Music of the Heart, page 5
What the hell? Why would Merritt say that? Ashleigh and I didn’t exactly hit it off tonight. Damn it, what if she’s right? Maybe I should go and try to make Ashleigh jealous. But why? I don’t need a girl in my life, especially not one who works and travels as much as I do. We would never see each other.
“You’re fucking crazy Merritt. I’m not trying to make anyone jealous, especially not Ashleigh. You can’t make someone jealous who you don’t even really like.”
“Okay. You keep telling yourself that and we’ll just see what happens. I know you and I know my best friend. And I’m never wrong about this stuff. Now get your ass in there and dance. I put a lot of work into tonight for your mom and you’re not going to sit outside and sulk the rest of the night like a big ass baby.”
With that, Merritt walks off and I sit there just staring at her dumbfounded. How in the hell does she know everything? You can’t ever lie to Merritt. She has this crazy way of knowing the truth.
I walk back inside and Haley is actually waiting by the door for me like a puppy dog waiting on their owner to come home.
“There you are. Let’s go dance. You promised me.”
I want to say no but I did promise and maybe it will be fun to sit there and make Ashleigh jealous. I just need to find where she is now.
Chapter Eight
ASHLEIGH
After I rush to finish dinner, Merritt’s assistant, Peyton comes to get me so I could go and warm up my voice. The band was about to kick things off and get the crowd dancing. Merritt had just asked me to sing two or three songs because of my voice but I was prepared to sing five songs.
As I was getting ready, Laken came back to where I was warming up.
She handed me a bottle of water. “I just wanted to check on you. Are you feeling okay? Is your voice feeling well enough to sing tonight?”
Merritt and I had told Ava, Laken and Ellis about my voice and what the doctor said over lunch a few days ago. Of course, my four friends are worried about me and are being overprotective but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s how we are. We watch out for each other.
“I’m good Laken. Thank you for checking and thanks for the water. Now get out there and find Reed and have fun on the dance floor.”
At that moment, Peyton comes up. “Hey Ashleigh, Elizabeth is on stage about to introduce you. Are you ready?”
I give Laken a quick hug and head out to wait to go on the stage. As I am standing off to the side, I catch the end of Elizabeth’s introduction…
“…She has become a very dear person to me over the past few weeks and I am so happy she agreed to sing tonight. Ladies and gentleman, please welcome the beautiful and talented Ashleigh Kennedy!”
I walk out on the stage and give Elizabeth a big hug. Before I speak to the crowd, I double check everything with the band and they’re all ready to go.
I had picked five of my favorite songs to sing – three slow ones and two fast ones. The moment I begin to sing I can feel someone watching me. I know what you’re thinking. There are hundreds of people looking at me while I sing but in the short two hours of being here, I have learned there is only one person who makes me feel the way I am feeling right now.
I don’t try to find him. I’m not sure what my reaction would be if I saw him just staring at me. Hell, I would probably mess up my words. Instead, I sing my heart out and don’t even pay much attention to the crowd. After two slow songs, I move on to a fun fast one. It’s time again for my most favorite and romantic slow song called Pieces of Me.
“Thank you so much again. I’ve got two more songs I want to sing for you tonight before we kick off the silent auction event for the evening. This next song is one of my favorites. If you’ve ever seen my show live, you know I’ve been known to sing this song more than once in a show much to the fans requests. It’s a slow one so grab that special someone and enjoy as I sing ‘Pieces of Me.’”
I begin to sing and instantly I am drawn to look at the back of the dance floor. I come face to face with Cross dancing with that girl he was sitting with but I can’t remember her name. He’s making quite the show of dancing with her even though he can’t stop looking at me. I tear my gaze away from them and finish my song.
“Again, thank you so much. For my last song, I wanted to sing something that had meaning to why we are here tonight. Obviously, every one of us is here to support the cause of Breast Cancer Awareness tonight. I have a song that just feels perfect to honor all of the women out there that are dealing with this illness, have survived this illness as well as those we have lost. I will be needing some help tonight. So, Elizabeth, Victoria, Merritt, Laken, Ava, Ellis, Katie and Brooke, come up here and help me sing this song! Ladies and gentleman, this is ‘For the Girls.’”
This is a fast and upbeat song that gets everyone dancing. I make all of my girls dance and sing on stage with me and the crowd is having a blast. I happen to glance to the back of the room and see an actual smile on Cross Hamilton’s face. I also happen to notice his dance partner has disappeared.
When the song ends, I thank the crowd once more and walk off the stage. The band takes a fifteen-minute break as well. Peyton is waiting on the side of the stage with a bottle of water and it’s just what I need. I tell Merritt I’ll be over to our table in just a few minutes and just take some time to catch my breath. My throat is a bit scratchy too but I don’t want to let on to any of the girls that it’s bothering me and I don’t want Elizabeth to hear anything. I’m afraid she’s feel bad if she knew what was going on.
