by Kate, Jiffy
She pulls a piece of paper out of her back pocket and hands it to me. “You can thank me after your meeting next week.”
“What meeting?” I ask, looking down at the paper.
“Your meeting with Lola Carradine. She asked for you by name, so don’t screw this up.” Gia gives me a smile then walks off, leaving me completely dumbfounded and staring at the paper in my hand.
“Hey, Finn. Here’s you a fresh beer.”
I look up and see Suki, one of the waitresses here holding out a tall glass for me.
“Oh, thanks, Suki. I guess I forgot I ordered another one,” I reply, taking the beer from her.
“Nah, it’s on the house. I saw Gia was cornering you again, so I thought I’d interrupt and bring you a drink but then I got slammed and missed my chance. Better late than never, right?”
“Absolutely.” I tip the beer toward her before taking a long drink.
“Have a great set,” she calls out as she walks off to check on her tables.
Oh, shit, I still have another set. I’ve been completely distracted since Gia said the name Lola Carradine but I can’t think about that right now.
One more set then, I can go home and freak the fuck out.
I can officially mark ride a streetcar off my New Orleans to-do list.
I wasn’t sure what to expect once I paid my fare and sat down but it’s actually not too bad. The wooden seats are more comfortable than you’d think and with the windows partially open, the breeze blowing through feels nice.
The best part, though, is the view and seeing a part of New Orleans I haven’t had a chance to explore yet. The streetcar is taking me to a part of the city I haven’t seen yet and I can’t help but feel like a tourist again, staring out the windows as if I’m a kid on a train ride.
Jette will get such a kick out of this.
Speaking of Jette, I feel bad for turning down her offer to grab lunch today. She texted me last night and asked if I had plans, I said I did but didn’t elaborate on what those plans were. I haven’t told anyone I’m meeting Lola Carradine at her studio because I know they’ll lose their shit, and believe me, I’m losing mine enough for everyone.
My stomach is twisted in knots, which is weird for me. I sometimes get a little anxious or excited before a gig but this is different. I’m meeting a fucking rock star… about a fucking job… so, yeah, you could say I’m nervous. I didn’t eat breakfast or have any coffee before I left, which had CeCe practically chasing me through the shop, trying to see if I was running a fever, but there’s no way I’m gonna risk puking all over Miss Carradine.
When I called the number Gia gave me the other night, someone named Casey set up the meeting and gave me the address I’m following now. I’ve been to a couple of the recording studios around town but never to one in the Garden District. All I’ve seen so far are homes with a few businesses sprinkled throughout. Definitely not the typical area for most musicians to hang.
Stepping off the streetcar, I check the GPS to make sure I’m in the right area. Once I have my bearings, I start walking, looking at the house numbers until I come to the correct one.
Casey told me she’d have the gate open and to go on up to a side door and ring the bell, which I do. While I wait for someone to open the door, I look around. It’s a really nice neighborhood, nothing shady about it at all, but it’s definitely not what I was expecting.
As luck would have it, as soon as I set my sax case on the ground, the door opens and Lola Carradine steps out.
Her smile is bright as she eyes me and then my sax. “Finley?” she asks.
“Uh, um, ye-yes, ma’am.” Ma’am? Really, Finn. For fuck’s sake. “Yeah, I’m Finley,” I amend, offering my hand for a shake as I get my shit together. “Finley Lawson. Someone by the name of Casey gave me this address… and the code to the gate.”
I can picture what my tombstone will say: Here lies Finley Lawson. He died of embarrassment because he forgot how to speak like an adult.
Thankfully, Lola only smiles wide as she replies, “Casey is my sister. And I’m glad you didn’t have any problem with the gate. It’s a little tricky. No trouble finding the house?”
“No trouble at all.” I wasn’t expecting to walk up to her door. When Casey gave me the address, I assumed it was an actual studio. “Didn’t expect it to be in a neighborhood. I take it you have a home studio?”
