by J. Lea
“You still suck,” someone from the crowd jokingly yells, raising his beer bottle. Everybody laughs.
“Shut up, Ben, it’s my birthday, you’re not allowed to talk to me like that!” Connor yells, grinning, and continues, “I was asked to play a song for you. At first, I wasn’t that thrilled, I mean, who’d want to listen to me?”
“Me! Me! Me!” I hear some women shout, melting before him.
“But then someone changed my mind. This someone can’t be here with us tonight, but their opinion means a lot to me, so I changed my mind. Whether you like it or not, you’re gonna have to listen to me for a few minutes.”
The crowd goes wild, and a wide grin splits Connor’s face. Warmth unfurls in my chest. I love seeing him smile, even if the smile is not for me. When he reaches for the guitar, my breath hitches. He’s going to play. I’ve never heard him play his guitar before, much less sing. Changing my mind about leaving, I weave my way through the crowd, returning to my seat at the bar, my eyes never leaving Connor. Before he starts, he lifts a hand to his forehead, lights blinding his sight. It looks like he’s searching for something … or someone? The smile he wore a few seconds ago falls, but just for a bit. As soon as our eyes lock, the grin returns, this time with a smirk. He readjusts the mic and starts strumming the guitar gently. When he opens his mouth and the first notes fill the room, I sit there, amazed, unable to blink. His voice caresses every inch of my body.
There’s a girl, with big blue eyes and skin so bright.
She makes me grin, she makes me scream,
But most of all, she makes me feel.
There’s something about her,
I’m drawn to her.
I want her and I need her.
It’s hard to live without her.
There’s something about her,
the mystery,
the fantasy,
the beauty.
There’s something about her …
Be with me, trust me, don’t be afraid.
Just open up and run to me.
Come to me.
Take a leap, it’s not that hard.
Come to me, oh come to me.
My eyes well. I’ve never experienced something like that before. It feels surreal.
Be mine, just be mine.
Yes, you. I’m talking about you.
Take a leap, and jump.
It’s not that hard.
Come to me. Oh, come to me.
Please, come to me,
My Everly.
As he whispers the last word, he makes sure I’m watching him. He doesn’t even blink, waiting patiently for my reaction. People start turning around, looking over their shoulders. I hear them whisper my name in question. I don’t even notice when Amber dashes over to me, squealing and clapping her hands like crazy.
“I thought this only happens in the movies!” She shakes my shoulders but I don’t even register her. “You’re such a lucky girl! Don’t fuck it up, babe.”
“I …” I have no words. Now I know what Dolores meant with her cryptic words before I left the house. She knew this was going to happen.
Once the standing ovations stop and people quiet down, Connor stands from his high chair, removing the guitar from his lap, and speaks into the mic. “Everly, since it’s my birthday, I’d love it if you’d do me the honor of dancing with me.” Whistles, claps, and cheers are filling the room, but the only voice I actually hear is Connor’s. Trying not to think that all eyes are on me, I take a nervous breath. I don’t like being the center of the attention.
“Lucky bitch!” some woman yells.
“I’ll dance with you!” another one offers.
Connor jumps from the stage and slowly makes his way toward me. Frozen in my spot, my legs are not responding to my brain’s commands, probably still in shock over his performance. He only stops when his face is inches away from mine. Wrapping his fingers around my wrists, he gently pulls me off my stool.
“So, can the birthday boy get his dance with the pretty girl?” he murmurs, his eyes locked with mine. It’s so quiet one could hear a needle drop.
“You didn’t have to cause a scene to ask me to dance.” I roll my eyes playfully at him. “You know I’d say yes if you asked me in private.” I place my hands on his shoulders, as he pulls me closer to himself, closing the gap between us.
“I hate drama, but I wanted to do something nice and romantic for you. I hope I haven’t shot myself in the foot,” he jokes.
My head rests in the crook of his neck, swaying with the music. People slowly disperse, going back to dancing, talking, and drinking. Our bodies mold together like they are made for each other.
