by J. M. Nevins
He chuckled. “Isn’t she a beaut? A big noble fir with a huge bald spot in the back, but don’t tell her.”
“She is beautiful even with the bald spot. I got a few things we can decorate her with. I was able to sell that purse. The consignment shop called and said someone bought it. I can pick up my money the day after Christmas.”
He nodded. “Really. How do you feel about that?”
Her eyes started to tear up again. Her heart ached thinking about it. “I’d really rather not talk about that right now.”
“Ok, got it. How about I make some dinner and then we can decorate the tree?”
“Sounds good. The guys called. They’re all going to the Strip tonight. They wanted to know if we’re gonna be there too.”
He raised his eyebrows. “I wasn’t planning on it. I don’t know, I guess I’m kinda old fashioned. I like to hang out at home for Christmas Eve, rather than go out and get hammered, y’know?”
She nodded. “Yeah, me too. I was planning on watching ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’ A movie and hot cocoa sound more my speed tonight.”
He smiled. “Me too. Mind if I join you?”
She chuckled. “Of course not. You live here, remember?”
Kit and Sully cuddled up on the sofa together under a blanket complete with popcorn and hot cocoa. They were about to hit play on the VCR to start the movie when the phone rang.
She rolled her eyes. “Ugh. Complete buzz kill. Hold on.” She got up and ran over to the phone. She answered and heard Seth’s voice on the other end. He was wishing her Merry Christmas from the East Coast now that it was past midnight there. Kit was slightly perturbed by how she saw his call as a nuisance. She wanted to get back to her time with Sully. Rather than mull over an obvious red flag realization, she stayed present on the call speaking with her boyfriend, Seth, briefly. She wished him Merry Christmas, told him she loved him, and hung up. She ran back over to the sofa and got back under the blanket.
She shot Sully a look. “You didn’t sneak any popcorn did you?”
He laughed. “No. I’m no cheater. I told you I wouldn’t touch it and I didn’t. I keep my word, Kit-Kat.”
She giggled. “Just checking.”
He hit play and they started watching the movie. At one point, she looked around the room and took it all in. It seemed almost magical to her—the dark room being illuminated by the glow of the Christmas lights and the flicker of the TV set. The movie, the hot cocoa, and the popcorn, all of it seemed more vibrant, more alive than it ever was in previous years. She couldn’t mistake the feeling that she finally felt like she had found home and part of her wondered if Sully had something to do with it. The thought frightened her.
She glanced over at Sully who was completely transfixed on the movie, shoving handfuls of popcorn into his mouth one at a time, stopping only to take a sip of his hot cocoa. She noticed his cute profile and grinned. She could have never imagined that he would have ended up as one of her best friends months ago when she met him. She had come to a new city with Joe, one of her best friends who she was feeling more distant from these days. She was grateful for Sully. She couldn’t imagine her life without him in it or without the band.
She came alive with that band, more than she ever had with any other act she had managed or even bands she had been in. She felt like the sixth member of the band in many ways. She hoped she wouldn’t be kicked to the curb when they got signed and the politics of the record company took over. She shivered at the thought. She decided to put her focus back on the movie. Angels getting their wings seemed much more comforting.
Kit had drifted off to sleep, cuddled up to Sully, her head resting on his shoulder. He looked down at her and grinned. She looked so peaceful. He didn’t want to wake her up. He grabbed the remote and started flipping through the channels.
She roused and looked up at him. “How long was I asleep?”
He shook his head. “Not long. You missed the end of the movie, but I think you’ve probably seen it enough times to know how it ends.”
She chuckled. “Yes. I know the ending all too well. Didn’t realize how tired I was.”
He looked over at her and found himself getting drawn into her sleepy green eyes. He chuckled, glancing down at her mouth, where she had a faint trace of hot cocoa. “It’s cute, but let me wipe that off for you.” He grinned and gently wiped the remnants of cocoa away from the side of her mouth.
She giggled. “Oops. I guess it’s better than drool. I’m glad I didn’t drool on you when I was sleeping.”
