by Laura Burton
Catherine always loved to sing. Her parents would boast that she could hold a tune before she even learned to speak. Whether that was true or not, Catherine had been singing at every opportunity she had growing up. Her older brother Johnny loved it.
“Sing it to me Cathy,” he would say. He always asked her to sing her thoughts rather than say them. Music calmed him and Catherine often obliged. She loved the vibrations in her midriff as she belted out a power ballad, and the way Johnny’s glassy eyes lit up whenever she poured her heart out. Standing on a stage, with the heat of the spotlights on her face and the rush of applause was thrilling enough, but Catherine’s favorite audience was her own family.
She proceeded to do what she had done at every performance she ever did.
She imagined her parents sitting at the table right at the front, beaming up at her with pride. And Johnny standing beside her, clapping and swaying to the music.
She allowed every atom of her being to swallow the music and flowed with it as she sang to the crowd.
For the duration of the performance, all worries were cast aside. She no longer cared about what Edward might say to her if she bumped into him at the event. No longer mortified at the way she fled the café after seeing Calvin in the street. All of her insecurities about not recycling enough were gone. She was Catherine Fisher, world renowned opera star. A musical sensation.
When the song finished and the audience erupted into applause, Catherine gracefully bowed and waved as she walked off the stage. Bright orbs of light obscured her vision as she returned backstage.
Someone patted her shoulder and congratulated her on a great performance. But the force of their hand knocked her off balance and she crashed into a clothes rail. She cried out with shock and her ankle gave way as she toppled off her feet into a strong pair of arms.
The strong sandalwood scent was familiar. She inhaled deeply and blinked up, her vision returning to normal.
His beautiful dimples were showing on both cheeks and a white halo shone around his gorgeous head as she looked up to him.
Edward.
Catherine didn’t know whether to bolt for the door or throw her arms around his neck and launch kisses all over his adorable face.
“Hey, are you alright?”
Catherine nodded with a drunken smile and stood up, pressing her hands against his chest. The bulging pecs beneath his shirt were firm and she blushed as she lowered her gaze to the black floor.
“It’s you,” she said to his shiny black shoes, unable to lift her eyes to meet his. Those piercing baby blues would surely see through her vain attempt to act cool. He could probably see her heart fluttering faster than the wings of a butterfly.
“Yes, it’s me.” Edward’s amused voice had Catherine rolling her lips inward. She pressed her teeth down to clamp her mouth shut. “And it’s you,” he continued.
A broad hand appeared into view and he lifted her chin up. She looked hesitantly into his eyes, and sure enough, those eyes were piercing her very soul. Her cheeks were burning now as she remembered the way she had left their date.
“I’m so sorry,” she fervently. “I can’t believe I ran away like that.”
“Water under the bridge.” Edward stuck out his elbow and looked at her expectantly. “Would you take a walk with me?” he asked softly. The question sounded so simple, so innocent, that Catherine could not help but slide her hand along his bicep and rest in the crook of his arm.
“I have to go onstage and sing again in about twenty minutes.”
“That means I have twenty minutes to convince you to go out with me tomorrow.”
“What?” Catherine looked at him with surprise and Edward’s face reddened.
“Did I say that out loud?” he asked.
They walked to a quiet place backstage, away from the lighting technicians and stylists. Catherine settled on a black music box as Edward leaned against a wall, his arms folded, and his face settled into a casual smirk.
“Why are you so interested in seeing me? Aren’t you worried I might run away again?”
Edward stared at her intently, perhaps considering how to formulate an answer. Catherine smoothed out the skirt of her ballgown and fidgeted as she waited.
“You know, I’ve dated a lot of women,” he began. Catherine cocked a brow and made to speak but Edward was not finished. “You’re the first one to be so…”
“What?” she asked, rising to her feet. “Difficult? Strong-willed? Independent?”
“Unpredictable.”
Catherine was unsure whether to be flattered or insulted for all the women who had dated this man in the past.
“You like the fact I don’t play along with your games, you mean,” she said, folding her arms. Edward rubbed the back of his neck.
Has that rattled you? Good.
“I don’t play games,” he said in a small voice. Catherine threw her head back with a laugh.
“What happened to ‘I like a challenge’?”
Edward lunged forward and took Catherine’s hand, the movement was so sudden it made her gasp. She stood rooted on the spot, her hand cradled in his, and glanced around to see if anyone was watching them. Frederick was talking to a couple of young women in the distance, but they seemed to be unaware of her and Edward.
“Is it really so hard to believe that I like you?” Edward asked. Catherine turned to see his eyes blazing into hers.
The warmth of his hands and the heat of his gaze sent her senses into a spin. Her pulse quickened and she took shallow breaths.
Is this what a panic attack feels like?
Catherine retrieved her hand and strode to the side door, pressing all of her weight on it to open.
“Hey, wait––”
Catherine did not look back as she stepped out into the back street, her heels splashing into a large puddle. Her gown was ruined for sure, but she didn’t care. It was hard to breathe, and she needed to get out of there.
“I just need a minute, you go on in and I’ll join you soon,” she said, glancing back at Edward who stood in the doorway. His shoulders were slumped and his crestfallen face tugged at her heart strings.