I’m getting ready to walk back to the table when I feel him. “That was amazing Ashleigh. Your singing – wow, just wow.”
“Oh, thank you. Look, I’ve got to get back to the table.”
He grabs my arm before I can walk away. “Wait. Will you dance with me? Please?”
“Cross, look, I just want to go back to the table and have a drink and dessert with my friends.”
“One dance. That’s all I’m asking for is one dance.” With those words, he doesn’t wait for an answer. He takes my hand and leads me to the dance floor.
By the time we get out there, the band is coming back from their break. They begin playing a slow song and he pulls me in to dance. I’m not sure what to think about the close contact between us. I don’t want to admit how nice this feels and how well we fit together. Our bodies fit perfectly with each other. Cross decides to break the silence between us.
“So, you and Keith Rivers… are y'all a couple or something? The two of you looked pretty close at dinner.”
I try to hide my giggle. “Lord no. Why, were you jealous? Keith is one of my closest friends. I have a lot of friends that play for the Falcons and the Americans. It’s part of the job. Besides, Keith has a serious girlfriend who lives in Florida. She’s moving up here after the season is over.”
“Oh, sorry. Y’all just look pretty cozy together. I was just going to warn you how big of a dick he was.”
“Excuse me? I don’t know what problem you have with Keith but he is one of the nicest guys I have met since living in Atlanta which is more than I can say for you. Look, maybe you need to go and find your little arm candy from earlier tonight. I’ve got to get back to my friends.”
Before he can try to say anything else, I walk away leaving him alone on the dance floor.
The night continues on with an amazing dessert buffet that Ava created and a silent auction. So many people were generous to donate items from gift baskets to elaborate trips and so much more. I bid on a few things and decide to stuff my face with as many sweets as I can. As I’m sitting at the table with my girls, I notice Cross talking to the guys.
“So, you like what you see over there Ashleigh?”
“Merritt, shut up. There could never be anything between us. We just met and we already butt heads. Besides, I don’t have time for that.”
“So why can’t he take his eyes off of you?
I roll my eyes at her and decide I need to call it a night. I’m tired and I just want to go home and rest my voice.
“Hey look, I think I’m going to head home. Will you be mad if I go ahead and leave? Any chance someone else can announce the winners tonight? I’m just going to grab a taxi out front.”
“Of course someone else can announce them but why are you leaving? Are you feeling okay? Wait! Your voice – you messed it up more when you sang, didn’t you? How bad is it hurting right now? And tell the truth.”
By this time, Merritt has gotten a little loud and all of our friends can hear her at the table. The girls already know but the guys are clueless or at least they used to be.
Dixon is the first to say something. “What is Merritt talking about Ashleigh? What’s wrong with your voice?”
“Guys, it’s nothing. I promise. I’m just tired and I want to go home and get some rest.”
Ellis looks dumbfounded, “Ashleigh, how can you say it’s nothing. You could ruin your voice and…”
“What they hell are they talking about Ashleigh? Should you even have been singing tonight?” Cross catches me off guard when he yells out at me. I mean, he doesn’t even fucking know me. Now, Reed is hounding me.
“Seriously, Ashleigh. We all know it’s bothered you before but they warned you to take it easy. What’s going on now?”
What the hell?! All of a sudden everyone is ganging up on me thanks to Merritt’s loud mouth. And Cross? I mean, of anyone sitting here, he has no right at all to question my singing.
“First of all guys, lay off of me for tonight please. We can all talk about it later or I’m sure when I leave, you can feel free to talk about me behind my back. I’ve been to the damn doctor like I was told to and I am trying to take care of myself. Unfortunately, my job requires me to use my voice. And as for you Cross Hamilton, you can shut the hell up and leave me the fuck alone. You have been nothing but a pain in my ass tonight and my little situation does not involve you at all. You don’t even know me and have no right to speak to me the way you just did or to get into my business. This does not concern you at all.”
With that, I storm away. Thankfully, no one follows me. I think they are all stunned I just lashed out at them because that was unlike me. I find Elizabeth and Victoria and thank them for a lovely evening and let them know I need to get home to rest.
I make it to the front and ask the valet to get me a cab. As he is calling, a black Escalade pulls up and an older man steps out.
“Ms. Kennedy, my name is Thomas and I was asked to get you home safely. You can go ahead and get in the car and I’ll drive you home.”
“Excuse me? I don’t even know you. Who asked you to drive me home? Wait, let me guess Cross Hamilton? Right?”
“Um, yes, Cross asked me to take you home. I work for him and he called me. If you’ll just get…”
“I’m sorry, Thomas. There is no way in hell I am getting in that car with you. Not only do I not know you but I would rather walk home than take any help from Cross Hamilton.”
