by Ines Saint
Kayla studied him closely. "Are you the one who sent her chocolate-covered boxers with a cherry on top last week?" she asked.
Marcus laughed. "Uh, no. But I think she's smart and beautiful, and I admire her." At that moment, Tania looked their way, zeroed in on Marcus, and got the squinty-eyed, glowering look she acquired whenever she saw something she didn't like.
"You know what? Forget I said anything," Marcus suddenly decided.
"What are you doing, riding in a car with a dangerous man?" Tania asked as soon as Kayla greeted her with a kiss on the cheek.
"He's not dangerous, he's Marcus. And he likes you."
"Yeah, I got that by the way he looked at me. Listen, if you learn anything from your older sis, let it be this: stay away from magnetic, hungry-eyed men. Trust me, they're dangerous."
"How do you know he's magnetic? You weren't anywhere near him."
"I can sense a magnetic man's force field as soon as it pricks at my comfort zone."
"And how can you tell when a man has hungry eyes?" Kayla asked.
"If you look into his eyes and instead of your own reflection you see prey, he's hungry and about to pounce. Run."
Kayla laughed.
"Learn from me, Kayla. Freeze them out; like this," Tania's fingers circled around the fierce scowl on her face.
Kayla sobered. What her sister didn't know was that she had learned plenty from both her and her mom, a long time ago. It wasn't men in general who were dangerous, and it wasn't magnetism or attraction. No. It was a woman's reaction to that certain man who happened to know exactly how to push the woman's right buttons. It led to ignition and fire; followed by either total combustion or a fizzling out of the flame. Both ends were painful.
Kayla's mom and dad had been passionate about each other. They were the type to share a deep kiss and meaningful embrace every time they said hello, and every time they said goodbye. They held hands and looked into each other's eyes during even the most mundane conversations, and everyone around them felt either lucky or disgusted, depending on their mood, to be in the presence of such love.
But after her father died, Graciela became a living ghost. She'd been a caring, devoted mother, but for years, as hard as she tried, she never seemed as whole again. It was like a part of her was never completely there. After losing their father in such a violent way, Tania and Kayla, shocked, broken, and forever changed, soon learned they'd lost a part of their mother as well.
Kayla wanted to be whole for her children if she ever had any. She didn't want anyone taking a piece of her with them.
Tania was a different story altogether, but both women were cautionary tales.
Kayla yearned for deep friendship and strong compatibility; that had staying power, and it was a lot less likely to lead to havoc or misery. Deep love and passionate love didn't mix well in her book.
Kayla still felt like she was wound up too tight, even after the fun, relaxing lunch with her sister. She was grateful for the practice session with the string quartet and looked forward to spending the next four hours in the company of beautiful music and friendly people.
As soon as she arrived, she was greeted with ear-to-ear grins. Simone was the first to speak. "I was showing Ralph and Michelle your video on YouTube, and Michelle and Ralph had some interesting insights on your performance." Her eyes full of mischief.
"Performance? I wasn't performing. I was setting the record straight, the way I did with you last week."
"Methinks the lady doth protest too much," Ralph said, and Kayla rolled her eyes at him.
Michelle clucked her tongue. "I don't know, Kayla. I mean, I believe you when you say nothing's going on between the two of you, but I couldn't help but notice he couldn't seem to take his eyes off you for a while there the night of his fundraiser."
"Because he didn't know I'd be there, and trust me, I was probably the last person he wanted to see. We got into a heated argument a few days before the fundraiser," Kayla explained. Had she actually thought this crowd was friendly a few minutes before?
"Heated." Ralph grinned. "Interesting choice of words. I was just telling Michelle and Simone about your little encounter with Jake in the hall after the fundraiser. It was pretty heated and intense. Seriously, I felt stifled. I couldn't wait to get out of there."
"It was tense, not intense: just tense."
"Okay!" Simone put her hands up. "We'll leave you alone. For now. We know you don't know us well enough to trust us with your hot, torrid secrets," she teased as she sat down on one of the four chairs she'd set up by a window with great city views.