He giggled, finding himself drawn into her eyes again like a tractor beam. They looked happy and inviting to him. “Lucky me.”
She giggled again, but this time felt pulled into his intoxicating blue-eyed gaze. She felt the invisible butterflies in her stomach start to go crazy as he moved inches closer. She didn’t have the strength or the willingness to stop him. A second later, his lips were on hers.
Her conscience got the best of her and halfway through what she recognized to be one of the best kisses of her life, she stopped him and pushed him back. She felt a mixture of emotions ranging from resistance to longing, excitement to disappointment, anxiety to relief. She was beyond confused.
She sighed, keeping her eyes closed. “Sull, don’t. Stop. I can’t do this.” She opened her eyes and gazed into his. “It’s not fair to you, it’s not fair to Seth. It’s wrong. I’ve got a boyfriend. I can’t. I’m sorry.”
He nodded and forced a grin, not wanting her to see how deeply that kiss had affected him. He played if off and joked. “It’s ok, just a little Christmas Eve kiss. That’s all. No big, babe. We’re cool.”
He extended his arm out to her and she cuddled up to him again, staring at the TV, afraid of her feelings for him that had suddenly hit her like a wrecking ball. He stared straight ahead too, feeling like a complete idiot for attempting to kiss not only his best friend and manager, but one of the hardest women on the Strip to attain. She was still out of his league and he knew it. He had to find a way to let it go.
Sully was surprised to find that he was the first one awake on Christmas morning. He decided to make breakfast for Kit. He was happy to see she had finally slept in. She was one of the hardest working women he had ever met aside from his own mother and he knew her reserves were almost depleted. She needed rest.
She sleepily padded into the kitchen ten minutes later. He looked over at her and smiled. “Good morning, sunshine. Merry Christmas.” He handed her a cup of coffee and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
She smiled, took it from him and then set it aside, wrapping her arms around him from behind. “Good morning. Merry Christmas. Thank you for making me breakfast.”
He chuckled. “Don’t thank me until you taste it.”
She giggled and took a sip of her coffee. “I know you’re a good cook. Did you get a good night’s sleep in Lex’s bed last night?”
He nodded. “It was nice to sleep in a bed for a change. Sofa city gets old after a while.”
She nodded. “No doubt. Have you talked to any of the guys yet? What time are we all getting together?”
He shook his head and chuckled. “Are you kidding? They’re not even up yet. They all went out partying last night. I can bet money you and I are the only ones in that group that don’t have hangovers this morning.”
“Good point. Thank God for that. Hey, can we get some guitar time in this morning after breakfast?”
“Yep. After you open your present.” He smiled devilishly.
She frowned. “Sully, we said no presents. Why did you get me one? I feel bad. I don’t have anything for you.”
He smiled. “I don’t need anything. I have everything I could possibly want right now. Actually, I’m a pretty wealthy guy. I have more than a lot of people right now. Just your company is more than enough, Kit-Kat.”
She grinned. “Stop that, Sull. Your immense gratitude for life is overwhelmingly attractive. I don’t need the extra temptation.” She winked at him
as she left the kitchen.
They laughed their way through Christmas breakfast later that morning, enjoying each other’s company, finding their natural companionship again, both grateful that the previous evening’s kiss was dead and buried.
She felt comfortable and relaxed as they headed into the living room so he could give her the Christmas present he had mentioned earlier. After joking around with him at breakfast, she wondered if it was a gag gift of some sort. Sully was a practical joker. It was one of the things she loved about him. He was always making her laugh somehow. She wouldn’t put it past him to make a big deal about a Christmas gift that had its origins in a prank.
As she unwrapped it, she half expected spring induced stuffed snakes to pop out of the box at her when she pulled off the top. That didn’t happen. She stared at the package in the center of the box that was wrapped elegantly in tissue paper, sealed with a beautiful gold sticker. She giggled and ripped it open, then gasped in amazement seeing the red, Chanel handbag that looked like the one she had given up.
