Uncovering Desire

by Kacey Shea

  “Austin doesn’t think we’re funny.” The lead guitarist is shirtless, hands on hips, with a scowling face as Jason beams, mid-pour, oil to hand preparing to lather Austin. Okay, that shit was actually funny.

  “Oh, this is too good!” Evie cackles and snatches her phone back. I turn my chair and attempt to focus my attention back on the paperwork at hand. It’s futile. The image of Kate’s delirious smile with her hands on Trent burns into my vision. Fuck that. Here I am worrying about her and the fight we had and she’s off oiling rock stars without a care in the world. Maybe I’m the stupid one here, because she’s obviously not upset or having a problem moving on from the night we shared. Or this weekend. I must be a glutton for punishment because I can’t banish the feeling of having her fingers run through my hair as I fall asleep, or the way she felt, soft and smooth, against my skin.

  The rest of the week has gone by in a blur. Between Kate’s bright presence missing and the contract gig, my days melt together, one endless boring hour after another. I throw myself into our current case load because when I’m not working my mind wanders to Will. I can’t believe he is gone. Maybe because I’m missing the memorial service it doesn’t seem real. I keep hoping I’ll wake up and discover it’s all been a cruel joke. I talked with Alex last night and we discussed planning a trip to Ohio later in the fall to visit his final resting place.

  Buttoning my dress shirt, I catch my sour expression in the mirror. I hate dressing up. But tonight’s the gala and as much as I’d prefer to hunker down with some takeout and Netflix, I won’t miss Kate’s big night. Evie arranged for me to go with Carly, Tate’s older sister, and Evie’s parents are coming over to watch the boys so the adults can play. Tate and Carly’s parents live out of state so Carly rarely gets a night out at the same time as her brother. Evie’s parents have always been so supportive and loving. I spent more dinners at their house than my own in high school, and they welcomed me with open arms. I can only imagine they accept Tate, Carly, and her boys in the same manner.

  I wander out to the kitchen once more, pulling the chilled dessert from the fridge to add the finishing touch. She’ll most likely find this corny as hell. I only hope to show her before it’s too late. I slide the pan back into the fridge. Don’t need it melting and risking a culinary fail.

  Grabbing my jacket, keys, and wallet, I head out the door to my truck. Before I pull out I find a local radio station and bob my head to the twangy sounds. Country music. It always puts me in a better mood.

  I pull up to Tate’s house just in time to see him and Evie drive down the street. I’ve only hung out with Carly a few times and she’s really a nice person. She’s beautiful and a good mom too. There’s just no spark. I’m pretty sure she feels the same, but I’m not certain. I made Evie swear she wasn’t playing matchmaker when she set this up for tonight. But I wouldn’t put it past my newly in love friend.

  I pull at my collar as I walk to the door; before I reach the end of the driveway two smiling faces fling it open.

  “Hi, Mister Jon!”

  “Mama, Mister Jon is here and he looks sweaty!”

  “Boys, let Mr. Jon come inside and let’s shut that door before we let out all your mama’s air conditioning.”

  “Hi, Linda. It’s good to see you again.” I wrap the older woman in a big embrace.

  “Get your hands off my woman and find your own.” Carl laughs from the couch.

  “Hey, Carl. Good to see you too.” He stands to shake hands and then resumes his position on the couch. With the baseball game on I doubt he’ll move from that spot.

  I’m more comfortable around Evie’s parents than my own. That may seem strange to an outsider but I consider myself lucky. They treat me like a son and I feel honored to be included in their happy family.

  “How’s our girl on her big night? She nervous before she left? Oh, how proud I am of all you kids, but what an exciting time for Kate!” Linda’s eyes crinkle as a delighted smile plays on her face.

  “I didn’t get to see her before she left.”

  “Oh, well, be sure and tell her how excited we are. And she needs to bring those photos by to show me sometime.” Linda pauses to lower her voice. “Not that Carl here would appreciate looking at them.”

  “I’ll be sure and tell her.” I laugh before dropping the volume in my own low voice. “Linda, can I ask you a question?”

  “Certainly.”

