Transparency

by Jeanne Harrell

  She put her nose into the old brown jacket she was holding and took a good whiff.

  “Well?”

  “It still smells like rich leather… I always liked this jacket.” He took it from her and put it on.

  “You were the only one. My dad about fainted when I bought it.”

  They looked at each other and smiled. “Your father was wonderful, you know.”

  “… I do, but thanks for reminding me.”

  They went out to the garage where Bryce punched the remote button and opened the garage door. Then he handed Beth a helmet and put one on himself. When he got on the motorcycle and started it up, he revved the engine and she laughed. Smiling, he took her hand and helped her on the seat behind him. Beth grabbed him around the waist and he brought her hand up to his lips for a kiss. She kissed him on the back and they were ready to take off.

  Leaving the condominium complex, Bryce opened up the bike and they roared down the street. Drinking in the fresh air and freedom, he felt a million times better… Beth hung onto him and the years fell away – It was ten years ago and they were roaring down the street again, laughing and smiling like when they were kids.

  Beautiful memories bubbled over onto the bike and all around them…

  * * *

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  “Barron! How the hell are you?”

  Inside the club, Bryce turned toward the voice calling him. The lighting was so dim that it was hard to tell who was speaking. When his eyes adjusted, Bryce looked up to see the club’s manager, Sid Fellows, walking up to him, hand outstretched.

  “Sid… Good to see you again. I wondered if you still owned the place.” They shook hands smiling at one another.

  “Yeah… I know, but the place is such a dump, who the hell would buy it?” Sid laughed merrily as if that was the funniest thing he’d ever heard. He’d addressed his comments to Beth standing close beside Bryce. They both held motorcycle helmets.

  “And who’s this pretty lady?”

  Bryce beamed. “Sid Fellows, meet my girlfriend, Beth Lane.”

  He reached out to shake her hand too, as Beth blushed. Girlfriend?

  “Well, Beth… Let me tell you.” He grinned over at Bryce. “This guy used to come in all the time to jam with us. Plays a pretty mean bass, you know?”

  Beth nodded her head. “But we haven’t seen him in a while.”

  “…Ah…” began Bryce.

  Sid slapped him on the back. “… But he’s still wearing that ratty old leather jacket…”

  “… Been busy,” said Bryce.

  “Well, sit down, sit down… Enjoy yourselves. Whatever you want is on the house. Talk to you later, Barron…” They could hear him chuckling all the way to the back of the club.

  Bryce found a small table close to the mini stage set up with instruments, microphones, speakers and cables everywhere. He took her helmet and placed it on the floor by his. People were milling around during the break.

  “Want something to drink?” He looked at her as she giggled.

  “… Girlfriend?”

  Bryce blushed this time. “Would you prefer ‘good friend’ or ‘lover’?”

  “I guess I’m all those things, huh?”

  “You’re much, much more than all those things, Beth. I love you…” He leaned over to kiss her. She caressed his handsome face and kissed his nose.

  “You are kinda cute…”

  “… And?” He took her hand and waited for her.

  “… And I love you too…” He leaned over to kiss her again. She was beginning to feel butterflies in her stomach and wondered briefly why she was nervous.

  They were nursing a couple of beers when the next set started. Some blues guitarists played low and soft creating the sultry mood that enveloped the club. When they finished, a few other guys got up, strung their electric guitars around their necks, plugged them in and belted out a wild rendition of Satisfaction by the Rolling Stones. A drummer had joined them when Sid came over to Bryce and asked him to join in – The group needed a bass player. Bryce shook his head until he looked over at Beth. She had a big smile on her face and tipped her head toward the stage, encouraging him to get up there.

  Bryce laughed, shrugged off his jacket and joined the musicians on stage. Someone handed him the bass guitar and again, he felt he was coming home. It had been too damn long since he’d done this. Tapping his foot and remembering chord structures, he came in on the beat and played several raucous songs with the group. The joint was jumpin’ and it was plain to see that these guys were pretty good. Beth was ecstatic and clapped her hands along with them.

  When they finished their set, Sid threw Bryce a towel. He left the stage wiping the sweat off his face and laughing as he hadn’t laughed in years. Sitting down by Beth, he looked over at her and grinned.

  “What is it about you?”

  “What’d I do?”

  “As soon as I meet you again, my life begins to get better and better.”

  She smiled. “Maybe we’re good for each other.”

  “…Think so?”

  “I’m feeling pretty good myself.”

  “Good.” He leaned over to kiss her. “…Very good.”

  He played one more set with another group and was thinking that he definitely needed to do this more.

  “We probably need to take off, sweetheart. I have work and you have a performance to prepare for.” Bryce stood to help Beth with her jacket. “…And I need to talk to you when we get home.”

  “Uh-oh… Sounds serious,” she kidded. He just nodded and she knew he was ready to tell her what was going on with him.

  He put on his leather jacket and reached down for their helmets. He waved goodbye to Sid and then they went outside, breathing in the fresh night air. Bryce started the motorcycle and helped Beth get on behind him. She put her arms around him again, holding on tightly. And then they roared off again down the road, into the dark night.

