Crazy For You

by Sandra Edwards

  “Who was on the phone, Babe?” Glen asked.

  “It was Roxanne,” she said. “Frank, she needs you to come over to the condo as soon as you can.”

  “Is anything wrong?” Frank asked anxiously.

  Glenna gave a one-sided shrug. “She didn’t sound like anything was wrong. She just said she needs you to come over there. Now.”

  “Okay,” he said, standing. “Say listen, I’ll see you guys later tonight,” he said and headed for the door.

  “Well,” Glen said, watching Frank leave. “I guess we can find out what that’s about when they come back tonight.”

  “They’re not coming back tonight,” Glenna said, like it was a silly notion.

  “What do you mean they’re not coming back?”

  “Oh never mind. I’ll explain it to you later.”

  Frank headed across town, anxious over what might be happening at the condo. Maybe Roxanne had gone over there and found out the people had trashed the place before they left. He parked his car in a familiar parking space and prayed nothing was wrong.

  Walking up the sidewalk toward the building reminded him of such a long time ago. He unlocked the door and went inside, seeing one of her shoes lying on the floor just inside the doorway.

  What the hell...He closed the door, looking around. In the corner of his eye, he saw her other shoe at the bottom of the stairs. A little further up, one of her stockings was laid out strategically on the steps.

  Intrigue pushed Frank up the stairs. Halfway up, he found her blouse and then he saw her skirt lying at the top of the stairs. The possibilities lured him up. Inside the empty bedroom he found her pink silk panties lying on the floor. Suspecting that she might be in the bathroom, he thought about what that could mean. Then he saw her bra hanging on the bathroom doorknob.

  A year ago, anger would have consumed him as he entered the room. The place where it had all ended. But now, those bad memories were trivial, insignificant. The only thing he could think of right now was that Roxanne was in the bathroom, and he was one hundred percent certain that she was naked and in the bathtub.

  “Roxie...” He opened the door slightly.

  “You found me.” She laughed softly as he came into the room. “Come on in,” she said. “The water’s great.”

  Roxanne was lounging in the bubbled water. The Dom Perignon was chilling in a bucket of ice sitting next to the tub. Two champagne glasses sitting on the rim of the bathtub didn’t escape Frank’s notice.

  “I’ve been doing a little research,” she said. “But I keep hitting a snag.”

  “Anything I can do to help?” He sat down on the edge of the tub.

  “Why don’t you bring yourself in here with me...and let’s reminisce.”

  “Well,” he teased. “I don’t know.”

  Roxanne gave him a little tug and he came crashing down into the water. “I seriously doubt it was this hard to get you in here the first time.”

  Frank laughed, wiped the bubbles off his face and dabbed them onto hers.

  “Let’s have a toast,” she said. “I’ll pour the champagne while you get undressed.”

  After he’d tossed his wet clothes aside, she handed him a glass of champagne.

  “What should we drink to?”he asked.

  “Let’s drink to…ooh, I know...let’s drink to us.”

  Frank downed the champagne and set the glass on the edge of the tub. “Come over here, woman!” Laughing, he pulled her to him. He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her sweetly.

  “Make love to me, Frankie…” her whispering trailed off.

  “You don’t know how long I’ve waited to hear you say that.” He kissed her again.

  Even though she didn’t remember it, Roxanne straddled his lap just as she had done so many years ago. The waves rocked with them. Gently at first, then quickly intensified as they hung onto each other for dear life. Their passions exploded concurrently with satisfaction.

  Roxanne lay lifelessly against Frank’s chest. His arms were wrapped loosely around her waist.

  “I love you,” she whispered. As far as she knew, that was first time she’d ever said those words to him.

  “Yes!” he exclaimed triumphantly. “I love you, too.”

  How lucky could one man get? The love of his life had fallen for him not once, but twice.

  ***

  Chapter 36

  In January, Roxanne decided she was going to have to resort to drastic measures if she was ever going to see Frank in a live performance. She knew she loved Frank, she’d admitted as much. She also knew something was missing. She had to get Frank back up on that stage again. She knew he’d never be truly happy without his music. And surely the musician in him had been a part of the man she’d fallen in love with the first go-around. In a way, she felt cheated because she didn’t know that part of him.

  She felt strongly about it, but getting him on stage wasn’t going to be easy. Realistically, putting him on the spot was the only way to do it. That notion would take careful consideration and planning.

  The Grammys were coming up in February, and Roxanne decided to use the event to her advantage since Garrett-Hollander’s last and apparently final album had been nominated for several awards, including Album of the Year. If she could find a way to present the award herself, she could put him on the spot whether he won or not. But it was going to take some detailed planning to pull it off, but Roxanne was unwavering. Where there was a will, there was a way. And she definitely had the will, so there must be a way.