“Sure do. Makes life much easier. Why don’t we go inside and play some music?” She opens and holds the door for me and as I walk past her, I say a silent prayer that I don’t fuck this up.
Please, God, don’t let me fuck this up.
Two hours later and I’m a crazy mixture of exhaustion and exhilaration. I’ve always loved playing with super talented people, and I feed off their creativity like a vampire to blood, but today was something otherworldly. I’ve been a fan of Lola’s for years, but I had no idea how insanely gifted she is.
“Damn, Finn, that’s the most fun I’ve had in the studio in ages,” Lola says as she tosses me a bottle of water. “I don’t know how much Gia told you, but I watched your set the other night.”
I swear, it takes everything in me not to choke on the water I just poured into my mouth. Once I manage to remove the bottle from my lips, I cough out, “Oh, yeah?”
“Hell yeah. I love using local musicians as much as possible and was on the hunt. As soon as you stepped on that stage, I knew you had something special about you.”
“Gia mentioned you asking for me by name, but I didn’t really know what she meant. I was too surprised you wanted to meet with me at all to ask her about it.”
“Well, after seeing you that night and what we just experienced here today, I have no doubt you’d make a great fit for my next album. If you’re interested, that is.”
Did Lola Carradine just ask me to join her band?
What the fuck?
Like I’d ever say no to that.
“You’re serious?” I ask, waiting to be punked or something. “Of course, I’d love to. I’m honored you’re even asking. Thank you so much.” I walk to her with my hand stretched out for a shake, ready to seal the deal, but she blows it off and pulls me in for a hug instead.
“We hug a lot around here. I hope that doesn’t scare you,” she says, giving me a tight squeeze. “Welcome to the family, Finn.”
Just then, a throat clears and it’s a deep one, so I practically jump out of Lola’s arms before turning and seeing a big, muscled dude eyeing me carefully.
“Babe!” Lola squeals, running into the guy’s arms. “I have the best news. Come meet Finley.”
Lola grabs his hand and pulls him farther into the studio until we’re face to face. “Finn, this is my boyfriend, Bo. Bo, this is Finn, the saxophonist we saw perform at Good Times the other night. He’s going to play on the album!”
Recognition must dawn on Bo because he quickly changes from cautious and protective to smiling and welcoming. “That’s awesome, man. Great to meet you.” He shakes my hand and just like Lola warned, pulls me in for a one-armed man hug. “You were amazing. I know you’ll fit right in.”
“Thanks, man. It’s great to meet you, too.”
The more I look at Bo, the more I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere before. I don’t follow celebrity magazines or web sites, so I have no idea who Lola’s boyfriend would be but I know his face from somewhere. As I start taking apart my sax and cleaning it before I pack it up, I can’t help but watch how Lola and Bo interact with each other. They’re obviously in love but I also see a deep and mutual admiration and respect between them. It’s how I thought Jette and I would be if we would’ve stayed together.
They’re just so normal together.
He asks her what’s for dinner and she asks him how his day was.
Totally normal.
I mean, I guess. I really have nothing to go off of, seeing as how I grew up with drug addicts for parents and then went to live with Maggie. The only married people I witnessed on a regular b
asis was Shep’s parents, but they were far from normal.
When Bo mentions batting practice, something in my brain finally clicks.
“Holy shit, I just realized who you are,” I say, feeling stupid and somewhat embarrassed by my outburst. But holy shit. “You’re Bo Bennett!”
Like, the Bo Bennet, third baseman for New Orleans MLB team, the Revelers. He’s basically a household name. Every magazine in the grocery store has had his picture on the cover—Rookie of the Year, All-Star, you name it.
I don’t follow celebrity gossip, but I can guess they had a field day with Bo Bennett and Lola Carradine, which makes their normalness even more exceptional.
Laughing, he turns to me and nods. “Yeah, are you a baseball fan?”
“Hell, yeah, I am,” I say, still reeling from the fact I’m standing in Lola Carradine’s kitchen talking to Bo Bennett about baseball. “I’m a huge fan, but I’ve never been to a game.”
