by M. R. Joseph
Kingston shook his head and smirked in approval. He seemed genuinely interested.
"That seems very lucrative and exciting. I know that Jordan saw you in California when he was out for business. He told me of your talents."
Casey spoke up. "And might I add that he is a classically trained piano player, Mr. Reid."
"Is that so? Well, perhaps you can dazzle us with your talents this evening. Maybe a little something softer than you would at one of your concerts." Kingston gripped Carter's shoulder and chuckled. "Would you do us the honor?"
Carter looked at Casey and she smiled at him wide eyed.
"I'd be delighted, sir. Thank you."
"Very well then. Let's find my lovely bride. Dinner will be served shortly."
An announcement was made for the guests to take their seats for dinner. Jordan spotted his mother. He rose to peck her cheek. Casey and Carter stood as well to greet her.
"Hi, mom. You look gorgeous. You remember Casey and this is her friend, Carter London."
Laura embraced Casey in a light hug.
"Oh, Casey so nice to see you. You look absolutely stunning. I'm so sorry I haven't had a chance to see you more often over these past few weeks but I have been so busy with the charities I organize."
"Oh Mrs. Reid, please don't be sorry. You are a very busy woman. I just appreciate you having us this evening." Casey felt so much more relaxed around Laura. Their similar backgrounds made it easier. Laura looked over to Carter and shook his hand.
"And Mr. London. So nice to meet you. Welcome home and congratulations on all your success. Jordan has filled me in on all of your accomplishments."
"Well, thank you. I appreciate it and also thank you for having me. You have a lovely home."
"Of course. Casey dear, sit next to me and fill me in about your work. I really do miss patient care sometimes." She smiled at Casey and they made way to their seats. Laura was down to earth. She made Carter and Casey feel at ease. It made Jordan happy to see that kind of interaction with his girlfriend and his mother.
Kingston Reid was a different story. Carter found him to be somewhat of well...an asshole and he didn't really engage in any sort of conversation with him or Casey. More so Casey than himself. Kingston and a few people who were seated at their table asked Carter how Luminosity got their start and what life on the road was like. When someone asked Casey what she did for a living she told them she was a nurse Kingston interrupted and said, " She stitches up the drunks and changes bed pans."
It pissed Carter off and he couldn't help but to correct him.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Reid but that's not all she does. She is an E.R. nurse and takes on broken bones, heart attack and stroke victims. She helps save lives. Old, young, sick, and poor. I'm pretty sure she has one of the hardest jobs there is. Mrs. Reid, I understand you were a nurse as well before you met Mr. Reid."
Kingston laughed obnoxiously, obviously result of too much scotch. "Oh good Lord. Thank goodness I took her away from all that. What a disaster she was until I scooped her up. Am I right, darling."
Laura looked embarrassed. Jordan looked the same for her.
"Kingston. Please, I loved that job. I miss it."
"Miss it?" He chuckled. "Look around you, my dear. Would you rather be living in this lap of luxury or wiping the bottom of a drunk?"
The others laughed along with him. Laura just sat there and took it and Jordan allowed his father to speak such awful things. Casey brimmed with anger and she pulled her hand away from Jordan's grip. Carter saw the way Casey looked. She was angry with Kingston for putting down her profession but more hurt that Jordan did not stick up for her and his mother. Carter had tried to come to her rescue. It upset Carter that Casey was upset. If she was Carter's, there would be no way he would ever allow someone to pass judgment on her like that. She needed to be respected and appreciated. He felt both of those things for her.
When they finished dessert Kingston turned to Carter. "So Mr. London, would you care to play something for our guests on my Steinway?"
"I'd be delighted, Mr. Reid." He turned to see Jordan whispering into Casey's ear and she didn't look too happy. He looked like he was trying to apologize. At first, she looked as though she wanted no parts of it then her face began to soften. She reached up and held Jordan's cheek and rubbed it with her thumb. He kissed her thumb and mouthed, "I'm sorry"
Damn it! Carter bit his lip and knew he was defeated again. He thought his testimonial about Casey being a nurse would make her feel what she felt the other night, but it didn't. She went back to looking like she was in love with Jordan. He had to think of something to bring Casey's attention back towards him. Kingston made an announcement to have everyone join them in the sitting room where the Baby Grand was.
