“Hey!” He squeezed me tightly. “You look incredible!” He shook his head. “Damn girl! What have you been doing all summer?”
I grinned, pleased that he had noticed my transformation. “My running shoes and I became best friends.” He continued to stare, and I laughed. “How was your flight?”
“Long. I’m starving. Wanna go grab something?”
I linked my elbow around his arm. “Sure, what are you hungry for? Pizza? Mexican? Chinese? We’ve got it all.”
He grunted as he lifted a heavy suitcase from the luggage carousel. “Know any good Italian joints? I’d kill for a big plate of spaghetti.”
Indeed I did. I just wasn’t sure I wanted to go. I hadn’t been back to Gigi’s since my date with Chris.
Determined not to let Chris interfere with my life any longer, I set aside my qualms and gave the taxi driver directions to the restaurant.
Once there, I was overtaken with emotion. Okay, so I wasn’t actually ready for this, but I decided to fake my way through it for Jake. “You go ahead, I need to use the restroom,” I said.
I took a minute to recollect my nerves and then found Jake. He’d ordered a round of beers.
“Thanks.” I picked up the frosted mug and took a sip. “How’s Sam?”
“He’s good. He’ll start his senior year in a couple weeks. He said he’s ready to come home.”
A waitress came by to get our orders. Jake took great interest in watching her backside as she walked away. Some things would never change. He returned his attention to me when she rounded the corner and was out of view. “What have you been up to?”
I grinned. “Oh, you know, staying up late, watching old, sappy movies, sleeping past ten every morning. It’s been rough.” He smiled at my sarcasm. “You?”
“Pretty much the same, minus the old sappy movies.” He looked at the pictures hanging on the wall beside us. His gaze lingered on the autographed picture of Chris. “You talk to anyone from last season?”
“Nah,” I said, trying to appear casual. My mind flashed back to that evening, the night Chris had first kissed me, but I forced myself back into the present. “I get emails from a few of the kids every now and then, but nothing too exciting.” I took a long drink.
“He’s really making a name for himself, isn’t he?” He looked up at the picture again. “I heard he’s coming back this season to make an appearance on the show.”
I choked on my beer. “That’s great,” I said, picking up my napkin to wipe my chin.
Jake took several big bites of spaghetti and then looked at me seriously. “Are you doing okay? You know, with everything?”
“I’m fine,” I bluffed. I really wasn’t fine, but was determined to make everyone think I was. “Are you ready for the season to begin?”
He started to say something, but stopped as if he changed his mind. Fortunately, he let the conversation turn.
“Yeah, it feels good to be back. I’m looking forward to having a normal schedule again. Working at the bar was exhausting.” He took a few more bites, picked up his mug, and leaned back in his chair. “You seeing anyone?”
I gave him a blunt look. “No. Are you?”
“Naw. There was this girl last spring. She was really something, but it just never worked out.”
Chapter 29
The new season began right after the Labor Day weekend. This time I only had four students, three boys and a girl. All of them knew about my relationship with Chris and constantly asked about him, but I did my best to dodge their questions and stay focused on our work.
Routine came back easily. Jake and I met for lunch most afternoons, and I went to the university to put some hours in at the lab twice a week. I kept up with the show each Monday night, though not with as much enthusiasm as before. I meant to stick to my resolution of staying detached.
One rainy afternoon, Jake and I were at the snack bar. I picked at my dry ham and cheese sandwich and looked out at the dreary day.
“What would you think,” he wondered aloud, sipping on a Coke, “if I were to ask your sister out?”
I looked up from the stale bread, surprised. “Emily?”
He flashed me a smile. “Do you have any other sisters I don’t know about?”
“Are you serious?”
“Sure, why not? She’s hot.”
“She’s my baby sister.”
“Which is why I’m asking you first. If you have a problem with it, then I won’t. Whatever.”
Jake and Emily. The idea took me off-guard, but it wasn’t completely out-there. They were actually a lot alike. I couldn’t deny that it had potential.
