by C. Morgan
I couldn’t believe he’d brought a bribe. But then, I had been pretty upset when I kicked him out. “You’re slick. But I’m not mad about last night. I’m just disappointed in myself. I should have shown better restraint.”
“Well, I can be super seductive and irresistible, so you really didn’t stand a chance.” He smiled, and I realized I missed his humor. It had been a nice morning, the two of us spending time with Jack and laughing together.
“I just didn’t want to confuse you.” I could see the words sink in as soon as I said them.
Clay’s smile faded. “I know.”
We walked to the food truck, got a bite, and found a picnic table to sit at while Jack drank a bottle.
While I ate, I caught Clay looking at me. “Jack has another checkup on Wednesday at nine. I’d like it if you can be there.”
“Yeah, I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I want to go to all of his appointments.”
I wouldn’t get my hopes up until I saw him there. And thinking that, I knew I still didn’t trust him. “Great. I’d like that. There’s a lot of former couples who co-parent just fine without problems. I hope we can be that for each other.”
He looked down at his food, his smile fading. “Look, Beth, I know that I’ve been absent a lot, and I don’t blame you for being unsure about me. But I’m turning over a new leaf, and I just want you to know that I’ll be there for you. I’ll be whatever you need me to be.”
I could tell that his words were sincere, but sincerity didn’t mean anything without action. “For now, I just need you to show up.”
“I will.” He took out his phone. “I’m going to put a reminder in here right now. And set the alarm for my wake up, just in case. Although I’ve been getting up just fine, usually around seven a.m. It’s like my body clock finally decided to reset.”
I smiled as I watched him work his phone, but I refused to let him trick me into thinking he had changed completely. If I thought I could believe it, we wouldn’t be in the shape we were in.
We finished up our food, and he helped me load Jack into the car. Then he walked around and opened my door for me. “I guess I’ll see you Wednesday, if not sooner?”
“At nine,” I said, giving him one last reminder.
Clay nodded. “At nine. I’ll be there.” He shut the door and walked away, stopping at his car to watch me drive away.
I saw him in the rearview mirror and felt another tug in my heart, hoping he really would try and not let me down again.
Chapter 23
Clay
It had been a while that I’d spoken to LeRoy, and since I knew it had been enough time for his niece to go back home to Louisiana, I decided to go in and say hello.
His usual early crowd was there when I arrived, and LeRoy was sitting at the bar, talking to his bartender about bringing out more peanuts, napkins, and paper coasters.
When he looked up and saw me, he smiled big and turned to shake my hand. “If it isn’t the second most talented pianist in town.”
“I take it you’re the first most talented pianist in town?” I had to envy the man’s confidence. He was good, and he knew it. I guessed we were similar in that way.
“You’d be correct.” He lifted his chin and wagged his brows. “And I can back it up if you ever want to battle.”
“Well, even I have to agree with you on that one,” I said, looking around the bar. “How’s it going? The place looks different.” It was cleaner, more open without all the clutter on the walls it had before.
“It’s going well. Do you like the new floors? They just did them yesterday.” He tapped his wingtip on the new tile. “They still haven’t put the place back together, but I kind of like it this way.”
“It looks great. I love the floor.” It was a burgundy tile and gave the place the pop of color it needed.
He shrugged. “Everything else is the same as always, but it’s a start. Eventually, I’ll have the place looking good as new. But I’m more interested in knowing how you are.”
“Actually, I’m happy to say that I’m doing great. I’ve been spending a lot of time with Beth and Jack. I think things might be turning around for us. Maybe we won’t be together as a couple for now, but if we can manage to co-parent Jack and share things, help each other out, maybe I’ll eventually get her back.”
“Well, it sounds like she’s been through a whole lot with you. She’s got to be a strong woman. I hope you really do settle down, and I’m sure the other bar and club owners would appreciate it too.”
“Very funny. But you’re right. Beth is strong. And I’m turning it all around. I’m doing a lot better lately, and thanks to your niece’s therapy, I realized I’m not cut out for a life of dating.”
“I warned you she was a handful. I was glad to send her back to her mama. When she was younger and came with her older brother, it was different then, but now, I think she’s coming hoping I’ll put her in my will.”
“She was more than a handful. And honestly, I’ve always known that Beth is the only one for me. I mean, I flirt—not with your niece, of course—but while I play the piano. You know how it is to work the crowd, make them think you’re singing to them and their hearts. But I never look past that. I never see more than over their heads. I never have. I never will. She’s the one for me.”
“You know, it’s good you want to be a stand-up guy for her, but you can’t just be that until you get her back, son. You have to be that kind of man for good.”
Sometimes, I wondered why I’d confided so much to him, but he did have great advice.
“I know,” I said. “And I’m the first to admit that I’ve had a bad track record when it comes to slipping back into old habits, but it’s different now. I never thought I’d lose them, and now I just want to make sure I never do.”
“That’s a good attitude to have,” he said. “Your Beth sounds like she deserves someone who is going to love and take care of her and that little one and make it easy for her. And trust me. Once you become that and see how good your life will be, you’ll never want to go back.”