“The song. It was beautiful. Thank you,” I hum to his chest.
“I’m glad you liked it.”
Pressing a palm to his chest, I meet his eyes. “Your voice is … breathtaking. You’re very talented.”
“Thanks.” He gives me a boyish grin, his lips so close to mine we’re nearly kissing but still far away.
“Happy birthday,” I whisper. I didn’t get the chance to say it before with all that’s been happening.
“A birthday wish without a birthday kiss?” Connor mocks, feigning hurt. “What kind of a monster are you?”
That makes me giggle. “How could I forget?” I mock and playfully shake my head, rolling my eyes. Pushing up on my tiptoes, I press my lips against one cheek, lingering, followed by the other. An innocent peck, yet my pulse quickens and my mouth dries. Being so close to Connor is making me dizzy, and my lips screaming for more. I think he knows exactly what’s going through my mind because he stills, locking eyes with me. His grip on my hip tightens.
“Go out with me,” he says quietly.
Opening my mouth in protest, I realize I can’t do that anymore. I can’t keep pushing him away. “Okay,” I finally relent and it feels nice. It was only a matter of time. I like Connor. More than I’m ready to admit. He managed to crawl beneath my skin. And it frightens me. But I don’t want to think about that now.
“Really?” His face brightens, not sure if he heard me right.
“Yes, I’ll go out with you.” I say, returning his smile.
He dips me then, even though the song’s not over yet, and I squeal at the sudden motion. “This is the best gift you could ever give me,” he whispers into my ear, then lifts us. “You won’t regret it.”
“Y ou look very pretty, Daddy,” Ava gushes as she sits on my bed, playing with Charlie and keeping me company while I get dressed. “Like a prince.”
Chuckling, I ruffle her hair. “Thanks, pumpkin.” I don’t exactly look like a prince in my dark washed denim shorts, fitted white tee, and white leather sneakers. For a moment there, I considered pulling a nice button up shirt and a tie from the back of my closet, but that’s not who I am. It’s too … constricting. I hate those damn ties. Besides, I want to be myself around Everly, no pretending.
“Can you go check on Everly to see if she’s ready yet? Tell her I’ll wait for her downstairs.” My 34th birthday was four days ago. I had to wait four excruciatingly long days to take Everly out on a date because Amber stayed with us until today, and I didn’t want to interrupt their plans. On the plus side, I had enough time to prepare everything for our date.
“Okay.” Ava scrambles off the bed and skips out of the bedroom merrily while I go downstairs where Dolores and Carlos are talking.
Carlos nods approvingly when he sees me, and Dolores walks up to me, smoothing the T-shirt over my shoulders.
“You look handsome.”
“Thanks. Ava already ate her dinner. Don’t forget she needs to take a bath before bed.” I shove my hands into the back pockets of my shorts.
“Don’t worry about her. She’s in good hands. Enjoy your evening, you deserve it.” Nodding, I glance up the stairs. “She’ll be here,” she assures me.
“I know. I couldn’t have done this without your help though.”
“I really doubt that.” She caresses my
shoulder.
“I’m not just talking about Everly.” After Anabel’s death I was an emotional wreck, not being able to take care of myself, let alone my daughter. Even though Carlos was the one to give me a figurative kick in the butt, Dolores made sure Ava was fed, bathed, and loved.
“We helped each other. That’s what families do. They help each other. And I’m glad you’re moving on. I think it’s time. You’ve changed since Everly walked into your life. The bitterness is gone, replaced by happiness and hope. You started living again, not just merely existing. Don’t you ever lose that.”
“Don’t worry about me. I know you’re right. It’s Everly I’m worried about. She looks like she’s going to tuck her tail between her legs and run away. She’s afraid of something, and I can’t figure out what it is.”
“That’s why you need to be by her side, show her she can trust you. Sooner or later, she’s going to open up and tell you her secrets, her hopes and dreams, you just need to be patient. She likes you, it’s obvious, which is a good start.”
