This was difficult for him. Something had happened between them six years ago, something important, something that kept him from seeing her since then.
She found it difficult to believe she would remain angry with him for very long. Apparently, she'd asked him to sing at the gala, and he said yes. "Listen," she reached for his hand and the necklace brushed her palm. More memories flooded her senses and she gripped his arm to steady her from the onslaught.
Bellamy had visited her here, at her house six years ago. They dated for a few months until he had slipped again and started using. Not nearly as bad as before when he'd wanted to end it all. He had… "You wanted to marry me." Oh God, she remembered he'd asked her, had bought a ring.
"Yeah, screwed that up pretty bad, didn't I?" His voice brought her back to the present. "Do you remember what you told me? I do," he answered for her. "You told me: I'll be your friend, but not the person who always comes second in your life." He shook his head. "Sex, drugs and rock and roll, baby. I was living life in the fast lane, but you didn't want to take the ride with me. Thing is, I was always looking for you in my rearview mirror. Always wondering if you were there. Still wanting you at my side, 'cause the ride wasn't any fun without you."
"Why are you telling me all this?" As he spoke, she remembered being so hurt and he'd stormed off saying they were through. He didn't return her calls for two weeks and she'd been so scared for him. But then he did call. He'd checked himself into a rehab clinic.
"I'm telling you this because I remember what you told me at the airport ten years ago. You gave me a list of things to complete before I was to come find you. I realize now you wanted me to grow up. I guess it took me long enough." She reached for his hand and a sad smile touched his lips, but then he let her hand go. He cleared his throat. "Just to recap what you already know. I've made three solo albums, starred in two good movies, depending on the critic you ask." He chuckled at that. "But most of all what you don't know, I've slain my demons. I've been sober for six years. No more drugs. No more parties. I'm pretty boring these days if you must know."
"I highly doubt you could ever be boring." She gave him a whisper of a smile.
He glanced at the medal, then to her as he flipped it into his palm. "I was wondering if you'd give me another shot. I can get it right, this time, Emerson, 'cause I know I won't have another chance again." He moved closer to her. She could feel the heat of his body, and hers swayed to be closer. "Third time's the charm," he said and then added, "or so they say."
She wanted him, always had. Some people just knew when they were meant for each other, and Bellamy was her heart and soul. She'd known it all along, but just because they had chemistry, a connection, or if the cosmos deemed them soul mates, it didn't mean they belonged together when their dreams and beliefs didn't coincide. It hadn't been right for them ten years ago, it hadn't been right for them six years ago either, but now she felt the alignment as if it were a tangible thing to hold. They were finally in sync.
"Depends," she teased and gave him a skeptical glance over.
His eyebrows furrowed. "On what?"
"If you can kiss better than him." She gestured toward the cardboard Bellamy.
His lips curved lazily and perhaps a bit cocky too. "Kissing is what you're after, is it? Now that, I never had a problem with." His hand snaked out and pulled her flush against him. Oh, the power of a kiss was magical all by itself. The moment his lips covered hers, the kiss brought back all the memories they'd shared. The night, the one that had been the crucial turning point in Bellamy's life. He'd reached out and called her.
Bellamy ended the caress. His palms were warm on her waist. She looked at him, every feature from his expressive eyes to his talented mouth. "Well?" he asked and it seemed he held his breath, not sure what she'd say.
"You're definitely the winner," she told him, sounding a little breathless.
"Then you won't need him." He knocked the poster board out of the way and reclaimed her lips once more.
In between kisses that were turning hot and heavy she said, "Let's go inside." She took his hand and headed for the porch.
"Are you going to explain what you were doing out here with poster dude, the circle, and those badass symbols?"
She stopped and turned toward him. She stood on the step above his and they were at eye level now. Older and more mature, life had given him a more rugged appearance and she thrilled at the prospect of getting to know the man he'd become. "One day," she said, "when we're old and gray, very old and gray, and cuddled up on the front porch swing, I'll tell you all about it."
His lips curved into his devilishly handsome grin. "I look forward to it."
Chapter Twenty-Four
Faith of Each Other
Bellamy and the rest of the band were preparing to do one last sound check before the guests arrived for the gala. He straightened the black jacket he'd chosen to wear over his black dress shirt and slacks.
It had been four years since the whole band had been together in one room. He'd seen Leon and Maury off and on in those four years, Clark only once when he visited him at his restaurant in Santa Barbara. T.C., he only talked to him on the phone. The man had been traveling quite a bit and they kept missing one another.
He'd actually been amazed they were able to coordinate this reunion, but his producer seemed on board with it from the start and thought it was a fabulous idea. Her words. She'd made all the arrangements to make it happen. Sonya Maynard was a genius when it came to organizing everything.