  * * *

  Bryce was still feeling pretty good by the time they were home and the motorcycle was tucked away. He took her hand and led her into the condo, heading right for the kitchen. When he started to make some coffee, Beth found two mugs, milk and sugar. She sat down at the kitchen table, just waiting for him.

  When the coffee perked, he poured two mugs and sat down by her. Shaking his head at the milk and sugar she offered, he took a tentative sip and then set down the mug. Bryce had become more solemn with each step he took. Beth was getting pretty nervous by the time he set down that mug and she looked into his worried face.

  “You asked earlier about my day…”

  “…Right…”

  “I didn’t want to talk about it then.”

  “…And you want to talk about it now?”

  “Yes, honey. I do… with you.”

  “Let’s hear it…”

  Pause.

  “Nick and I went for a drink at the Bellagio after work.” He stopped and took another sip of coffee. “He asked about the Gardnerville deal and told me I would be fired if I didn’t get it done – and fast.”

  Beth’s lips parted and her eyes popped wide. “What a bastard…”

  He smiled. “That’s pretty much my thinking too.”

  “I thought this man was a friend of yours.”

  “…Not really. In fact, I think he always liked Sylvia better…”

  Beth laughed and took a sip. “Is that it?”

  “No. He also said if I screwed up the deal, he’d make sure I didn’t work anywhere in the financial markets again.”

  Shocked, she dropped her mug and spilled coffee on the table. “Oh! Damn… Sorry…” Beth jumped up to get a towel and mopped the mess off the table. Then she looked back into his serious eyes. “The bastard threatened you?”

  Bryce blew out a breath. “Yes…”

  “Can he do that?”

  “Yes, he can make it very difficult for me.”

  She took his hand and they were quiet for a few minutes.

&
nbsp; “What do you want to do?”

  “You have your last performance with the Quartet tomorrow evening?”

  “…Yes.”

  “Will you come with me to Gardnerville the day after that? I have a lot of thinking to do on the way and I need you.”

  “What in the world for? I don’t know anything about your business deals…”

  “You love me and that’s what I need for what I have in mind.”

  He slowly began to smile…She narrowed her eyes at him. “Why do I get the impression that you’re up to something?”

  “Because I am…” He leaned over to kiss her. “Beth Lane, you give me the courage to move large mountains. I’ll never be able to tell you how much you mean to me…”

  She grinned. “Well, maybe you can show me.”

  They looked at one another smiling. He nodded…

  “Are we done here?”

  “For right this moment, yes. We both need something else now.”

  Beth stood up, took his hand and led him up into the bedroom. Without taking her eyes from his, she pulled his shirt over his head and unbuttoned her blouse. He unzipped her jeans and unzipped his own. They wiggled out of their jeans at the same time and fell together on the bed in each other’s arms. He moved her bra out of the way when his mouth found her breast and he removed her panties with just one hand – The other was busy doing its own exploration.

  “You’re getting pretty good at this,” she whispered in between ear nibbles.

  He nodded while suckling her other breast. Her hands skimmed lightly down his stomach finally finding what they were seeking. His erection rose to meet her and she pulled him down between her legs. With ragged breaths, Bryce slipped inside as her hips moved up to meet him. Holding onto each other tightly, they danced the lovers’ dance. In… one-two… Out… three-four… Up… five-six… Down… Seven-eight. Again and again and again…until their crescendo of raw sensation and feeling filled them with rapture. Their senses were overloaded as they came together, coming down with uneven breaths and unsteady movement. Spent, Bryce collapsed beside Beth on the bed.

  “Whew… We’re both getting pretty good at this…” Beth kissed his closed eyes, nose and all around his face.

  “Jesus, Beth. All I really… want to do in this life is… stay in bed with you.”

  “There are other surfaces we can try, you know,” she teased.

  She snuggled up to him and he put his arms around her. Pulling the covers over them, Bryce kissed the top of her head.

  “Get some sleep, sweetheart. The next few days might be a little difficult for us.”

  Beth snuggled in closer and kissed his arms.

  “I’m here for you, honey. Lead the way…”

  Bryce happily sighed, closed his eyes and fell asleep while Beth lay awake for a while longer. What did he have in mind? How do I fit into the picture here?

  The butterflies in her stomach wouldn’t quiet down right away. Finally, she fell asleep, but her mind was busy and preoccupied. It was an uneasy sleep.

  * * *

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Bryce spent the next day at the office going over and collecting all the paperwork he’d need for his flight to Reno and subsequent travel up to Gardnerville. He was meeting with the owner of the manufacturing company that they were taking over and Nick came in twice to make sure he was doing it.

  He’d made his own travel arrangements this time, instead of going through his secretary. She wondered about that, but he just laughed it off, saying he had a surprise for his girlfriend. She smiled and nodded. Nice guy…

  Bryce was deciding what he was going to do… And whatever it was, it would have to be a gutsy move and pretty much ensure that he would be fired. But his conscience was up and working overtime and there was nothing to do now, but go for it. With Beth’s help, he figured he could pull it off. Remembering his last trip out like this, the visit to Mesquite, he gave a short laugh. His whole world had been turned upside down since that trip and Bryce marveled that he was still upright.