  “Do you keep in touch with Kate’s parents?”

  “No, not really. They still live in the neighborhood but once the girls left for college we didn’t have a reason to get together. Besides, I never liked Paul. Something about him always rubbed me the wrong way. I did run into Judy the other day at the grocery store, though. Why do you ask?”

  “No reason, just notice that Kate doesn’t seem to have much of a relationship with them.”

  “Yeah, it’s strange. When I ran into her at the store she seemed to be fishing for information about Kate, but I wasn’t about to get in the middle of their family drama. It’s sad, really. I would’ve thought after all these years they could’ve moved past it.”

  “Past what?”

  “Some argument they had when Kate and Evie were away at the University of Colorado. I don’t know details. I only know Kate stopped coming home for summers. And spent a few Christmas breaks with us. Sad, really. Kate’s such a wonderful girl. I can’t imagine Evie or Melissa doing anything that would keep me from speaking to them.”

  “Yeah. Well, you and Carl are the best. Not all parents put their kids first.” I swallow the bitterness that comes with that statement. I have good memories with my parents, when I was little. Before the fighting. Before the divorce. After that I always felt like more of a chess piece than their child.

  “Oh, Jon,” Linda reaches over to grab my hand and squeezes once before releasing.

  “I know you’ve been through a lot with your folks, but you’re a good man. We are so glad you are back, safe and sound.” I can see the moisture gather in her smiling eyes. It hits me that my time in the service has caused her to worry. This small moment is too emotional and too intense, and I change the subject.

  “Thank you guys for babysitting tonight.”

  “Of course! These boys are the best and it’s like bonus grandchildren for us. You can never have too many of those.” Linda smiles as Eli and Ezra assemble some sort of elaborate block tower.

  “Whatcha guys building?” I squat down to examine their construction skills.

  “This is where the ball goes. You have to do it right or they won’t go all the way down.” Ezra, the older boy explains.

  “Mama says never put the balls in your mouth.” Eli adds with a very serious expression. I can’t fight the snicker that escapes.

  “Yeah, I’d say that’s probably best.”

  “It’s not funny, Mister Jon. Eli swallowed one last week. We only have five left. Mama says that’s dangerous and she’s not buying us any more.” He sends a warning glare to his brother. These kids are a riot.

  “Hey, Jon.” I rise and take in Carly’s appearance. Hot damn. I let out a whistle and a blush creeps up her neck and stains her cheeks. I knew she was beautiful but I’ve never seen her in more than jeans and a tee or a pair of scrubs. She’s drop dead gorgeous. Every eye in that ballroom will be checking her out.

  “Mama, you look like a princess.”

  “Mama’s too old to be a princess. She looks like a queen,” Ezra adds, and earns a laugh from the adults.

  “You ready?”

  “Yep. Mr. and Mrs. Harper, I can’t thank you enough. I’ll have my cell so please call if you need anything. Boys, behave. I want a good report when I get back.” She lovingly leans down to give each boy a kiss before she nods my way.

  I open the door and we walk down to the truck. I open the door and help her inside before jogging around the front to the driver’s side.

  I turn the ignition and country music blasts through the speakers. I quickly turn it down.<
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  “Please tell me you don’t listen to country.”

  “You don’t like it?”

  “God no! I’m more of a rock girl.”

  “Sorry, must have slipped and pushed a button.” I quickly switch to my angry guitar rock.

  “Sure. Slipped.” She laughs and I join in. “Don’t worry, Jon, you’re secret’s safe with me.”

  “THANK YOU. IT’S SO NICE to meet you.”

  It’s been a whirlwind of introductions since I arrived at the gala. My face hurts from smiling. Trent picked me up a few hours ago so we could arrive before most of the guests. Tonight’s charity event is being hosted at The Rocks, a swanky hotel tucked into the side of a desert mountainside. It’s smack dab in the center of the city but feels a million miles away. Bright colorful flowers and draperies decorate the ballroom, almost a juvenile color scheme to remind those attending the real purpose for gathering tonight.

  I stand off to the side of the wall displaying my prints. It’s surreal to see my work being admired—and sometimes scoffed at—by the high end of society. The entire experience is overwhelming.