I rub my jaw. “Jesus, it’s so weird talking with you about this.” But on the other side, it feels liberating.
“What? About relationships? Pfft,” she puffs. “I’ve had my share of dates if I may add. I might be old, but I know how to handle men.”
I chuckle at her comment. “I don’t doubt that for a second.” Hearing some movement upstairs, Dolores and I both turn our heads and take in the sight before us. Everly is standing there, looking like an angel in a light white summer dress, her hair in a French braid, and a soft smile on her lips. My feet start moving on their own.
“You look stunning,” I stop in front of her, offering her my hand which she accepts without hesitation. She literally steals my breath.
“So do you.” She smiles, her cheeks turning pink.
“Shall we?” I ask. Everly nods, winking at Ava who’s just climbed into Carlos’s lap and waves at us.
“Have a lovely evening, kids,” Dolores says before returning to the couch.
I never told her where we’re going, even though she asked me several times. She wanted to dress for the occasion, but I really don’t care what she has on as long as she’s with me. That’s what I told her, but it frustrated her, so I told her to dress casually for a nice, quiet evening.
“Do you have some work stuff you need to take care of first? Should I wait in the car?” Everly questions confused when I park at Mi Vida.
“Nope,” is my short answer before I step out of the car and round it to open the passenger door. She narrows her eyes at me but doesn’t say anything. Reaching for her hand, I lead her to the club.
“You’re acting weird. What are you hiding up your sleeve?”
“I always have something up my sleeve. You should know that by now,” I reply with a cheeky grin and wink. When I push open the door I can already hear the soft music.
“Hey, boss,” Zoe calls, smiling mischievously at Everly. “Everything is ready, like you asked.”
“You’re the best.”
“I know.” She flips her long unicorn hair. “Have a lovely date.” We hear the front door open and close, and then we’re alone.
“Where is everybody?” Everly looks around in surprise. I closed the club for this occasion. I’ve never done anything like this before, but the look on her face was worth it.
“It’s just us.” With my palm on the small of her back I lead her to our table.
“You closed it? Are you crazy?” Her lips are parted, looking around the room.
“And I’d do it again in a heartbeat.” Flashing her a grin, I pull out a chair for her to sit. “I really hope you’re hungry because I’ll make my specialty.” A chilled bottle of champagne already waits for us at the bar. “Well done, Zoe,” I murmur.
“Specialty? How? There’s no kitchen, remember? And didn’t you say you’re a lousy cook?” Everly leans on the table, her hands clasped in front of her. I open the champagne with a satisfying pop, pouring it into the champagne flutes Zoe left. Afterwards I pull the electric sandwich press from under the bar and place it on the counter. Everly’s mouth drops open. When I start piling different types of cheeses, meats, and bread on the bar, she breaks out in laughter.
“I might be a lousy cook, but you can’t have dinner without food, can you? Besides, I make killer grilled sandwiches,” I tell her. “The secret’s in the cheese,” I inform her before I turn on the toaster.
“Cheese?” she asks, barely able to speak through her laughter.
“Yes. And champagne.” I make a point.
“Oh, now I get it. First, you plan to get me drunk so I won’t be able to notice your killer grilled cheese sandwiches are actually just a few slices of cheese between two pieces of badly burnt toast. Good plan!” she mocks me.
Pretending to be offended, I point a finger at her. “Did you just insult my gourmet sandwiches?”
Everly tilts her head back, her laugh coming from the heart. It warms my soul. “I did, didn’t I? I’m sorry,” she says with a straight face, but she’s already starting to crack again. “But it’s so funny.”
I shrug. The sandwiches are done, and I serve them on a plastic plate.
“You thought of everything, huh?” she teases me when she pulls a tiny American flag toothpick out of her sandwich.
“Everything to impress you.” I wink. “Now eat.”
“Jokes put aside – you really put a lot of effort into planning this. I’m impressed. Romantic music, dim lightning, rose petals … Great food,” she adds with a teasing smile, reaching for her champagne. “When did you have time to set all this up?”
