Learning to Walk Again

by S. L. Kassidy

  “I asked her for it, but the number she calls from is just a random phone in the hall. If no one’s by it, no one will pick up. I looked online and the number from there just rings. I don’t know what’s up with that one. There’s still a lot of work going on at the theater, so maybe the phones are a part of that. She doesn’t know the number for the office. She can’t give it to me until Andrew gives it to her and he doesn’t seem eager to share information of any kind with her.”

  Mina shook her head. “We have got to get Danny into full-adult mode. What she needs is a cell phone, especially for when you go back to school.”

  Nicole rubbed her chin. She’d like for Danny to get a cell phone. It’d come in handy when school started. They’d probably worry about each other less. But, she didn’t want to make it seem like she wanted to keep track of Danny. Maybe they should take the time apart and use it to grow as people.

  A scoff echoed in Nicole’s brain. You’re full of it. Okay, having a cell phone and being able to call each other wasn’t about keeping track of each other. It was about being in contact with each other, especially on long, late nights. She needed to bring this up with Danny.

  Mina smiled. “You’re already putting together notes when you present this idea, aren’t you?”

  Rubbing her forehead, Nicole chuckled. “You know me too well.”

  Mina shrugged. “You’re practically my sister.”

  “At least I know you’d never betray me.” Unlike the last person she declared her sister.

  “Please. Only idiots throw you away, Nicole, and I think we’ve established I’m not the idiot around here. Now, stop worrying about Danny. You’re not dependent on her for wanting her to call. You care about her. Also, don’t stress yourself out about her not calling. She’s probably busy. She’s in charge of making music, and she’s got a band to worry about.”

  “An orchestra,” Nicole absently corrected.

  Mina arched an eyebrow. “A what?”

  “She calls it her orchestra. I think there’s only seven of them, but the title seems appropriate as they’re working for a play.”

  Mina tittered. “That’s damned cute. Don’t tell her I said that, though. I’m not trying to ruin our friendship.”

  Nicole smiled. “That’ll stay between us. Thanks for the talk.”

  “Anytime.”

  “What brings you by, though?”

  “Your presence has been requested. I think they’re about to tag us both in on something, which is good. I need a competent partner, and you obviously need the distraction.”

  Nicole furrowed her brow. “They’re going to get us both to work on something?” That was extremely rare, but she enjoyed working with Mina on the few occasions it had been allowed to happen. Mina was beyond competent at what they did and possessed a passion for it that Nicole never could manage.

  “Yes. Don’t tell anyone I said this, but I think the partners are starting to feel the pressure of you possibly leaving. One more semester and then you’re a trained scientist with little reason to stick around and they know they haven’t treated you the best because they always thought you’d be here.”

  That made sense. Nicole knew she was valuable for the firm, even if sometimes it was hard to tell. She had plenty of clients. One of the reasons people always came to bother her was because she was exceptional. She always brought her best to the table because this was her parents’ dream. Now, she had dreams of her own.

  It was good to know the firm understood her importance, though, and to see them make an effort to keep her. A few years ago, the effort wouldn’t have been made. There was always this expectation of her. Now, they were nervous about her leaving. Just like me.

  “It’ll be cool working with you again. I like when we get to do that.” Mina stood up a little taller.

  “I like it too, of course.”

  “Then, let’s get going.” Mina jabbed both thumbs in the direction of the door. Nicole nodded and followed Mina to a brief meeting with some higher-ups to learn what was expected of them, and leaped into preparing for the actual task.

  Mina and Nicole had been teamed up to dazzle new clients and assure them this was the firm for them. They’d have to come up with ironclad work to meet with the clients in a few days, especially since the clients had deep wallets. It was a good distraction, especially when Mina started throwing ideas at her. It got her mind working and before she realized it, they had the whole presentation mapped out. It was easy. Fun. She looked forward to when they’d speak with the clients.