  Initially, she’d employed the help of her agent, Walt.

  “But, Roxanne,” he’d objected. “The Grammy’s are usually presented by people in the music business.”

  “I know that,” she said. “But there are exceptions to every rule. So fix it. Get me that spot. I don’t care what it takes…just do it.”

  “I’ll do what I can.”

  “Do more than that.”

  Next, she called on Garrett-Hollander’s ex-manager. Even though she’d never met Bruce Carter, she counted on the fact that he would see her once he found out who she was.

  She was right.

  His secretary had explained that Frank Garrett’s wife was there and he quickly appeared in the outer office to greet her. “Ms. Simon...” They shook hands. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. How’s Frank?”

  “He’s fine. In fact, he’s why I’m here.”

  “Let’s just step into my office,” he suggested and led her inside.

  “I think it’s time to reassemble the band,” she said. “Unfortunately, Frank refuses to accept that.”

  “What can I do?”

  “I’ve got a plan.” She sat down in one of the two empty chairs in front of Bruce’s desk. “If I put him on the spot, then he’ll have no other choice but to do the show.”

  “And just how are you going to do that?” Bruce hurried around his desk and dropped into his chair.

  “I’ve got my agent working on getting me a spot as a presenter at the Grammys. If I can get your help, that’s where I can announce the reunion concert for Garrett-Hollander.”

  “I missed something,” he said, shaking his head. “I thought you said Frank wasn’t onboard?”

  “He’s not. That’s why I need you to book the Bayfront Center in St. Pete...for sometime in late March.” She looked at him to make sure he stayed on the same page with her. His confused expression said he wasn’t. “If I announce the concert...I know Frank...he’ll play it.”

  “Do you understand the price involved to book the Bayfront Center?”

  “I’m willing to foot the bill,” she said. “I know my plan will work.”

  “Well, if you’re willing to take that chance...then who am I to deny you?” He was onboard. Good.

  “By the way,” she said. “The band you’re booking this for is a secret.”

  “A mystery guest...I like it.” He paused, as if deep in thought. “What about the band itself? A couple of them
are in Europe, playing with other bands.”

  “You just book the hall and leave the band to me.” She stood, offering her hand, as if the meeting were over.

  “I’ll be in touch.” He was about to push himself up, but she waved him off. He stayed put.

  She moved leisurely toward the door and before opening it, she glanced over her shoulder. “And remember...not a word to Frank.”

  Next on Roxanne’s list was a visit to Rich. If anybody could get the other guys back, it was him.

  The door opened and Rich took one look at Roxanne and instantly knew she was up to something. “You look like a girl on a mission.”

  “You know me pretty well, huh?” She laughed softly.

  “Better than most. What’s up?”

  “I want you to get the band back here…to perform a concert sometime in March. I’m not sure of the exact date yet, but I’m working on it.”

  Rich’s mouth dropped open and his brow crinkled. Clearly, he thought she was nuts.

  “Garrett-Hollander will perform a reunion concert in March.” Her tone had a finality to it.

  “Does Frank know about this?” he asked.

  “You just leave Frank to me.”

  “He’ll never do it.” Rich shook his head. “Not in a million years.”

  “Would you care to make a wager on that?”

  “How exactly are you going to manage this?” Now he was more curious more so than skeptical.

  “I have a plan.”

  His head bobbed into a slow, knowing nod. “That you’re not going to share.”

  “The less you know right now, the better.” She stuck a warning finger in his face. “But you can’t say anything to Frank until I tell him first. And that won’t be for a while.”

  “How will I know you’ve told him?”

  “Oh...you’ll know.”

  “It’s never going to work,” he said, shaking his head again. “He won’t do it.”

  “Oh...he’ll do it all right.”

  “Roxanne…” Walt’s voice poured over the line. “It wasn’t easy but I got you the spot. You and Candy will be presenting the album of the year award.”

  “That’s perfect.” Roxanne said as a smile tipped the corners of her mouth.

  Things really fell into place when she heard from Bruce Carter in late February with the news that the Bayfront Center was booked for a mystery guest on March 28th. That gave her a month to get the band ready once she’d made the announcement.

  As time drew near for the presentation of the Grammys, Frank had to wonder how Roxanne and Candy had been chosen as presenters—for Album of the Year, no less.

  He didn’t press her about it. Instead, he let it eat at him until they arrived in L.A. for the awards show. In their hotel room, Frank watched Roxanne dress for the show, still trying to figure out why and how she’d been selected as a presenter. He also knew Kirk Bronson was his competition. Once again. Maybe she knew something he didn’t. Did she already know that Bronson had won the award and she wanted to present it to him?