Evie had called him for the favor, and though they'd kept in touch after he screwed up their relationship six years ago, and still somehow miraculously remained friends, he'd been nervous to see her in person. It was never easy to face the ones you hurt, but AA encouraged him to make amends. Evie had been the last one on the list. Should have been the first, but he was a chicken shit when it came to her, probably because she was the only person who could see through the facade of normalcy he presented to the world. Called him on it enough times.
He missed seeing her, touching her, kissing her... He thought he could smell and taste her too, had believed it when he first met her, but when they hooked up again her scent had faded. It had been the reason for his relapse six years ago. Sure it was stupid, but an addict looked for any excuse to indulge. He could admit that now. Funny thing was, last night, when he was in Evie's arms, he thought his senses for her had returned. Maybe it was because he just wanted her so badly. Maybe it was because she'd forgiven his sorry ass yet again when he had no right for her forgiveness. Hell, maybe it was because he loved her so damn much that it didn't matter.
"So how are things with Evie going?" Leon asked as he strode over to him. He'd gained a little weight and his blonde hair was cut short now. Lines at his eyes were more evident than the last time they'd all played together, but he guessed that went for all of them. Time marched on and played havoc with the body, until one day they would look in the mirror and wondered who was staring back at them. Or perhaps he was being morose. The soul would still be there. Just a little battered from living a good long life.
A smile tipped the corners of his mouth. "Good," he told Leon.
Maury had heard the exchange as he walked over to his drum set at the back of the stage. "Hope you're going to do right by her, this time." Of course, Mr. Family Man/Teacher would have a lecture prepared for him, but he was right. He needed to do right by her. Maury still looked the same, slim and trim. Probably chasing after his kids kept him in shape.
"It's the plan," he said and Maury nodded in approval.
T.C. arrived next and took the stage. His long red hair was pulled back with a leather thong, and he wore a black shirt and pants, and a heavy gold chain around his neck. His blue eyes were as bright as ever. "Hey, man." He nodded in Bellamy's direction.
Clark was the last to arrive as he pulled open the door and announced his presence with, "Lucy, I'm home," in a thick Cuban accent. Dressed in a tux, his salt and pepper hair
made him appear distinguished. That probably hadn't been the image he was going for, but there you have it.
When they all took their places on the stage, the soundman for the evening told them to wait as he made some adjustments, then gave them the go ahead.
He glanced at his band mates and for a moment had a second of déjà vu with them onstage in their youth, cocky as all get out, and believing they were invincible in regards to love and in life in general. They had really rocked the world back then.
"Are we going to play or what?" Clark asked him. "'Cause it looks like you're getting all teary eyed and I ain't into hugging, man."
Good old Clark, some things never changed, people included.
"Just glad to be here," he shot back. "And I'll try to keep my hands to myself. No promises, though."
Clark flipped him off with a grin.
God, he really missed the guy. "Let's rock and roll," he said with a chuckle. "One, two, three..."
The drums came alive under Maury's masterful hands as he gave the intro to the first song they'd agree to start with for this evening's festivities.
He closed his eyes and tapped his foot in time with the beat, his body following the groove as he let the rhythm slide over him. Leon was next, and those talented hands made love to the keyboard. Then T.C. started in with the bass guitar, using a metal pick to strum the instrument as he combined it with muting techniques to create the distinctive sound he owned. Clark's saxophone joined the mix with a rich, smooth sound.
It was Bellamy's turn, and he leaned close to the microphone. Singing to him was like making love, and he knew when it was good and when it wasn't. Tonight, they were all in sync as they played and he sang the pop rock song, flavored with soul and R&B. He belted out the words, spiced with what critics dubbed his sultry voice.
He'd wondered if the band could pull this off after so many years, but it was like they'd never drifted apart and time stood still waiting for them to pick up where they left off.
He opened his eyes and took the microphone from the stand as he strode the stage, picking up momentum as his confidence soared. He made his way over to Clark and draped his arm around his shoulders as he played the sax and Bellamy sang. Then he leaned near and gave the guy a kiss on the cheek. Clark's eyes widened in surprise and Bellamy grinned as he moved away.
Then he spotted her, his book marm, Emerson, walking into the room with her brother at her side, and they both turned their gazes on the stage.
His hips swayed to the music, a slow seductive dance just for her. He had her attention now and she left Bryce's side to journey closer.
He'd kept in touch with Bryce through the years. He'd been the photographer and cameraman for his solo albums, and they actually became friends. Sometimes Bryce was forthright in telling him if Evie was seeing anyone special, and other times, he made him work for the information.
He almost lost Evie three years ago to another man. She had been engaged, but the fool cheated on her, great for him, but he didn't like knowing she'd been hurt. They talked for a long time on the phone afterward, and he hoped he'd been there for her, helped her in some way to get over the jerk.
Took him ten long years to figure it all out, that being in a relationship with a woman required becoming a man first. Who knew it would be so damn hard, but worth it too? His gaze met hers and her eyes smiled at him, those intriguing mismatched eyes with one tinted with a splash of blue.
