Chapter Seven
Ellie
As I reach my arms above my head and stretch my legs, a yawn escapes—a reflection of the morning that came too soon.
Before, I would have closed my eyes, snoozed the alarm and tested the limits of punctuality. But today, I’m excited. You would think after a couple of weeks of the same routine that it would get old—the late nights and early mornings—but it doesn’t.
Even though this is a life I was forced into, it was my choice that led to the circumstances. No regrets.
Or so I tell myself. I guess I would be lying if I were to say it didn’t bother me how the events unfolded. I tried to raise my voice so I could be heard, but my wants fell upon deaf ears. Especially my father’s. My mom, she loved my father and even though she tried to support and fight for me as much as she could, when it came down to it, she chose him. She would always choose him.
Throwing my legs over the side of the bed, I welcome the coldness of the ceramic floor as I pad to the kitchen. Heating the kettle of water causes me to miss the mornings I spent at the house. Maggie, every morning, would bring up a tray filled with pastries, fruit and tea for two.
To some this would look like I had S.R.G.S., otherwise known as spoiled rich girl syndrome, but not so. Maggie was more than a housekeeper. She was my nanny, like a second mother. Those mornings, she brought me tea, but I fixed her one as well.
We would lounge around for an hour or two depending on her day’s schedule, talking about anything and everything. She gave me what I craved from my parents. Support. Maggie not only loves me, she cares about my passion for music. Accepts me for who I am.
I miss her.
While I wait for the water to heat, I head over to the sitting area and pull out my guitar.
This, my guitar—the feel of the neck in my hand, the back of the body against mine—is my security blanket. Home. And thanks to Maggie, I have it back. She didn’t know where to find me, but she knew where I hung out and Java Talk was one of those places. Thankfully, Jen was working when Maggie took my guitar there and made sure it ended up back in my hands.
Glancing out the window, I strum the chords, trying out a new melody, contemplating the everyday that awaits me outside these doors. Doors I have refused to open.
I know I should venture out and find other gigs, contact a few friends in the business, but right now I like the little secluded world I live in. Opening the doors opens me up to disappointment, and who needs that?
I switch gears and start playing an old favorite. Humming along to the tune brings me back to the night at Java Talk. Lee, standing there
smiling, eyes shining, watching my every move and then, I played this song and he left. As soon as he walked into my life, he ran back out.
He had my name. Well, my stage name, but still. He could have found me. Then again, I have his.
Hello, pot—kettle?
Speaking of which, mine is screaming at me to get along with my day.
Fix tea.
Shower.
Dress.
Work.
Nap.
Play.
Sleep.
This is what my life has become. It doesn’t define who I am tomorrow, but it does define who I am today and I’m okay with that.
Always running late. Well, technically, I’m not late, but I wouldn’t call it early either. Grabbing my purse, I run out the door and right into another.
“Shit!” I drop my purse, all of its contents scattering at my feet.
When I see the door, it turns out not to be a door at all, but a young woman, maybe around my age or so. She just stands there with a deer in headlights look. Frozen.
“I’m so sorry. I was in a hurry and wasn’t paying attention,” I apologize, yet she continues staring. Silent.
“Do you live across the hall?”
Nothing.
“Well, I just moved in a couple weeks ago.” I motion behind me with my thumb. “I’m surprised we haven’t run into each other before, but then again, I have weird hours.” I continue to talk, unsure what to say but the silence is awkward.
Blink.
Sticking out my hand, I introduce myself. “I’m Ellie.”
She looks down at my outreached hand, then looks me in the eyes and blinks a few more times before she speaks. “Hey,” she whispers, giving me a quick wave before she turns on her heel and locks herself in her apartment.
Throwing my purse over my shoulder, I hurry down the three flights of stairs and into the breakroom, stuffing my purse into my locker.
“There you are!” Cindy exclaims, startling me. She’s holding on to the doorframe as she peeks her head in. “Someone is here to see you.”
Clutching my chest, I let out a rush of air. “You scared the hell out of me.”