"Sorry, Kayla." Michelle sat down, too, before looking up at her, wearing a sincere expression. "It's just—your manner is usually so open and inviting, but you react differently when Jake Kelly comes up. You close up. But we'll let it go."
Kayla put her bag and violin case down and slumped into a chair. She was bottling too many of her unsettling feelings up. There was no one to talk to about it. Jess adored Jake, Tania hated men, Robbie, and her mother wouldn't let it go if she mentioned her feelings. They'd be ecstatic. "Que romántico!" they'd squeal. She cringed at the thought of it before puffing out her held breath. "This is the first and only time I will ever mention this, okay? I will say it once because I think it will do me good to get it off my chest, and we will never speak of it again, understood?"
Three heads nodded. Kayla sucked in her lips. "Okay. Here goes. My body is hot for Jake. My brain, however, is not. I can't help it. My brain has had long conversations with my body, but my body won't listen. That's it. There's really nothing going on between the two of us, I promise."
"So you're hot for Jake, and that's it," Ralph repeated.
"That's what's got you so worked up?" Simone asked. "Honey, I'm sure you're not the only woman in Chicago who's hot for Jake Kelly. I mean, my grandma is hot for him. She smacks her lips together a few times and then slowly licks them whenever she sees him on TV."
Ralph shuddered at the image, and a bout of giggles overtook Michelle and Simone; moments later, Kayla joined in.
After the laughter died down, Michelle became thoughtful. "Is it awkward for you to play with Julia? I mean you were up for the same position, and now you've both been linked to Jake."
Kayla picked up her violin, eager to rehearse. Confession and laughter had made her feel better, and now it was time to stop talking and start practicing. "No. Believe it or not, I like Julia. She got the position, and I made peace with that shortly after. And she can definitely have Jake Kelly. In fact, after that endowment for the arts dinner, I honestly hope I never see him again."
Chapter 7
The following two weeks brought beautiful, comfortably cool weather and a flurry of activity. Rehearsal and practice with the Symphony took up six hours a day, four days a week. Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons were reserved for private students and performances. Practice sessions with the string quartet, now called String Theory, took place Mondays, a few evenings a week, and weekends.
And then there was Brandon. He'd called and asked if she wanted to get together on a Thursday night. Kayla wasn't sure what to think or how to feel. But he invited her down to a jazz club where he was playing, and she'd decided to go. The first thing he asked the moment he had her in front of him was, "Is it true you're dating that Kelly guy, the one running for mayor?"
"No. I am not, and I never have."
"What about those pictures?"
"Robbie asked me to teach him to dance at SummerDance, and I guess someone recognized him and took pictures. What about you, are you seeing anyone?"
"No, I haven't even been able to even look at another girl," he answered, but his facial expression gave her pause. He looked a little too innocent. His eyes were too wide and his mouth too pouty.
After his set they spoke for hours; about the music he'd chosen for his nightly gig at the posh nightclub, all the positive feedback he'd gotten, and his crazy hours. He was easy to be with, and she realized that was wha
t she missed most. Uncomplicated, predictable people were comfortable. And listening to him took the focus off of her and her recent doubts about her own dreams coming true.
Brandon asked her out again the following night but explained she had a previous commitment. The Endowment for the Arts Ebony and Ivory Dinner and Awards Ceremony.
The event was strictly black-tie, and it was being held at a swank, newly renovated hotel in downtown Chicago called The H. All attendees were instructed to dress formally in either black or white.
Luckily, Tania, who was often invited to big-ticket events because of her local semi-celebrity status, had a steep discount at a chic boutique whose owner only asked that she let everyone know where she bought her dresses. Tania asked them if they could extend the same offer to Kayla, and she'd fallen in love with a gorgeous, floor-length, strapless ivory raw silk gown with gold thread woven throughout. She paired it with the beautiful topaz earrings and necklace set her father had bought her for her quinceanera, just before he'd died. A makeup artist friend of Robbie had taught him some tricks, and Robbie used them to help Kayla with her hair and makeup. Her hair was tamed into soft, perfect, shiny waves and her eyes seemed enormous and mysterious. The whole look was very old Hollywood.
