Chapter Eleven

NORAH ISN’T SURE HOW the phone call with the University and the Department of Defense is going to go this morning. She definitely never suspected that they will praise her for a job well done and commission her to complete a new project using the same technology.

But does she want to?

Sure, the University has been her home since she was eighteen and it was where she had met Jameson, but her life doesn’t seem confined there any longer. Her friends have moved away, her favorite professor Dr. Lewis is no longer on tenure since he was found to be working with her father, and her best friend hasn’t lived on campus in two years.

She has missed so much, but if she left what does she do? She doesn’t want to encroach herself into Ryker’s life by guilting him into letting her stay. And what if he doesn’t want her to stay? They have discussed the day to day, but there has been no mention of their future.

Norah takes the steps down to the basement in search of Ryker knowing that he and Harlan had planned on knocking out a few demos in this studio today. She has missed him since most of their morning and afternoon have been spent apart, but she surmises that the distance is good for them, especially if they are going to spend more time apart than together.

Remembering that his band just finished a tour she’s certain that he will be in the studio for a few months and then preparing for another tour. The thought of him being surrounded by women, groupies, is almost too much for Norah to bear and she turns to head back up the stairs until she hears her name called out.

“Norah! Hey, I was just coming to look for you,” Ryker says as he wraps her in his arms with Harlan behind him rolling his eyes.

“Well, you found me,” Norah jokes, but it falls down flat as Ryker’s smile changes to a frown.

“Everything okay?”

“Sure,” she lies. “Why wouldn’t it be?”

“I don’t know. Anyway. We just finished up. We got six songs knocked out, so we’re going to send them to the record company tonight. Do you want to hear them?”

The earlier notion of Ryker having to go back on stage and tour claws at Norah. It seems like everything is working against them

“Hey, are you sure that you’re okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“Yes. I’m fine, just like I said. And I wanted to talk to you about my phone calls.”

“Oh, yeah, I want to hear all about them. Can you give me like ten minutes so I can get a quick shower?” he asks as he pulls his shirt away from his body, the sweat dripping down his skin.

If she wasn’t so tormented by her emotions she would reach out and lick it.

“Sure, I’ll wait for you.”

Ryker bounds up the stairs, and she had almost forgotten that Harlan had been standing aside silently taking in their conversation. She turns in his direction and frowns at the look of annoyance on his face.

“What?” she lashes out and then quickly apologizes. “Sorry.”

“What do you think you’re doing?” he asks in his deep voice, one that would scare a normal person.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Look. I know I’m not the first one to say this to you because you have that look in your eye like I’m about to repeat a conversation. But I’m going to do it anyway. Don’t do something stupid. That boy is head over heels for you, and you look like you’re about to crush him.”

“So, what do you suggest that I do? What does everyone suggest that I do? I just got over the fact that my life is about to be turned upside down because I’m dating Ryker James. Now I have to deal with the fact that my job wants me to continue and I’ve been commissioned for a new project. A project that I get to head up. Tell me what the alternative is? Do I ask him to give up everything for me? Or should I give up everything that I know for him? Which one is it because I don’t see a happy median in this scenario,” she blows as her arms wave wildly in the air trying to explain her situation to the stone cold stare of Harlan.

“There is always a way.”

“Then tell me what it is because I can’t see it. And everything to Ryker is through rose-colored glasses right now. There is no reality to him where we’re concerned.”

“Is that what you think?” Ryker whispers from the top of the stairs.

Startled Norah spins on her heel and gazes up at her maddened boyfriend on the steps. “Ryker, I didn’t see you there. I thought you were taking a shower.”

“Obviously. So, is that what you think? That I don’t have a grip on reality and that there is no way for us to work this out?”

He moves to stand in front of her and Norah has to reach out to grasp the edge of the pool table where Ryker had been stitched up beside it just yesterday,  now it seems like an eternity ago

“Tell me. Is that what you think?” he repeats.

“I don’t know what I think?” she whispers as the sob threatens to unleash from her chest.