  Trent has been the most attentive date and looks super handsome in his vintage black tie and tux. This week was insane with the amount of hours we worked to wrap up the 3UG video shoots, but I was able to squeeze in a lunch break shopping trip to Rosanne’s, a favorite boutique of mine. I knew it was the dress before the decadent fabric even touched my skin. A blue hue identical to the shade of my eyes, the full-length sleeveless gown fits snugly over my breasts but flares from the waist. It’s elegant, sexy, and a little naughty with a high peek-a-boo slit on each side.

  “You look thirsty. I know I am.” Trent smiles, “I’ll be back.”

  “Thanks.” I call out as he makes his way toward the open bar. I can see the ballroom doors and notice my friends as they enter the large archway. Evie and Tate look around before she finally catches my eye, points and then shuffles through the crowd of tables and people.

  I feel a sense of pride and also relief at their arrival. It’s good to have public acknowledgement for my art, but it’s my friends I’m most excited to share this experience with. I smile and give a little wave. Evie’s the best kind of friend. We are complete opposites but she is the yin to my yang. She accepts me for all my imperfections and loves me in spite of them. I cannot wait for her to see my photography. It’s one of the few secrets I’ve kept from her. Not because I thought she’d disapprove or wouldn’t like it. More like I knew deep down she would be proud, excited, and push me to share my work—something I didn’t know I was ready for until Jon uncovered them.

  My skin breaks into gooseflesh even though the room is packed with people and warm inside. I look beyond Evie to find Jon’s heated glare. He’s standing next to Tate’s sister Carly. I force my lips to continue their smile. He’s on my shit list. I don’t normally hold grudges. Hell, I think I’m a pretty forgiving and understanding person, but his words at the beginning of the week cut deep. I’ve avoided him, too. Wasn’t that difficult with work and having to bus it to and from, but I made sure to leave while he was on his morning run and come home late when I hoped he’d be running surveillance jobs. Even today, I went over to Jason’s to get ready so I wouldn’t have to see his face.

  He gives a slight nod and then reaches around Carly’s back to guide her toward my exhibit. Of course, he would bring her. She looks gorgeous in a cream chiffon gown with a plunging neckline and her dark hair pulled up into a twist. Ugh. I hope they are happy together. They certainly look stunning. I’m sure she’s sweet and everything else I’m not.

  “My God! Kate, this dress is fabulous! My famous artist friend!” Evie envelops me in a warm embrace and squeals with delight. I drag my gaze from Jon and Carly.

  “Well done, Kate.” Tate hugs me next.

  “I’m so glad you’re here.”

  “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Evie squeezes my hand.

  They ooh and ahh over my prints and offer compliments. I’m filled with pride.

  “There’s an open bar and dinner starts in about thirty minutes.”

  “Don’t have to tell me twice!” Evie laughs and grabs Tate’s hand. “Come on, let’s party. You want anything, Kate?”

  “I’m good, Trent’s bringing me something.” Where is Trent? He should have been back by now. The room is filling and I can’t see through the crowd to find him. I’m still looking around when Jon approaches. Carly’s not with him and he doesn’t meet my hard glare. He focuses his gaze on the photographs before him.

  “I told you. Kate, you’re really talented. I’m glad you picked that one,” he nods to my photo of a man, back covered in tattoos, kneeling on the floor, head bent in agony. The play of shadows and light is menacing. “Your art shows depth and emotion. I feel something when I look at it.” Jon laughs halfheartedly. “But what do I know? I’m not an art connoisseur.”

  His words mean more than they should. We stand side by side and he turns his chin to meet my eyes.

  “You look beautiful tonight.” My breath hitches in my throat. No. He doesn’t get to say things like that.

  “Where’s your date?” I try to sound indifferent but I can hear the disdain seep into my words.

  “Bathroom.”

  A large hand wraps possessively around my waist and a glass of champagne is placed in my hand. Trent’s lips scrape along my neck. I watch Jon’s reaction. Nothing.

  And I hate champagne.

  “Babe. These are great. This is great. You’re like a rock star of art.” He gestures with his glass in the direction of my work before turning to face Jon.