“Of course, I’ll just…” The door closed and Catherine took a deep breath, before letting out a rattling exhale.
She wondered why she was panicking. Edward told her that he liked her. That was innocent enough. But the effect it had on her was like he had just got down on one knee. He was clearly after something serious. She was not in a position to start a relationship. Not so soon after Calvin. Things moved between them far too quickly and she could sense things tumbling forward at mammoth speed with Edward too, if she didn’t reign it in. Every touch, furtive glance and chuckle only led him on. She should tell him the truth. He was wasting his time pursuing her. She had nothing to offer him.
“Cathy? Babe…”
Catherine froze, her chest stopped heaving and she turned icy cold.
A tall man with fiery red hair came into view and bent down to kiss her on the cheek. His musky cologne choked her as she stiffened against his touch. When his lips came into contact with her skin, she recoiled back and returned to her senses.
“C-Calvin,” she stuttered, barely able to make out his name. Of all the people to bump into. In a deserted alley no less. Catherine curled her fingers in and balled her hands into fists as she bit her tongue.
“How was your tour? I’ve missed you so much.” Calvin stroked her arm; and his fingers left a burning trail on her exposed flesh. She wanted to scream, but no sound came out when she opened her mouth.
“You look very pretty tonight; you know I love your hair up.” He grazed his knuckles down her cheek as his eyes travelled down her body. “This dress… you wore it the night we first met. Do you remember?”
She did remember. Calvin had bribed one of the security guards to let him backstage after her show. Having fallen hopelessly in love with her singing, he offered her a job at one of his clubs. And Calvin did not make offers you coul
d turn down.
He was considered a rich bachelor. He thought he could buy whatever––or whoever––he liked. As long as he was happy, he was charming. But when Catherine refused to move in with him as soon as he asked, she saw a side of him that was always there but hidden. It was like a sleeping monster had awoken. His sweet and charming demeaner turned sour and menacing.
She steadied her breathing as she looked into his dark eyes, determined not to allow him to sense her fear.
“I do remember,” she said finding her voice. “What are you doing here?”
“I found out you were going to perform tonight, so I bought a ticket.” His reply was simple, but her stomach lurched. He was still keeping tabs on her.
“Just to see me?”
“Well, believe it or not, I also care about global warming.” He flashed her a grin. She wanted to groan but forced herself to turn away from him instead. She was making for the door when Calvin grabbed her arm a little too tightly. His firm grip pinched her skin and she yelped like a wounded puppy.
“Wait––” he said, but something cut him off.
Catherine looked back, and Calvin’s fingers uncurled from her arm as he fell to the ground with a groan. A flash of movement by her side sent her blood pumping. She stared at Calvin, who was now scrambling on the floor like an insect. Edward towered over him, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, his shoulders squared, his fists clenched.
“Didn’t anyone teach you not to grab a lady?” he said.
Catherine backed away and stared at the exchange wondering if she was dreaming. Calvin was soaking wet, having fallen into the large puddle she stepped into earlier. His expensive suit was stained. His eyes were wide and furious as he launched to his feet.
“Who do you think you are?” he spat, shaking the water off his jacket. The two men stared at each other, squared up and almost the same height. Catherine watched Calvin––as if in slow motion––roll his shoulder with his fist pulled back, ready to launch an attack.
Edward did not answer his question and the fury in Calvin’s eyes told Catherine what was about to happen.
In a panic, she thought of the only solution to this predicament and stumbled forward to grab Edward’s arm, clutching his tense bicep.
“He’s with me, Calvin,” she said quickly. Calvin lowered his hand slightly and looked at her incredulously.
“This guy?” he gestured to Edward, rubbing his cheek. A bruise was already beginning to form underneath his left eye. “He attacked me for no reason!”
Edward took a step forward.
“Anyone who touches my girlfriend is asking for a world of pain,” he said.
Catherine’s heart leapt. Edward was being protective. She silently thanked him for going along with her lie. She clutched his arm for dear life and stared Calvin down as if Edward’s strength was soaking into her. Suddenly Calvin looked very small; dripping wet and lost, standing in a giant puddle of water. His inky eyes lingered on her before he sneered at Edward.
“Your girlfriend?” he asked. Then he laughed darkly. “My mistake.” He looked back at Catherine and his face twisted. “You moved on fast.”
Edward shoved him.
“You don’t speak to her. You don’t even look at her. Do you understand me?” he said firmly.
“She’s all yours.” Calvin made to walk away but stopped with a finger pressed to his lips in thought. Then he pointed at Catherine, who didn’t dare move for fear his finger would turn into a gun and fire right at her heart. “Just a word of caution.” Then he looked at Edward. Edward did not flinch. He remained braced as if ready to throw another punch. “She’ll lead you on, and when she’s bored, she’ll drop you without any hesitation.”
Catherine clenched her jaw and scowled at Calvin.
How can he say that?
“Get out of here,” Edward growled.
Catherine crossed her arms and clamped her teeth to stop herself from trembling. Her body shivered with the rush of adrenaline that was surging through her veins.
