“You’re not going to leave now, are you? Come join us. After the service, Haley and I thought about going down to the beach for a picnic lunch.”
“I’m not leaving. Just need…” What exactly did he need? “Bathroom. I’ll be in soon.” Maybe.
He rushed toward the men’s restroom, hoping if he waited long enough, Ethan would take his seat and Stephen could find a quiet place to collect his thoughts. At the sink, he splashed water on his face, wishing he could dunk his whole head under the faucet. What was wrong with him?
When he finally came out, Ethan waited for him in the lobby, arms folded over his chest, the violin case hung over his shoulder. “Everything okay? You don’t look too good.”
Stephen really needed a chance to sit and talk to Ethan, but not now. Not here. And certainly not while he was wigging out. “I’m fine. It was kind of hot up there.”
Ethan’s smirk irritated him. “Really?” He glanced over his shoulder as the last of the team disappeared into the sanctuary. “Well, what are you going to do? Come in, or…?”
With a heavy sigh, Stephen gestured toward the double doors. “I’m staying.” Bekka wouldn’t believe he really wanted to change and do better if he tore out now. More than anything, he wanted to prove to her that he was serious about doing better. Besides, they were to leave on their road trip right after the service. Hopefully, Bekka wouldn’t find a way to back out.
“You did great, Gaines. Seriously. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you stepping in.” Ethan patted his back. “I’m glad you’re here, buddy. I mean that.”
Stephen studied his friend for a long moment and surprisingly didn’t doubt the sincerity of his words. “I’m glad to still be here. Thanks for….”
“Putting up with you? Such a sorry dog.” E-man shoved him playfully, then opened the sanctuary door with a shake of his head.
Stephen followed him to the row where Haley and Bekka sat. There was only one vacant seat beside Haley, so Stephen squeezed in and sat on the other side of Bekka. He didn’t mind.
She leaned closer and whispered in his ear. “You played beautifully.”
He smiled and mouthed thank you. Her face was only an inch or two from his, and strangely, she wasn’t drawing back or shoving that thick wall up between them.
“Will we need to be in a hurry this afternoon? Or will it be okay to stop along the way? I was thinking I’d like to stop in some of the small lakeside towns and have a look around. Just a couple of them.”
Stephen nodded. Whatever she wanted, he’d do it for her. Did she want the moon? Mars? He didn’t think there was anything he’d say no to. “Sure. No hurry at all.”
Her smile broadened, and his heart cracked in half. “We’ll have fun. I’m actually looking forward to this.”
“Me too.” Stephen breathed a sigh of relief until he caught Ethan staring down the row toward them, brows furrowed.
* * * *
Bekka admired the lights strung in crisscrossing rows above the restaurant tables. Soft music played in the background.
Stephen had called ahead and reserved a table on the garden roof of the Roadster Lounge. He asked to order for both of them, and she was surprised with a plate of baked fish, a side of steamed vegetables and herb rice.
“This is delicious!” She exclaimed after the first bite. “It’s my favorite.”
“I know.” When she gaped at him in response, he leaned forward with that troubling handsome grin of his and added, “I remembered.”
Not knowing what to say, she decided to just enjoy her meal. The drive to Traverse City went by fast, with Stephen sharing some of the funny stories about his and Ethan’s adventures while touring the local bars and other gigs he happened to snag for them. They’d stopped at a couple of small towns where she’d done a little shopping and checked out the local photographers. They made decent livings, but when they showed her their portfolios, she found the photos of toddlers in wagons and fruit baskets amusing at best.
Stephen cut into her thoughts, bringing her back to their dinner. “I also remember how you loved baked chicken. You will eat pizza, but you would rather have a salad or one of those fancy deli sandwiches if given the choice. You still use a knife and fork to cut your food into small bites. Not sure where you learned to do that, though.”
