Strings Attached, page 24
“You wouldn’t believe the sound in that hall, Geena. It was inspiring.”
“I’m talking about you and Nikki. You are so lucky.”
“Hello?” She gently wrapped her knuckles on Geena’s head. “Are you forgetting you have a girlfriend?”
“Of course not! I’m just saying, we all knew she was gorgeous and exciting, but who knew she was such a romantic?”
Drew sighed and smiled. “She has such a good heart, Geena. I don’t think she shows that side of herself very often.”
“Look at you, totally smitten.” Geena waved her hand in front of Drew’s face. “You’re a goner, girlfriend.”
“What? I am not.”
Geena huffed. “Yeah, right. So much for casual. You’re falling for her. You should see your face right now, all dreamy and smiley.”
“Stop it!” Drew knew Geena was right.
Geena’s mouth suddenly dropped open, and she began to laugh.
“What?”
“Who’s dreamy and smiley?” It was Nikki’s voice behind her.
Oh no. How much did she hear of their conversation?
Geena grinned. “We were just discussing the eighth and ninth dwarfs, Dreamy and Smiley. You know, the ones in the original draft of Snow White, before the editor cut them out.”
“Ah. That’s why we’ve never heard of them.” Nikki winked at Geena and kissed Drew’s cheek. “I’m ready when you are.”
“Ready for what?”
“My cello lesson. It’s Monday, remember? And I’m on time this week. Aren’t you proud of me? I have to confess, I didn’t have time to practice this weekend.”
Geena discreetly slipped away, laughing under her breath. “I wonder why?”
“Get back to work, you slacker.”
“I will if you will.”
Nikki followed her to the lesson room and set up. “Dreamy and smiley, huh?”
“Shut up.”
Nikki secured her cello in a stand and wrapped her arms around Drew’s waist. “I’ve been feeling a bit dreamy and smiley myself. You know why?”
She suppressed a grin. “Why?”
Nikki kissed her, long and slow, pulling their bodies together. Drew’s body temperature rose in an instant. “That’s why. Well, that’s one reason.”
“You’re trouble.”
Nikki gave her a sly smile. “I know.”
She cleared her throat and stepped away. “We should get started.”
“I thought that’s what I was doing.”
“On your lesson.”
“Right. I have so much to learn.” Nikki peeled off her jacket, revealing a tight maroon sweater. Drew was hit with the memory of the beautiful body beneath it.
Considering she’d only had one lesson, Nikki played surprisingly well. She seemed to be a natural in all things musical. They wrapped up in just under an hour. “We have five minutes to spare.”
Nikki looked at the wall clock and grinned. She pinned Drew against the wall, and they locked lips. “I don’t know how I’m going to get through the rest of the day without you.” Before Drew could answer, Nikki kissed her again, hard, pressing her groin into her already starving center.
“I know what you mean.”
“Come over after work? Please? I’ll make dinner this time.”
It was the first time Nikki had invited her to her place. She didn’t want to make a habit of spending every night together, but she was curious to see where Nikki lived. “That sounds great. I’ll have to go home first to feed the cats and spend a little time with them. They haven’t forgiven me yet for going away for two days.”
Nikki backed away. “I suppose I can last that long.”
“Are you telling me you can’t find something to occupy your time for a couple of hours?”
“Actually, I was thinking I’d go visit my friend, Randi.”
“Randi? Oh right, your friend at the police department. And then dinner at your place?”
“Yes. I’ll text you the address. I trust you won’t sell it in a Black Friday deal with my phone number?”
“Ooh, what a great idea!” She cupped her hands around her mouth and announced, “On sale now: celebrity tours of the rich and famous!”
“Shh!” Nikki covered her mouth with her own.
She caught her breath. “You know just how to shut me up.”
Nikki swung open the door. “There’s plenty more where that came from, too, Dreamy.”
“I hope so, Smiley.”
“Let me know when you’re on your way over so I can start getting dinner ready.”
