The inspector wrote something on his inspection form before looking up to meet Julie’s eye. None of the same doubt or resentment he’d harbored after the fiasco with the sprinklers was there. Julie knew he’d never admit it, but she’d impressed him with her efforts to turn this project around.
“I’ll have the certificate of occupancy ready for you this afternoon. You can open up this weekend with no problems.”
Julie’s smile broadened, and she held out her hand to shake his. “I’ll be there to pick it up before five.”
He shook her hand and gave her a hesitant smile before walking out. Julie did a quick spin on her toes before stopping and grinning. She’d done it. She’d opened a nightclub with one of the music industry’s biggest stars, in a city she’d never worked in before, only a week behind schedule and slightly above budget. The sprinkler thing had ended up costing them more, but thankfully Dante and Ray hadn’t balked at the excess cost. She was just glad that was the only snafu of the entire process.
The opening party for the club the next evening was already one of the most anticipated events in the city. Julie planned to attend. As the developer, she wouldn’t dare not be there to see the fruits of her efforts in full effect. She wouldn’t stay long. She doubted Dante would even notice if she came or left. After she’d pushed him away, their relationship had been distant. Not that she blamed him. No man she knew would chase after a woman who’d pushed him away the second after they had sex. She’d made her position clear, and he’d respected it. She should be overjoyed, not nearly heartbroken by the thought.
She left the finishing touches to the workers in the nightclub and went back to her hotel. On the ride to the hotel, she called Dante to tell him they were good for tomorrow, but her call went unanswered.
“Dante, it’s Julie. I want you to know that I’ll pick up the CO for the building this afternoon. Everything is set for the opening tomorrow. If you have any questions, give me a call. I’ll be at my hotel.”
Her voice was cool, formal. None of the inner turmoil she felt after turning him away showed through. Her biggest rule—never show the other party your hand. Right now, her hand was full of broken hearts. She never should have crossed the line. Now she was in love with a man she couldn’t be with. Not truly.
After she ended the call, the commercial on the radio ended, and the announcer spoke.
“And we’re back with Dante Wilson here in the studio. Dante tell us about this new nightclub you’re opening.”
Julie’s foot nearly slipped on the gas. She sat forward and twisted the volume knob up until Dante’s voice filled the car.
“It’s not your typical spot,” Dante said. “I want to showcase my music there.”
“Your music? Haven’t we heard your music for nearly twenty years?”
“You’ve heard a version of my music, but this is the music that I really want to do. It’s a fusion of hip-hop, rhythm and blues, jazz and classical. Throw in some lyrics that speak to what I’m feeling, and you’ve got a new sound.”
“A new sound. After what happened with your sister last year, I’m surprised you’re venturing into new territory.”
“I’m not here to talk about Star or what she did. I’m only here to promote my music. You’ve got to do what’s in your heart. For most of my career, I did that, but working on this new album with this group has given me a new sense of purpose in my music. The club will showcase them and other artists in the future. For those who don’t want to just follow the crowd and are willing to find their own flow, my spot is the place to be.”
Julie grinned, knowing that his words were a challenge. No one liked to consider themselves part of the status quo. By promising something different, he would pique the interest of everyone in the vicinity.
“All right, then let’s hear some of this new music. Tell me about this song I’m about to play.”
“It’s something new. Something that was rolling around in my head, and I had to get the words out. I think anyone who’s ever fallen in love unexpectedly will relate.”
“What do you know about unexpected love?” The announcer’s voice dripped with curiosity.
“I know that just when you think things are going great as they are, the perfect person can walk into your life and show you all the things you never knew you wanted. The song is called ‘Turned Tables’ because I had a woman do that to me. I didn’t want or expect to fall, but I did.”
“Can I ask who?”
Dante chuckled, and tingles spread across Julie’s body. “You can ask, but I won’t tell.”
The announcer laughed. “Fine, but you know now everyone is going to be anxious to find out who turned the tables on you. You heard it here first. Dante Wilson has fallen in love, and this song is for that lucky woman who landed this sexy man.”
Julie’s heart and mind raced. She barely heard the first bars of the music or the words to the song. He’d fallen in love? With who? Her? Julie shook her head. That was crazy. They’d barely spoken the past few weeks. He couldn’t mean her. He’d never said anything about love. She’d made sure to hide any indication that her feelings were going in that direction.
Don’t be silly, Julie. Of course he’s not talking about you.
She shook her head again. For once, she didn’t want to listen to the voice of reason in her head, to the voice that said to never hope. The voice that was turning her into the bitter woman Evette accused her of being.
Getting out of her head, Julie listened to the words of the song, hoping to get an idea of who he could be talking about.
You turned the tables on me
Snatched my heart and threw it away
You turned the tables on me
Grabbed my love and said no way
I never wanted love
Never wanted to be that guy
But you came into my life
Snuck into my mind
Then turned the tables and snatched my heart away
Julie’s heart pounded; her palms sweated. His voice oozed with love and pain. Had she hurt him? No, ending things was for the best. He was considering his dad’s deal and would be working with Antwan if he accepted. He had Missy and twin supermodels to fall back on. But this guy, the guy singing, didn’t sound like someone waiting on supermodel twins or superstar ex-girlfriends to fill the void.