Bekka held the napkin to her mouth to cover her laugh. “Aunt Zillia married into a rich family, and she taught me formal dining manners. She said one never knew when they might dine with royals. Ethan was a lost cause to her. Since she had no children of her own, she passed down her etiquette training to me. Some things have become a habit, but I’m afraid if she saw me scarfing down this amazing fish, she’d have a coronary.”
The look he gave her was full of warmth and made her heart stumble. She’d refused to allow herself to admit this felt more like a date, than just a road trip to see an old friend. She still hadn’t met Gerald yet, and they’d been there over an hour.
“Tell me about your friend. Is he here? The sign out front said some band called Sun Scorpions are performing tonight.”
Stephen cut into his steak. “That’s Gerald’s band. He’s the lead singer and guitarist. I’m sure he’ll show up in a few minutes. Never was one for punctuality.” Stephen gave a shrug of his shoulder. “But he’s a good guy. They used to be called Vinyl Stamp, then The Ringers, and at one point I think they were the Forlorn Scorpions. Seems he decided to pick something more positive.” He checked his watch. “We better eat up. They’re scheduled to go on at seven. I’m hoping to catch him between sets.”
“What kind of music do they play?” When she watched Stephen perform with Ethan Saturday night, they had played classical, and popular cover hits that anyone would recognize. The name of the band had her wondering.
“Classical Rock.”
“I noticed your cello in the backseat. Did you plan to play with them?”
Stephen gave another shrug. “I almost always have my cello with me. Thought I’d play down in the town square to help pay for this meal.” He winked at her startled reaction.
She glared back, hating how gullible she could be sometimes. “I can pay for my own meal if you please.”
“Oh, no way. I said this is on me. You’re doing me a big favor coming along. My treat, sweets.”
She bit back her argument. He’d paid the bill when they ate at Mallory’s, too, even though he didn’t stick around to eat what he’d ordered. She never would be able to figure him out. Problem was, if he paid, this was even more like a date. But no, she was doing him a favor, somehow, by coming along. At least, that’s what he said.
Just stop thinking, and enjoy this wonderful meal, silly. You’re getting a night out. Stop analyzing it to death!
Bekka decided to take her own advice and finished off her meal in a way she knew would make even the lowliest royal cringe, not to mention send Aunt Zillia into what Haley liked to call a conniption fit.
“Stephen Gaines, you made it,” someone called out. He turned in his seat.
“G-ster!” Stephen set his napkin beside the plate as he stood to greet a reed-like man with a back-pounding hug. He had a rather long black beard and hair that flowed down around his shoulders like silk fabric.
“Glad you could make it. Did you bring your cello? You promised me a jam, dude. I’m holding you to that.”
“I did, but it’ll cost you.” Stephen motioned for his friend to take a seat in the extra chair between him and Bekka. “But first,” he motioned toward her. “Gerald, I’d like to introduce you to Bekka Winters.”
“Winters? You related to the E-man?” He held out his hand adorned with huge silver rings. A spiraling tattoo started at the back of his hand and ran along his arm. He wore a purple vest and matching leggings tucked into black studded boots. Typical rocker in her book.
“Yes, unfortunately. You all give him the cool names, but he’ll always be bonehead to me.”
Gerald slapped his leg, cackling like a chicken with a bad coug
h. “I like her. Is she your girl, Gaines?” He leaned forward, his gaze raking over her. “You do favor your brother. You play or sing? I’ll fit you on stage, too, a looker like you.” He winked, and she wasn’t sure if he was serious or not.
Bekka glanced at Stephen, silently begging him to help her.
He chuckled and gave his friend a gentle shove. “Ease up, dude. She’s here with me, as a friend, and I’m responsible for her. Ethan will kill me dead if I let the likes of you get too close.”
Gerald sat back with a wide grin. “I’m just messing with you, doll.” He checked his watch. “You two done? We’re starting up in fifteen. Drinks are on me, can I get you a round?”
Stephen was quick to decline, saying they had to drive a long way back home. “Listen, Gerald, I’m serious about wanting some of your time. We can’t stay too long past your second set. I’m telling you, friend, you’ll want to hear me out.”
