Beautiful Music

by Lisa DeVore

  “I was thinking we could take this family get together to the beach today,” Chase announced hopefully.

  Jena was sure he was expecting an argument, but he wasn’t going to get one. No, she was happy to spend the time with them. “That sounds like a great idea. I have a new book I haven’t even opened yet.”

  “What do you think, Andy? Are you in?” Chase winked at his niece.

  “Can I take my shovels and bucket?”

  “Oh, yeah. Bring two buckets. I’m going to build a bigger castle than yours,” he teased tapping her nose.

  “No, you’re not. I’m the best sandcastle builder! Can I be excused, Aunt Jen?”

  Her niece could hardly contain her excitement. It warmed Jena to see her so happy. “Your swimsuit is in your top drawer. Yell if you need me.”

  She was off the chair and halfway through the living room when Jena heard her yell, “Okay!”

  “I’m used to you saying no.”

  “I have a different outlook,” she said as she rose from the table and took her dish to the sink.

  He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Oh, yeah?”

  She smiled and wiggled free. She still wasn’t comfortable with Andrea seeing them together like this. “I made the decision to give us another try and that’s what I’m doing.”

  “I think we’re going to be…great together.” He took her hands in his and brought them to his lips. “I can’t wait to see you in a bikini.”

  “Well, you’re going to have to dream on, Mr. Reiss, ’cause I didn’t pack one.”

  His forehead wrinkled with question. “You came to a beach town without a bikini?”

  “I came to a beach town without a bathing suit,” she replied dryly. “I didn’t plan on being here so long, remember?”

  He folded his arms across his chest and shook his head. “Well, that won’t do.” He pulled her close to him and nibbled on her neck.

  “Chase, quit that.” She attempted to squirm out of his hold with no luck.

  “I don’t remember promising no neck nibbling,” he chuckled in her ear.

  “Andrea could come through that door any second,” she chastised.

  “So? Would it be so bad for her to know we’re in love?” he asked before kissing her tenderly where he had been nibbling.

  She stepped around him and picked up more dishes. “Yes, I think it would be a bad idea. At least, until we know if we’re right for each other. I don’t want her to have false hope.”

  Her heart skipped a beat as she saw him lean casually against the counter. No man should be allowed to look so good. She quickly distracted herself with clearing the table.

  “Well, I know.”

  She glanced at him. “Know what?”

  “We’re perfect for each other and I’m not going to pretend we’re buddies.”

  “Please don’t push me faster than I’m ready,” she pleaded.

  “If I wait for you to keep us rolling along, we’ll be married when we get our AARP cards.”

  She stopped loading the dishwasher to give him a dirty look.

  “Okay, sorry. Go get your purse. We’re going to go get you an itsy bitsy bikini. My treat.” He whistled, “And I can see it now.”

  She blushed. “That won’t be necessary. I’m sure there’s something I can wear in Jasmine’s things.”

  “Hmmm. I’m sure that won’t be as much fun,” he teased as he reached for her.

  Jena laughed while holding her arms out to buffer the space between them. She knew Andrea could be down any second. “I’ll be right back. You stay down here.” She waited a moment for him to agree and was flashed a grin instead. “Chase? Promise.”

  He rolled his eyes. “All right, I promise. I’ll fill up a cooler and load the truck. You know, Jen, we’re really going to have to work on your spontaneity.”

  “I can be spontaneous, but you’ll have to wait for that phase of the relationship.” He started toward her with a sexy smile that almost erased all of her brain cells. “Back off, Chase,” she warned, “we’re going to the beach, remember?”

  “I remember,” he said smoothly. “There’s a great deal of possibilities there.”

  She backed out the kitchen door, not taking her eyes off of him. “We’ll be chaperoned and you will behave.” Jena could hear his laughter follow her to the steps. She smiled. Taking the chance with Chase was right. She couldn’t remember the last time she felt…giddy.

