Sing for Me

by Penelope Reece

  Chloe should just get over it. He obviously had or he wouldn’t have been acting so friendly. If their relationship had meant something then he should have acted guilty. He should have apologized. But no, he’d acted as though nothing had happened. And worst, he’d teased her just as he used to do.

  Was asking her to dinner his way of apologizing? He’d seemed sincere, hadn’t he? She tapped her cheek in frustration. Why hadn’t she been able to handle their conversation better?

  Chloe picked up her pace. She didn’t want to be late. She hurried past other students on their way to and from class. The morning air blew soft and cool as it caressed the trees making them shudder and sigh. Mums planted around the sidewalks and in front of the buildings were waving their pretty orange, yellow, and red petals. The smell of rain and grass hung like a heavy perfume. The sky was a deep cerulean full of giant fluffy cotton balls that made her dizzy when she stopped to watch them float by.

  Soon it would get colder. Dead leaves would be crunched underfoot. Most students would take refuge from the cold in the heated library, or stay holed up in their dorm rooms if they were lucky enough to have a room with a decent radiator.

  Chloe pushed up the sleeves of her sweater, resituated the bag across her shoulder, and winced. Rhys had caught her wearing his sweater. What must he think of her? And why, God, why had she worn it in the first place? She should have thrown it out years ago. Wasn’t that what you were supposed to do after a bad break up – throw all your ex’s stuff in the garbage?

  Just because it was a large campus, didn’t mean she’d never run into him. She should have known when she put the sweater on this morning that she was jinxing herself. Didn’t she understand enough now to know that fate had a strong sense of humor and it was always out to get her? She didn’t know why, but fate enjoyed putting her in difficult situations.

  Checking her watch, Chloe started to jog. Her discussion class was over in Valentine Hall, nowhere near the coffee shop, but over on the other side of campus. It made her wonder what had possessed her to go there in the first place? It was probably for the same reason that she’d worn Rhys’s sweater. Because it was a chilly morning and she’d wanted to stay warm.

  With five minutes to class, Chloe raced up the stone steps and down the hall to her classroom, her mind on Rhys and only partially on the tradition of oral storytelling.

  ****

  “So what all did you do today?” Jett asked after they had ordered their food and sat down in a booth on the second floor landing.

  They were downtown eating lunch in the restaurant next to the café. The restaurant, named Louie’s was a place famous for its buffalo chicken wings and its large TVs that showed only sports.

  Other than the sports and the wings, neither of which Chloe much cared for, it was a good restaurant. There was dim lighting, tables and stools on the ground level, wooden booths on the second floor landing, and great food.

  The second floor being more for an intimate dining experience was always their first choice. Downstairs was always full of rowdy guys and girls cheering for their teams while they tore into saucy wings and spilt their beers.

  “Nothing much, just class.” Chloe said. “What are you guys doing after lunch?”

  “I have a class and a meeting with my advisor.” Jett said.

  “Yeah, I have class too. Then I need to meet up with my singing tutor.”

  “How’s that going?” Chloe asked. For the last couple of sessions, Heather had been meeting her instructor at the music shop across from the mall. Ever since Heather had auditioned for a singing part in a small musical last year, she’d become hell bent on majoring in Musical Theatre.

  Chloe knew the only reason for this sudden interest in singing was due to Jett. Now all Heather talked about was wanting to be able to sing, so that she could try out for both plays and musicals and maybe even one day be on Broadway, but only if her acting career never panned out.

  Perhaps Heather deserved to fail her composition class after all. It would teach her that she should never do something just to impress a boy. It should be all or nothing.

  Chloe groaned inwardly. She should never have agreed to help Heather in the first place. Heather would soon be begging her to help with the piano prelude.

  “It’s going well. I’ll be much more prepared for the next musical audition, which should be any day now. Professor Wilson will be announcing the kick off for the fall theatre season this afternoon.” Heather said.