She arrived at the hotel with Simone, Ralph, and Michelle. The four of them had become close, and though they knew Jake Kelly would be there, they'd promised not to mention the subject of her body's treacherous feelings to her that night.
Every member of Second City Symphony was there, including, of course, Julia Hamilton. Not only was she a regular member of the symphony, but this was one of her mother's hotels, and her father would be receiving a life-time achievement award. She truly was Chicago royalty.
The scene inside the banquet hall was exquisite, with scarlet and gold decorative accents setting off everyone's black and white attire beautifully. Magnificent chandeliers cast a soft glow about the room as the soft, soulful sounds of a jazz band coupled with a sultry, throaty singer belting out classics from the forties complemented the swanky ambiance.
Mike Summers and Clara Dade were already there, and Kayla was eager to see how political opponents behaved with each other at private events such as these.
Kayla mingled with friends and acquaintances. A few of her classmates from Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music were there, and she was happy for the opportunity to catch up.
The knowledge that Jake Kelly was there somewhere flitted in and out of her mind, but she never once allowed herself to look for him. That would be a weakness. Besides, she still hadn't decided if she was going to chew him out over her rear-end honking incident, or if she would just spare herself further aggravation. The thought of receiving either a heated look or one of his spontaneous smiles, depending on how he was feeling toward her, was enough to make her heart beat at a precarious rhythm.
About an hour and a half into the evening, Kayla found she was only half-listening to a few ideas Simone had for new music because her spine was tingling with the feeling that she was being watched, and she was trying to resist the temptation to turn and check. It got so bad, she turned, if only to make whoever was looking at her stop, and saw none other than Jake Kelly in her line of vision. She exhaled slowly and ordered her heart not to skip any beats. Tuxedo-clad Jake had some serious James Bond appeal.
But he wasn't looking at her. He was engaged in conversation with an elderly gentleman standing in front of him, and she wondered if she'd imagined the feeling. But no sooner did she begin to turn away than his eyes locked on hers, his laser blue gaze finishing the James Bond effect off nicely. A pleasurable, troublesome current ran through her, and she turned back to listen to Simone.
Moments later, Marcus was by her side, telling her that Jake wanted to introduce her to a group of people. Simone gave her an encouraging smile.
As she walked toward him, Jake's gaze ran the length of her, and the look in his eyes had her fighting off an entire series of feminine thrills. It was simply his magnetic nature, she repeated to herself, mentally pinching her nerves for being so easily affected. Upon reaching him, he gave her a slow, slight nod before turning to introduce her to a small group of people.
"This is Kayla Diaz, the young woman I was telling you about." All were pleased to meet her, and all seemed to be bubbling with excitement over the possibility of an expanded public school music program.
"Jake was telling us what a smart, talented, and engaging young woman you are," a plump, dark-haired woman spoke.
Engaging? Kayla couldn't help herself, she shot Jake a subtle, disbelieving side glance, but he was now in an intimate conversation with Julia Hamilton. Julia was leaning in and looking up at him as she spoke, and he was listening intently. An acute and unmistakable stab of jealousy pierced the middle of her chest. So much for saying she had no awkward feelings toward Julia.
A man beside Kayla lifted his wine goblet her way and said, "He was describing how passionately and captivatingly you play, and how you poured the same emotions into the music program proposal."
Kayla smiled. "It's very kind and generous of him to say so." Inwardly, she wondered if the compliments were part of a calculated political persona, or if these were Jake's real thoughts. The group continued to ask her questions, and after turning away from Jake and Julia, she slipped into her comfort zone and was able to thoughtfully answer everything they threw her way.
When the small crowd broke up, Marcus led her away, a satisfied smile on his lips. "You were fantastic! Those people now know Jake Kelly surrounds himself with people who know what they're talking about, and they'll spread the word."
He led her to the bar as the band played Ella Fitzgerald's "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered," ordered cocktails for them both, and held out a bar stool for her. Soon, they were playfully discussing the song's lyrics, with Marcus trying to convince her that he could bewitch, bother, and bewilder Tania if she gave him half a chance.