“Sorry. We are slammed out there. It’s like everyone showed up at once.” She nonchalantly points out that I’m late.
“I’m so sorry. I literally ran into my neighbor, or I think that’s who she is.” I smooth out my little black dress before I tie my Spotlight apron around my waist.
Cindy scrunches her brow. “Shapiro?”
“No, some girl.” I head toward the door to follow Cindy out. “She just stared at me. Barely spoke.”
“Ohhhh! Yeah, I’m not sure who she is. None of us are.” We round the corner to the bar when she whispers, “And when we ask, Shapiro quickly shuts us down.”
“Interesting.”
“Excuse me, Miss?” A familiar voice calls down from the opposite end of the bar. “I need to get the biggest steak you have.” Rain grins from ear to ear, holding her hands out wide. “HUGE.”
Reaching below the counter, I grab a menu and call back. “Miss, I’m afraid to break the news to you, but steak is only served on the dinner menu. May I suggest a bean burger?” I watch her face as her outstretched arms cross.
“Very funny, El.”
Slapping the menu on the counter, I turn to fill a couple glasses when Cindy comes up beside me, wiping off her hands.
“I need you to take a table.” She busies herself by beginning to fix a few drinks. “There is this guy who I had a quick thing with. It’s over and now he’s engaged.” I slowly begin to turn around, when Cindy’s hand flies out to stop me. “Don’t turn around he will know I’m talking about him.”
Taking a side-step closer to her, I look at the reflection in the mirror.
“Kyle was just…” She turns toward me, leaning her hip against the counter. “A mistake.”
“Kyle?” Who is Cindy talking about? I scan the crowd and my eyes fall on the table I think she means.
I can’t believe it. Spinning around, I turn to see it for myself. It’s him. He’s here.
Lee.
Lee
Ellie. She’s here.
Someone of her talent doesn’t stay put, they pass through. But she’s here. In Spotlight. Standing just a few feet away. Her hazel eyes meet mine.
I’m not sure what I’m feeling. It was just one night of conversation more than a month ago. Nothing more, nothing less.
“Lee?” Kyle speaks up, pulling my attention back to him.
“Uh, yeah.” I turn to face him, clearing my throat.
“Let’s talk business. I’ve talked to Drew and we both feel…” He clasps his hands together. “Oh look! Time to order. Hope you know what you want.”
“I hear the burgers are—” I turn to see Ellie walking up, taking all the words from my mouth.
Ellie is absolutely breathtaking. Her hair, pulled back, exposes her slender neck. A neck I now envision biting.
Where is this coming from?
“Hi. My name is Ellie and I’ll be your server today.” She plasters a fake smile across her face as she sets our drinks down.
I’m not sure what comes over me, but something she said that night at Java Talk gives me an idea. Holding out my hand, I say, “I’m
Lee. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Cocking her head to the side, her smile now genuine, she takes my offered hand, giving it one hell of a squeeze. One I’m almost sure is meant to be as painful as it is. “Nice to meet you.”
“Okay then!” Kyle interrupts, handing the menus over the table to Ellie. “We both will have the burger with onion rings and two Coors Lights.”
“Got it!” She gives me a once over before turning around and leaving.
“You are so in trouble.” Kyle shakes his head. “How long?”
“How long?” I echo, unsure of what he’s getting at.
“How long have you had a thing for her?” he asks.
“I don’t know her,” I lie.
Kyle leans back and cocks an eyebrow.
“Okay. I barely know her,” I admit.
“I’m not buying it.”
“Fine.” I continue my confession. “I met her a little over a month ago. We talked, it was nice and then I left.”
“You left?”
“I left.”
“I think there is more you’re not telling me, but that is neither here nor there.” Kyle reaches into a folder and pulls out some papers.
“Obviously, you don’t want to talk about it and I respect that, so let’s get down to business.”
“I’m all ears.” I sit back and wait for what I hope is a proposal that will solve all my problems.
“Drew filled me in on your grandmother.”
“I promise, she won’t be a problem. I have a home nurse coming for part of the day and the other I have neighbors checking in,” I interrupt, needing to explain myself.