"My dear guests. This evening we have a real and genuine recording artist with us. This is my son Jordan's, friend's friend, Carter London of the band Luminosity. They have just returned from a tour with a very famous band as their opening act and they have just recorded a new album."
Carter thought in his head about how he introduced Casey as Jordan's friend. Not girlfriend. How odd. He looked over at Casey who did not look pleased.
"Mr. London is going to entertain us with a song. One of his choosing. Ladies and gentlemen Carter London." The guests clapped and looked rather excited to have a real, successful, and famous musician in their presence. Carter made his way to the piano. He sat down and adjusted the microphone. He looked up at Casey who looked as though tears would spill from her eyes at any second. She looked sad and alone, even though Jordan stood beside her. Carter knew drastic measures needed to be made. He spoke into the microphone.
"Thank you everyone. This is a song originally done by Bob Dylan and recently covered by Adele. It's called, Make You Feel My Love.
Carter began playing the song and the melody flowed out of him like a river. He concentrated on his fingers moving over the white ivories. His voice was like soft velvet. It was more than impressive; it was mesmerizing. It pulled you in and took a hold of you. Emotion poured out of his soul when he sang. It was like he felt every word that came out. His long, broad shoulders and arms hovering over the keys was a sight to behold. His passion was just down right sexy. He kept his eyes tightly closed on the first part of the song. His brow strained from the emotion he poured into the song. Squeezing them shut so tight, and trying to maintain control. He looked in pain as the words left his lips: I know you haven't made your mind up yet, but I would never do you wrong, I've know It from the moment that we met, no doubt in my mind where you belong...
Carter looked like the lyrics were some kind of point he was getting across. Casey heard two woman discussing Carter as he sang. One said to the other, "Good Lord, I would give anything to be those piano keys.
The other woman then said, "Why is that?"
The first woman then replied, " So I could have those gorgeous hands all over me."
Casey chuckled to herself and looked up to Carter. Just then he opened his eyes, his intense stare made it's way to Casey's as he sang.
He never took his blue molten eyes away from her. They stayed locked to hers and he sang it with intensity and longing. His eyes told the story of the song. Casey was captivated by him and his passionate performance. She felt her blood course through her veins rapidly and panic suddenly struck her. Were the words meant for her? Making their dreams come true and loving them for always. Why were his eyes locked on her and not to the crowd? Jordan turned to her as the applause from the crowd erupted.
"That was really great. Wasn't it?"
She was in a daze. Her eyes fixated on the floor.
"You ok, my love?" He asked her. She looked up and smiled at him.
"I'm sorry. Yes. He's great. I think I need a drink." Jordan signaled for a waitress and he plucked a champagne flute from the tray. He handed it to her and she threw it back like a shot of whiskey.
"Whoa. Take it easy sweetie, you are a beer girl, remember. You are not used to
the other stuff. " Jordan said jokingly. Before the waitress left them, Casey grabbed another flute off the tray and repeated her last action. Carter made his way over to them. His eyes settled on Casey. Jordan extended his hand to shake Carter's.
"Wow! That was so impressive. I had no idea you could play piano like that."
With his eyes still on Casey he said to Jordan, "I guess there's a lot of things you didn't know about me, Jordan."
"Uh, yes. I guess there is."
Several people came up to Carter congratulating him on his performance. He struck up a conversation with a few of Kingston's business associates. Casey stood there while they talked and the effects of the champagne began to dizzy her. The regular piano player began again and a few couples gathered on the floor to dance. Jordan turned to Casey.