Sex with Evie had always been good, hell hotter than any sex he'd ever had. But they were also friends, ten years in the making, sometimes glorious, and sometimes painful, but mostly fantastic in the making. He'd been dreaming lately of coming home to a comfy house, a loving wife, and he even longed for the sound of children.
Evie stood at the edge of the stage and he remembered another time, another stage when they were young, too young to be together. Maybe falling into her arms that night – meaning to or not – had been the beginning for them.
He danced over to her, still singing, singing to her only now as he crouched down on his haunches and reached for her hand. Her palm clasped his. She'd always given him strength and helped him chase the shadows away.
Maybe his dream wouldn't happen overnight, but with the way her expressive eyes were fastened on him, filled with compassion and, by God, a wicked gleam too, he was sure as hell going to make it happen soon.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Old World New World
The gala planned was no longer a fan club dinner and dance as a tribute to a singer who'd left the world long before his time, a trivial event in the scheme of things. The event was a fundraiser, Lifeline Gala for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. All funds raised would go toward the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to aid in research, education, advocacy and support for those affected by suicide.
There were four honored people scheduled to speak, who dedicated their lives to suicide prevention and mental awareness, and Bellamy would speak also, give his story and his brush with suicide, and how such programs helped him with his addiction and depression, and how they were essential for others in need.
She and Kelsey had worked long hours to put the gala together, making phone calls, securing the place where the gala would be held, advertising it, and making sure invitations were sent out to those who would help spread the word.
The gala wasn't the only thing that had changed from her time traveling experience. There were some subtle changes, like how she wore her hair, but there were bigger, more significant changes too. She'd gone back to college and fulfilled her dream of becoming a doctor, and all because an anonymous benefactor had gifted her with a full scholarship. She knew it was Bellamy, but he wouldn't admit it. She remembered questioning him about it and he just shrugged. "Who cares who supplied it? Just take the scholarship and go save lives," he told her.
Kelsey was now the ER Head nurse in charge of the divisions of the health care facilities, and responsible for the health care teams as well. She made sure all the patients under their care had their needs met and received appropriate attention. She had a lot to contend to, but Kelsey had always been a take-charge woman.
However, it was Lisa's life that changed the most out of all three of them. She wasn't living at home and struggling to find her place. She had gone to med school and was in the process of getting her Doctoral Degree for licensure as a Doctor of Psychology. Though she had remained a huge fan of Civilized Heathens.
Lisa had followed Bellamy's struggles with depression, which the tabloids continued to blast on every media format. However, because of those tabloids, Lisa became interested in learning more about how to prevent such travesties, such as drug abuse associated with suicide. She was the one who arranged for the guest speakers tonight.
Lisa kept the photo she took with Bellamy at the New York restaurant in 1997, too. It hung on the wall in her office. She was hoping to have another photo taken with him tonight. Evie would make it happen.
Bellamy's success in overcoming his depression and drug abuse had put Lisa on the right track. Before she'd been stuck in the moment, but with the restart, she moved on with goals in mind. His experience had touched her life and inspired her.
Perhaps the saying rang true. We're all connected. The smallest gesture could change someone's life in a profound way, whether we are aware of it or not.
The banquet room at the prestigious hotel in LA was decorated with flowers and garlands above the stage. White tablecloths and gold-rimmed, white plates and crystal goblets adorned each table. She spotted quite a few movie stars all decked out in their fine clothes and perfect hairdos. People in the music industry were there too, most likely Bellamy's doing. Not a seat was empty.
Her hand caressed the hippocampus necklace, resting on her chest. It truly looked out of place with her outfit, which was an elegant black and white evening gown, but she didn't care. The necklace had been the very first key point in changing her life, and she wanted to wear it tonight. She tucked a wayward str
and of hair behind her ear, soft and smooth with the products Anton had recommended she use all those years ago, and now her once unruly, frizzy hair laid in soft waves at her shoulders.
Her gaze found Kelsey, who looked like a model with her black hair straight and glossy like polished ebony. Her makeup flattered her amber eyes, and with those long lashes, even more so. She wore a strapless gold evening gown and gold sandals with heels that made her six inches taller. No one would ever believe just a few days ago, she'd used chicken blood to perform a time traveling spell. The gorgeous Amazon with grit headed her way.
"How are you doing?" Kelsey asked upon reaching her.
"Fine."
Kelsey's one black eyebrow arched high. "Just fine, when you have Bellamy Lovel warming your bed? You're going to blow my whole image of the man if things are only fine."
Evie glanced at where Bellamy sat next to his band mates. He would be speaking in a few moments, and the rest of the band would take their place on stage behind the velvet curtain to wait for their cue. Bellamy had been staying with her for the last few days. She'd thought him an attentive lover at twenty-eight, but now, he had the finesse of a man who knew how to please a woman with a little romance as well. She loved how he held her close at night and reveled in the feel of him as he cradled her with his body. "Everything on the home front is perfect," she said, but she didn't quite meet Kelsey's gaze.
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