  Running up the steps, she stopped at Jasmine’s bedroom door. Apprehension filled her. She reached for the doorknob, but fell short of touching it. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed the knob, slowly twisted, and shoved the door open. Jena stood at the threshold a moment, gazing inside.

  She had a sudden understanding, an acceptance. Jasmine was gone. She was never coming home. Her things and their memories were the only proof of her existence. Overwhelming sadness stabbed her like a knife.

  She walked over to Jasmine’s bed and ran a finger mindlessly over the comforter. She turned toward the dresser and saw a childhood picture of the two of them. Jena smiled as she picked it up and was transported back in time. There was a ten-year age difference, but her sister always made time for her and made sure she was happy. She had nagged Jena since the break-up to give Chase another chance. She hoped Jasmine could see her trying. She sighed wistfully.

  “Jena, are you okay?” Chase’s voice came from the doorway.

  “Yes. I think I finally am okay,” she smiled in his direction, still holding the picture.

  He walked toward her and took her hand. “I don’t want you to freak out, but there’s been a little incident.”

  Chapter Twenty

  Jena slowly placed the picture on the dresser. “What do you mean a little incident?” Her hands trembled.

  “Someone wrote on my truck with some shoe polish.”

  Jena could tell with the look on his face he was trying to keep his anger in check. “What did they write?”

  “I believe one of the phrases was ‘Die Scumbag.’ Keep Andrea in here while I wash it, okay?”

  “Maybe we should call the police,” she stated shakily.

  “Probably a bunch of kids.”

  “You don’t believe that, do you?”

  “I’ll give Detective Burrows a call later to report it.” He stroked her cheek and followed it with a gentle kiss. “We’re not going to let anything, or anyone, ruin our day, understand?”

  She smiled tentatively and nodded. “Do you need help? I can find the suit after.”

  “No, just get ready. You don’t need to see this.”

  “Chase? Is it that bad?”

  “Find that suit.” He winked and was out the door.

  ****

  Chase gathered a bucket, soap, and a brush from the garage. He dragged the hose over to his truck while cussing under his breath. The asshole had thrown eggs at his truck, too. Great. He hit that with water, praying the eggs hadn’t eaten the paint. He was in luck.

  A car pulled in the driveway behind him, interrupting the scrubbing and cursing. He stopped and watched Detective Burrows climb from his car.

  “Hey, Chase. I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d do a drive-by. You got hit, too, huh?”

  “I’m not the only one?” Chase exhaled with a sigh of relief.

  “No, I was just down the street taking a report. Eggs, too?”

  “Yeah, eggs too,” Chase muttered.

  “I’ll turn in a report for you, just in case,” Detective Burrows took out his notebook and looked over the truck.

  “Just in case, what?” Chase asked suspiciously.

  “Something else happens. Good to have it on the record, you know?”

  “Do you think…?”

  “Oh, no…no. It’s probably a bunch of kids with nothing productive to do. I meant if we caught them. They would have to pay restitution. Something have you jumpy, kid?”

  “No, nothing but gut instinct. Hey, why are you taking reports on vandal
ism? Thought you were a homicide detective?”

  He laughed. “Yep, that’s what it says on the business card now, doesn’t it? One of the young detectives just welcomed a son. I’m just filling in.” He paused and gave a casual salute. “You kids have a good day, and Chase?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Always pay attention to the gut instinct. See you, kid.”

  Chase watched as the detective climbed in his car and pulled out. What did he mean by that? Did the detective know something? Sure didn’t do much for his nerves.

  Reaching down for the sponge he heard, “Chase, why was the detective here?”

  “I thought I asked you to stay inside until I got this cleaned up?” he said impatiently. How would he protect her if she didn’t listen? And what was he protecting her from?

  “Is something wrong?” she looked to him for answers.

  “Detective Burrows was in the neighborhood. There was another car down the street vandalized, nothing to worry about, Beautiful. Kids being kids.”

  “You’re sure? You’re not hiding anything from me?” she asked skeptically.

  “Everything’s fine. I’ll be ready in a couple of minutes.” He forced a smile and asked, “Did you find a bikini?”