  He blew off that scenario quickly, chalking it up to his overactive imagination. Maybe, just maybe, he’d underestimated his worth as a rock star. Maybe they wanted the wives of the winners to present the award to them. Yeah. That was it.

  The Grammys were nearly over. There was but one award left to be presented. Album of the Year. Garrett-Hollander had received three nods so far, and now Frank watched aimlessly as Roxanne and Candy approached the podium.

  “And the winner is…” Roxanne’s words trailed off while Candy tore into the envelope.

  Candy’s expression gave the results away before she ever said a word. “Garrett-Hollander Four,” she nearly squealed. “By Garrett-Hollander!”

  Frank and Rich shook hands with those around them and then made their way up to the stage. As Frank ascended the steps, it hit him—he’d won instead of Kirk.

  Frank and Rich embraced and kissed their respective wives and then Rich took his turn with the thank yous first. Afterward, Frank gave a brief speech about what winning the award meant to him. When he was done, he reached for Roxanne’s hand.

  She tangled her fingers with his, but instead of exiting the stage she stepped back toward the podium. “Excuse me,” she said into the microphone. “There is one more thing I’d like to say…March 28th of this year Garrett-Hollander will perform in concert at the Bayfront Center in St. Petersburg, Florida for one appearance only.”

  Having said what she had to say, Roxanne headed offstage with her stunned husband at her side.

  He held his tongue backstage, in the limo, and even in the hotel lobby as they stepped into the elevator. It was filled with people, so Roxanne knew the odds that he’d speak up in there were doubtful.

  Nope. He still hadn’t said a word by the time he’d closed the door of their suite. He stood there scrutinizing her for what seemed like forever. But finally he opened his mouth to speak, and started yelling. “What the hell is wrong with you? Didn’t I make it clear to you on Christmas morning? It’s over!” He crossed his arms defiantly over his chest. “I’m not playing that show.”

  “I’ll make a deal with you.” She sat down on the foot of the bed while Frank continued to tower above her. “You play this show. And then, if you can tell me you still don’t want to play...I won’t ask you to do it again.”

  “No.”

  “Why? Give me one good reason why not.”

  “If I told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times...” Furiously, he sat down beside her on the bed. “I can’t run the risk of hurting you again.”

  “Frankie…I just know that if you’d get back up there on that stage—” She pleaded with him. “—then you’d see it’s not really over.”

  “I’m not doing it.”

  “Make no mistake...if you don’t agree to do this one show, you’ll leave me no other choice. As soon as we return to Florida, I’ll file for a divorce.”

  Frank shook his head, stalling.

  “And while you’re trying to figure out how to get out of this...” She got up and moved to the dresser. “You can ponder on this for a little while.” She turned around to face him, leaning against the dresser. “Mr. I’ll-do-the-right-thing—” She mocked him. “—I’m due in September.”

  “You’re due in September?” He didn’t hide his confusion. “What does that mean?”

  “Well…I’m kind of hoping for a girl this time.”

  “A girl?” And the clouds began to clear. “You’re pregnant?” He was on his feet and had her in his arms before she could move.

  “I take it you’re happy about this news?” she asked, enjoying the feel of him.

  “Happy?” He laughed. “Baby, I couldn’t be more thrilled.”

  “Then you see why you have to do the show?”

  “Are you okay?” he asked anxiously, ignoring her bid for control. “Are you sure it was all right to make this trip?”

  “Frank...” She laughed ridiculously. “I said I was due in September...not next week.”

  The next day, ticket outlets all over the country received tens of thousands of requests for Garrett-Hollander’s show. In the end, there were more requests than tickets to go around. And as the concert’s producer and promoter, Roxanne would reap the rewards.

  Once again, Roxanne Simon had struck gold.

  Reluctantly Frank went into rehearsal with the rest of the band. He didn’t want to do it, but he felt he had no choice. His wife was threatening to divorce him if he didn’t do the show. But still, he couldn’t help feeling that this was only going to lead to disaster.

  Oddly enough though, the closer he got to the day of the concert, the more Frank realized how much he missed playing. But it was a notion he intended to fight off and conquer.

  Finally the day came. The day of the show.

  “Roxanne,” he yelled up the stairs. “The limo’s here. Let’s go.”

  On the drive to St. Pete, Roxanne watched Frank become more and more preoccu
pied. She ran her fingers through his hair. “You okay?”

  “I just want to get this damned concert out of the way,” he said with a shrug. “Then we can get on with our lives. You, me, Frankie and the new baby.” He let her know where his priorities lay.

  “Frankie…I want to say something.”

  “Go ahead.”

  “I’ve learned enough about the past to know...” She paused, searching for the right words. “I’ve decided…I think that…before…I had this idea that music was more important to you than me. But I know better than that now. And I just want to say, I’m not threatened by your music anymore.”