“You know what? Go for it.”
He clasped his hands together in appreciation.
“But if you hurt her, I swear to you, Jake…”
He threw his arms up in the air. “I wouldn’t dare! I promise to be the most gentlemanly -like guy she has ever gone out with. Scout’s honor,” he added, holding up his right hand.
“Assuming she says yes.”
A line of worry creased his forehead. “Why? You don’t think she’ll go for me?”
I laughed. “Don’t worry. I’ll put in a good word for you.”
***
Emily was bursting with excitement when I got home that evening. “Allie, you won’t believe who called and asked me out!”
“Jake?”
The enthusiasm in her expression faded.
“He told me he was planning to,” I explained. “Where’s he taking you?”
She filled me in on the details. They were going to see a movie and have dinner on Friday night.
“Are you sure it’s okay?” she asked anxiously. “It won’t be weird for you, us dating, will it?”
I gave her a reassuring smile. “Why would it be weird? Go and have a good time. I’ll stay with Molly.”
I didn’t hear Emily come in that night, so I got the earful the next morning. “He is so cute! I always thought he was boyishly charming, but he’s really something, isn’t he? And he’s funny…” she went on for awhile longer, and I pretended to listen. I was glad she was happy, but it was hard for me to hear. I missed having those feelings.
The next week I learned that the producers of the show were planning to host a series of celebrity guest judges. I scanned the list, the blood draining from my face when I saw Chris’s name. He was scheduled for the last week of October.
I made a mental note to be sick those days. I had finally gotten myself to a point where I could look at pictures of him without reducing to tears, but I certainly didn’t want to push my luck and risk running into him in person. I wasn’t sure I could handle that.
***
That dreaded week finally came, but I had not managed to catch any serious illnesses. I chose to hide in my classroom and avoid the common areas of the studio in order to keep from seeing him. Arriving at my classroom just a few minutes before I was supposed to be there, I taught with the door closed and left as soon as the kids were gone.
I was walking down the hall Friday afternoon, anxious to leave, when I heard Chris’s voice. He was in Mr. Doveland’s office. I tried to remain unnoticed as I dashed past the open door.
“Allison, do you have a moment?” Mr. Doveland poked his head out and looked at me expectantly. I stood there for a second, trying to think of an escape, but came up with nothing. I soon found myself face to face with Chris.
He gave a polite smile and looked me over, but I couldn’t read anything from his restrained expression. I avoided meeting his eyes and nervously fidgeted with my charm bracelet as Mr. Doveland updated me on the schedule.
“…so the kids won’t be in class tomorrow morning since they’ll be working with Chris. That won’t be a problem, will it?”
I kept my eyes down and shook my head. “Nope.” This was his show. He made the rules and signed my paycheck. Far be it for me to have a problem with something he wanted to do.
“Great. Thanks, Allison.” He dismissed me.
“Thank you, sir,” I said before turning to go. Being so close to Chris was suffocating. I was desperate to leave.
“Bye, Allie.”
I turned and looked up into Chris’s perfect face and was struck by how handsome he was. It had been such a long time since I’d seen him in person. A stabbing pain ripped at my insides.
“Bye, Chris. Good to see you.” I took two steps out of the room and then turned back. “Thanks for the birthday present, by the way. That was really nice. You didn’t have to do that.”
He flashed me a dazzling smile, but I caught a glimpse of sadness behind his dark eyes. “Actually, I did. It’s the law, you know.”
I tore my eyes away from his and hurried away, rushing into the nearest restroom and nearly collapsing on the counter. All the feelings I had worked so hard to repress had resurfaced. My knees were weak. My hands were shaking. My throat was dry, and my heart pounded violently against my ribcage. I looked at my wretched image in the mirror and tried very hard to recollect myself. How was I supposed to live my life if I couldn’t stand to be in the same room with the guy?
Jake stopped me before I made it outside. He was telling me about his date with Emily.