She walked her out and caught sight of Melissa at the counter chatting with Geena. Nikki greeted Melissa with a fist bump before she left.
Drew said, “Hey, Melissa. How are you today?”
Melissa cocked her chin and smiled. “Not as good as you, from what I hear.”
“Geena, what did you tell her?”
“Nothing she hadn’t already figured out on her own.” Geena played a drum roll with her fingers on the counter and finished with a vocalized cymbal crash.
“Duh. It’s obvious you guys are hot for each other.” Melissa picked up her guitar case.
Geena reached across the counter and nudged Melissa in the arm. “You’ve got news of your own there, stud muffin.”
Melissa’s face reddened.
“What news?” Drew dipped her head to catch her eye. “Something good?”
Melissa smiled shyly. “Well…” She blushed even more. “I kinda have a girlfriend.”
Drew filled with pride. Though she’d suspected Melissa was gay for years, the teen had just come out to her. “That’s awesome.” Melissa shrugged, and Drew hugged her. “Does your mom know?”
She nodded.
“And she’s okay with it?”
“Yeah.”
“You have the coolest mom.”
“Yeah, I do.”
They made their way to the lesson room. Drew closed the door and placed her hands on Melissa’s shoulders. “I have never been more proud of you. It takes guts to come out to people.”
“You’re telling me. I was scared sh—sorry. I was really scared.”
“I’m glad you felt safe to share that with me. And with Geena.”
“Well, I knew you guys wouldn’t care. You’re gay, too.” She pulled off her coat and tossed it on top of her guitar case. She sat down with her guitar and picked at the threads at the hole in the knee of her jeans. “But my mom…”
Drew sat across from her and waited while Melissa set her lesson book on the music stand and found the right page. “Coming out to the people who mean the most to you is always the hardest. We’re both lucky to have parents that are okay with it.”
“My girlfriend wasn’t as lucky. Her parents didn’t reject her or anything, but they’re trying to convince her it’s just a phase.”
“They’re in denial. It’s common. Hopefully, in time, they’ll see that she’s the same person she’s always been.”
“That’s what I told her.”
Smart kid. “Besides, once they get to know you and see how awesome you are, they’ll come around.”
She blushed and gave another “aw, shucks” shrug before changing the subject by suggesting they get started on her lesson.
“Before we start, there are two things you need to know. One, as long as you’re working here at DJ’s, your lessons are on the house.”
“Really? My lessons are free?”
“You bet. It’s included in your employee discount.”
“Sweet. Thanks! What’s the other thing?”
“I want you to know that Geena and I are always here for you if you ever need someone to talk to about coming out or about anything else you’re dealing with. And that goes for your girlfriend, too. Okay?”
Melissa nodded. “Okay.” She beamed. “She’s really cool. You’ll like her. I’m wicked lucky.”
“You both are. I can’t wait to meet her.”
Drew’s earlier musings of performing professionally dissipated. She could never give up teaching. It was more than just bonding with students like Melissa on a personal level as well as musically. It was knowing that she was making a difference in people’s lives.
That was the only motivation she needed.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Nikki’s thoughts swirled between Jaymi’s advice and hopes that her first turn as dinner host went off without a hitch. She’d stopped by Jaymi’s and talked about her feelings for Drew since Randi was working a lot lately. The discussion had been easy and comfortable, and there was no question that anything romantic she’d felt for Jaymi was truly gone. It was a relief, and she found that she had a true friend to lean on, which was a massive bonus.
She didn’t think she’d ever been so nervous in all her life. She lit two tapered ivory candles on the black dining table that fit the space perfectly but was larger than she’d ever needed. She adjusted the silverware again. She did a quick double-check of the vegetable steamer and the pot of boiling potatoes on the stove and snuck a peek at the steaks and the clock. Drew would be arriving any minute.
She rubbed her temples and willed her heart rate to slow down. She took a deep breath. It was only dinner. It wasn’t their first date.