"Gentlemen if you will excuse me, I'd like to take this lovely lady for a spin on the dance floor." He bent at the waist towards her. "May I have this dance?" She glanced at Carter and his expression was unreadable. She took his hand and they made their way to join the other couples. Jordan took her in his arms. He was an elegant dancer. Smooth and agile. Their cheeks were pressed together and she tried to stay focused on Jordan's arms around her but she felt a pair of eyes burning through her. She looked up from her head leaning on Jordan's shoulder to find Carter staring at her. His eyes blazing into her blue and full of unrecognizable emotion. Her eyes locked with his and she felt herself catch her breath. The chances of her not being affected by the way he was looking at her went out the window. She suddenly felt jittery and turned her gaze from Carter's to Jordan's.
"Jordan, I'm not feeling so well. I think I should go home to lie down. Would you mind calling for the car?"
He looked concerned for her well being. "Of course, baby. Do you want me to take you home and stay with you?"
"No. Please stay. This is such a wonderful party and I'm just going to go home and sleep. No sense in you leaving."
"OK. If you're sure. I'll be right back." He walked off the dance floor and she reluctantly made her way towards Carter.
Her legs felt rubbery and weak. What in the hell was wrong with her?
"I'm not feeling well Car. I'm going to go. Jordan went for the car to take me home."
"I'm going with you, Case. I'm sorry your not feeling well but I'm not staying without you."
Jordan came back and said the car was ready.
"Jordan I'd like to find your parents and thank them for having us."
"OK. Let's go." Jordan took her by the hand and they found Laura first.
"Mom, Casey is not feeling well so Nelson is going to take her and Carter home."
"Oh, Casey I'm so sorry to hear that. I hope you had a good time. Can we meet for lunch on one of your days off next week?"
Casey gave her a delicate smile. "I'd love that. Thank you, Mrs. Reid."
"Laura, please. And Mr. London very impressive. I'll be sure to come to your show in Tampa. Thank you so much for sharing that song with us. It was a pleasure meeting you."
Carter took Laura's hand and kissed the top of it.
"The pleasure was all mine, Mrs. Reid. Thank you again for a lovely evening."
"Mom do you know where dad is?" Jordan asked.
"I believe I saw him go into the library to drink Brandy with some of the investors."
Carter, Casey, and Jordan made their way to the library. They reached a pair of doors that lead to it. They were slightly ajar and they heard voices laughing loudly from inside. The next thing they heard was a man speaking to Kingston.
"King, tell about that little chippy who has been stuck on young Jordan's arm all night."
The three of them stilled near the crack of the door.
"Oh, that one. Let's call it a temporary piece of white trash distraction." The men laughed.
"Oh, King white trash, really? Didn't I hear she was a nurse? Same as Laura was."
"Yes, she is but my son doesn't have the good sense the Lord gave him to whip that little piece of trash into shape. Laura came from trash, as well, but I knew how to change her. Now look how far she has come. That girl in there is nothing and I bet is looking for a way out of her miserable life and she's got her eyes set on Jordan's money. She'll be gone soon enough and I'll make sure of it."
The doors to the library opened and the men turned around to see Carter, Casey, and Jordan standing there. Their mouths wide open. They had heard every word. Jordan stared at her with a blank expression. Casey wasn't sure if it was a look of shock or embarrassment but still his lips remained closed. She turned on her heels and ran down the hall towards the exit of the house.
Carter looked at Jordan and ran after Casey. She busted through the doors and went towards the limo. Carter was right behind her.
"Case, wait up."
"No, Carter!" She shouted with her back to him. "I need to leave. Now!"
"Don't listen to them, Casey. They don't know you. Kingston Reid is a fucking prick."
She turned to look at him. Jordan came out of the doors and ran towards her.
"Casey, what are you doing?" Jordan asked.
"Getting away from here and you Jordan!"
"Me! What did I do?" he questioned.
Casey made her way a little closer to him.
"Nothing! You did nothing and that's the point Jordan! You let him talk about me that way and you said nothing to him. He introduced me tonight as your friend. I'm your girlfriend, Jordan. I have been for the past six months or am I wrong? You have never brought me to this house. It's always in a business setting. Why have I never been to my boyfriend's home? Are you ashamed of me Jordan? Answer me, damn it!" Jordan took a deep breath in and shook his head.