  Beth was deep in rehearsals all that day with the other members of the Quartet. On breaks, she had to give a few details to Eva about what was happening with Bryce. Eva smirked, smiled and grinned at Beth and said, ‘I told you so’ at least five times. Beth just blushed every time she said it.

  The night’s program would be the same as their first one in town. Everyone agreed that Beth should finish the program like always with ‘Joy’ by Johann Sebastian Bach. She was thrilled because she loved the movement so, and Beth also knew it was Bryce’s favorite piece in the program. He’d even requested that she play it for him sometimes at night because he thought it was the most beautiful music he’d ever heard. It had become their song…

  The evening’s performance was their best yet… Three encores. The four musicians stood and bowed over and over. Eva and Beth received flowers from many people in the audience, including Bryce. He was in the front row again smiling broadly and happy that their expertise was highly valued. Bryce was so proud of Beth and her work as a musician – He always had been…

  He felt she was exquisite – Something rare. Taking good care of her was high on his list… In fact, she was the list. She was what really mattered most to him and he was going to do it right this time.

  They all went out for dinner afterwards that became more of a celebration for the successful tour. After a few toasts and a wonderful dinner, several of them were happily spooning crème brule.

  “So, what’s next for the Quartet?” asked Bryce. He’d finished his dessert and wiped his mouth with the napkin.

  William looked over at him. “We’re off for a few months.”

  “…Not quite, William. We have the fundraiser to play with the Philharmonic in a week,” said Eva.

  “Yes, that’s right,” he replied. “I forgot about that.”

  “Are you all heading back to San Francisco?” asked Bryce.

  “No,” replied William. “James and I are going to travel some before heading back home. We’re still on leave from the Philharmonic until the fall.”

  “What are you doing, Eva?”

  “I thought Beth and I were going to head back together,” she smiled. “But I think I’m going alone, aren’t I?” She grinned at Beth who blushed.

  “…Ah… Maybe I’ll see you there a little later.” She glanced at Bryce. “Aren’t we flying to Reno tomorrow?” He nodded.

  “Eva, Beth is joining me on a business trip, but it will only be for a few days.”

  “So then, Beth, are you coming to San Francisco after that?”

  Beth swallowed. “Can I get back to you on that?” Eva laughed.

  She and Bryce hadn’t discussed what was going to happen to them as a couple after the Quartet’s tour was completed and their last performance in Las Vegas was over. Well, they were there now and they’d need to talk. But not here… Not now… Later…

  * * *

  Back home that night, Beth was lying contentedly in Bryce’s arms after they’d made love. He kissed her soft lips again and pulled her closer to him. He knew she had questions for him and he was waiting for her to ask. Finally…

  “…Honey… Go ahead…”

  Beth pushed away from him and propped her head on her hand so she could see his face.

  “I have to ask you some things.”

  “Okay…”

  “First, what’s happening tomorrow in Gardnerville? Am I going with you or staying in Reno? What’s my role here? I’m confused.”

  “… I know you are, Beth, but please let me explain everything to you on the plane. We’ll have time and it’ll help settle my nerves.”

  “So you’re nervous too?”

  “Like a cat on a hot tin roof…”

  They looked at each other and laughed.

  “All right… How long are we staying in town?”

  “We can stay in Reno for a few days, if you like. I won’t need to rush back, I’m sure.”

  She knit her
brows and looked at him in confusion.

  “I don’t understand.”

  “… I’ll explain it on the plane. It’ll take a few hours.”

  “What will?”

  “What’s going to happen tomorrow.”

  “Okay. Apparently, I’m getting nowhere with that subject. Let me try another…”

  “…Sure.”

  “What’s happening with us, Bryce?”

  “We’re rediscovering our relationship and I think it’s fairly fabulous so far. What do you think?”

  She smiled. “I think it’s fairly fabulous too, but Bryce…”

  “What, honey?”

  “This is where the floor dropped out from under me the last time. Is something going to make that happen again?”

  “I hope not.”

  “I’m not sure I could take it a second time. Once was bad enough.”

  “… No, I’m not going to leave you, Beth.”

  She visibly relaxed. “Okay.”

  “Anything else?”

  “Is our relationship going anywhere? And what about San Francisco? I have a condo there in the Marina area… I’d kinda like to see it again.”

  “Where do you see us going?”

  She blinked. “…Marriage, of course… Children. You know, the house with the white picket fence and the whole nine yards.” She looked hard at him. “Am I wanting too much from you?”

  “No, of course not…”

  “… But…”

  “Can I get through tomorrow before wrapping my brain around anything else? I promise I won’t disappoint you, sweetheart…”

  It wasn’t exactly what she wanted to hear, but it was all right for now. Tomorrow could change everything… She wasn’t sure what he had planned but it must be that unusual step she told him to take.

  So Beth smiled at him as he reached for her. He gently laid her head back on the pillow and kissed her with such passion, that she forgot her own name for a minute. He did have this way of making her forget things.