Last One to Know

by Sharon Coady

  “Since I was thirteen. Pathetic, huh?” He rinsed the next plate and handed to Sebastian.

  “No, I think it’s pretty damn awesome. Are you hiding it from your friends for some reason?”

  “What? No, we’ve never dated or been together. Leo doesn’t date anyone. It’s a complicated situation with her.”

  “Well, it’s none of my business but I will say this. You two need to stop worrying about whatever was in the past that is keeping you apart. Throw caution to the wind and go for it. You both owe it to yourselves and each other to see where this goes. Just saying.” He shrugged his shoulders, placed the last dry dish back on the shelf, and closed the cabinet door. “I think we should figure out dinner for tonight. I want to do something special for the ladies. Maybe we could all go out on a date tonight. There’s a nice place, when you head inland, that Inn we ate at last month when we came to surf.”

  “I don’t know how comfortable that would be for Leo and me if you are talking about just couples. And what about Alex?”

  “Shit, I forgot about him.” They both laughed. “Don’t tell him, okay. Some friend I am.”

  John could see Sebastian liked Heather, and he wondered if it was uncomfortable for him to be alone with her. “You know, it’s okay for you to ask Heather out. If you want numbers, you can ask Alastair and Hope to go with you. I can hang out here with Alex and Leo.”

  “That apparent, am I?” He shook his head as the corners of his mouth quirked up. “I like her a lot. She’s spunky, feisty, and beautiful. How can you not fall for her? I don’t get her at times but that’s okay. She’s a mystery waiting to be discovered.”

  “She’s a nice girl. Been through some shit but who hasn’t? She grew up with us in Texas. She and Leo have been best friends since they were little girls.”

  “I figured. It’s funny how different they are. Funny they became friends, don’t you think?”

  “Not really. They say opposites attract, and I guess that’s what it did with them. Leo keeps Heather grounded most of the time. Heather gives Leo a sense of adventure in a safe way. It works, whatever it is.”

  “So, where do you fit into that friendship?” He raised his brows and leaned against the counter.

  “Me? I’m just John, the guy that’s always been there for them. The one to protect them from the bullies and whatever else happened in life. I’m a lot closer to Leo than I am Heather, but the three of us were always together until it just became me and Leo once Heather started dating.” He smiled a little sadly as memories from the past washed over him.

  “Earth to John,” Sebastian called as he waved his hand in front of John’s face.

  “Sorry. Just thinking how things turned out with some of our friends. We were all a tight group for years. Now, it’s just the five of us.”

  “That’s more than a lot of people. Hell, I haven’t talk to most of my buddies from childhood in years. I don’t think most people do. So who are you missing?”

  “A few of the guys. They drifted away from us when they started college. I really don’t talk to anyone but those four.” He nodded towards the others. “Although, if I told the truth, I haven’t been good about keeping up with Leo recently because it’s been so damn frustrating. There’s this redhead at work that’s been flirting with me for the last six months. I can’t bring myself to go out with her because of Leo, which is ironic because Leo and I don’t have a relationship like that.” He glanced at Sebastian’s face and saw a grin plastered there. “Are you going to tell me what that look is for?”

  “I think you better find a way for you two to figure this out. You aren’t going to be satisfied until you do. You’re happy around her. Make it happen John or go down trying. Don’t let her walk out of your life. You’ll regret it.”

  “I know. Look, I’m going to get Alex to run me into town if you guys are going out. I want to figure out something for dinner, if it’s just going to be the three of us. I want to give her a break again.” He secretly wondered what he could do to get rid of Alex so he and Leo could be alone tonight.

  “First, let’s make sure they want to go out tonight. You may be cooking for everyone.” He winked, patted John on the shoulder, and went outside to talk to Heather.

  John turned to watch Leo and Alastair. They were both smiling, and she grabbed him in a huge hug. That must have gone well. His nerves were on edge waiting to see what they would say. Just then, Leo looked up and caught his eyes. She motioned for him to join them on the porch. He walked out, glancing between the two of them.