  If I get another job, we might not be able to do this again. The thought made her heart sink, swallowed by disappoints and sorrows she never considered before. Her thoughts didn’t get any better once they were done. Mina decided it was time for lunch. Wow, there won’t be any more lunches with my friends if I leave. Even though daily lunch dates were recent for them, she wasn’t ready to give it up. I guess it would depend on where I end up. If I’m across town, this ends. Nicole shook it away, not wanting to worry about it right now.

  “I think we did a damn good job and deserve a reward,” Mina said, packing up her notebook in her briefcase.

  Nicole chuckled. “We didn’t even do the presentation yet and you’re trying to get us the Nobel Prize.”

  “They should give it to us right after the show, actually. Let’s go grab Clara,” Mina said as they made their way out of the conference room.

  “And our coats. We’ll freeze outside if we don’t,” Nicole reminded her.

  Mina laughed. “Well, obviously.”

  They picked up their coats and their friend and made their way to their usual cafe, sitting at one of the round tables near the back. While there weren’t a lot of people, they didn’t want to disturb anyone or be disturbed by others.

  Right after they ordered drinks, Nicole’s phone went off. There was a number she didn’t know, but she answered. It was probably Danny.

  “Nicole Cardell,” she said.

  “Hey, Chem,” Danny replied.

  A light smile floated across her face. “Hey. I was hoping you’d call.”

  “Yeah, sorry I’m a little late. I got caught up in this thing with Samiyah. She’s taunting Dougie with her talent,” Danny laughed.

  Nicole wasn’t sure what that meant, but it tickled Danny. “Is everything all right over there?”

  “It’s fine. I imagine this is what running a kindergarten must be like. I’m waiting for Dougie to wet himself. Pedro’s trying to befriend my new shy kid, Greg. Beyond that, I’m working on getting these guys to play together and to get Samiyah to be a little humble. She sounds incredible, yes, but she doesn’t need to keep telling Dougie that.”

  Nicole’s face scrunched up a little as she searched her mind for details on Dougie, Pedro, and Greg. She couldn’t remember a Greg, but Danny said he was new, so she probably just hired him. “Is Dougie the one who gave you attitude?”

  “Yeah. He seems to be that way with everyone. He’s upset I gave Samiyah the part of the hero while he’s the damsel in distress.”

  Nicole laughed. “Don’t you think you need to learn the characters’ names if you’re going to assign them instruments?”

  Danny scoffed. “Nope. Lennox and Pedro want to call them by their instrument, and I think I’m going to go along with that.”

  “Lennox?” The name was familiar, but Nicole couldn’t remember what he did.

  “My new guitarist. I was telling you about him before. He’s the one Crow went on about after I said I might hire him. I think he’ll add an interesting dynamic to the villain. He already wants to change up between guitar and bass when he can. He has a vision, which I like.”

  “As long as it doesn’t end up clashing with your vision.”

  Danny chuckled. “He can have all the vision he likes, but once it tries to clash with mine, we’re doing my thing. I’m musical director, after all.” It sounded like she said the title with her head held high and her chest puffed out.

  Nic
ole smiled. “Sounds like you’re enjoying yourself.”

  “It’s all right. Oh, I’ve got to get back to them. Ryan’s about to fall asleep. See you later.”

  “Of course. I love you.”

  “Love you, too.” Danny disconnected the call.

  Nicole sighed as she put the phone down. Looking up, she noticed Mina smirking at her. The light in Mina’s eyes made her groan.

  “Mina, don’t,” Clara said.

  Mina grinned. “What? I didn’t say anything. And, now the moment’s passed, so I can’t say anything.”

  Nicole gave her a deadpan look. “When has that ever stopped you?”

  Mina smiled more. “You know I kid because I love, right?”

  “I’m sure that’s it,” Nicole said.

  “What’s Danny up to?” Clara asked, undoubtedly to cut off any smart aleck remark clinging to Mina’s tongue.

  “She’s having a good time, even though she doesn’t want to say that. She’s rather taken with her violinist.” Nicole tried not to think about it. It was about the music, nothing more. But, I bet she’s cute. If she had eyes in her brain, she’d roll them.