I shook my head and covered my ears. “Stop! I really don’t need to hear about this.”
When I looked past Jake, I saw that Chris was coming down the hall. The room started to spin, and I felt like I was going to be sick.
Jake put his hands on my shoulders and leaned his head forward so that we were eye-level. “What’s going on?”
I shook my head again. “Nothing! I just don’t want to hear about you and my little sister. Sorry, I gotta go!”
I felt both sets of eyes on me as I rushed from the building.
***
Emily still worked most Monday nights, so Molly and I snuggled on the couch to watch the show. Chris was a guest judge. It would have been less painful for me to find something else to watch, but I was curious to see him.
He was sincere in his efforts to give the contestants real, genuine criticism. He commented on their song choices and delivery, and then wowed the crowd with his own amazing performance. As always, he was stunning, and I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He received a standing ovation and praise from the judges, and then flashed a gorgeous smile into the camera.
My heart melted. I couldn’t stand it anymore. I thought I was losing my mind.
Just as I was questioning my sanity, the phone rang.
“Hey Allie! What’s up?” It was Charlie, the guy from school who I’d sat by at the baseball game.
Aside from occasional class discussions, we really didn’t talk that much. I wondered how he got my number. “Hey! What’s going on?”
“Have you heard about Thursday night’s benefit concert?”
“Yeah,” I said, still looking at the TV. “Some of last year’s Stars are getting together for a reunion. All the proceeds go to a children’s charity.”
He cleared his throat. “Are you going?”
“I hadn’t planned on it, why?”
“Do you want to?”
My immediate reaction was to decline, but I rationalized that I had to come to terms with this. Chris Knots would always be out there in the public eye. I couldn’t avoid seeing him- Lord knew I had tried. And Charlie was really a nice guy. What could it hurt? It was for a good cause, after all.
“Alright, Charlie. I’m in. What time?”
***
I listened to the thunder as I got dressed for the concert. The wind was gusty and the dark sky threatened rain. I’d always loved a good thunderstorm; they put an electricity in the air that I found refreshing. Although, I wasn’t sure how conducive it was going to be for an outdoor concert.
Charlie knocked on the door at six, and we went down to load into a cab before heading off to Millennium Park.
It didn’t take long to get there, and I was thrilled when I saw the kids’ faces on the banner outside the front gates. Sam, Melody, Riley- all of them were there.
Charlie was paying for our tickets. “Wait!” I nudged closer to the window. “Here, I can get mine.”
He pushed my hand away. “No way, my treat tonight.”
“Really, Charlie, take this.” I slid a twenty dollar bill to him, but he wouldn’t take it. “At least let me get the snacks?”
Since it was an outdoor event, seating was first-come, first-serve, and, fortunately, Charlie had thought to bring a blanket for us to sit on. We found a good spot, got settled, and I took off in search of drinks, leaving Charlie to guard our spot.
I didn’t get too far when I noticed a group of people pointing and whispering. I followed their stares and saw Sam.
“Sam!” I called loudly, nearly sprinting to him.
“Hey! Miss Banks!” He flashed me a crooked grin, and I gave him a hug.
“Please, call me Allie. I’m hardly your teacher anymore. How are you?”
He scratched his head and looked around as people scrambled to get out of the slight drizzle that had begun to fall. “Great. School sucks, but at least this is my last year. Hey, I left Riley and Melody backstage. Wanna go say ‘hi’ and get out of this rain?”
Thunder boomed loudly, and we both looked up to the sky. Dark clouds rolled overhead.
Sam walked with long strides towards the big stage, and I did my best to keep up with him. “How long are you in town for?”
“Until Sunday. The studio is hosting that Halloween party Saturday night, and we’re all supposed to be there.” I remembered reading an email about a Masquerade ball, but, of course, I had no plans on going. Chris would be there, and I couldn’t see the point of subjecting myself to that kind of torture.
Sam used his shoulder to force open a heavy, white door. “Look who I found!” he announced as we stepped in out of the rain. Melody, Riley, Jimmy, and Sabrina all looked up from a small TV.
