Play Me_A Standalone Romance

by Cary Hart

  We would lounge around for an hour or two depending on her day’s schedule, talking about anything and everything. She gave me what I craved from my parents. Support. Maggie not only loves me, she cares about my passion for music. Accepts me for who I am.

  I miss her.

  While I wait for the water to heat, I head over to the sitting area and pull out my guitar.

  This, my guitar—the feel of the neck in my hand, the back of the body against mine—is my security blanket. Home. And thanks to Maggie, I have it back. She didn’t know where to find me, but she knew where I hung out and Java Talk was one of those places. Thankfully, Jen was working when Maggie took my guitar there and made sure it ended up back in my hands.

  Glancing out the window, I strum the chords, trying out a new melody, contemplating the everyday that awaits me outside these doors. Doors I have refused to open.

  I know I should venture out and find other gigs, contact a few friends in the business, but right now I like the little secluded world I live in. Opening the doors opens me up to disappointment, and who needs that?

  I switch gears and start playing an old favorite. Humming along to the tune brings me back to the night at Java Talk. Lee, standing there

  smiling, eyes shining, watching my every move and then, I played this song and he left. As soon as he walked into my life, he ran back out.

  He had my name. Well, my stage name, but still. He could have found me. Then again, I have his.

  Hello, pot—kettle?

  Speaking of which, mine is screaming at me to get along with my day.

  Fix tea.

  Shower.

  Dress.

  Work.

  Nap.

  Play.

  Sleep.

  This is what my life has become. It doesn’t define who I am tomorrow, but it does define who I am today and I’m okay with that.

  Always running late. Well, technically, I’m not late, but I wouldn’t call it early either. Grabbing my purse, I run out the door and right into another.

  “Shit!” I drop my purse, all of its contents scattering at my feet.

  When I see the door, it turns out not to be a door at all, but a young woman, maybe around my age or so. She just stands there with a deer in headlights look. Frozen.

  “I’m so sorry. I was in a hurry and wasn’t paying attention,” I apologize, yet she continues staring. Silent.

  “Do you live across the hall?”

  Nothing.

  “Well, I just moved in a couple weeks ago.” I motion behind me with my thumb. “I’m surprised we haven’t run into each other before, but then again, I have weird hours.” I continue to talk, unsure what to say but the silence is awkward.

  Blink.

  Sticking out my hand, I introduce myself. “I’m Ellie.”

  She looks down at my outreached hand, then looks me in the eyes and blinks a few more times before she speaks. “Hey,” she whispers, giving me a quick wave before she turns on her heel and locks herself in her apartment.

  Throwing my purse over my shoulder, I hurry down the three flights of stairs and into the breakroom, stuffing my purse into my locker.

  “There you are!” Cindy exclaims, startling me. She’s holding on to the doorframe as she peeks her head in. “Someone is here to see you.”

  Clutching my chest, I let out a rush of air. “You scared the hell out of me.”

  “Sorry. We are slammed out there. It’s like everyone showed up at once.” She nonchalantly points out that I’m late.

  “I’m so sorry. I literally ran into my neighbor, or I think that’s who she is.” I smooth out my little black dress before I tie my Spotlight apron around my waist.

  Cindy scrunches her brow. “Shapiro?”

  “No, some girl.” I head toward the door to follow Cindy out. “She just stared at me. Barely spoke.”

  “Ohhhh! Yeah, I’m not sure who she is. None of us are.” We round the corner to the bar when she whispers, “And when we ask, Shapiro quickly shuts us down.”

  “Interesting.”

  “Excuse me, Miss?” A familiar voice calls down from the opposite end of the bar. “I need to get the biggest steak you have.” Rain grins from ear to ear, holding her hands out wide. “HUGE.”

  Reaching below the counter, I grab a menu and call back. “Miss, I’m afraid to break the news to you, but steak is only served on the dinner menu. May I suggest a bean burger?” I watch her face as her outstretched arms cross.

  “Very funny, El.”