  “Her violinist?” Clara echoed, arching an eyebrow.

  “A woman named Samiyah. Danny can’t stop singing her praises. I’ve never actually seen her so enthused about the violin, even though she plays it. I don’t think she imagined someone could play it the way Samiyah does.” Nicole was certain that was the reason Danny kept bringing Samiyah up, but her stomach twisted again. She forced herself to settle down. It was nothing.

  “Then, she’s got a good group of musicians?” Mina asked as their drinks were delivered. They paused to order some sandwiches and salads.

  “According to her, yes. She’s excited about this whole thing, even though I think the director has it out for her and she thinks so, too.”

  “Hey, if she’s having fun with it and getting a paycheck for it, she’s doing better than most.” A teasing smile lit up Mina’s face and she motioned between her and Clara. “Well, not me and Clara obviously, but most.”

  Nicole stuck her tongue out at Mina and kicked her in the shin. Mina yelped and glared at her. Nicole glared right back.

  “Mina, be nice,” Clara scolded her.

  “Why should I when she’s the one sticking her filthy tongue at me?” Mina winked.

  Nicole pretended to gasp. “Who says my tongue is filthy?”

  Mina wiggled her eyebrows. “Danny told me.”

  “She doesn’t kiss and tell.”

  “Or so you hope.” Mina winked at her again.

  “And just when I was having fun working with you.” Nicole sneered in her best friend’s direction. She took a bite of her tuna salad sandwich and popped a fry as Mina offered her a peacekeeping smile.

  “I’m only playing. Anyway, what’s the deal with the director?” Mina asked before picking up her grilled cheese sandwich and nibbling it a bit.

  Nicole shrugged. “He doesn’t want his play to have a score. He thinks the story stands well on its own.”

  Mina nodded and swallowed her food. “Does it?”

  Nicole shook her head. “I definitely think the producer, Calvin, was right to go with music. He needs something to make the play stand out. It’s a fairly generic fairytale, with a generic hero and villain complete with a princess who needs to be saved.”

  Mina’s face scrunched up. “Is it a kiddie play? I was looking forward to seeing this.”

  Clara’s face lit up at the mention. “Oh, then it’s fine if I bring my son.”

  “I’m not sure if it’s a kiddie play, but you can bring him. I think it’s just a fairytale, so if you like fairytales, you’d probably enjoy this. I’ll know more about it when Danny does. So far, we’ve only had a chance to read the script, but I’m hoping there’ll be some changes. The dialogue is a little cheesy, and the female character is…well, Danny and her crew have been calling her ‘damsel in distress,’” Nicole said.

  Mina groaned as a deep pout settled on her face. “I was looking forward to this.”

  “Hey, the music will be outstanding,” Clara reminded her.

  That much they all knew was true. Mina nodded and sat up a little more. Nicole was happy her friends looked forward to seeing Danny in action. Despite Mina being annoying on purpose much of the time, Nicole knew she couldn’t ask for more supportive friends.

  They had their lunch and returned to the firm. Nicole finished up for the day and then went to go pick up Danny. She had to wait a while for Danny and watched several people leave. One of those people was a woman with a violin case. While bundled up to guard against the cold, if this was Samiyah, she had gorgeous dark skin, a curvy figure, and expressive hazel eyes. I was wrong. She’s not cute. She’s beautiful. Bitterness nipped at her insides in ways the cold never could, and she refused to give it a name.

  Nicole shook the feeling away. It didn’t matter. Samiyah was with three other people, another woman and two men also carrying instruments, and they seemed to be talking excitedly. They didn’t even glance over at her.

  Nicole wished she had an excuse to get out and introduce herself, just to meet Danny’s orchestra if they were that. It could get awkward quickly if they weren’t. Hell, it could still get awkward if they were.