  “So what have you two been talking about?” He leaned against the rail.

  “He loves the idea,” she squealed and grabbed John around his neck. “Thank you so much for doing this for us. I’m excited but so nervous.”

  John held her and inhaled her scent. She always smelled like vanilla. Kissing the top of her head, he winked at Alastair. “I’m glad you’re on board with this. I think you guys have a great future, and I would love to get you started.”

  Alastair put his hand out and shook John’s. “Leona and I have one stipulation.”

  “Do I want to know?” He tucked Leo close to his side and turned his attention back to Alastair.

  “Yep. We won’t do it unless you agree to be our legal counsel from here on out.” He held his fist up for the fist bump.

  “Are you serious? Of course I’ll do it.” He bumped Alastair and hugged Leo so tight she grunted. “Sorry, Leo.”

  “I thought you were going to break me for a moment.” She playfully punched his arm. “So are we going to share the news or keep it to ourselves?”

  “Let’s keep it between us for now. No sense getting everyone worked up.” Alastair winked at them. “Hope and Heather will be posting it everywhere.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Before Leona knew it, Saturday was upon them. She had spent the last couple days watching the guys surf and practicing with Alastair. Now that the night was here, she was beyond excited. Johnny had been on the phone most of the day, and she wondered if he was making calls to some of his connections to get an agent out to watch them. Don’t think about it! She chided herself, knowing she would get worked up. It’s just another show like any other we’ve done.

  Heather came flying into the room. “What are you wearing tonight? I can’t wait to go to town. I love being secluded out here, but damn I’m craving some nightlife. Sebastian is picking me up around seven. He wants to get there early so we can get good seats. I’m saving Alex and Hope seats since she wants to ride with Alastair. What time is John taking you?”

  “Hello, Heather. Yes, I had a nice day, thank you for asking. Are you loaning Johnny your car?” Leona continued to search through her closet for something to wear. “Heather, I can’t find anything to wear tonight.” She plopped down on her bed, placing her hand on her head. “Why didn’t I think of that before now?”

  “Let me look,” Heather said as she moved in front of Leona’s closet. “This won’t work. Nope, not that one either.” She glanced over at Leona. “You certainly weren’t thinking about performing when you packed were you? There’s nothing even remotely good for a stage presence. Where’s your cowboy hat?”

  “It’s back at the college. Shit, what am I going to do?”

  “Hold on. Let me think.” Heather snatched her phone out of the back pocket of her shorts and punched a number. “Hope, we have an emergency here. What? No, nothing is wrong with her. She didn’t pack anything for the stage and just thought about it. Back at the college, can you believe it?” She nodded as if Hope could see her and turned to face Leona.

  Leona sat up straighter when she saw Heather’s smile widen. “What’s she saying, Heather?”

  Heather held up a finger and shook her head. “Excellent! I knew I could count on you. Yeah, I’ll tell her. Y’all be careful and we’ll see you shortly.” Hanging up the phone, she turned back to Leona. “Okay, we saved your ass again. Hope brought her hat, and she has a shirt she thinks will be perfec
t for you. I think I have a pair of black jeans that will work and a pair of cute boots. Since we wear the same size, this might work. We’ll use my makeup because I know you didn’t bring any lipstick. I think we should straighten your hair for tonight too. Just to do something different.”

  “You guys are the best. What would I ever do without you two?” She flew off the bed and gave Heather a huge hug. “Can I see the pants?”

  Heather grabbed her hand. “They’ll look great on you. Oh, I need to call Hope back. Remember that cute little black jacket she has with the three-quarter length sleeves? That will look amazing on you. Oh, we are going to have so much fun dressing you up for this.” She dialed Hope’s number as they entered her room. “You haven’t left yet, have you? Great! Grab that little black jacket you have—you brought it with you, right? Good. See you in a few.”

  “She has it?” Leona was getting so excited. “I can’t wait. Are you sure I should straighten my hair?” She twisted a lock around her finger. “I kind of like it like this.”

