The Right Man

by Mankin, Michelle

  My girl skillfully refilled our cups before taking a seat beside me. Her hand trembled, and I clasped it in mine before she could put it under the table.

  “Jewel’s an artist.” I slid my cell toward Mary. The display revealed the painting of the two of us.

  “Stunning,” Mary said, lifting her gaze.

  “I want that to be my next cover.”

  She nodded, considering. “It would certainly mesh well with your new sound.”

  “And maybe a different one for the wrap for the vinyl?” I asked, hoping I wasn’t pushing my luck.

  “Artists of her caliber are expensive.” Mary focused on Jewel. “Would two thousand be too little for the sunset? An additional two for an original for the wrap?”

  “Too much.” Jewel’s eyes were wide and more beautiful even than the gold in her sunset. “It’s a gift. He’s done far too much for me already.”

  “There are no scales, Jewel,” I told her. “Just me and you and the love that’s between us.”

  “Those are the words you wrote in your journal last night,” she whispered.

  “If you want it to be a gift, I won’t rob you of the joy of giving,” I said firmly.

  “You remembered.”

  “I remember everything when it comes to you.”

  Before we sank too deeply into each other’s eyes, my boss cleared her throat.

  “So two thousand for a commissioned piece of art, as yet to be determined.” Mary drummed her manicured nails on the table. “Now to my proposal. We need to get you back on the road.”

  I held up a hand. “But—”

  “You may take her with you, Rush. A larger private bus for the two of you can be arranged.”

  My jaw dropped. That was a big expense. I knew then for certain that Mary really liked the new songs. She liked Jewel too, I suspected. Though that was understandable.

  “I can give you a couple of weeks in LA since I still have a few logistics of my own to iron out. There’s a new talent I want to bring in to open, Logan Black. I’m pairing you with Heavy Metal Enthusiasts. You’ll be co-headlining with them, of course. They have a new sound, a new direction, similar to yours.”

  “But they’re with Charles Morris.”

  “Morris and I have already agreed.”

  Surprised, I leaned back in my chair. “Wow.”

  “We’re trying to do things differently, he and I.” Mary glanced down her nose at me, pausing in a manner that told me it wouldn’t be smart to comment on the matter further. “We’ll make the announcement at the Palladium tonight. Tempest has a show, a charity event. I want you to close it.”

  She lifted her napkin from her lap and set it on the table. It was decided.

  “And, Jewel,” Mary said as she stood. “Send me your contact information. I’ll forward it to my VP in charge of marketing. If you have any other pieces you’d like to sell, I’d like to have first option to purchase.”

  Chapter 50

  * * *

  Jewel

  “Wow!”

  Cam’s eyes widened. We were on the couch in Shaina’s apartment after Rush dropped me off.

  “Two thousand a painting is a lot of money, a lot more than you’re making waiting tables.” She reached for my hand. “So, are you going to do it?”

  “I already contacted her VP.”

  “No, not that. The other. Are you going to move in with Rush?”

  “I’m not sure.” I gnawed on my lip.

  “C’mon, Jewel.” Cam tilted her head, and when her long black hair caught in the top of her sling, she muttered and tugged it free.

  “Would you be comfortable in his guest bedroom?” I winced, still feeling guilty about staying away all night.

  “Not indefinitely. But short term, and condo-sitting if you go out on tour with him? Absolutely.”

  “I didn’t say yes.”

  “Not in so many words, but you’re happy with him. You’re painting again. You love him, Jewel.”

  “I do.”

  Cam gave me an approving smile. “You don’t do superficial. You’re all in—loyal, encouraging, self-sacrificing with those you care about.”

  “That’s the way you love too.”

  “Maybe. With you, for sure. It’s not hard to love you.”

  “Thank you.” I covered her hand with mine and squeezed.

  “No argument, and accepting a compliment? Are you finally realizing your value?”

  “I’m getting there. Seeing things differently, myself included, with his help.”

  “So, you’re moving forward with him? Not backward anymore?”

  I nodded. “Yes.”

  “Great.”

  “You like him too.”

  “I like his effect on you.” She stood. “So, we need to pack up our things to give Shaina and War their apartment back, and then move into Rush’s condo. But those can wait until tomorrow. We have more important things to decide right now.”

  “What’s that?” I grinned, picking up on her lightened mood.

  “What to wear to this concert Rush is closing tonight.”

  • • •

  “You should go with the dark silver one,” Cam said. She’d been adamant about that gown since I first tried it on.

  I gestured to the gowns Shaina had located for us within hours of finding out we were attending the black-tie event. They were Lace Lowell originals. The girlfriend of the Tempest lead guitarist was a fashion designer.

  “If you wear the black one,” I said, pointing at the one laid out beside the silver one next to us on the bed.

  Cam shook her head and lifted her arm, still enclosed in a cast. “I’m not going. Not like this.”

  “You have to go with me. This is a big deal. And you’re my best friend.” I tilted my head, studying her. “This has nothing to do with your arm. You’re worried about Brad being there.”