"I would've introduced you to her the day you gave me a ride, but you ran away the moment she scowled at you," Kayla teased.
"She made me feel like I'd done something horribly wrong. She was so damn convincing, it took me a while to realize I hadn't done anything to her."
Kayla threw her head back and laughed. "It's a special gift she has."
They continued in that way, with Marcus pumping her for information, and Kayla feeding him some. Someone like Marcus would be good for Tania, she thought, if she would give him a quarter of a chance. Then Jake interrupted them because there were a few more people he wanted her to meet.
His fingertips grazed her elbow as he helped her down and led her to a group of women who turned out to be influential members of the Illinois Arts and Music Educators Association. They had many questions, and Jake quietly stood by Kayla's side as she took the time to carefully listen to and answer their inquiries. Their last question, though, was one she had to turn over to Jake.
"How will individual progress be evaluated?" a Mrs. Montgomery wanted to know. Kayla watched Jake closely.
"We decided to go on attendance and teachers' reports for lower elementary school students and formal evaluations for the older children," Jake answered, looking steadily at Kayla.
The older woman nodded. "I believe we will be able to endorse your program, Mr. Kelly. It is well thought out, and I commend you both," and turned as if to leave.
Kayla's heart was beating heard. He'd found middle ground again because what mattered was that children would benefit from a great program. It was admirable and said a lot about him. "Mrs. Montgomery?" she called, to stop the well-known, influential woman from leaving. "I want to stress to you that even though Jake and I didn't agree on everything, he showed me he's willing to listen and willing to compromise. I think that's an important trait in a political leader, especially nowadays. I hope you agree and spread the word."
Mrs. Montgomery and her friends forcefully agreed, and they lingered a bit longer before taking leave.
Kayl
a turned to Jake. "You know, my dad used to say that he could understand most points of view, as long as they weren't motivated by bigotry, unreasonable fears, or hate, and I think you're like him in that way. I do believe you're an independent thinker, Jake Kelly, and I promise I'm telling everyone you're a man of compromise!" She was so happy that he'd proved to true to his word and listened and considered!
Jake smiled, clearly amused. "So, I'm back in your good graces?"
"When it comes to the program, yes. But don't think I forgot your offensive honk at me the other day!"
His eyes widened in a show of innocence. "I only honked to tell you I approved of your choice."
Her cheeks felt hot, but she refused to back down. "Exactly!"
He pretended to look puzzled. "What choice do you think I approved of?"
She took in a deep breath and let it out. "Jake..."
"Because I was only trying to signal that I had looked over some of your ideas for evaluating progress and that I approved. You didn't get that, huh? Well, I'm sorry I wasn't clear enough. I'll try to make it up to you someday." With that, he left.
Kayla didn't know whether she wanted to throw one of her six-inch heels at his retreating back, or laugh. She watched as Clara Dade and Jake exchanged friendly words and a handshake. He looked her way again, eyes full of humor, and she settled for giving him the evil eye.
Later, Kayla was introduced to Jake's other opponent. Mike Summers' smile was wider and his handshake more enthusiastic than Jake's, but she felt Jake's fewer, more spontaneous smiles were more compelling, and his firm handshake more genuine.
Kayla sipped Chardonnay, settled into a mellow mood, and people-watched. Ralph couldn't take his eyes off of the voluptuous, raven-haired singer. Julia, who had spent most of the evening at her father's side, was talking to someone from the band. Marcus was at Jake's side. The evening so far had been enjoyable, but not memorable.
Until the moment the band began to play "Strangers in the Night." Kayla tensed, and her heart slowed as she scanned the crowd, seeking Jake and feeling pathetic because if he hadn't remembered her from that summer night, he certainly wouldn't remember the last song they'd danced to. When she got the feeling of being watched again, she whirled in that direction and locked eyes with Jake. And his gaze was filled with such urgent intensity that she suddenly had no doubts. Jake hadn't forgotten their last song, and he hadn't forgotten her.