  “I just think we want you to look a bit more put together tonight. You never know who might be there.”

  “At a mic night? Come on, Heather.” She tilted her head back and laughed.

  “Hey, we are near New York, anyone could be here this weekend.” Heather stuck her bottom lip out and crossed her arms over her chest. “Think about it, Leona. Sometimes people get discovered at these little mic nights. Just let me do this for you, okay?” She handed Leona the pants.

  “These are perfect! They’ll look really sexy, won’t they? I wonder what shirt Hope is bringing?” She slipped the pants on and turned to look at her bottom in the mirror. “Oh wow, look at this. Who knew I had a bum like this?”

  “They do make your ass look great. I think I hate you now. They look better on you than they do on me. I don’t know what she’s bringing, but I’m sure it will be really cute on you. You go take a shower and don’t wash your hair since you washed it this morning. Hope and I will take care of the rest.”

  Leona pulled the pants off and laid them on the bed. “Okay. See you in a few minutes.” She skipped out of the room, wondering what Johnny would think when he saw her decked out for the show. She never dressed fancy when they did one of the local clubs in Texas, but like Heather said, this is close to New York.

  By the time she was finished with her shower, Hope was there and as excited as Heather. They were both bouncing in place when she walked in with her robe around her.

  “Calm down, ladies. Y’all are going to make me nervous if you don’t stop.” She nibbled on her bottom lip.

  “Sorry.” Hope grabbed her in a big hug. “Come on, let’s make you perfect.” She pulled her to a chair by the vanity mirror in Heather’s room.

  Leona sat and watched while Heather used the flat iron to straighten her hair; Hope got to work putting on makeup, painting her eyes to give them a smoky, sultry look. Next, she started on her lashes, making Leona’s already thick, long lashes even thicker.

  “What color do you think we should do her lips?”

  “A vibrant red since she is going to be all in black. That will be her only color other than the hat.” Heather stood back and appeared to study Hope’s work. “You’re brilliant. Look at how sexy her eyes are. Yeah, red will be perfect.”

  “Did you see what Hope brought?”

  “No. I didn’t see. Where is it?” She turned her head to look at the bed. “Where’s the shirt?”

  Hope and Heather broke into a fit of giggles. “Right there.” Hope pointed again. “By the jacket.”

  “That’s the shirt?” Leona’s brows drew together as she scrutinized the small piece of cloth lying there.

  “Trust me, it will be perfect under the jacket. You have the most beautiful skin and figure. Plus, you have the perfect size boobs.” Heather ducked quickly before Leona’s hand could connect with her shoulder.

  “Sit still. Let me get this lipstick on you, and we’ll let you get dressed so we can add the finishing touches.” Hope narrowed her eyes and focused on her mouth, making sure she lined Leona’s lips before applying the lipstick. “Voila!” She stepped back, blocking the mirror.

  “That’s perfect.” Heather’s lips turned up as she looked over her with apparent approval. “You are breathtaking,” she whispered. Her arm snaked around Hope’s shoulders. “You did an amazing job.”

  “I can’t wait to see you dressed. Let’s slip out while she changes. Hurry up, Leona.”

  Leona sat looking at herself in the mirror. Is that really me? She leaned forward and moved her head from side to side, taking in the way the eye makeup accented her eyes. And the lipstick. She had never worn that color before, and she couldn’t believe how it made her look. She wondered what Johnny would say when he saw her.

  She slipped out of her robe and pulled on the jeans before pulling the little fitted tank top over her head, careful not to touch her face. She spun in front of the mirror. Not too shabby.

  “Okay guys, I’m ready,” she yelled, suddenly very nervous.

  The girls came back in grinning from ear to ear.

  “Not too bad. Now, let’s get you into the rest.” Heather clapped her hands.

  Hope grabbed the thin, black leather jacket and helped Leona slip it on. She unzipped the sleeves a little way up the arm.