Thankfully, the cab pulls up and I hurry to get in the back. I lay my head back as the driver takes me home. I just need to forget the end of this night ever happened.
CROSS
It’s been three days since the benefit and I have thrown myself into my work. I actually managed to stay home for a few weeks so I could be in town for the girls’ big Halloween party and my birthday. I am leaving again on November 3rd for another huge business trip to Canada. There is a huge property that is being sold and my company is looking into buying it.
What I have tried not to do is to think about Ashleigh. That’s not working so well for me though. I have asked Dixon about her once and he actually told me she left town and no one actually knows where she went. I won’t lie. That worried me. But he assured me that the girls had talked to her but she wouldn’t tell them where she was – just that she needed some time away.
I am so consumed into my business plan for the trip, I don’t even notice how late it’s gotten. I hear my door open and get ready to yell that I asked not to be interrupted but then realize it’s Reed and Dixon with lunch.
“Hey man, you up for a lunch break. Barbara told us you’ve been here working since 7:30 a.m. and haven’t taken a break. It’s 1:00 man, relax and come over here and eat with us.”
“Thanks Reed. I honestly didn’t realize it was already 1:00. I’ve been really busy working.”
Dixon looks at me. “I know you’ve got a huge deal to work on but I also know that’s not all consuming your thoughts. You’ve been thinking about Ashleigh, haven’t you?”
“Not today man, not today. I don’t want to hear about her or talk about her. Let’s talk about anything other than girls or work.”
Reed changes the subject for us.
“Okay, let’s talk about the Halloween party. What’s everyone dressing up like? Laken wants me to dress up like some stupid prince shit to match her princess costume. What about you Dixon? Ava making you do the couple thing too?”
“Unfortunately. But thank God I don’t have to dress like a prince. Ava mentioned football player and cheerleader. She told me she would take care of the costumes. And what about you Cross?”
“Do I seriously have to dress up? I don’t really want to. Can’t I just come as a business man?”
“You want to face the wrath of Merritt if you ruin her costume party by not wearing one? Come on, we can think of something for you.”
We sound like a bunch of girls tossing around ideas for costumes. After a few minutes, we decide I’ll just go as a doctor and borrow some of my brother’s scrubs. Easy and comfortable. Just what I need.
“What are we going to do for your birthday? Merritt mentioned wanting everyone to go to dinner on Sunday night. Maybe we could hit Fins for dinner. I think everyone loves that place.”
“That sounds good to me Dixon. I know my mom is cooking a family dinner on Monday so Sunday should be fine. I’m back on the road on Tuesday.”
“K, man. I’ll go ahead and call and make a reservation for our group. I’ll try to get one of the large private rooms if it’s available.”
We finish up lunch and I throw myself back into work after they leave. Barbara comes in around 5:00 to tell me she is leaving and tries to get me to go home as well. That won’t happen. It’s not until I look at my watch again that I realize it is 9:00 and I am starving. I pack my stuff up and call ahead to my favorite Chinese place so I can grab some dinner on the way home.
As I sit at home alone eating take out Chinese food, I realize it would be nice to have someone sitting here to share this with and to talk about my day with. The thought crosses my mind to find a girl to have some fun with tonight but that idea quickly fades. All I can think about is Ashleigh and it has nothing to do with banging her but more to do with getting to know her better.
Chapter Nine
ASHLEIGH
It’s been five days since the benefit and since I escaped home to Alabama to see my family and get away from everything that happened Saturday night. I did talk to the girls before I left and we smoothed everything over like we always do. They understand I’m not purposely trying to ruin my voice and promised to lay off some if I promise not to push my limits too much.
My parents don’t question me about why I came home. Luckily, I own a small house in Birmingham so when I go home to visit, I don’t have to stay at my parents house. No offense to them but I just like having my own place to stay in when I visit.
Thursday rolls around and the girls are officially harassing me to come home so we can finalize our Halloween costumes. Most of them have theirs and they are dying that I have not gotten one yet. I promise to be home later today and they can have me all to themselves all weekend and make me shop all weekend too.
After I eat lunch with my mom and sister, I pack everything up and head back to Atlanta. I know I will see them the next weekend as they are coming into town to celebrate my birthday.
I call the girls when I am about thirty minutes from my house to tell them I am almost home. I know they will be waiting at my house as soon as I get home. And wouldn’t you know it, when I pull up to the house, I see Merritt’s car and all the lights in my house on. Either they are waiting inside for me or there is a burglar in my house. Let’s hope it is the first one.
As I open the door, “What up bitch? It’s about time you grace us again with your presence.”
“Ava, seriously. That’s how you greet her? Just pour the damn wine and bring it into the den.”
I walk into the den and see Ava, Ellis and Laken waiting on Merritt to bring in all the food. I give hugs all around and grab a glass of wine.