  Slapping the menu on the counter, I turn to fill a couple glasses when Cindy comes up beside me, wiping off her hands.

  “I need you to take a table.” She busies herself by beginning to fix a few drinks. “There is this guy who I had a quick thing with. It’s over and now he’s engaged.” I slowly begin to turn around, when Cindy’s hand flies out to stop me. “Don’t turn around he will know I’m talking about him.”

  Taking a side-step closer to her, I look at the reflection in the mirror.

  “Kyle was just…” She turns toward me, leaning her hip against the counter. “A mistake.”

  “Kyle?” Who is Cindy talking about? I scan the crowd and my eyes fall on the table I think she means.

  I can’t believe it. Spinning around, I turn to see it for myself. It’s him. He’s here.

  Lee.

  Lee

  Ellie. She’s here.

  Someone of her talent doesn’t stay put, they pass through. But she’s here. In Spotlight. Standing just a few feet away. Her hazel eyes meet mine.

  I’m not sure what I’m feeling. It was just one night of conversation more than a month ago. Nothing more, nothing less.

  “Lee?” Kyle speaks up, pulling my attention back to him.

  “Uh, yeah.” I turn to face him, clearing my throat.

  “Let’s talk business. I’ve talked to Drew and we both feel…” He clasps his hands together. “Oh look! Time to order. Hope you know what you want.”

  “I hear the burgers are—” I turn to see Ellie walking up, taking all the words from my mouth.

  Ellie is absolutely breathtaking. Her hair, pulled back, exposes her slender neck. A neck I now envision biting.

  Where is this coming from?

  “Hi. My name is Ellie and I’ll be your server today.” She plasters a fake smile across her face as she sets our drinks down.

  I’m not sure what comes over me, but something she said that night at Java Talk gives me an idea. Holding out my hand, I say, “I’m

  Lee. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  Cocking her head to the side, her smile now genuine, she takes my offered hand, giving it one hell of a squeeze. One I’m almost sure is meant to be as painful as it is. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Okay then!” Kyle interrupts, handing the menus over the table to Ellie. “We both will have the burger with onion rings and two Coors Lights.”

  “Got it!” She gives me a once over before turning around and leaving.

  “You are so in trouble.” Kyle shakes his head. “How long?”

  “How long?” I echo, unsure of what he’s getting at.

  “How long have you had a thing for her?” he asks.

  “I don’t know her,” I lie.

  Kyle leans back and cocks an eyebrow.

  “Okay. I barely know her,” I admit.

  “I’m not buying it.”

  “Fine.” I continue my confession. “I met her a little over a month ago. We talked, it was nice and then I left.”

  “You left?”

  “I left.”

  “I think there is more you’re not telling me, but that is neither here nor there.” Kyle reaches into a folder and pulls out some papers.

  “Obviously, you don’t want to talk about it and I respect that, so let’s get down to business.”

  “I’m all ears.” I sit back and wait for what I hope is a proposal that will solve all my problems.

  “Drew filled me in on your grandmother.”
<
br />   “I promise, she won’t be a problem. I have a home nurse coming for part of the day and the other I have neighbors checking in,” I interrupt, needing to explain myself.

  Shutting the folder, Kyle leans over the table. “Lee, I’ve been in your shoes. I know the desperation you are feeling. I’m not here to scold you for putting your family first. I want to help.”

  “Boss, I’m not looking for a handout. I just want a chance to prove myself,” I reply.

  “First off, you’re going to have to cut out the “boss” comments. Especially since you are going to be one yourself.” He sits back in his chair, watching my reaction.

  I did it!

  “Are you saying what I think you are saying?” I pick up my water, draining the glass.

  “Not exactly.”

  There it is. Reality crashing down front and center. Crushing all my plans.

  “Lee, I want to train you to take over my position at WilliamSon Construction. Drew and I both feel you are the only person with the leadership skills, drive and determination that could fulfill the job.”

  “Thank you, Boss.”

  “Kyle or Lewis, but ‘boss’ has to go,” he says, smiling over my head. “Here comes your girl.”