“Oh my gosh!” I said, thrilled to see everyone. “Hi! How are you?” I went around the room and gave them all a hug.
“Hi, Miss Banks!” said Riley.
“We’re supposed to call her Allie now,” Sam told her. “She says she’s not our teacher anymore.”
The girls outlined the agenda for the evening. First, all the performers would come out for an opening act. Then, each performer would sing a few solo songs, followed by Cynthia and Chris singing a duet. The show would end with Chris again taking the stage and performing some of his latest singles.
My stomach twisted at the mention of his name. I then remembered Charlie. “It’s so good to see you all,” I told the kids, “but I have to get back.”
They gave me bizarre looks as I headed towards the door.
“Don’t you want to stay and watch the show from back here?” asked Sam, flashing a curious look to his friends. “I know it’s not that great, but it’s at least dry.”
I was torn. I wanted very much to stay and spend time with the kids, but I couldn’t just forget about Charlie. “I’d love to. But I’m not exactly alone. I came with someone and left him waiting for me.”
“So? Go get him,” answered Riley.
I couldn’t help but smile at her. “That’s sweet, but I really should get back.”
“But…”
Sam stepped forward. “It was good to see you again! Enjoy the show, and if you get a chance, you know where we’ll all be tonight!”
“Thanks!” I gave each of my former students another quick hug, and then hurried out the door. Melody said something sarcastic to Riley, something about Chris, but I didn’t stick around to hear it.
It took a few minutes, but I finally found Charlie- still on the blanket- chatting with a few people he apparently knew from somewhere. They had spread their blankets out next to his. I was relieved. At least he hadn’t been alone while I was visiting with the kids.
He looked up at me with a puzzled expression. “Where’d you go?”
“Sorry. I ran into a few people.”
“Oh.” He glanced at my empty hands
. “No sodas?”
I flushed. “Oh crap! Charlie, I am so sorry! I forgot all about it.” I looked around for the nearest vendor. Thunder crackled loudly overhead.
“How about I go with you this time so you don’t get lost?” he laughed.
We didn’t make it too far when the clouds opened up. Rain poured out in sheets. People around us scattered for shelter, but I stood in place, held my arms out to my sides, and looked up to the heavens, enjoying the feeling of the cool, fresh water dripping down on me. Charlie looked at me in amazement.
“Isn’t this great?” I beamed, running my fingers through my drenched hair. “I love the rain. It’s been so long.” I trailed off, thinking about the last time I’d been caught in a rainstorm. I hadn’t been quite so excited about that one.
A streak of lightening flashed across the sky, and for the briefest of seconds, I thought I saw Chris’s face. I blinked and looked around, but he was gone. A hallucination?
Charlie grabbed my hand and pulled me towards an awning. “Come on, crazy girl.”
I laughed. Crazy wasn’t that far of a stretch.
“Well, now what?” I looked at Charlie with big eyes. My wet t-shirt clung to my chest, but I didn’t care. I was breathless and invigorated. “Wanna go?”
“I don’t mind the rain, and clearly neither do you,” he said, running his eyes over me. “Besides, I think it’s going to let up.”
I poked out my lower lip. “Darn.” He raised an eyebrow, and I quickly clarified. “No, I mean good, I’m glad we’re staying. I just don’t want the rain to stop.”
The concert was nice. I really enjoyed watching the kids perform again. In fact, I got so into their performances that I hadn’t realized how chilly it had become. My clothes and hair were still damp, and I shivered. Charlie wrapped his arm around me.
Chris took the stage and gave one of his trademark, high-energy performances. His voice was strong and powerful, and I watched from afar as his breath fogged in the cool air. I longed to be near him. When I shuddered, Charlie squeezed my shoulders tighter. I became uncomfortable, sitting so close to one man while wishing to be closer to another.
When the show ended, Charlie and I shared a cab back home.
Face The Music Page 27