Shutting the folder, Kyle leans over the table. “Lee, I’ve been in your shoes. I know the desperation you are feeling. I’m not here to scold you for putting your family first. I want to help.”
“Boss, I’m not looking for a handout. I just want a chance to prove myself,” I reply.
“First off, you’re going to have to cut out the “boss” comments. Especially since you are going to be one yourself.” He sits back in his chair, watching my reaction.
I did it!
“Are you saying what I think you are saying?” I pick up my water, draining the glass.
“Not exactly.”
There it is. Reality crashing down front and center. Crushing all my plans.
“Lee, I want to train you to take over my position at WilliamSon Construction. Drew and I both feel you are the only person with the leadership skills, drive and determination that could fulfill the job.”
“Thank you, Boss.”
“Kyle or Lewis, but ‘boss’ has to go,” he says, smiling over my head. “Here comes your girl.”
“Huh?”
“Two Coors Lights.” Ellie sets the long necks in front of us. “Your burgers will be out shortly.” She looks between the two of us. “Anything else?” She stands there, tugging on the tie of her apron.
“I think we’re good. Thanks.” Kyle picks up the beer, taking a long pull while Ellie walks off. “You drinking?”
“I’m on the clock.” I push the beer away. “Not a good idea.”
“We are ahead of schedule. I sent the crew home,” he responds, pushing the beer back toward me.
“Well, in that case.” I hold out my bottle. “Cheers.”
“To new beginnings.” Kyle clinks my bottle.
“New beginnings. I like that,” I confess, letting my eyes roam the crowd for the girl who has been crossing my mind since the moment our gazes locked.
“Instead of sitting there, waiting for her to come to you, why don’t you go after her?” Kyle breaks the silence.
“I’m going to use the restroom.” I stand, scooting the chair back.
“Riiiiight.” Kyle winks.
“Thanks for the advice.”
I zigzag in between the tables on my way to the bar. She’s disappeared, but a girl at the end of the bar hollers out, “She went to the restroom.”
Perfect.
Nodding my thanks, I hurry down the hall and wait against the wall. I’m not sure what I’m going to say or do, but this is my one chance to make this right.
“I play tonight, actually. You should come,” Ellie says to the woman she follows out, ignoring my presence.
“I think I will. Thank you.” The woman brushes up against the wall trying to cut through, knocking a picture down. “Oh no.” She bends to pick it up.
“I got it.” Ellie waves her off. “You wouldn’t believe how many times someone has knocked this thing down. I’m about to bolt it to the wall,” she says to put the lady at ease.
I push myself off the wall as Ellie bends down to pick up the picture.
She stands and I rush up behind her and whisper, “Are you tired?” I come to a halt as I run into her. Quickly steadying her with my hands, I lean in, my lips brushing her ear. “Because you have been running through my mind all afternoon.”
She whips around, smiling. “Well, well, well.”
“How was that? Did it work?”
“I could do better.” She spins on her heel to leave.
“Oh no you don’t.” I reach for her arm, turning her back around. “Have coffee with me.”
“I play tonight.”
“Okay then, tomorrow?” I counter. I’m not leaving here until she says yes.
“No, I meant I play tonight so how about in a couple hours.” Her face begins to show worry. “That is, if you promise not to run off this time.”
I hate that I did that to her, put doubt in her mind, but I couldn’t stay knowing she would eventually leave.
“Scout’s honor.” I hold my fingers up, switching between two and three, not really sure what I’m doing.
“You weren’t a Scout, were you?” She pushes my arm away. Our fingers brush against each other and just for a second, I hold on to her fingertips, letting them slowly slip away.
“Nope.”
“Cute. How about I meet you there in, say, three hours?” Ellie suggests.
“Perfect. It’s a date,” I answer, before my brain can process what girly things it’s saying.
“A date.” She shakes her head. “You’re cute.” She turns her attention to someone shouting her name. “I better go. I think your food is up,” she says as she walks away, leaving me standing here like the happiest idiot alive.
Maybe Kyle is right. With each door closing a new one opens.
To new beginnings.