  “Yeah and I’m thinking it must be something really big budget because Wilson has been acting like a spoiled child on Christmas Day this past week. He hasn’t been able to focus on teaching his class. I never should have agreed to be his A.I. He’s been driving me crazy. I’ll be happy when he just announces the schedule.” Jett said. “So… What about you Chloe? You got any special plans for the afternoon?”

  “Not really, just going to hang out at home. So what do you think the musical will be? It’s got to be something great if Professor Wilson is acting so crazy about it.”

  “I don’t know. What are some big musicals?” Heather asked taking a big swallow of beer. “Isn’t there some famous one called Cats or something? I wonder if it’s that, though I’m not sure I want to roll around on the stage dressed as a cat. I’d prefer to save my kitty impersonation for Halloween.”

  Jett rolled his eyes. “Maybe it will be Aida or Chicago? Heck it could be Mamma Mia or even Jesus Christ Superstar.”

  “Wouldn’t it be amazing if it were Hedwig?” Chloe said and grinned.

  “If it is, I’m not auditioning.” Jett said crossing his arms over his chest.

  Chloe laughed.

  “What’s so funny?” Heather asked.

  “That musical is about a transgendered rocker.” Jett said.

  “Heather,” Chloe said playfully, “wouldn’t Jett look great in a dress?”

  “Now that you mention it, he does have a pretty face. All he has to do is shave his chest; add a glob of makeup and a flattering dress and he’d be perfect.”

  Jett gave a sarcastic laugh. “That’s not amusing. Anyway, Hedwig isn’t that well known, so I doubt it’s that. Personally I’m hoping it will be Jesus Christ Superstar.”

  “I think your voice would be great for the lead.” Chloe said trying to make up for teasing him. “You have that Sebastian Bach type of rock voice.”

  “Dang it Chloe! How do you know so much about musicals? You’re such a nerd.” Heather said with a hint of envy.

  “I know a lot too.” Jett said coming to her defense.

  “Well of course you would, wouldn’t you? You’re major is Musical Theatre. But Chloe’s isn’t.”

  Chloe shrugged. “Guess I am just a musical nerd. Plus I spent a lot of time seeing shows when I was in my teens.”

  “Yep just as I thought, you’re a big show tune nerd.” Heather rolled her eyes and took another sip of her beer. “So… here it is the end of the first week, and I’m in the mood for some sushi and karaoke. What do you think, Karaoke Bar around nine?”

  “That sounds good to me.” Jett said glancing back toward the front counter. “Wonder what’s taking our food so long?”

  “They’re probably slaughtering the cow or something for Chloe’s cheeseburger.” Heather said and frowned at her almost empty glass as if she hadn’t realized she’d drunk so much beer. “Chloe what about it, you in? I know you can’t sing but you could still enjoy yourself. Perhaps tonight will be the night we get you drunk enough to hear your – what do you call it? A voice that sounds like a screeching cat?”

  Chloe colored slightly at the lie. But at the time they’d been hounding her so much that she hadn’t been given much choice. So she’d lied to shut them up. “As tempting as that sounds… I can’t. I have plans.” She said and hoped she’d stopped blushing.

  “Oh? And what plans are these? You got a date or something?”

  “Maybe,” Chloe said trying to play it cool. It was hard to do what with her flaming c
heeks. She faked a cough and looked away. “Actually I may go to dinner with a friend.”

  “Is this friend male or female?” Heather asked as Jett leaned forward across the table.

  “Male, but what difference does that make?”

  “It makes all the difference. Eating dinner with a male friend, isn’t that the definition of a date?”

  “Who is he?” Jett asked gripping his napkin wrapped silverware. “Is he anyone we know?”

  Chloe pursed her lips. If she told them it was Rhys, it would just spark too many questions about her past. But they already knew about her friendship with Josie. Still, wouldn’t it seem weird that a college professor – well he technically was only a glorified substitute – was taking her to dinner? While she tried to come up with a good answer, their food arrived.

  Using this as a distraction, Chloe took a bite of her cheeseburger and chewed slowly while Jett and Heather stared at her ignoring their large basket of wings.