Without realizing it, Julie had driven to her hotel. The valet attendant watched her through the driver’s window, a friendly smile on his face. He probably thought she was crazy. Maybe she was for wanting the song to be about her. Julie got out of the car and handed over the keys. She stood outside in the sunshine, thinking. For the first time in a long time, she felt like her logic concerning relationships may be flawed.
Chapter 23
Julie entered the nightclub at ten the next night. Outside a line trailed past the door with people waiting to get in. Inside people crowded the bar and filled every table. The dim lights reflected off the dark wood and leather furniture. The second floor was reserved for VIPs, and with the best views of the stage, it was crowded with other musicians and celebrities.
Julie wanted to squeal with delight. This had to be the best club she’d opened yet. Thanks to the partnership with Dante and Raymond, she was sure it would be around for years to come. Maybe she and Dante would be together just as long. She wasn’t going to push him away anymore. Not if he wrote the song for her.
And if he still wants you. Her stomach fluttered. That was a big if.
“Julie.” Esha’s voice came from the crowd.
Pushing away the doubt, Julie scanned the crowd until she spotted Esha at the bar. Julie wove through the crowd to her side.
“Don’t get up,” Julie said before Esha could stand. She leaned in to hug her. “Opening night is a hit, huh?”
“To say the lea
st. This is fantastic. But I’m still nervous.”
“About the performance?”
Esha’s head bobbed up and down, her bright eyes wide. “Yes. Everyone seems to be okay with the music, but the performance will really show what’s up.”
Julie recognized that the music playing in the background was the fusion sound similar to what S.A.F. played. The bobbing heads and swaying bodies meant so far no one hated the music.
“Don’t worry,” Julie said. “S.A.F. makes great music. I know people will love it.”
“You’re just saying that because you need your new nightclub to be a hit.”
Julie laughed. “True, but I also want S.A.F. to be successful. I love the music. It deserves to be heard by many.”
Esha leaned back against the bar and grinned. “I see why Dante likes you so much. You really do care about what he’s doing.”
The nervous fluttering in Julie’s stomach increased in rhythm. She hadn’t called Dante after hearing his song on the radio. Fear of rejection was hard to overcome, and she didn’t want him to laugh at her over the phone. Not that getting laughed at in person was any better, but at least face-to-face she could gauge his reaction when he saw her. Would there be elation, desire, the same hope dancing in her, or indifference, disgust, anger? His reaction would set the tone for how she proceeded.
“I am into what he’s doing. I just wonder if he’s into me as much as I’m into him.” Saying the words out loud was kind of freeing.
“You heard the song. I know he is.”
“We don’t know the song is for me.”
“Who else could it be about?”
Missy! the ever-pessimistic voice of reason shouted in her head. She would be optimistic about this. She wanted Dante. She had no clue how or if they could make a relationship work, but if he’d written the song about his feelings for her, she was willing to try.
“Have you seen him?”
Esha shook her head. “Not since earlier. They’re about to start the show, so I’m not sure. We can check backstage.”
Esha stood, and Julie followed her through the crowd to the back, where they flashed their backstage passes to the security guards. Julie’s stomach twisted and fluttered the entire time. She was going to go with her instinct and trust her feelings for Dante. She only hoped she was right for going against all the rules that guarded her heart.
They found Dante and the rest of S.A.F. backstage. Julie’s gaze landed on Dante, and she couldn’t breathe. Missy stood before him, her arms wrapped around his shoulders. His hands were on her waist. Julie’s heart, her hope, shattered into a million jagged pieces. What kind of a fool was she for thinking he’d written a song about her?
Maybe she made a sound. Maybe he felt the sharpness of her gaze. Maybe he just needed a break from staring at the dazzle that was Missy, but Dante looked directly at her. He didn’t scramble to pull away from Missy. Instead he slowly slid his arms from around her waist and lowered his head to say something to her. Missy glanced over her shoulder at Julie; she cocked a brow before nodding and stepping aside.
Dante crossed the room to her. Even when her hope for them was broken, she couldn’t deny he was devastatingly handsome with a dark shirt, fashionably worn jeans, maroon jacket and platinum chain. He took her breath away, made her body heat with remembrance.
He stopped in front of her. His dark gaze slid over her from head to toe. “You came.” He sounded normal, not excited, nervous or even happy.
“Of course I came. I always come to the opening of my new nightclubs.”
His head tilted. “Is that the only reason you’re here?”
“What other reason do I have to be here?” Admitting the reason she really came now, after seeing him and Missy so close, made her cheeks burn.
His jaw clenched, and he ran a hand over his chin. “I’d hoped...” He trailed off.
“You and Missy look comfortable.”
“Missy came to congratulate me and wish me well. She hugged me.”