“I hope you’re right.” I didn’t want to miss it, but I knew I’d never miss it as much as I missed Beth.
“Oh, I am,” he said. “You’ll see.”
“Well, I’ve got the right attitude, but now I just have to find work. I’m still looking. It’s not easy, but tomorrow, I’m going to check into something besides music.”
“Just make sure that whatever you do, you like it. Get yourself settled into a job that you can have some stability, and you can still do the things you love on the side. That’s important, and it will go a long way to get you back to where you want to be.”
“Maybe I should open a bar like you did. At least I’d still get to play.” I gave him a teasing grin, but he went straight-faced.
“Hey, now. I don’t need more competition.” He balled up his fist. “Besides, you’d be trying to steal customers.” He tried to stay serious but burst with laughter.
“Yeah, I don’t want to put you out of business.” I gave him a big grin. “But who knows? Maybe one day.”
“When I’m long buried, I’ll wish you luck.” He chuckled. “Maybe I’ll leave it to you. Maisy doesn’t know what to do with a place like this.”
I glanced over at the piano. “Any chance I could play a few songs tonight?”
“Sure, knock yourself out.” He turned back to the bar. “Just make sure you don’t run out of here halfway. No one likes a quitter.”
I went to the piano bench and began to play I Been Lovin’ You Too Long, knowing that had been a request from the crowd the last time I’d played for them. I wanted them to forgive me, and his crowd was about as loyal as they came.
Some of them were already used to me taking over LeRoy’s bench and gave me a warm welcome.
About an hour later as my fingers danced along the keys, a man walked in and sat at the bar. LeRoy gave him the usual welcome, and the two shook hands. The man looked like he h
ad money and wore a black suit, his gold watch shining on his wrist enough to blind me.
I finished that song and decided to take it up a notch, playing a much faster-paced tune I’d written ages ago. I didn’t usually play original content, but it just felt like the right time. The crowd loved it, and they showed it with their enthusiasm. Some even got up and danced.
When I was done, the man at the bar walked over and offered me his hand.
“I’m Lloyd Scott,” he said. “You’re good.” He looked me up and down as if I was the one thing in the room that didn’t belong.
“Thanks. I’m Clay Whitmore.”
“With that suit on, I’d expect you to be playing somewhere else.”
I glanced down at my suit. I was used to wearing it out on the town, and I never thought of myself as overdressed. Not even at LeRoy’s. “It’s just my style, I guess.”
“Do you play here often?”
“Only when LeRoy gives me a chance. I’m looking for a job actually. He’s just taking pity on me for the night.”
“Well, I happen to be looking for fresh talent. I like your style, and I need someone who can play to a mixed crowd.”
“Well, I’ve played just about every bar and club in town, so there’s not a genre I can’t cover if that’s what you mean, but I’m not sure about the fresh part.”
He chuckled. “Do you have a manager?” he asked as he took out his phone and gave it a glance before pulling up a chair beside me.
“No, it’s just me. I’m a one-man show.” I wondered why he was getting so comfortable and let my fingers move along the keys, picking out a few notes to fill the silence between songs.
“Look, Clay, I can’t make you any promises, but maybe I could get you a gig or two.” Lloyd seemed really enthusiastic, and I was excited by the offer.
“I’d like that, but I’m also looking for something a little steadier, so if you hear of anything like that, I’d appreciate your consideration.” I could use all the help I could get.
He watched my hand glide over the keys. “Have you ever thought of doing anything besides playing piano for a living?”
I laughed. “Actually, yes. Lately, I have thought about getting into something else in the industry. Maybe production? I don’t know. I’m still searching.”
“I work for a large company that is always looking for managers. The boss put me with the task of finding someone who could not only fill the seats but who could manage and coordinate other events.”
“I need work now. I could start anytime.”
He seemed to be mulling something over in his head, and I hoped the longer I kept him talking, the better my chances of employment would be. “Well, I can see about those gigs for now, but I’ll be in touch if something opens up. Unless you’d be willing to leave Williston?”
My heart sank. “No way. I have a job waiting in Las Vegas, but my family is here. And I’m not leaving them.”
He seemed surprised. “Oh, I see. I didn’t know you were a family man. Well, I’ll keep you in mind if something opens up. I can respect a man who would turn down working in Las Vegas to be with his family. That was probably one hell of a gig.”
“Maybe, but they come first. I only hope I can find an employer who understands.”
“Let me see what I can do. I’ll get back to you.” He handed me his card and his phone. “Give me your number.”
I put my name and number in his phone and handed it back to him. I glanced at the card and put it in my pocket. “Thank you.”
He walked over to tell LeRoy goodbye. Then he left. I had a sneaking suspicion that the old man had said something about me. Had he called him there?
I continued with another song, and when it was over, I took a break and went to the bar. “Do you know Lloyd Scott?”
“Maybe,” he said with a shrug. “Why, what did he say to you?”
“He says he’s going to look for some work for me and he’d be in touch. You didn’t happen to call him down and tell him about my situation, did you?”