“Okay then,” Ryker shrugs as he walks back to the studio, Norah’s eyes bore into his back with every pace. He doesn’t acknowledge her as he exits now with his phone in his hand.

At the top of the stairs, he turns to glance over his shoulder, “Forgot my phone. Didn’t want to miss reality calling and all.”

“That’s not what I meant -” she says, but her words trail off as Ryker walks away.

She looks to Harlan for reassurance or support but finds nothing in his distant gaze. Instead, he shakes his head at her and then follows Ryker’s path up the stairs leaving her alone in the basement with nothing more than her thoughts and fears coming to life before her.

After a few minutes, Norah takes the steps silently back to the first floor. At first, she hesitates at the top of the stairs fearful of what she may run into if she walks into the kitchen. But as she moves into the open area, she’s surprised to find no one around. No noise coming from the television where Eli and Cohen usually make themselves at home. No tapping away on a keyboard where Jameson would perch during the day with his laptop. Not even a few guitar strums from Ryker sounding out a melody in his head.

Just silence and it's deafening.

What does she do from here? Does she look for Ryker to talk it out? Give him space? Or was that it and they’re finished?

It’s not as if she has anything to take with her other than the clothes on her back. Nothing else is of importance.

Deciding the best course of action is to let him cool off, she exits out the front door and follows the pathway to the security gate that refuses to budge. She pushes and tugs against the door without it shifting an inch and a sigh escapes.

Thankfully as she turns around, she finds Eli heading toward her in one of the cars Ryker keeps stored in his garage.

“I thought you had left,” Norah points out.

“Cohen and I offered to stay until they could fill Gary’s position. Where are you headed?” he asks curiously.

“I . . . don’t know. Just away I guess.”

“How about some pie? I could use some pie.”

“Sure, that sounds good,” Norah replies as she waits for Eli to unlock the door and then she slides in.

“Now, where does one get pie around here?” Eli asks as the gate opens before them.

“I know just the place.”

 

ANGIE’S IS PACKED FOR the dinner-time rush as they arrive and they move to the dining bar along the back snagging the last two seats. They each order a few servings of pie in different flavors and sip on some sweet tea as they take in the room.

“So I hear you’re thinking of heading back to Virginia,” Eli says as a statement.

“Who told you that?” Norah asks as she spoons a hearty portion of apple pie and ice cream.

“No one. I was in the security house and heard the conversation.”

“Oh. So I guess you’re here to tell me that I’m making a bad choice and that it could work out if I want it to,” she replies as she turns her attention to Eli.

“Nope, not at all. Actually, I think it’s smart of you to cut the ties loose before you both become too invested in the relationship. It allows for a cleaner break. And I mean long distance relationships don’t have a great track record. Neither does dating a rock star.”

Slouching over her plate Norah considers what he is saying. And though truthful the words still sting.

“You’re not very good at this conversation thing are you?”

“Nope. I’m usually the quiet one of the group.”

Norah takes a few more bites of her pie and then switches to another flavor.

“Your advice sucks by the way. Just so you know.”

“I figured as much.”

“My brain is all over the place. I don’t see a way of this working without hurting him or myself in the process.”

“That’s life. People get hurt every day. But not everyone gets a chance at love. Don’t let the opportunity pass you by,” Eli suggests as he stands from his seat and wipes his face with his napkin. Tossing a few bills on the table, he gives Norah a one-sided hug. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Norah. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you soon.”

“Where are you going?”

“Figured you could probably use some time to think things over. Just give Jameson a call if you need to be picked up. I’d be happy to take you wherever you’d like to go.”

“Thanks, Eli,” she sighs into her fork as he swaggers away from the table leaving a trail of women eyeing him on his exit.

Norah finishes off the five pieces of the pie because she sees no reason not to. Not out of guilt but because a woman having an emotional breakdown deserves all of the pie she wants. And a coffee with a shot of whiskey. Make that a double shot.

Feeling a nice buzz, she doesn’t realize that the seat beside her becomes occupied or that Ryker’s scent is the masculine fragrance that has her closing her eyes to take in more of it. She barely notices as Ryker turns her on the stool to face him or that his hand strokes her cheek. Norah just knows that the feeling is one she wishes that she could bottle up and take with her to Virginia.