“Zoe helped. She’s one of the most romantic people I know. When I asked her for help, her high-pitched squeal nearly deafened me. My ears are still ringing a little.” I only had one demand – no candles. She was disappointed – candles are the ones that create romantic atmosphere, she said – but I didn’t want to say why. Zoe took it as a personal challenge and turned the place into a fairytale setting, using the LED lights we have at the club. They sparkle from the ceiling like the thousand stars on a midnight sky, warm and gentle, just like Everly’s eyes.
“You have good friends.”
I point a finger at her. “And yours are wacky.”
“Yeah, Amber is a little crazy,” she admits.
“A little?” I cock an eyebrow.
“Well, okay. She’s very crazy,” she says between her bites. “But she has a big and soft heart. And that’s what counts the most.”
“She caught Phoenix’s eye that’s for sure.” I put the champagne flute on the table and walk over to her.
“She likes him, too, but she only fancies someone until she has them. Usually, a week later, they’re history.”
“I could say the same for Phoenix.” Reaching for her hand, I take a little bow. “Would the lady like to dance?”
“Now?”
“Yes, now.” A gentle melody flows through the room, so why not? Everly places her napkin on the table, her mouth curving into a smile, and she puts her delicate hand in mine. Our fingers intertwine as we start moving with the music. She rests her face on my chest, relaxing into me, and I let myself enjoy her warmth. I can feel her heartbeat beating in harmony with mine.
“You know, I haven’t been on a date since Anabel died,” I admit.
Everly freezes, looking up at me, her eyebrows pinched together as if my confession surprised her. “That’s hard to believe. You’re around beautiful women all the time. What about Dana?” She lifts a brow.
“We’ve never been on a date. We’ve only hooked up a couple of times. I’ve been helping her after her nasty divorce, and it just happened. But I never had feelings for her, never took her out on a date.”
“She told me you two were dating.”
“Well, that’s a big fat lie. I think she likes the idea of us together. She wants me because she can’t have me,” I explain. That’s the only explanation I have.
“But does she kno
w that?” Everly lifts an eyebrow.
“Yes. Obviously, she’s in denial. I don’t want her, I’ve made it crystal clear. More than once.” Unfortunately, infuriatingly, she usually waves me off by saying I’ll change my mind. I won’t. That’s for sure.
“What about that night when you didn’t come home? You were both dressed for a date or something.”
I remember the night she’s referring to. “I didn’t sleep over at her place if that’s what you think. It was a business dinner with Phoenix and some of our suppliers. After that, I went to Mi Vida to check some documents and fell asleep. I only woke up in the morning when Phoenix barged into the office.”
“Oh,” she breaths.
“Everly.” I bring us to a halt, and cup her chin to tilt her face up to meet my gaze. “After Anabel died, it took me forever to recover. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t hook up, but it was just sex, trying to make myself feel something, anything. It didn’t help.” You can’t force feelings, especially with meaningless sex. “And then you came into my life. You were a breath of fresh air. No flirtations, no efforts to make me notice you, you were just being you. And that’s what drew me in. My whole family fell in love with you. And I’m battling with feelings I never thought I would experience again. I swear I’m not joking around. I want you to take a chance on me.”
Everly blinks a few times, looking quite surprised. “I d-didn’t know that,” she stutters.
My lips hover over Everly’s. If I move just a fraction of an inch closer, I could kiss her. I want to kiss her, badly. But I’m not going to do it. I promised her I won’t force her into anything she doesn’t want, and until she’s ready for us to take a step further, I’m going to hold back. However, the second she says yes, I’m done waiting. I’m going to show her how good we can be together, what she’s been missing.
My hand curls around the nape of her neck. I pull her to me, place my lips on her forehead, and murmur, “Now you know.” I like how the warmth of her skin feels on my lips. I don’t know how much time passes as we’re swaying to the gentle melody before we finally separate and clean up the mess we made with dinner.