  She rolled her eyes with a smile and went wordlessly in the house.

  He would do whatever it took to protect them. He knew the detective was warning him, but about what?

  ****

  “No, Mr. Ashcroft, I’m sure,” Jena replied for the second time into the phone.

  “Jena, this is so sudden. Have you really had time to think about your decision? You’ve had a shock with the death of your sister. Maybe take a few weeks to yourself before making any rash decisions.”

  “This is not a decision I came to lightly. My niece has been through a great deal. I don’t believe uprooting her right now is wise.” And the man I love is here, she wanted to add, but didn’t. “I really appreciate the opportunities you’ve given me.” She flopped down on her bed, fighting back the emotion that threatened to overtake her. “I’ve already spoken to Lauren. She’s going to clean out my office. I do hope you’ll find a place for her. She’s an excellent worker.” More tears threatened to escape with the thought of her friend.

  “Rest assured. She’s an asset to the firm. I really wish you would reconsider, but I will respect your wishes. If you change your mind, Jena, don’t hesitate to call me. You’re an excellent attorney.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Ashcroft.” Should she ask about him? “Todd has been handling my caseload. He can fill you in.”

  “Todd has been gone for a week. No one knows where he is. I’m quite disturbed by his lack of respect for this office.”

  Jena sat up. “Oh. I had no idea. I’m sorry. You haven’t heard from him?”

  “Not a peep. And if I don’t hear from him soon, he’ll be finding a new office to practice.”

  She could hear the annoyance in Mr. Ashcroft’s voice and decided to drop the topic. “If you need anything, have any questions with any of my files, please don’t hesitate to call me.”

  His voice softened. “Thank you, dear. Remember what I told you. If you change your mind, the door is open.”

  “I appreciate that. Goodbye.” Jena ended the call with a lump in her throat. She spent many years working her way up the ladder. She focused on what she was gaining, not what she was losing. Relationships were more important than how many hours she spent in her office. The time had come to explore this side of life. Her day at the beach with Chase and Andrea pushed aside all her doubts. She wanted more days at the beach, more fun, and more happiness.

  Her thoughts quickly turned to Todd. Where was he? Why hadn’t the office heard from him? He was always so responsible. She jumped when the doorbell rang. “Get a grip,” she muttered to herself.

  She went to the door with trepidation. The conversation with Mr. Ashcroft unnerved her. No one knew where Todd was. Could he be on the other side of this door? She left the chain in place, opening the door only a couple of inches to peek through. A woman stood there with a grin and a large basket of flowers.

  Jena unhooked the chain and smiled. “Can I help you?”

  “I have a delivery for Ms. Jena Shea,” she announced. “Would that be you?”

  “It is. Who are they from?” she asked while taking them out of the woman’s hands.

  “There’s a card. Have a wonderful day.”

  “Thanks. You too,” Jena said closing the door preoccupied with her thoughts. She placed the arrangement on the side table and tore open the envelope.

  Jena read TOGETHER FOREVER. She placed the card back in the holder with a smile. She was at ease with the words and almost ready to believe them. She picked up the arrangement and took them to her room. She didn’t want to explain to Andrea where they had come from, not yet anyway. Placing the arrangement on her dresser she reached for her ringing phone. Must be Chase. Her heart leapt with joy. One look at the caller ID and her happiness faded. Terror took its place.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  “Hey guys, let’s take five. I have to make a phone call,” Chase announced to his band.

  “So, Chase.” The drummer, Alex, nudged him in the ribs with a grin. “When do we get to meet her?”

  Here we go, Chase thought. “She’ll be at the show next week.”

  The bass player added, “She must be something special. He’s not bringing her around us. Are you afraid we’ll tell her all your dark secrets?”

  “She is special,” he answered, not worried about the ribbing.

  “Wow. I can see the hearts floating over your head. Look! There goes one now.” Braden laughed at his own joke. “I can’t wait to meet the woman who’s taking you off the market. Unless,” Chase’s best friend and guitar player commented as he unhooked his guitar from the amp, “you’re worried we’ll embarrass you?”