“Princess,” he whispers, and she opens her eyes to gaze into his beautiful bluish gaze.

“There are two of you,” she whispers. “I like it.”

“How much did you have to drink?” he jokes as he reaches over and sniffs her coffee cup.

“I don’t know. Enough I suppose.”

She watches as he nods, the motion making her stomach churn in response, so she closes her eyes to fend off nausea.

“Come on,” Ryker says from beside her as he extends a hand. “I want to talk to you about something.”

“Is it bad?” she whispers as she bites down on her lip as her anxiety grows.

“That only depends on what you consider bad.”

 

*

 

RYKER LEADS NORAH BACK to the same private room that they occupied only a few short days ago. So much has changed since then but then other things have stayed the same – specifically his feelings for Norah. He knew from the moment she rushed into his sister’s wedding that she was meant to be his, meant to change his life for the better. He hadn’t known it was possible to fall in love so hard and so completely - until her. To need that person in your life to make every day worthwhile. And though the emotion had taken him by surprise, he wouldn’t change a second of their time together. Not even the attacks, because they are what brought them to this very moment.

Across from him, he watches Norah’s glazed eyes focus on the small flicker of the candle on the table in amusement. Sometimes he forgets that they’re both so young, that many people will think he is crazy for already knowing who he wants to spend the rest of his life with. But both of them have done so much, become something so great on their own that he feels as if he is older than most. He’s certain that Norah feels the same.

Ethel, their waitress, steps up to the table carrying two glasses of water and Ryker pushes both of them in Norah’s direction causing Ethel to chuckle.

“Can I get you anything?” she asks.

“We’ll take two orders of the meatloaf,” he replies never taking his eyes off of Norah as she chugs the first glass of water.

“She had five slices of pie. I’m not sure she will have much of an appetite,” Ethel explains as if Norah isn’t right there.

“That’s okay. We can always take some back to the house for later.”

Ethel silently walks away leaving Ryker with Norah at the table. He reaches out and snags her hand causing her to focus on him.

“How are you feeling?” he asks.

“A little woozy.”

“That’s okay. I imagine that you don’t drink very often. Let’s get some more water and food in your stomach, and that should help.”

Luckily Ethel brings out a basket of bread for them to snack on and Norah dives into the first piece after smothering it in butter.

“Good?” he chuckles, and she nods enthusiastically in reply.

The silence grows between them, but it’s not uncomfortable. Instead he relishes in it. Normally he needs to be surrounded by something to keep his attention, but just being around Norah is enough to suffice him.

Just as Ethel brings out their orders of meatloaf Norah’s eyes begin to clear.

“Feeling better?”

“Yes. Sorry about that.”

“It’s okay. Luckily you seem to have a good metabolism, so you wore off your buzz pretty quickly. Now, go ahead and eat if you’re hungry. If not we’ll box it up and take it home.”

“I could still eat,” Norah claims as she plunges her fork deep into the meatloaf and then wraps those plump lips around the tines as they enter her mouth.

Ryker watches her take a few bites before he takes his own, enjoying the home cooked meal before him.

“So, I want to talk to you about earlier,” he poses and Norah stiffens in her seat.

“Ryker, you have to know where I’m coming from. That this is almost impossible to figure out.”

“No, it’s really not. Just open your eyes, Norah. Look at what’s around you.”

“Do you want me to tell you to give up music? That’s the only option that I see.”

“Is it? And, Norah, if it is, then I’ll do it. You’re worth it.”

Surprise registers on her face like she didn’t expect him to give up his career for her, his passion. But he would in a heartbeat if she asked.

“I can’t have you do that.”

“So what do you suggest then? Because I’ll be damned if I let you slip through my fingers.” Ryker asks as he bears his arms onto the table and leans forward.

“I don’t know,” she whispers and Ryker witnesses firsthand the despair on her face.

“Well, I do.”

Her face pops up, and she pins him with her watery eyes as hope grows in her eyes.

