “You know you’re not a member of the team, right? They aren’t really yours.”

  “Unbelievable. Have I entered another dimension?”

  “I’m an Angels fan.” Connor’s smile grew even broader.

  “Gah, why are you even here?”

  “I’m dating your best friend.”

  “I so don’t like him anymore,” Abby said to Sophie.

  At that comment everyone laughed, including Abby. Danny pulled her back to his side and kissed the top of her head.

  “You all suck,” Abby added.

  “Love you, too.” Connor threw a potato chip at her.

  But she wouldn’t have it any other way. She threw the chip back at him and, lucky for him, the Yankees won.

  “You’re done,” Emma said as she stepped away from Abby.

  “And with ten minutes to spare.” Sophie smiled at her friend. “Take a peek. You look absolutely stunning.”

  Abby smoothed her hands over the dress and went over to the full-length.

  “I love this dress, and my hair looks amazing. Thanks so much, Amy.” She turned to check out the back, which really was nothing but two very thin straps. She turned away from the mirror. “Okay, are these babies going to stay in place?” She glanced down at her chest.