  Chase raked a hand through his hair. “Let’s just say she might not know how to take your humor. I don’t want anything to screw this up. She’s not sure about the whole band thing as it is, you know?”

  “We’re just giving you a hard time. That’s cool, Chase. Hey, maybe she can meet our wives and kids and she’ll see it’s not all sex, drugs, and rock and roll,” Alex grinned.

  “I’d appreciate if you didn’t put it quite that way to her, but that’s what I’m hoping. Give me a few, okay?” Chase pulled out his cell.

  “Yeah, well, better you than me, my brother,” Braden grinned at him. “Take all the time you need. We’ll be listening through the keyhole.”

  “You feel like wearing your guitar today?” Chase threatened with a smirk.

  “Some guys are so touchy.” Braden rolled his eyes and walked away.

  Chase stepped outside his home studio, his heart quickened with the anticipation of hearing her voice. He watched two dolphins jumping in the surf as he waited for her to answer. Why wasn’t she picking up?

  “Hello.”

  With one word, he could tell—she sounded off. “Hey, Jen, you okay?”

  “I’m fine,” she paused, “I talked with my boss at the law firm. I turned in my resignation.”

  “Are you regretting the decision?” He wasn’t sure he wanted to know the answer.

  “No. I’m ready to start a new chapter in my life. It’s familiar, you know? Scary moving into the unknown.”

  “I promise you won’t regret the decision,” Chase answered with certainty. “There’s a reason for my call.”

  “Should I be worried?”

  “I was thinking we need some grown-up time,” he announced as he turned toward the house. He expected to see noses pressed to the window.

  “Grown-up time? I don’t know…” He could hear the hesitation. “It depends on what that implies.”

  “Are you worried it might have something to do with my bed?” he teased.

  “Well, I suppose, yes.”

  Chase could picture the color rising in her cheeks. “Getting more difficult to resist me, isn
’t it?”

  “Chase,” she cautioned.

  He laughed. “I was thinking more of a date.”

  “A date? Aren’t we a little old for those?”

  “We’re the perfect age. How ’bout it? You and me and a destination of my choice.”

  “What about Andrea?” She was hedging.

  “Already talked to Mrs. R. this morning. All set up.”

  “Okay…seems you thought of everything. I don’t suppose you’re going to tell me where we’re going, so how should I dress?”

  “Casual. I’m looking forward to having you to myself. I gotta get back to practice.” He hated to break the connection. He worried about them when he wasn’t with them.

  “You didn’t tell me what time.”

  “I should be able to pick you up about 4.”

  “I’ll be ready,” she promised.

  “Jen?”

  “Yes?”

  Should he say it? Tell her he loved her? No. He needed to give her space. “Don’t keep me waiting.”

  She laughed. “I’ll be ready.”

  ****

  “I do not cheat, Chase. You kept score,” Jena reminded him as she carried her putter with a winning smile.

  “So, I guess I cheated for you,” he conceded, “what’s my reward?” He threw his arm around her and led her back to the building. When she didn’t answer with anything more than a chuckle, he added, “Are you ready to eat? Eighteen holes of miniature golf have worn me out.”

  “Me too. All this winning has given me an appetite.”

  “I was thinking we could grab a burger inside, but if you’re in the mood for something fancier…”

  “A burger sounds great. I don’t have to be wined and dined…really.”

  “I worry you’re thinking I’m a broke musician who can’t take care of you.”

  His candor stopped her. “I’m not a snob who expects fancy dinners and evenings of splendor. I saw your house, remember? I know you’re doing well. Besides, I don’t expect any man to take care of me.”

  “Better get used to it. I’m a traditional kind of guy,” he winked and opened the door for her. “See?”

  “I guess I could get used to a little pampering.”

  They ordered burgers and shakes, and made idle conversation until Jena decided to turn the conversation in a more serious direction. “There’s something I’ve been wanting to talk to you about. It never seems to be the right time, and…”