  She lifted her free hand, inspecting her nails. “Him? Pfft. Why would I care if he’s there?”

  “He seems to piss you off.”

  “He’s arrogant. Stuffy and rude.”

  “He’s also really cute.”

  Cam sighed. “And he has a girlfriend.”

  “Aha!”

  She narrowed her gaze. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “You didn’t bat on eye when I said he was good-looking. You only mentioned a deterrent.”

  Cam’s gaze dropped to the black gown, and she plucked absently at the silky fabric. “A guy like him would never go for a girl like me, even without the deterrent.”

  I took her hand in mine. “Any guy would be fortunate to have the interest of an amazing and beautiful woman like you, Camaro Montepulciano.” I squeezed and released her hand. “Don’t you ever forget that.”

  “I hear you.”

  The front doorbell rang, and Cam hopped off the tall four-poster bed.

  “I’ll get it.”

  “All right.” I slid to the floor too. It was time to get ready.

  “Yo, best friend!” Cam yelled from the front door. “You have another delivery.”

  My heart started racing. I wasn’t expecting him. I was supposed to meet him at the venue. But I also knew he liked to surprise me.

  “Rush?” I left the bedroom and hurried down the hall.

  “Nope.” Cam sneezed. “More flowers.”

  My eyes widened as she handed me the florist box holding a crown made of white irises. I set it on a table, then opened the windowed lid and lifted out the floral ring.

  “Put down your crown,” she said. “I don’t want you to crush it. It has a note too.”

  I returned the crown to the box, and she passed me an envelope. I slid out the card.

  I hope it matches your dress.

  Love, Rush

  I blinked to clear my eyes.

  “Don’t get all teary. There’s more.”

  “What?” I tried to peer around her back. She was hiding something.

  “This.” She whipped her hand from behind he
r back. A turquoise-colored jeweler’s box lay in her outstretched palm.

  “Oh shit!”

  “You weren’t expecting it?”

  I shook my head.

  “Aren’t you going to look inside?”

  “This is crazy.”

  “It might be, but I think I like his kind of crazy. Open it, Jewel.”

  She thrust the box into my hands. When I lifted the lid, tears flooded my eyes.

  It was perfect for me.

  Like him.

  Chapter 51

  * * *

  Rush

  “I can’t go out there.”

  Brad shook his head at me, looking like the Daniel Craig version of James Bond in his tux, but younger. “You don’t want to go out there.”

  “I wanted her to be here already,” I said. “Plus, I was nervous about the ring. I expected her to call once she received it.”

  “She’ll come.”

  “But she’s gonna miss the song.”

  The ring. The song. I was pulling out all the stops.

  “Jack and Ben are already in place,” Brad said. “You got your guitar. All you need to do is step onstage and sing. It’s time.”

  He was right. Tempest had done their set. Now it was my turn.

  I nodded to my bass man and made eye contact with my drummer. Huge screens behind him, projecting his image and making him look larger than life, Jack clacked his sticks over his head to set the beat.

  I stepped out onstage. Beneath the crystal chandelier, a hush descended over the full-capacity audience of four thousand in the Hollywood Palladium.

  At first, my guitar was the only instrument. My fingers strummed the strings in the simple but complex rolling rhythm inspired by the waves, and Jewel. At center stage, I put my lips to the mic, the first word poised to slip from my lips . . . when I saw her.

  As if it were meant to be, Jewel crossed the stage to join me. The silver satin dress she wore hugged her curves as if custom fitted. Her coppery-brown hair fell in soft waves around her delicate shoulders. A white iris crown atop her head, she was as regal as a princess, and her golden eyes glittered like the treasure she was to me.

  I didn’t have a sight line to see the magnification of her on the screens above the stage, yet in my eyes, she was a goddess of epic proportions.

  Taking her hand, I caressed her soft skin with my thumb as I drew her into the center spotlight with me to start the song. In her other hand, she carried a cordless mic, ready for her part of the chorus.

  No time onstage had ever felt more right. No other partner was more perfect.

  Somehow got lost

  Along the way

  Forgot all the things I knew

  Didn’t dare to dream

  Or so it seemed

  Until I found you

  You started a fire

  Rekindled desire

  Now in your light I see

  Whatever I want you to be

  Whatever I need you to be

  You’re so right for me

  So tonight you’ll be my only one

  Caught up in chaos

  Trapped in a storm

  A tempest of my mind

  Out of control

  Body and soul

  No reason and no rhyme

  But you cut through the noise

  Gave me my voice

  Brought me the calm I need

  Whatever I want you to be

  Whatever I need you to be

  You’re so right for me

  So tonight you’ll be my only one

  • • •

  Jewel

  I knew as soon as I stepped out onstage and his eyes found mine that I’d made the right decisions.

  Getting in the Porsche with him that first time.

  Agreeing to our arrangement.

  Deciding to forgive him.

  Arriving at this moment right now.

  Our coming together was like a fairy tale, meant to be. Like his parents after two dates. Like my gran after one dance with my grandfather. Despite my own self-doubts, the ones that had kept me down, stifling my spirit for so long, I had implemented the wishes of my heart.