“Sure, sure. But I’m also serious about you playing a couple of your songs. Go get your cello and meet me downstairs.” Gerald stood, pressed his palms together as he gave a bow to Bekka, then turned and strolled away.
Stephen ran his fingers through his golden spiked hair. “Are you ready to go on down? I’ll find you a table close to the stage. Or would you rather—?”
“No, I’m done. A cellist playing with a rock band?” She laid her napkin over her plate and stood, gathering her bag and slinging it over her shoulder. “I have to see this.”
Stephen took her hand in his and led her down the narrow stairs. “You’ll be surprised at what I can do.” His wink told her he was teasing. “This one looks like a good spot.” He found a tall table close to the bar but with a great view of the stage. Before heading out to the car for his instrument, he stopped to speak to the man mixing drinks. They both looked in her direction, then the barman gave a nod.
Bekka sat her bag on the stool beside hers and withdrew the camera she’d brought along. She had a feeling she needed to capture a video of him playing. Hopefully, there’d be enough light.
The band moved onto the stage and went right into a Greenday song she remembered from her high school days, though she couldn’t remember what it was called. People around her shouted and started dancing around the small stage, bobbing their heads as streams of hair flew like flags in the wind.
Before they went into their second song, the bartender brought her a soda topped with a cherry. She stared at it hesitantly at first. He leaned closer so he could shout in her ear, “Diet soda, right? Your friend asked me to keep an eye on you. If anyone bothers you, let me know. K?”
Relief washed over her. Stephen had made sure to take care of her and even remembered what she liked to drink. “Thanks.” She shouted back.
He gave her two thumbs up before returning to his station.
From the stage, Gerald called out into the mic, “I want you all to give my friend String Man, a rousing TC welcome!”
String Man Stephen jogged onto the stage, the cello in one hand, bow in the other, and dark shades covering his eyes. Bekka’s mouth dropped open at his transformation. He’d lost his button up shirt and only wore a black tank undershirt. She had to blink a few times when she spotted the cello tat on his left shoulder with music notes flowing down to his elbow.
“Sweet Child O’ Mine?” Gerald asked with a strum of his electric guitar.
Stephen twirled his bow around his fingers like a baton and, with an exaggerated nod, started whipping that bow across the strings. The crowd went wild as the band joined in.
In her shock, Bekka fumbled with her camera, trying to set it to video. She set the recorder on the table, confident she had a clear enough shot, then grabbed her phone to capture a clip. Even if Ethan didn’t know what they were up to, she wanted to know if he’d seen Stephen play like this.
He flipped the cello around, pounded a beat on the back, then flipped it around again and started playing. He didn’t sit as he normally did, but rather bent over his instrument, his feet stomping and head bobbing to the beat.
Gerald backed away and let Stephen play solo for a minute before they joined in again.
When the song ended, Bekka turned her phone to face her. “Did you know he could do that? I had no idea. He’s great!”
She loaded the video into a text and then hit the send button before dropping the phone into her bag. The camera would catch his next song, too.
Gerald ground out the next song in a low, gravelly voice while his guitar screeched.
Stephen pounded a beat along the side of the cello, a wide grin on his face.
The crowd sang out the lyrics and Bekka joined in. She’d not let herself cut loose like this in a long time and enjoyed the thrill of dancing and swinging her arms over her head along with the rest of the audience.
After the song ended, Stephen gave a low bow, then stepped closer to Gerald to whisper something in his ear. The guitarist nodded with a wide grin and called for applause from the crowd. “Give it up for String-Man Stephen Gaines!”
With one last wave of his bow, he exited the back of the stage, and the band went into another song. Bekka whooped along with the rest, clapping and hopping to the beat.
In a few minutes, Stephen rejoined her, looking like his usual self again. He set his cello case against the stool where her bag rested and then dragged her farther out on the dance floor. “You look like you’re having a really good time.” He had to yell to be heard over the music.