  “I hope you don’t get too hot in this because it looks really cute. But if you do, just pull the zippers up and slide it off, it will be a slick move.” She turned to Heather. “Good call on the jacket, the silver studs look so cool with all the black.”

  “Yes, it does. The hat is going to look awesome, too. Come on, let’s get a move on. The guys should be here any minute. Leona, slip those boots on and our job is done.”

  “Yep, now the rest is up to you. Oh wait!” Hope picked up her purse and started rummaging through it. “There it is. I brought you this to wear.” She held out a beautiful square, black stone ring. “Put this on your right hand. It will be great since you always hold the mic in your right hand.”

  Leona slid the ring on. “I love it!” She hugged both of them. “I can’t thank you both enough.”

  “Sure you can. When you get discovered, remember us when you’re getting ready to go on tour,” Heather replied as she flipped her hand and walked out of the room.

  Leona pulled on the short boots and took one last look in the mirror. Taking a deep breath, she went to see what the verdict was with everyone else.

  ~~~

  When she walked into the room, John almost fell over. She had always been perfect in his eyes, the most beautiful creature walking on the earth. But now, wow. She took his breath away. He had never seen her with her hair straightened or with makeup that sultry before. Shit, he was going to have to stick close to her tonight. When she turned in a circle, his eyes went straight to her ass. He moaned ,not realizing he’d made the noise aloud until everyone’s eyes were upon him.

  Heather grinned like the Cheshire cat. “Yeah, her ass looks like a million bucks in those jeans, doesn’t it?”

  He swallowed hard and could only nod his head.

  Sebastian punched his arm. “Put your eyes back in your head and your tongue back in your mouth.” He laughed. “Good job, ladies. Leona, you look fabulous. Good luck out there tonight.”

  “Thanks. So Johnny, what do you think?” she quietly asked, a knowing look on her face as she waited for his response.

  “You look beautiful, Leo. It’s just, well, I think I’m going to have to stick right by your side tonight. Every guy in town is going to be drooling and falling all over himself.”

  Leona blushed and lowered her eyes. “You’ll get no complaints from me. I always want you close by.”

  Alastair whistled. “Hot, that’s what you are. Works for me, because everyone will have their eyes on you so I can sit back and play just like any other night.”

  John saw a bit of color leave Leona’s face.

  “Hey, they watch and listen to both of us, not just me.
”

  “On that note, we’ll see y’all at the club. John, we’ll save you a seat,” Heather called as they made their way out the front door. “Be careful with my car, John!”

  “You sure it isn’t too much, Johnny? I’ve never worn this much makeup before.” She raised her brow. He could see her shaking.

  “Don’t get worked up over what Alastair said. You know how he likes to joke. But he draws a lot of attention, too.” He knew he had to do something before she got too wound up. “And your makeup is perfect. You’re going to shine tonight, Leo. Just sing like you sing for us.” He took her hand and pulled her close. “I know you’ll do great. I have something for you, for luck.”

  “What?” Her eyes sparkled.

  He reached in his pocket, pulled out the little box, and handed it to her. “It’s not a lot but when I saw it, I thought of you.”

  She undid the ribbon and opened the box. “Oh Johnny, it’s beautiful. You remembered I always wanted one.” She carefully lifted the small cross out of the box. It was delicate and perfect with a small diamond in the center. “Would you put it on me, please?”

  He took the necklace from her and she turned around, lifting her hair so he could hook it around her neck. John’s hands trembled as he hooked it. He brushed the back of her neck with his fingers and saw her tremble. Kissing the top of her head, he turned her around, a smile lighting up his face. “It looks perfect.”

  She walked over to the mirror and smiled. “It is perfect. Thank you, I love it.”

  “We better get going. You want to get there in time to watch some of the other musicians play, right?”

  “Yes I do. I just hope they like country music.” She looked up at him from under her lashes.

  “I’m sure there will be people in the audience who love it. Don’t worry about it. You’ll do fine.” He took her hand and pulled her towards the door. He prayed everything would go perfect for her and Alastair tonight.