  “So are you going to tell us? Or is it a secret or something?” Jett tried again after she’d swallowed.

  “Why are you so interested in Chloe’s love life, Jett?” Heather asked cocking her head to the side as she turned her gaze on him.

  “Just curious, that’s all.” Jett shrugged and grabbed a chicken wing.

  After that, they ate their lunch in silence, Heather angrily devouring her chicken wings, while Jett ate his with a lot less gusto.

  Feeling like she was a part of some strange love triangle that she’d never signed up for, Chloe nibbled on her sandwich and refused to make eye contact with either of them. This awkwardness was her fault. She should never have mentioned her dinner plans.

  As the waitress refilled their drinks, Heather wiped her face on her napkin and turned to Chloe. “I just remembered, did Ryther call you?”

  “Professor Ryther? Why would he be calling Chloe?” Jett asked and cringed at the look Heather shot him from across the table.

  “What business is that of yours?”

  Chloe laid a hand on Heather’s arm. “Did you give him my number?”

  “Yeah, it was after Monday’s class. He asked if anyone knew who you were. Guess your ninja skills aren’t up to par. Anyway, I told him. And he asked for your number. He said you two were old friends.” Heather said. “So has that gorgeous guy called you yet?”

  “No.” Chloe said then groaned. “Heather, you shouldn’t give out my number without asking me first.

  “Sorry, he is just so cute that I couldn’t refuse.” Heather grinned sheepishly. “Besides I was doing you a favor. I know you have a crush on him.”

  “No I don’t!”

  “What’s so great about him?” Jett demanded. “He doesn’t seem so great to me.”

  “Well let’s see he’s gorgeous, he’s smart, and totally sexy.” Heather purred.

  “Whatever. Anyway, he is a teacher and shouldn’t be calling students.”

  “Chloe isn’t his student.” Heather gave him a heated look. “And I do believe that isn’t against the rules. Perhaps I should drop out of his class so I can ask him out?”

  “If he has any morals, he would turn you down.” Jett said not seeming to understand Heather’s attempt in trying to make him jealous.

  “What is that supposed to mean?” Heather shot back.

  “It’s immoral for a teacher to date a student.”

  “Oh whatever, you seem to be stuck in the middle ages. Now a days, rules have changed. Teachers are a lot younger and hotter than they were back then.”

  “Isn’t he in his thirties or something?” Jett said. “Chloe you’re only twenty. That’s a ten year age difference.”

  “He’s twenty-five.” Chloe said.

  “See!” Heather smirked. “He isn’t old at all. Five years isn’t much of an age difference.”

  Chloe slid out of the booth to escape into the bathroom, while Heather and Jett continued to argue. They bickered like an old married couple, making her believe they would be perfect for each other if only Jett would open his eyes and actually see that Heather was in love with him.

  When she finally had the courage to come back to the table, Heather and Jett had calmed down. The rest of their lunch was full of idle chatter and gossip. They played their usual game of who’d spotted the two young Korean guys on the scooter.

  Chloe won having caught them leaving Valentine Hall. It was a silly game that Heather had started. She’d squealed like a little girl when she saw them ride past one day last year. “They are so cute!”

  Since then, it had become a type of stalking game with them. Heather had forced Jett to play as well, though he wasn’t interested in seeing two cute boys on a bike.

  The winner usually got two dollars, a dollar from each person – they were poor college students after all – which was probably the only reason Jett continued to play.

  “Pay up.” Chloe said and held out her hand. Heather and Jett dung through their pockets and handed her their money. Chloe smiled sweetly at them both. “I’ll use it to buy me some cookies from the food court later.”

  They finished their lunch and went their separate ways, Jett to Valentine Hall for a mathematics and Heather off to Woodburn for Spanish, while Chloe headed back to the apartment. But not before stopping at the food court to buy her sugar cookies.

  ****

  Chloe was in the middle of research when a loud vibration made her jump. It took her a moment to realize her phone was ringing. She had set it to vibrate before class that morning and had forgotten to switch it back.