“It looked like a lot more than a hug.” God, did she have to sound so jealous? She cleared her throat, looked away and then crossed her arms.
“It wasn’t anything more than that. Why do you always have to try to find the bad in things?” He sounded disgusted.
Her heart hurt even more. Her defenses went up. “Because it’s hard to trust the good you want to see.”
“Do you really want to see the good?”
Before she could answer, Terrance came over. “Dante, it’s time to start the show.”
Dante frowned but nodded. He turned back to Julie. “We’ll finish this conversation later.”
He watched her for several more seconds before turning to join Terrance. Julie went back out to join the rest of the crowd. Surrounded by people, she felt alone and silly. She pulled out her phone and texted Raymond. He should be here.
Almost there.
He texted back. Relief swept through her. At least if he was there, he would distract her for a while before he found someone to go home with.
Dante and S.A.F. came onto the stage, and the crowd cheered. Dante grabbed the microphone. “Are you ready to hear my music?”
A series of cheers and “yeahs” vibrated through the air.
“All right, let’s do this.” He turned to the group. “This is Strings A Flame, also known as S.A.F., and we’re ready to show you what we can do.”
Dante sat at the piano. The melody was slow, sensual notes hovering in the air. Then came Terrance and Tommy with their violins, and, finally, the drums and the turntables adding the hip-hop flare. The crowd got into the music—clapping, cheering and dancing. Song after song, the ones with Dante on vocals and the ones without, were all received by the crowd with growing enthusiasm.
Julie was so proud to see that the place she’d helped develop had such a fantastic start and how much the crowd responded to Dante’s music. No matter what, she knew there would be a place for him in the industry. They went into one of their more upbeat dance numbers. Julie temporarily forgot her shattered dreams as she smiled and danced with the crowd. Then Missy jumped onstage and proceeded to twist and gyrate against Dante, which drove the crowd into further hysterics. Camera phones came out and people cheered them on.
The pain and humiliation from before slapped Julie’s midsection. She spun away from the stage. The song ended. The clapping and cheering grew louder. Glancing over her shoulder, she caught Missy onstage, planting a kiss on Dante’s lips. The pain in Julie’s chest wouldn’t have been worse if the crowd had danced on her heart. Squeezing her eyes shut, she swiveled and hurried to the exit. She was just at the door when the notes of the song she’d heard the other day started.
“This last song is dedicated to the woman who stole my heart,” Dante said.
Julie froze, her hand on the door.
“One guess who that is.” Missy’s voice rang through the club.
The crowd cheered. No, the pain could get worse. Without looking back, Julie pushed out into the warm night.
Chapter 24
Dante snatched the microphone from Missy, but it was already too late. Julie was out the door. He glanced at Missy, at the excited crowd chanting for him to sing. His hand squeezed the microphone.
She’d turned him down, several times. She overanalyzed things. She’d automatically assumed the worst earlier. He should let her go. His chest tightened.
Turning, he made eye contact with Terrance and Tommy. They both smiled and nodded toward the door. Dante dropped the microphone and jumped off the stage.
He pushed through the crowd, ignoring the questions and sending up a quick prayer that bailing out on his first performance here didn’t completely ruin his nightclub.
“I think Dante’s going for the girl he really wants.” Terrance’s voice rang thr
ough the microphone.
Dante glanced back at his friend onstage and gave him the thumbs-up.
“Go get her,” Terrance said.
Dante turned and ran from the club. He hoped to catch Julie. She couldn’t have gotten her car from valet that quickly.
Outside he was greeted by a flash of cameras that temporarily blinded him. Dante held up his hands and glanced around. Raymond stood next to his Ferrari at the front of the valet line, frowning toward the driver’s seat where Julie sat. She slammed the door closed. Raymond sighed and shook his head. A second later, the car jerked away from the curb. Julie!
Dante ran toward Raymond. “Julie, stop!” he yelled toward Julie’s direction.
Raymond turned toward him as his car kept going. “What are you doing out here?”
Dante pointed toward the retreating vehicle. “Trying to catch Julie.”
“She doesn’t want to be caught. She said you and Missy were back together.”
“I’m not with Missy. I’m not thinking about Missy. Didn’t she know that damn song was about her?”
Raymond frowned. “It is?”
“Yes, and despite her efforts to keep pushing me away, I saw the look on her face before she ran out. She’s just as crazy about me as I am about her. I want to be with her.”
Raymond took a deep breath. “She’s going back to her hotel. Have the valet bring your car round and go get her.”
Dante briefly considered Raymond’s change of heart, but he honestly didn’t have time to really get into that. He turned to the valets, knowing that no matter how fast they moved, the time would pass slowly.
“Just treat her right, Dante,” Raymond said.
Dante turned and looked at Raymond as if he’d lost his mind. “Of course I’ll treat her right. I love her.”
The surprise on Raymond’s face was comical. The feeling of admitting his feelings for Julie was exhilarating. He loved Julie.
A Malibu Kind of Romance Page 16