“I am,” she shouted back. “You were amazing. I didn’t know a cello could sound like that.”
He didn’t offer a response other than to spin her around and catch her in his arms. The music slowed to a ballad and before she could move back to her seat he shook his head and wrapped one hand around her waist while entwining his fingers around hers. “Oh no, you’re not running off now.”
“I didn’t plan to. But I was going to turn my camera off. It recorded you.”
“Oh.” He danced them toward the table so she could hit the off switch, then he pulled her into another spin.
He’d improved his dancing skills over the years, too. She was completely caught off guard, and totally impressed with this side of Stephen Gaines that she didn’t even know existed. He was attentive, gentlemanly, and fun. She hadn’t laughed this much in too many years to even think about.
After two more songs, they both collapsed onto the stool chairs, breathless and drenched in sweat. Her cheeks hurt from grinning so much.
Stephen motioned to the barman, holding up two fingers and pointing to her glass of watery soda. Before she could catch her breath, a waitress deposited two tall glasses on their table. Stephen slid her a bill and told her to keep the change.
Erring on the side of caution, Bekka took a sniff of the glass before gulping it down.
“Just soda. I’m keeping my wits about me from here on out.”
She wasn’t sure what to say, or if she should believe him. Oh, but she wanted to. However, actions spoke louder than words. Time would tell.
“Well, you’ve knocked my socks off today, mister. First the piano at church, now what I saw tonight.” She bit her lower lip “Please don’t be mad. But I was so flipped out about by what I was seeing, I sent a short clip to Ethan.” She cringed. “Are you mad?”
He laughed and shook his head. “No, it’s fine. At least now he’ll know where we are, I suppose. I’m sure I’ll hear about bringing you here in the morning, but it’ll be fine.”
The drummer sauntered up to their table and whispered something in Stephen’s ear. “Great.” He hopped off his stool and motioned for her to follow. “Gerald wants us to join him. He’s sitting in the back area where it’s quieter.” Grabbing his case in one hand, he caught her around the waist with the other and pulled her to his side. “So you know, your brother can and does play the same music. It’s what got us through the first few rounds at the talent show. He can make that violin of his smoke when he wants to.”
Gerald sat at a large round tab
le like a king surrounded by his knights. They pulled up two extra chairs beside their leader, and Stephen took the one closest to his friend.
“You’ve not lost your touch, String-Man.” He and Stephen fist bumped. “I have twenty minutes before I go back on. Tell me what’s on your mind. And why isn’t E-man here with you? Thought you two were inseparable.”
Stephen launched into the whole spiel about Ethan’s new venture and what he hoped to do with helping artists record and publish their own records. “It’s the way a lot of bands are doing it nowadays. With your touring schedule, I’m sure you’d like to have some music to sell at gigs, wouldn’t you? And,” His elbow nudged Bekka’s arm. “We even have a film director and production designer right here in this talented lady. Bekka has been working on a video for Ethan this past couple of weeks. She has a degree and is a wonderful photographer. I’ll leave her website address with you to check out later.”
“A music video? I’d like to see that.” Gerald sipped his water.
Bekka was already digging through her bag for the iPad, knowing this was the main reason Stephen had brought her along. After clicking through a couple of files, she loaded the video. “I only have the first half completed. I’m still adding effects to the rest.”
Gerald took the device. The drummer and bass guitarist leaned closer to watch. Both pointing at Ethan, probably finding his costume funny. “That’s him, eh? Short Strings is what we used to call him.” The drummer mused. “Wow, who’s the hot blond? She willing to play in other videos?”
Stephen spoke up with a chuckle. “No dice guys. That’s E-man’s fiancée. It took some smooth talking to get her to do this little bit, but she’ll feed you some great barbecue if you come down to Madison Creek and cut some songs with us.” He talked more about giving Gerald a startup deal he couldn’t resist.
Raining Fools (Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast Book 2) Page 15