Calvin raised his hands in defeat and shrugged.
“See you around Cathy. By the way, you still have something of mine, I’ll be over to collect soon.”
The words hit Catherine square between the eyes, and she stared at him unable to utter a response as he swaggered out of view around the corner of the alley that joined the main street.
“Hey.”
Catherine flinched at the touch of a hand on her arm. The same place Calvin had taken hold. She looked at Edward, who stepped back and studied her with concern.
“Are you okay?”
Shaken, Catherine nodded before she broke out into a furious pace.
“Look at my dress! I have to sing… and what does he think he’s doing following me?” She marched back and forth as Edward watched silently. “How am I supposed to go back in there? See, I told you I’m no good for you. Too much baggage.”
“I’m not afraid of baggage,” Edward said warmly. His head cocked to the side as he studied her. “Do you want me to take you home? Sam will cover for you.” The low rumble of his voice was even and calming. Catherine could already feel her defences lowering. She figured he was good with animals. The way he was able to stay calm and use his voice to bring someone back from the edge.
“How will Sam cover for me?”
“He’s a musician.”
“Oh.” Catherine considered the offer as she glanced down at her sodden dress and chewed her bottom lip.
Even if her gown was in immaculate condition, her constricted throat would make it hard not to sound like a cat’s chorus. She became consumed with worry. When would Calvin show up next? What did she have that belonged to him? She had no idea. It would be just like Calvin to plant something in her apartment so he could have an excuse to show up again. She wanted to throw her head back and scream at the huge moon lighting up the dark sky.
Instead, she looked up at Edward who had his hands placed on his hips, his forearms exposed, and dark wavy hair swept to the side. He had undone the top two buttons of his white shirt, a few dark chest hairs peeped into view. Catherine thought she could have been on a remote island and he would be the pirate. Her imagination ran wild as a grin crossed her face.
Edward appeared to be ignorant to her thoughts as he gave her an odd look, as if trying to weigh her up. Then he matched her grin and pulled out his phone from his pocket.
“Sam, Catherine is not feeling well. You’re in luck, now is your opportunity to shine.”
Catherine watched silently, still biting her lip as she listened to Sam’s faint rant from the phone.
Get a grip, Catherine. Just go back in there and do your job.
She was still wrestling with her thoughts, toing and froing between obligation and her natural instinct to run away, when the phone fell silent and Edward’s grin grew ear to ear. All of his white teeth gleamed at her as he hung up the phone. The look on his face had Catherine smiling too and she dropped her shoulders to let out the breath she had been holding.
Edward took her hand; a flurry of excitement grew in her stomach and she squeezed his hand.
“May I take you home?” The way he said it was so gentle, so calm. She was sure that this man could lead an animal to the slaughter just with the sound of his voice. She nodded and the two of them walked hand in hand down the street.
Chapter Eight
A Bashful Hero
“…and that’s how I got these scars,” Edward ended as he pulled up outside of Catherine’s apartment, holding up his left hand for her to inspect.
Edward had talked non-stop during the entire car ride. He was known to ramble when he was nervous. It was unusual for him to feel anything but confident. His stomach churned as he glanced to the side at her, and his brain spun with thoughts of self-doubt. There was something about Catherine that had him feeling out of depth. He wondered if it was because for the first time in his life, he didn’t have his wealth to fall back on. With Catherine, he couldn’t hide behi
nd fancy gifts and lavish dates. Without the penthouse suite, limousine and blank cheques to write… he was exposed.
What if she didn’t think he was funny? What if he said something stupid and offended her? What if she thought he was boring? The thoughts bombarded his mind at an unprecedented rate. It jabbed at his previously iron-clad ego and left him shaken.
Oddly, the effect only made him want to pursue Catherine more.
“Thanks for the ride. You have a really cool car.” Catherine traced her fingertips along the classic style dashboard and shot Edward a sheepish look. Her eyes reflected the yellow lamplights from outside and looked like two golden orbs staring at him. Her rosy lips were set apart slightly and she bashfully tucked her dark hair behind her ear. Edward, as if drawn to a magnet, leaned in without thinking. His lips hovered barely an inch from hers when the passenger door swung open. In one swift motion, Catherine slid out and let out a breathy laugh.
“I’ll see you around,” she said, offering a jolly wave. Edward’s heart sank as he lifted his hand in the air.
“I’ll call you,” he shouted from the car. Catherine pointed at him with a wink and picked up the bottom of her gown as she walked up the steps to her apartment.
“I’ll call you?” Edward repeated to himself in an angry whisper. “You sound like an idiot.” Struck by a sudden thought he pushed open his door and bolted out of the car.
“Hey,” he shouted, leaning against the car roof and resting his weight on his forearms. Catherine swiveled on the spot, her gown swished and shimmered in the dim lights and her beautiful brows were raised expectantly. Edward swallowed. “If Calvin gives you anymore trouble…” he trailed off with the most earnest look he could muster.
I’ll beat the lights out of him. He added to himself. Catherine stood simply. She held her purse with her delicate hands and stared at him. A warmth spread across his chest as he watched her lips curve upward appreciatively. She bobbed her head in acknowledgement.