  ***

  Dane couldn't wait to get out of the theater. Nicole was already outside waiting for her, but Andrew felt the need to keep her back to complain about Ryan’s lateness. Like it had anything to do with him. He wanted her to know how moving Ryan’s kit was distracting to everyone else. She’d get Ryan under control. Or I’ll have to replace him. The thought didn’t sit well with her. He fits my plan so well. Damn it, Ryan, don’t make me have to fire you.

  “Look, we have to get his kit in here and distracting to who? You have people moving stuff through the place all day,” Dane said.

  “They’re doing their job,” Andrew said, nostrils flaring.

  “Okay, as was he. He needs his drums here to play the drums.” It seemed logical enough to her, but the way the veins in his neck bulged, she assumed he didn’t think so.

  “If this is the type of ship you’re running, I think you should get off now before you sink,” Andrew said, putting his chin in the air. There were still people milling about, so he was essentially reprimanding her in front of his staff, trying to flex his muscle. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.

  Dane rolled her eyes. “You having fun trying to chase me off or are you getting off at looking big around the guys you pay?”

  His face turned red, and he puffed out his cheeks for a moment. “I’m not trying anything. You’re not cutting it. This is serious. It’s not some back-alley bar or something. I won’t have you messing up my show.”

  “You focus on everything. I’ve got the music. It won’t be the thing to mess up the show.” She doubted he believed that, but he was annoying and she needed him to back off.

  He scowled, obviously getting the buried insult there, and put one finger up. “You’ve never done anything like this and the only reason you’re here is because of Christine Wolfe. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before you screw up.”

  “Gotta start somewhere. And are you really here on merit alone?” Dane countered with an eyebrow cocked up.

  He made a fist and his hand shook. Pinching the bridge of her nose, she had enough. Between him and Dougie, Dane fought off a headache all day. She was a champion for making it through those two with her sanity intact. She left, relieved to see Nicole outside in the car. She practically jumped into the passenger seat and was almost tempted to yell at Nicole to drive like they had robbed a bank.

  “Hey, love.” Nicole leaned in for a kiss, which Dane was all too happy to give her. The kiss helped alleviate some of Dane’s tension. Nicole pulled away from the curb. Settling into her seat felt like settling into hot bath after a long day. It can’t always be this way, right? Gotta be because I just started.

  “Hey. How was your day?” Dane f
elt bad for calling Nicole so late and then not even having the chance to really talk to her.

  “Fine. Mina thinks the partners are starting to worry about me leaving once the school semester is done. They’re letting us work on something together, and it was nice. I wish I could do it more often.”

  Dane smiled. “They know how much you’re worth. I’m sure they’ll start showering you with all sorts of goodies. Your parents in on it?”

  “I don’t think so. I think they’re ready to let me go.” A small smile slid across her face.

  Dane nodded. Do her parents know how much good they’ve done for their relationship by letting her have this without butting in anymore? Nicole should be allowed to spread her wings. Her angel could go far on her own. “They’re worried a little, but I think you’re right.”

  An auburn eyebrow arched. “They said something to you?”

  “Your mother. She wanted to know if you had a plan.”

  Nicole nodded. “At least she hasn’t cornered me about it. Maybe she’s trying to let me go.”

  “Are you ready?” Dane asked before she realized what she said. A better question would be, am I ready? What would happen when Nicole finally achieved her dream? When Nicole was finally where she wanted to be? Nicole kept assuring her that they were in this together and they were forever, but nothing lasted forever. Would Nicole still need her there cheerleading for her once school was over and she had what she longed for?

  Nicole let out a weird laugh. “I am, but I’m a little nervous. I’ve never actually had this much control over my life, you know?” Then, she laughed again. “Well, I suppose it would be different for you.”

  Dane shook her head. “I never had much control, just the freedom to not have control.”

  “Freedom.” Nicole sighed for some reason.

  “You okay?”

  “I’m fine. You mention your freedom, and everyone values their freedom.”

  Squinting, Dane shook her head. “Chem, what’s up?” Geez, are we already not a team? I thought we were good. Of course, she had considered what could happen once Nicole achieved her dream and it hadn’t been a happy thought. What is wrong with us?