"No, Casey your not an embarrassment. Never. You need to understand about my father. I couldn't confront him with his investors standing there. It's critical I act as professional and dignified as I can around them. It's for the sake of the company." When Carter heard that, he had enough.
"Are you fucking kidding me, Reid. Dignified? For the sake of the company? You couldn't pull your father aside and tell him what a dick he was for talking about your girlfriend like that. I call bullshit! I'm getting in the car, Casey." He got in the car and slammed the door.
Jordan and Casey stood in silence for a few minutes. She wiped a few tears away that had escaped her eyes.
"Jordan, I think I need some time. Time to sort this out. I don't want to talk to you for a few days. Don't call me, text me, or come to my house. I don't want to hear from you. I'll call you when I'm ready. I'm just not sure that a white trash nurse is what you need in your life."
She ran back to the limo and hopped in quickly. Carter sat there with his elbows resting on his knees while he rolled a glass of whiskey between his hands. She sat back in the seat opposite him. She threw her bag across the seat and kicked off her stilettos. Carter looked up at her.
"Case?" He said softly. She held her hand up to silence him.
"Don't, Carter." She rubbed her aching feet. "I need my sneakers. Take me the fuck home."
CHAPTER 10
love and Converse
The Limo dropped Carter and Casey off at her house. She flew out of the car and stormed up the driveway bared footed. She unlocked her door and threw it open. She walked into the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of vodka from one of her cabinets. She reached for a glass and poured the clear liquid into it. She didn't hesitate throwing the contents back into her throat. It burned like fire. Carter made his way in and leaned up against the door jam of the kitchen. He watched her as he undid his tie and left it loosely on his neck. She didn't look at him but she was aware he was present. She poured more into her glass and looked down at the counter it rested on.
"You want to talk about it?" he asked her.
She drank another shot and slammed down the glass. "No," she said quietly. He came over and took the bottle from her hand.
"You don't drink vodka, Case. Don't start now."
He put the bottle back in the cabinet
and looked at her.
"Don't look at me like that, Carter. Like you can see inside me. You have no idea what I'm feeling."
She stormed out of kitchen but he caught her by the elbow and yanked her back slightly.
"Tell me then. If I am so naive to how you feel then share it with me. Tell me what your feeling. You have always confided in me. Why the hesitation now?" She shook his grip off and stormed into the living room. He followed her. Carter began to feel frustration and angst. She stood at her window and looked out of it. He came up behind her and put his hand on her shoulder.
"Case talk to me. You are acting like your mad at me. Are you mad at me?"
She turned to him sharply with tear soaked eyes and began yelling at him and pushing his shoulders.
"You want to know, Carter! You really want to know? Then I'll tell you. I am mad at you. I'm mad because you make me feel things. Things I don't want to feel. Things I want to run from. I can't breathe right when you're near. I can't think straight and it scares me because what I'm feeling I shouldn't be. My brain says one thing but my heart says another. I don't look at you the same as I used to. I look at you and my head spins. It spins me into a place I have no business being. It makes me want things and can't happen."
Carter backed away from her realizing what her words meant. She sat down on the sofa and put her face in her hands. Moments passed and Carter's heart was beating out of his chest. He asked her quietly
"What can't you feel, Casey? What can't happen?" He hoped in all his heart that the answer she was going to give was the one he waited for so long to hear.
She laughed and looked up at him. "I can't love you Carter."
The air rushed out of lungs and he hitched back a gasp. He ran up to her and grabbed her by her arms and pulled her up off the sofa towards him. He shook her sharply.
"You can't love me? Are you really saying that? You look at me and tell me, damn it, Casey cause let me tell you something. Let me make this clear. I have loved you since I first laid eyes on you. Dancing around with your friends. You captured me like a net. I struggled to get out but it was too late. I was in deep. Even when I fucked up and we became friends. You were all I saw when I was with someone. Your face. Your sweetface. You invaded every space in my mind for the past nine years. You are like a drug, but your good for me. I'm addicted to you. My heart aches when I'm not with you."