She looked up at Sully, her eyes wide. She felt the soft leather and briefly glanced inside realizing it wasn’t a knock off, it was the real deal. She stared at him again and swallowed hard. “Sull, how did you get this? This is a very expensive bag.”
He smiled. “Do you like it?”
She nodded her head, amazed, and smiled. “I love it. It looks just like the one I hawked yesterday, except that one has my grandmother’s initials on the inside. My grandfather bought it for her in Paris ages ago when I was a tot.”
He nodded. “Look inside, closely.”
She seized the bag and opened it hastily. When she saw the initials, her eyes welled up with tears. She looked up at him, smiling as tears streamed down her face. “How did you do this?”
He grinned. “I found the consignment store you mentioned and I bought it back. Do you like it?” His eyes twinkled with hopefulness.
She leaned forward and hugged him tightly, overcome with emotion, gently weeping on his shoulder. “I love it. It’s the best present I’ve ever received.”
He smiled and hugged her tighter. “I’m glad you like it.”
She finally pulled back and wiped her tears hastily. “I probably look like a big cry baby. Sorry.”
He chuckled and wiped another tear off of her cheek. “You look beautiful. You’re not a crybaby. You’re just feeling it, that’s all. Nothing wrong with that.”
She clutched it to her heart and smiled wide through tear filled eyes. “This bag means so much to me, Sull. You have no idea. I’m very close to my grandmother. I try to get back to Illinois to see her once a year. I haven’t been out there yet. The last time I saw her was at my college graduation in June. She’s the only one in my family that gets me, except for my brother, Spencer. I’m definitely the black sheep, but she doesn’t make me feel that way. She’s always made me feel normal.”
Sully smiled. “I’m glad I was able to get it back before someone else snatched it up. You’re supposed to have that bag, Kit-Kat. Don’t sell it again, ok? If you need money or the band needs money to do the show, then tell me. We’ll come up with a plan together. Joe has offered tons of times to front us. I think he’s made you the same offer. You shouldn’t have to shoulder this burden solely. That’s not your job.”
She nodded. “Ok. Sull, how did you get the money for this?”
He stared at her, straight faced, and decided to play with her. “I sold my body.”
She burst out laughing and shoved him. He fell to the floor laughing. “So now you’re a gigolo? No more Christmas tree selling?”
He sat up and smiled. “Christmas tree season is over. I had to find another gig. Why not entertain some ladies that need that special kinda love and attention.”
She laughed. “Stop. Seriously, how did you get the money?”
He shook his head. “It doesn’t matter, Kit. It was nothing illegal or bad. I got it in a legitimate way. Don’t you worry your pretty little head about it.” He tousled her hair.
She stared at him, not convinced. “I’m not going to have to bail your ass out because a loan shark is going to come calling in a week or two, am I?”
He chuckled and shook his head. “No, Kit. Like I said, it’s not a concern. Enjoy your gift. I wanted to do something special for you because you’ve done so much for me and the band too.”
She smiled and hugged him again. “Thank you.” She kissed him on the cheek. “You’re the best.”
CHAPTER 11
Blake Templeton sat down in his cubicle and stared out the window again. He was in the midst of daydreaming when Evan, one of his representatives, walked in. He boldly pitched a new band to him named Scorcher that was ripping up the scene like crazy. Blake’s ears perked up. Getting another successful artist on his docket was much needed.
His father Paul, the CEO and founder of Templeton Records, had been adding a tremendous amount of pressure lately. He had high expectations and Blake wasn’t meeting them. He was getting to the point of desperation, but wanted to make sure to sign someone credible that could put him on the map. This could be the ticket to make him look legitimate.
Evan handed over a cassette of Scorcher’s demo and urged Blake to listen to it. He was all for it. He threw on his headphones and hit play while Evan remained in his cubicle awaiting his decision. He only heard one song. That was enough to pique his interest. When Evan mentioned they were playing the Roxy that night, he cleared his schedule.
Blake followed Evan into the Roxy that night and took a seat at the table reserved for them. The band was setting up. The club was packed with people all waiting with great anticipation to see Scorcher play. Blake was amazed when the crowd started chanting the band’s name. He looked at Evan as the band took to the stage. “Who’s their manager again?”