  The phone continued to vibrate, its sound intensified as it danced on top of her dresser. Chloe reached for it. Not recognizing the number, she only half-wished it was Rhys. Letting out a long steady breath, she forced herself to answer it.

  “Hello.” Her voice cracked and she cringed. So much for staying calm.

  “Where are you now?”

  It was Rhys. His voice sounded causal. Causal with a purpose.

  “I’m at my apartment.” Chloe sat down in her rocking chair. His voice was like husky honey, starting a fire in her belly and turning her legs to jelly.

  “Is something wrong? You’re voice sounds funny.”

  “No it’s nothing.”

  “Are you hungry?”

  “Actually I’m starving.” She said and meant it. It had been hours since she’d been nibbling on her sugar cookies and wishing he’d call.

  “Good, how does a steak house sound?”

  “That sounds good.”

  Rhys was silent for a moment and she was beginning to wonder if he’d hung up. Finally he said, “Tell me where you live and I’ll come pick you up. Is eight o’clock okay?”

  “Eight is fine.” She said and gave him directions to her apartment.

  “Okay, I’ll see you at eight.” He hung up.

  Chloe connected her phone to its charger and headed into the bathroom to take a quick shower. Feeling a bit too warm, she took a lukewarm shower. She let the cool water run over her until she was freezing. She washed hurried and tried to imagine it was her nerves that were being washed down the drain instead of soap and water.

  She stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around her chilled body. Using another towel, she dried her hair. Once she’d sprayed on some candied fruit body spray and applied her make-up, she fixed her hair into a loose braid over one shoulder.

  In her room, Chloe put some gold hoops into her ears and began to root around in her closet for something to wear. Her eyes settled on her little jade summer dress which she paired with a cream color crocheted shrug. For footwear, she chose her elegant gold strappy heels with the glittery stones.

  By the time she was dressed and ready, the sun was setting, a mixture of pink and blue, causing shadows to stretch across the room. Chloe checked the time, grabbed her purse and tossed her phone inside.

  She did one last sweep of her room making sure she hadn’t forgotten to do something, like unplug her hair straightener. Seeing nothing amiss, she l
eft her room and settled down in front of the TV in the living room. Her mind focusing on dinner and not on the outlandish fireball game Joey and Chandler were playing on Friends.

  Chapter Seven

  As Chloe finished watching yet another rerun of Friends, she checked the time on her cell phone once again. Rhys would be here soon, she supposed, unless he changed his mind. That could be possible. It would be just like him to stand her up.

  Her stomach shuddered. Her nervous anticipation was getting the better of her. Chloe let out a broken sigh. If he came, he came. If he didn’t, that was fine too.

  There was a knock on the door. She switched off the TV, grabbed her purse, and opened the door. Rhys was standing there dressed in a pair of dark designer jeans and dress shirt. The sleeves were once again rolled back and Chloe could see his expensive watch. The band was black leather, wide in a punk style, but the watch itself looked to be real gold. His bangs, what little he had, were styled. He looked more like a rocker than a Broadway composer.

  “You ready?”

  Chloe nodded and locked the door. If Heather had forgotten her key again, then she’d just have to sit on the porch until Chloe got back.

  She followed Rhys to an expensive looking red car parked in front of her neighbor’s apartment. When she opened the passenger door and saw the expensive leather interior, Chloe felt a little shabby in her mall dress that she’d found on the clearance rack because of a faulty zipper. She’d later ripped out the zipper and sown on a few buttons instead. Her shrug was a bit tattered in places. And her expensive strappy heels were expensive when she’d bought them last year, but could now be found in the cheap bin at the shoe store.

  She got inside and closed the door. Her eyes fixated on the small hole in the sleeve of her shrug.

  “By the way, you look beautiful.” Rhys said, his eyes looking her up and down causing the butterflies to awaken and stir. He reached across from her and grabbed the seat belt. “Buckle up.”