“Is there not a team where you’re from?” Bo asks.
“I’m from Dallas so, yeah, there’s a team but I’ve never been to a game.”
Bo pulls Lola into his side, kissing the top of her head. “Well, as soon as the season starts, I’ll get you some tickets so you can come check us out. Maybe Lola will even let you sit in her fancy pants box seats.”
She smiles and swats at his chest, but he loves it. And so does she.
Free baseball tickets and a job playing with Lola Carradine?
Maybe I should go buy a lottery ticket, because I feel like this is my lucky day.
Chapter Ten
Georgette
“Knock, knock!”
I peek my head around the corner and look at the door, relief filling my body as I see Dani Landry walk into the gallery.
“Dani, hi! What brings you here?”
“I’m here to help, didn’t Cami tell you?” She pushes her sunglasses up to sit on the top of her head, pulling her incredible auburn hair away from her face in the process.
“She did, but I wasn’t sure when you’d be starting and I didn’t want to be presumptuous but the phone has been ringing off the hook this morning and I could really use some help.” I spit out the words quickly and on one breath, not caring if I sound like a crazy person because that’s exactly how I feel. Crazy. On top of dealing with clients all morning, my realtor is breathing down my neck to get me to make a decision and Trevor is pissed at me because I’m even considering buying something, making this move more permanent, and I just cannot deal right now.
“Okay, okay. Let’s sit down and talk all this out.” Dani grabs me by the hand and leads me to the comfy couch near Cami’s desk and I don’t even care that she’s talking to me as if I’m a child on the verge of a meltdown. “Can I get you some tea? Coffee? Bourbon? You name it and I’ll get it.”
A laugh escapes my mouth and I relax, allowing my body to sink fully into the couch. “No, I’m fine. I was just feeling a little in over my head. You showed up at the perfect time to talk me off the ledge, thank you.”
“That’s what I’m here for. Now, tell me how I can help. I am officially your beck and call girl, so use me!”
I look up at Dani and I’m suddenly overcome with gratitude. Not only because she’s here—it’s bigger than that. Of all the jobs, locations, bosses, and by default, friends, I landed the absolute best and I have no idea how or why. Rather than accept things for how they are and how fortunate I’ve been, my anxiety is causing me to question everything and believe I’m not good enough, that I’ll fail spectacularly. Even so, I know Dani and everyone else in my new life here in New Orleans won’t let that happen and for that, I’m so very thankful.
I don’t want to burden Dani with all of that, though, so I give her the shortlist.
“Naturally, it’s been the busiest day since I’ve started working here… you know, since Cami isn’t here. It’s like all her clients know she’s on bedrest and are testing me.” My eyes narrow at the thought, causing Dani to laugh.
“Well, I’m putting myself on phone duty for the rest of the day, so that should help some. What else can I do?”
Don’t do it, Georgette. Don’t you spill your guts to this nice woman. She’s only here to help, not to be your therapist.
When I don’t say anything, she continues. “If you don’t tell me now, I’m only going to badger you until you do. I may be a Landry by marriage but I’m nosy as fuck, just like those related by blood. Besides, things are quiet right now; let’s take advantage of it.”
I wait a few seconds before blowing out a deep breath, ready to give in to Dani’s demands. I don’t really have anyone to talk to about things like this, besides Finley. He knows I’m struggling to make a decision about where I want to live but I don’t feel right griping about Trevor to him. It feels… awkward. The last thing I want is to mess up what progress we’ve made.
“I’ve been looking at places to buy or rent so I can stop living out of my suitcase,” I start.
“That’s very stressful. Do you have someone to help?”
“I do. Maverick and Shep have given me advice, Finley has been going with me to see the properties, and I have a realtor, as well, but it’s just overwhelming. I thought about renting a place but I’d really like to invest in something and have a place that’s mine, you know? And I found a fabulous townhouse I’d love to buy, but my boyfriend loses his shit every time I bring it up. He was against me moving here and hasn’t really changed his tune. Most days, I feel like he’s not even trying to understand.”