Evan smiled. “Kit McKenna. She’s one of the best managers on the Strip right now. She’s got a knack for spotting raw talent and is stellar at artist development. She takes these bands that are mediocre and turns them into powerhouses and fan magnets. She gets in there and fucking cleans house, man. She’s got a killer publicist promoting the shit out of her bands and I hear she’s got an in at Rock City News.
Blake stopped Evan for a moment. He wasn’t sure he heard him right. He raised his voice over the music. “Their manager is a chick?”
Evan laughed. “Yeah, don’t look so surprised.”
Blake stared at the band and swallowed hard. He had never heard of a successful female manager before. He always viewed the music industry as an exclusive boy’s club with unlimited access to the best women, the best booze, and the best drugs. Having a woman in the business mix would screw up everything.
He folded his arms in front of his chest, angrily. He wondered how she got into the industry and who she slept with to get where she was. He shook his head thinking about it. His mind reeled and his negative thoughts ran rampant. He rationalized there was no other way she could have gotten to this point on her own merit. He was eager to meet her so he could promptly discredit her and put her back in her place.
When the set was over, the band approached. Evan introduced Aaron, the lead singer and Gary, the bass guitarist to Blake. They took care of business when Kit wasn’t available. Blake frowned at Evan and pulled him aside. “She’s not here? We can’t have a preliminary talk with these bozos. Musicians don’t know shit. We need to talk to her.”
Evan nodded. “Relax, Blake. I’ll handle it. Let me get something set up for tomorrow.” He walked away and resumed talking to the members of the band. He handed off his business card and asked the guys to have their manager call him.
Blake watched Evan as he approached. He gave him a questioning look. “Well?”
Evan frowned. “Well, what? She’s not here tonight. We’ve already established that.”
Blake shook his head. “What’s she doing? Is she at home, in bed, servicing her boyfriend? That’s where she should be, y’know.”
Evan chuckle
d. “Now, now, she’s at the Whisky.” He glanced at his wristwatch. “And the band she manages, Gypsy Tango, is about to go on any minute.” If you want, we can head over and check it out. It’s a sold out show.”
Blake huffed. “No. Let’s go. I’m done for the night. We can talk to little Miss Manager tomorrow. Let’s hope she doesn’t bring an Easy Bake Oven to the meeting and bake us all cakes. Ugh.”
Evan laughed loudly. “Dude, she’s not like that at all. Be prepared. She’s a feisty one.”
He rolled his eyes. “Whatever. I’m the record exec here. She won’t rattle me. She’ll be kissing my ass or something else before the end of that meeting if I can help it.” He grinned smugly.
Kit sat at the table lost in a sea of law books, writing a brief. Sully strolled into the room clad only in a towel, drying his hair. He looked at her. “Are you still working on that damn thing?”
She looked up at him and sighed. “Yes, and I’m running behind. Do not walk around the apartment like that. Fully clothed only, please. I’ve told you that before.”
He giggled and took a step closer to her until he was standing right next to her chair. He decided to tease her. “Why? A little too tempting, Kitty-Kat?” He bent down until he was inches away from her face. He struggled not to laugh as he made his voice sound as husky and sexy as he could manage. “I can make you forget all about that boyfriend of yours.”
She playfully glared and pushed him away, smiling. “Go to hell. No comment.” He laughed, triggering her to do the same. She was still laughing when she looked up at him and grinned. “What time is it?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “I have no clue. Why? Wanna do a quickie in your room?” She shook her head and gave him a look of warning. He dropped the innuendos like a hot rock and composed himself. “I was gonna get ready and head to rehearsal. I take it you’re opting out today.”
She chuckled and looked up at him. “Oh c’mon, Sull. You’re a big boy now. You don’t need me to watch over you. You know exactly what to do, rock star. And besides, we don’t have another gig until tomorrow night, so if anything needs to be tweaked I’ll hit ya tomorrow at soundcheck.” She grinned and winked.