  “Huh?”

  “Two Coors Lights.” Ellie sets the long necks in front of us. “Your burgers will be out shortly.” She looks between the two of us. “Anything else?” She stands there, tugging on the tie of her apron.

  “I think we’re good. Thanks.” Kyle picks up the beer, taking a long pull while Ellie walks off. “You drinking?”

  “I’m on the clock.” I push the beer away. “Not a good idea.”

  “We are ahead of schedule. I sent the crew home,” he responds, pushing the beer back toward me.

  “Well, in that case.” I hold out my bottle. “Cheers.”

  “To new beginnings.” Kyle clinks my bottle.

  “New beginnings. I like that,” I confess, letting my eyes roam the crowd for the girl who has been crossing my mind since the moment our gazes locked.

  “Instead of sitting there, waiting for her to come to you, why don’t you go after her?” Kyle breaks the silence.

  “I’m going to use the restroom.” I stand, scooting the chair back.

  “Riiiiight.” Kyle winks.

  “Thanks for the advice.”

  I zigzag in between the tables on my way to the bar. She’s disappeared, but a girl at the end of the bar hollers out, “She went to the restroom.”

  Perfect.

  Nodding my thanks, I hurry down the hall and wait against the wall. I’m not sure what I’m going to say or do, but this is my one chance to make this right.

  “I play tonight, actually. You should come,” Ellie says to the woman she follows out, ignoring my presence.

  “I think I will. Thank you.” The woman brushes up against the wall trying to cut through, knocking a picture down. “Oh no.” She bends to pick it up.

  “I got it.” Ellie waves her off. “You wouldn’t believe how many times someone has knocked this thing down. I’m about to bolt it to the wall,” she says to put the lady at ease.

  I push myself off the wall as Ellie bends down to pick up the picture.

  She stands and I rush up behind her and whisper, “Are you tired?” I come to a halt as I run into her. Quickly steadying her with my hands, I lean in, my lips brushing her ear. “Because you have been running through my mind all afternoon.”

  She whips around, smiling. “Well, well, well.”

  “How was that? Did it work?”

  “I could do better.” She spins on her heel to leave.

  “Oh no you don’t.” I reach for her arm, turning her back around. “Have coffee with me.”

  “I play tonight.”

  “Okay then, tomorrow?” I counter. I’m not leaving here until she says yes.

  “No, I meant I play tonight so how about in a couple hours.” Her face begins to show worry. “That is, if you promise not to run off this time.”

  I hate that I did that to her, put doubt in her mind, but I couldn’t stay knowing she would eventually leave.

  “Scout’s honor.” I hold my fingers up, switching between two and three, not really sure what I’m doing.

  “You weren’t a Scout, were you?” She pushes my arm away. Our fingers brush against each other and just for a second, I hold on to her fingertips, letting them slowly slip away.

  “Nope.”

  “Cute. How about I meet you there in, say, three hours?” Ellie suggests.

  “Perfect. It’s a date,” I answer, before my brain can process what girly things it’s saying.

  “A date.” She shakes her head. “You’re cute.” She turns her attention to someone shouting her name. “I better go. I think your food is up,” she says as she walks away, leaving me standing here like the happiest idiot alive.

  Maybe Kyle is right. With each door closing a new one opens.

  To new beginnings.

  Chapter Eight

  Ellie

  “What is your deal? Ever since that guy left you have been all sunshine, rainbows and that whipped cream crap in the middle of those tasty little snack cakes.” Rain calls me out on my sudden mood change.

  I try my best to avoid her interrogation. “I have no clue what you are talking about.”

  “Just give me his name and stats if you have them,” she persists.

  I give in. “Lee Scott, he’s twenty-four, works in construction, and lives with his grandmother, whom he calls Grans.” I stop there, trying to recall what else I know, but the rest seems too personal to share with Rain.

  “Sweet. He’s young, hot and can work with his hands.” She snorts. “That’s doable.” She smacks her hand against the bar. “Get it? Doable?”