  “Hey, man.”

  “Trent.” A flurry of voices sounds from behind us. I turn to a wide-eyed Evie marching my way with Tate, Sean, Austin, and Derek following. The band wears their usual attire of tight jeans, boots, and fitted t-shirts. They stand out like a clown at a funeral. Evie’s making crazy eyes and I have no clue what she’s struggling to communicate telepathically. Carly appears next to Tate.

  “Dude! Pick up your fucking cell phone! We’ve been calling you for hours.” Austin’s bark draws the attention of everyone on this side of the ballroom.

  “I left it in the truck. Sorry, didn’t think it’d be a problem if I took the night off.” Trent’s fingers grip my waist a little tighter. “I didn’t want to be distracted by anything other than my hot date tonight.” He grins with a lazy lift of his lips before leaning down to kiss my neck once more. Jason, Steph, Marc, and Nicholas join our circle.

  “Hey, guys, what’s going on here?” Marc glances at the murmuring socialites who can’t help but gape. “I didn’t realize you were attending the gala tonight.”

  “We aren’t staying. We’re just trying to get hold of our boy and no one was picking up their phones.” Austin turns from Marc to focus back on Trent.

  “We got called in to play The Marquee tonight. The opener is puking his guts out. Food poisoning. We’d be opening for Deadfish. Deadfish, dude!”

  Austin and Trent are deep in conversation about some dead fish person but my attention is caught up with Carly and Jon. They are standing near each other but not touching. Derek is pouring on the charm, though, and Carly’s the recipient. I can’t hear what he says, but I catch a flash of his sliver stud as he talks. Carly’s blushing and Jon’s wound as tight as a cobra ready to pounce. Poor Derek’s about to get a beating if he keeps with the flirting.

  “That cool, babe?” Trent’s voice pulls me from my thoughts.

  “Hm… what?”

  “Dude. We don’t have time for this shit. You seriously picking a chick over an opportunity like this?” Austin’s upset but I’m still lost. Trent looks from Austin, to me, then back to Austin before his hands run through his hair.

  “Sorry, Kate. I gotta bail. I’m really sorry, but we’ve worked too hard. I hope you understand.” He dips his head, brushes his lips over mine and then grazes my ear. “I’ll make it up to you, I swear.”

  As one, the
band practically races out the back door. What the hell just happened? Tate shrugs and Evie laces my hand in her own.

  “Rock stars, right? This is your night, girl. Don’t let it get you down.” Disappointment settles over me, but not the way it should. I understand that Trent needed to leave, it’s not as though he left with some girl. Their music is important, something they’ve worked years for, so it doesn’t bother me. What does bother me is that I’m the only one here without a date and I’ll be sitting next to an empty chair at our table.

  “I’m fine. Really. Let’s enjoy the night.” Absently, I sip from my glass. Gross! I spit the contents back into the glass. “But first, tequila!”

  Evie laughs and leads me to the bar. I catch Jon’s worried expression. Screw him. This is my night. I’m not his date. I can drink whatever and however much I want.

  Smile in place, charm turned up, and drink in hand, I mingle my way through the rest of the evening. It’s nice hanging out with Marc, Steph, and Jason outside of work hours, but after the long week we’ve all had it’s not surprising when they all decide to leave before dessert.

  Sitting at a round table with Evie and Tate to my left and Jon and Carly to my right I feel like the odd man out. The waiter brushes by, leaving a dish of three mini desserts in front of each place setting. The cheesecake and cannoli are amazing but I don’t care much for the tart.

  “These are really good.” Carly attempts to make conversation. Jon nods politely but he’s been silent most of the night.

  Tate whispers something in Evie’s ear and she giggles.

  “Oh, God! Get a room, you two!” I blurt.

  “Actually…” Tate wears a giant grin and Evie’s eyes light up. “We are going to head out.” He stands and pulls Evie into a tender hug. He only has eyes for her. “I booked a room here tonight,” he adds.

  “Oh goodie, loud sex! Be sure and scream out those orgasms, you crazy kids.” I may have had one too many drinks.