  The fancy gown and the platinum heels and all the accoutrements I wore made me feel like a fairy-tale princess. But those were just superficial things, not truly important. Deep inside, I felt like a princess because of his love. He was the other half of a love that made the two of us complete.

  Once the concert was over, we were alone, sitting on the edge of the stage. The seats were all empty. The post-show meet and greet was over. The remaining fans had gone home or relocated to the VIP reception at the hotel, where his bandmates and our friends waited for us.

  This moment was just for us.

  He took my hands, and I grinned at him.

  “How come the rock stars don’t have to do tuxes and finery like everyone else?”

  “I have on a shirt, darlin’. This is me dressed up.” His hair fell forward as he glanced down at our joined hands. “How come you aren’t wearing the ring?”

  “I thought we should talk first.”

  “About?” he asked carefully.

  “About us.” I slid my hands from his and slipped off my high heels. Arranging the silver satin around my crossed ankles, I reached in my pocket and handed him the turquoise box.

  When his face fell, I hurried to explain.

  “I’m certain of my answer. I’m certain with you. I was certain before we left for Indiana, and I’m even more certain now because of the care you’ve shown me.”

  A relieved breath whooshed from Rush, and I smiled.

  “You’re all the things a good man should be. You’re gentle with me. You listen to my concerns. You’re kind. You change your plans for me. Limelight or spotlight, highlights to celebrate or challenges to endure, it’s you I want, you I need. It just didn’t seem right to put the ring on without you saying what it means to you for me to wear it.”

  He scanned my features, the love shining so bright in his eyes, it sent a bolt of warmth straight through me to my toes. Rush brushed a lock of hair from my shoulder, then gently grasped my chin and tilted my face up to his.

  “It means you’re the one, Jewel. It means you’ll always be the one. You see me, the real me. You don’t look at the photos online or the stuff on YouTube or the magazines to try to figure me out. You look in my eyes and listen to my words. You understand my heart. You understand me.”

  When he paused, I said with every bit of certainty, “I’m ready.”

  I stretched out my hand, fingers splayed, and he slid the ring on. Thrilled, I held it up for a second, admiring the emerald cut of the diamond with the micro slim platinum band. It twinkled under the stage lights. But lifting my gaze and looking into his eyes and seeing his love for me blazing within them was what made the moment priceless.

  I gave him my biggest smile. “I love you, Rush.”

  “I would give anything, do anything, be anything for one of your smiles.” He put his arms around me, drawing me into his embrace.

  “It’s the perfect place.” I rested my head on his shoulder, feeling a whisper of magic swirling around us and knowing Gran was watching us from heaven.

  “The Palladium?” he asked.

  “No, right here with you. When you open your arms and I step inside them, I am where I want to be. Where I’m meant to be.” I touched his cheek and said softly, “I’m home.”

  Epilogue

  * * *

  Jewel

  Six years later

  “I’m not tired.” Snuggled into her narrow bed on the tour bus, the little girl could barely keep her golden eyes open.

  “It’s late. You’ll fall asleep as soon as the bus pulls away from the venue.” Jewel tucked the blanket she’d brought from home around her daughter, marveling how much her young Helen resembled the photos of her gran as a child.

  “I like being on the tour bus with Daddy.”

  “I like it too, precious one.”


  Jewel thanked her lucky stars once again for the benefits that came with Rush’s success. Unless she had a showing at her gallery, they went as a family wherever Rush’s career took him.

  “Will he come kiss me good night?”

  “You know he will. Right after the encore.”

  “‘Spend Your Hours Wise.’”

  “Yes, he likes to end every performance with the song about your grandmother Moira.”

  “Can you tell me a story until he gets here? Like Gran used to tell you?”

  “A fairy tale with magic?”

  “Love is the real magic, and music gives it a voice,” a deep voice said, resonating in the back space of the tour bus almost as nicely as it did inside a concert hall.

  • • •

  Helen

  “Daddy!” Helen sat up in bed.

  “Hey, precious.” Her daddy’s silver eyes shone with love for her, like they always did when he looked her way.

  “Mommy was just getting ready to tell me a story.”

  “Was she now?”

  Helen nodded, and her halo of reddish curls bounced.

  “Then I’ll come get my kisses before I go shower, since I know how much you love them.”

  Entranced, Helen watched her daddy draw close to her mommy. She thought he was the most handsome man on earth, and that her mother was the prettiest woman she had ever seen. But even better than all that was the beautiful life they all shared, as wonderful as any fairy tale.

  “I love you.” Daddy stopped in front of Mommy and framed her face. He kissed her on the lips and then pulled back to stare into her eyes for a long moment, as if making sure those very important words were absorbed.

  Her mother tilted her face up to her father, her skin aglow as his warmth and love settled deeply inside her heart. Maybe deeper still where another baby grew. If it were a girl, they planned to name her Moira. If it were a boy, they would name him Ronald. Her parents firmly believed in making those they loved a forever part of their lives.