  “Yeah, you perv.” I point my finger in her direction. “I swear you are a horny thirteen- year-old boy, trapped in a twenty-something’s body.”

  “And that’s a bad thing?” She waggles her brows at me.

  “You are something else.” I shake my head and try to focus on work. One more hour is all that’s separating me from a night of what-ifs. What if he would have stayed? What if he would have asked me out again?

  Shit!

  I slap my forehead. “I’m so stupid.”

  I’ve been so caught up in my own little world for the past two weeks that I haven’t even realized that I don’t have a car.

  “What?” Rain stands like she is about to come around the bar.

  “Car.” I throw my hands up. “I told Lee I would meet him at Java Talk and that is all the way across town.”

  “Ohhhhh!” She settles back down.

  “Can I borrow yours?” I fold my hands together and begin to plead with my friend. If I can’t borrow it, she will surely drop me off and Lee can bring me back and if he doesn’t, then obviously there won’t be a date number two.

  “Actually, I have to head home in five minutes. Can you leave now and I’ll just drop you off on the way?”

  “I have to help Cindy clean up before the next shift arrives.” I sigh, ready to just throw in the towel. “Where you going?”

  “Big Jer and Cher asked if I could come home to prepare for tonight’s festivities.” Rain rolls her eyes. “It’s like a huge deal to them. Tonight the moon is supposed to be at its fullest. Like some kind of harvest moon, or maybe it’s a blue one. Hell, I don’t know, but it’s a

  big ball of glowing shit in the sky. So they insist on feasting on a meal

  full of superfoods that help with fertility then head out to kneel in front

  of the garden of gods and pray to the man on the moon to someday give me a child,” she rambles.

  “Umm, am I the only one who sees an issue with this?” I throw my head back, not being able to contain it anymore. Some of the things the Bowens do are downright crazy.

  “I know! I’ve been living a life feasting on cows and snack cakes. If this is what it takes to have a family, I’m screwed.” She tilts
her cup in my direction. “Can I get a cherry coke to go? Half the ice, double the cherries?”

  As much as she claims to be different, there are times where I wonder how much of an influence her parents’ lifestyle has on her.

  “Dude, you aren’t even married.” I reach for a cup and begin layering cherries and ice, the way Rain likes it.

  “Now, Eloise Hawthorne.” She puts her hands on her hips. “I know your parents taught you the birds and the bees. You don’t’ have to be married to get knocked up.”

  Narrowing my eyes, I fill her cup, topping it off with a few more cherries. “Yes, Rain. I know where babies come from, but come on now—”

  “You should see your face. Lord, El, I know this shit is crazy. My parents have lost their ever-loving minds, but they are still my parents and if me eating from our magical garden outside makes them happy,

  then hell, I’ll do it.” She laughs. “But seriously, can’t you call an Uber or something?”

  “No phone and no bank,” I reply.“I would let you use mine, but I’m one taco away from overdrafting my account.” Her mood begins to change. “Real life sucks, yo.”

  “Tell me about it.” I hand her the foam cup.

  “Thanks. I just have one more year of school and if I get this internship at the local brewery I will be set.” She pushes her card toward me. “But that is neither here nor there. I have to get going so let’s focus on the ride situation.”

  “Rain, you just told me you barely have enough to pay for a taco. I’ll get this.” I take the check to settle it up after my shift.

  “Thanks, doll. I owe you one.” Rain stands. “I’ll text Jake. I bet he will let you borrow his ride when he gets in.”

  “Really?” I ask hopefully.

  “Yeah. He’s totally cool like that.” She punches out a quick text. “Now we wait or, well, you will. I have to get going.” She blows me a kiss. “Peace, love and moon babies.” She winks before she turns to walk out the door.

  “Thanks for everything, Rain,” I shout loud enough for her to hear, but not enough to disturb the rest of the lingering lunch crowd.

  Turning around, she yells loud enough the whole club can hear. “Jake said yes!” and turns back around and walks out the door.