Letting out a heavy sigh, I think about spilling even more confessions, but stop there. That’s the gist of it, but not everything. Trevor’s lack of understanding is just the tip of the iceberg lately. The longer I’m here, the more distant he feels. I’d hoped it would be a case of distance making the heart grow fonder, but now, I’m not so sure.
“Ahh, so there’s a boyfriend.” When I nod my head, Dani presses her lips together, deep in thought. “I used to have one of those… a boyfriend in New York City. Pretentious and uptight? Thinks he knows what’s best for you and doesn’t listen when you disagree?”
Again, I nod my head.
“Yeah,” she says, blowing out a breath. “I’m not going to tell you how to live your life but I will say, my life improved greatly when I kicked my ex to the curb.”
“What happened?”
“I caught the bastard cheating.”
“Oh, shit, Dani. I’m so sorry.”
She laughs. “I’m not. Don’t get me wrong, I was devastated when it happened but I had a friend who helped me through it and eventually, that friend became my husband.”
I cover my mouth to try and hide the gasp that escaped. Color me fascinated. I want to know more about Dani’s story but I don’t want to pry too much. Plus, I can’t help but think about how what she shared with me is similar to me and Finley. Except the cheating. Trevor isn’t a cheater. I don’t think he really cares about sex enough to cheat anyway, but everything else she said is really hitting home with me.
Dani’s presence was just what I needed. She did as promised and manned the phones while I met with three potential buyers. One of them is interested in some of Cami’s work, which is wonderful. I wish we had more to show at the gallery, but I let them take home her portfolio and we’re planning to meet back up in a few days.
Hours later, I’m nestled in a small, corner table at Good Times, drinking from a bottle of champagne while I wait on Finn to finish his last set. For a day that started out to be the most stressful day I’ve had yet, it turned out not so bad.
When Finn sees me, the look of surprise on his face makes me smile.
Then, he starts cutting his eyes at me, smirking, and that makes me giggle.
And the giggle turns into full-on laughter.
Finley’s always had that effect on me—childlike giddiness and the ability to forget my problems—although, it could also be the champagne.
When he finally is able to join me at my table, I’m
well on the tipsy side.
Damn, he looks good.
Maybe I should lay off the champers.
“What’s this all about? What are we celebrating?” Finley asks while sitting next to me.
“I did something big today and I wanted to share the news with you. But, first, you need a glass!” I hold the bottle up, ready to pour.
He laughs before declining my offer. “I’ll stick to beer, but thank you. Now, tell me your news.”
“I bought the townhouse!” It’s pretty loud in the club tonight, so I make sure to lean close to Finley when I speak. You know, so he can hear me, not so I can smell him.
“Jette, that’s awesome! Congratulations.” He wraps his arm around me and pulls me to his side, kissing the top of my head. It feels so good to be this close to him, I want to snuggle closer and never leave. “You really did it, Jette. I’m proud of you.” He gives me another squeeze before letting me go and setting me to rights. I feel the loss of him immediately but it’s what I need to sober up.
You have a boyfriend, Georgette. And you’re not a cheater.
The temptation of Finley has been getting stronger and stronger, but I keep telling myself it’s nostalgia and pushing it down… down, down, down. Taking another sip of champagne, I regain the composure he stole and redirect my thoughts.
“Thanks, I’m really excited and I can’t wait to start moving in and furnishing the place. Of course, I have to find some time to fly up to New York and pack up the rest of my things, but I have a little time.”
There’s a change in Finley’s demeanor that almost slips by me. If I were completely sober, I’d be able to pinpoint the difference better but even so, I know something has changed.
“Have you told Trevor your big news?” he asks, focusing his attention on the label of the beer bottle in his hands.
“Not yet. He won’t be happy, but I don’t care. He can either support me or not.” I wish I felt as brave as my words sound. I mean what I said but I can admit to myself I’m avoiding telling Trevor because I know it’ll cause a fight… a fight we may not recover from.