“I may have mentioned I had a friend here who could really stroke a key, but the rest was up to you. I guess he liked what he heard.”
“Thanks. You’re a good friend. And if it does lead to something, I’ll remember you helped me.”
“Hey, it’s not a problem, but don’t let me down, and whatever you do, don’t embarrass me either. I’ve got a reputation to protect, and if you go acting out, I’m going to knuckle your head.” He balled his fist at me again, and I knew he meant it.
“Yes, sir. I’m really grateful.”
“Well, you can be grateful some other time, son. You’ve got music to play. Besides, he might not find you anything, and then this sappy moment will all be for naught.” He patted my shoulder and looked over his shoulder to the piano. “She’s getting cold over there. My lady likes to be kept warm.”
“Right. I’m on it. And thanks again. I won’t let you down.” I went to the piano bench and started with upbeat jazz that had the house cheering. I played my heart out for another hour, all the while thinking about how the people in my life were pretty awesome and I had a lot of people I didn’t want to let down, including myself.
Chapter 24
Beth
On the morning of Jack’s next appointment, I woke up early from another restless night and made a large coffee to go. After getting myself ready, I went to wake him up and get him dressed.
“Do you want to go see Dr. Lenz again?” I asked him, knowing he didn’t understand a word I was saying even if he could hear it.
Jack smiled at me, and I wished I felt as happy as he did, but the answers I needed and what I expected had me shaken.
After packing his diaper bag, I carried him out to the car and said a little prayer that everything would be okay as I put him in his car seat.
Once I had us all settled, I drove us to the clinic, hoping that the tests would give us good results. I didn’t even expect Clay to show. Things had been going well, but after the last awkward conversation, I kept waiting for him to figure out he wasn’t going to get what he wanted and lose interest.
As soon as that happened, I’d see way less of him, and hopefully, he’d go ahead and give me the divorce papers.
But when we made it to the doctor’s office, I saw Clay’s old GTO sitting in the parking lot. I had to admit when I saw it there in the mist of the morning, I smiled and felt a big weight come off of my shoulders. I didn’t have to go through this alone.
As I shut the car off, Clay got out of his and walked over. “Good morning,” he said. “How’s my boy?”
“He’s in a good mood. He must have slept better than me.”
“I know. I had the same problem. I tossed and turned all night, thinking of what they’d tell us. When I saw that it was about to rain, I figured I’d help you get inside.”
“Thanks. I appreciate that.” I opened the back door, and Clay moved in to see Jack.
His voice went a bit higher when he greeted him. “How’s Daddy’s big boy? Are you smiling for me?”
Clay pulled him out of the car seat and grabbed his bag as it started to sprinkle. I took the blanket from the back, put it over the baby’s head, and shut the door.
“Oh no, we should go before we’re all sick.” I hurried in, and he was right behind me. We made it in just in time before the bottom fell out.
Candy was all smiles for us at the front counter. “Hey, guys.” She turned her attention to Jack, who was smiling now that the cover had been removed from his head. “Were you playing peek-a-boo?” she asked him in a squeaky voice.
Jack turned his head and laid it on his father’s shoulder.
“Looks like he’s going to play shy today,” said Clay. “He doesn’t get that from me.”
“We’re here for our nine o’clock appointment,” I said as she passed me the clipboard.
“Today, you get your test results,” she said. “Well, you can bypass the lobby. Dr. Lenz asked me to put you in room five,
so you can go on back. He’ll be with you in a moment.”
I glanced over to see a woman with two young boys sitting on the edge of her seat. Her young ones were in their chairs, their eyes glued to the television that played a cartoon.
“Thanks.” I turned to Clay, and he thanked her too. Then we walked around to the hallway and down to room five, which was more like a consultation room, with the usual doctor’s visit accessories but also a small table.
“This is weird,” said Clay. “With the table, I feel a bit like we have something to discuss. Like a lot to discuss.”
“Yeah, I feel the same way. I’ve never been in this room before.” I walked over and took a seat.
Clay came over to join me with Jack in his lap. “I’m sure it’s nothing. Maybe we’re overreacting, and this is just the only room available.”
“You saw the parking lot and the lobby. There is only one other person here.” It wasn’t busy at all. Nothing like the other days when I would bring Jack to his appointment. But I knew the office held wellness visits and sick patients on different days. Maybe they had a special hour set aside for consultations?
Thinking that was just optimism and doing my best to seem normal.
“I’m just trying to keep a positive attitude,” said Clay.
“I hear you. I’m terrified too. I think I’ve thought of every worst-case scenario, but I’m still not prepared for any of them.”
Clay reached out and patted my shoulder. “We’ll hope for the best.”
It seemed like the minutes stretched into hours, but when Dr. Lenz did come in, it had only been a ten-minute wait.
“I see you brought along the whole team this time,” he said, shaking Clay’s hand. “Now I know where that boy gets his looks. You know, I hear it all the time. The mothers do all the work, and these babies just come out looking like their fathers.” He gave a chuckle.
“Yeah, but he has his mother’s eyes,” said Clay.