“What? What is it?” she practically bounces in her seat.

“You stay here, with me. We’re not touring for a while since Cassidy is pregnant and Harlan wants to stay closer to home. We all agreed since we’ve been non-stop for four years.”

“But I need a job. And I was asked to consider taking on a new project by the Commissioner.”

“Tell him no,” Ryker commands, his voice quickly turning to stone. “That man put your life in danger once I won’t have him do it again.”

“Ryker, that kind of work is what I’m good at. It’s all I know.”

“No, it’s not. You’re good at everything. And I already have a lead on another job for you.”

“What’s that? A chemistry teacher at the high school?” she asks sarcastically, and Ryker sits back in his chair wondering why he hadn’t thought of that. It would most definitely be a safer career path for her, and he would sleep better at night.

Shaking his head, he says, “No, I had a talk with someone who owns their own company, and they’re looking to expand into software and biometric development.”

“That’s great, Ryker, but where is the company located? The closest city is Asheville, and that is an hour away.”

“Well, I’m so glad you asked because the owner is on their way here as we speak.”

“What? Ryker, you can’t just set up a job interview for me when I’ve been drinking!” she cries out and then looks down at her outfit and grimaces at her T-shirt and jeans. “Oh my gosh, I look like a teenager, Ryker. How could you do this?”

“Easily,” a deep voice says from the private rooms opening, and Jameson’s familiar figure eases into the room. “Hey, Norah.”

“I don’t understand,” she whispers as Jameson takes a seat beside Ryker and her eyes dart back and forth between the two of them.

“Well, Jameson owns a company,” Ryker begins.

“A software company,” Jameson adds in.

“And he needs to increase staff for the projects his company has been asked to take on,” Ryker says.

Jameson uses the break to chime in. “Norah, you’re one of the hardest working people I know, and you’re fucking smarter than I could ever wish to be. You catch onto things quickly and find solutions to problems before we even know that they may exist. You would be the perfect person to head up the new venture.”

“Are you sure you’re not just doing this to keep me here?” Norah questions.

“Of course we are,” Jameson exclaims. “You’re overqualified for whatever project I could ever give you, that’s why the government wants to keep you under their thumb. But work for me, Norah. You won’t regret it.”

She turns her attention to Ryker, and it warms him from the inside to know that she is considering his take on all of this. “And you’re okay with this? With me working for Jameson?” she hesitantly asks.

“Princess, if it keeps you with me, I wouldn’t care. To be honest, you don’t have to work at all, but I know that having a career is an integral part of you. I get it.’

Norah rests back in her chair and stares at her half-eaten meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Ryker and Jameson exchange looks but decide to let her think on herself for a few minutes. But the suspense is killing him slowly.

Ethel stops by their table and removes their plates nodding her head in Norah’s direction as she stares off into space.

Finally, Ryker has had enough, and he reaches for her hand just as her head pops up and a wary smile surfaces.

“I’ll do it,” she professes. “But I have some rules.”

Jameson claps his hands and bounces out of his seat to hug Norah. “You won’t regret this. Anything you need you come to me. We can do this however you like.”

“Jameson, you’re choking me,” Norah whispers beneath Jameson’s large arm. She coughs once he lets up.

“God, I have so much to do. I’ll catch you guys later. Norah,” he says as he ducks out of the room. “You start on Monday.”

“Okay,” she replies but Jameson has left a trail of dust in his wake.

“Are you good with this? Is this what you want?” Ryker asks as he comes to her side of the table and grabs her hand.

“I never even thought of this as a possibility. Jameson never said anything.”

“You never gave him a reason to try to get you to stay. You were always so dedicated to your work that he didn’t want to pull you from that. But this is a good alternative. You’ll get to do a little bit of all the things you love.”

“I guess that means I have to call the Department of Defense and the University to break the news to them.”

“Probably, but do you know what else this means?” Ryker asks as he pulls her from the table and into his arms.

“What’s that?”

“That we get to be together.”

“This is probably the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Norah smiles up at him, and he presses his lips against hers. “Best day of my life was you crashing my sister’s wedding.”