It was, however, the first time she’d ever cooked dinner for someone. She wanted to make an impression that Drew would never forget. Not only with a good meal but with making her feel welcome and at home.
Ironic. She barely felt at home here herself.
The doorbell rang. She slid across the hardwood floor in her sock feet and swung it open. “Hi!”
Drew broke into a smile and thrust a half dozen carnations out in front of her. “Hi yourself. These are for you.”
Nikki melted. Drew brought her flowers. Simple. Romantic. Genuine. Not flowers thrown onstage from fans. Not flowers sent to her dressing room or hotel room in hopes of getting laid. Flowers because they were dating. Flowers because Drew liked her. Maybe even loved her—at least a little. She could only hope.
“Drew…” It was all she could get out.
“And I brought dessert, too.” She held up a covered round tin. “Chocolate cream pie. I picked it up after work at that little bakery on Penhallow Street.”
Nikki stepped between the bouquet and pie and kissed her fully on the lips. The sweet aroma of the carnations mixed with the scent of Drew’s coconut shampoo summoned memories of their lovemaking in New York. She pulled her closer, and their bodies melded together. Drew’s arm came around her waist, and she felt the flowers against her back. She smiled into the kiss because she knew Drew’s attention was also on keeping the pie plate level.
Drew let out a breath and shook her head. “What a greeting.”
“I couldn’t wait another minute to kiss you.” She gestured for the flowers. “Thank you for these. That was very sweet.” She headed for the kitchen. “Come on in. I don’t think I have a vase, but I’ll find something to put those in.”
“Nice place.” Drew put the pie in the refrigerator without hesitation.
Did she already feel at home?
It wasn’t just the oven raising the temperature in the room. Nikki watched Drew wander into the living room and wished she could read her mind. The lighting seemed to shift as if she were watching a sunrise. Drew’s presence in her home breathed life into the walls, the air, and the furnishings. The vastness that used to feel cold and distant now moved inward like a blanket wrapping around her shoulders. Drew stopped at the baby grand piano. Its black finish, stark against the white walls, gleamed beneath her fingertips as she ran them reverently along the edge.
She looked at Nikki with a questioning look.
“Go ahead. Play something.”
“Really?”
“It’s not a decoration.” She returned Drew’s smile. “Why don’t you serenade me while I tend to dinner?”
She turned and went back to the kitchen. The open concept lent its acoustics beautifully to the sounds that followed. As she plated their meals, time seemed to move in slow motion. She wasn’t surprised that Drew’s skills on the keys were no less impressive than they were on the other instruments she’d heard her play.
Drew could probably audition for anything she wanted and be a shoo-in. Shit, she bet she had what it took to teach at a college level, too. What was she doing here? Did this little New Hampshire town have any clue of the treasure in its midst? Was she really happy, or was she settling? And if she was settling, for what reason? Didn’t she believe in herself? Was she afraid of failing? Of success? Or did she really have no idea how talented she was?
They sat down for dinner, and Nikki couldn’t look away from the way the warm glow of the candlelight shimmered in Drew’s eyes. She was stunning. In blue jeans and a simple hunter green button-up shirt, she was as beautiful as she’d been on the night they dressed up for the symphony.
They ate in relative silence, commenting on the meal, but otherwise, Nikki felt little need to fill the spaces with conversation. She was content to savor the uniqueness of the situation, and by the time they’d finished, Nikki realized she had barely taken her eyes off Drew.
“What?” Drew dipped her head, shyly.
“I…”
“What is it? Did I dribble gravy on my shirt or something?”
“Huh? Uh, no. You…” Drew had done the impossible. She’d rendered her speechless.
“You seem to be having a hard time finishing sentences tonight. Is it me?”
“Yes.”
Drew frowned. She’d misunderstood.
Nikki took a long sip of wine. “You’re in my house.”
Drew covered her hand. “I know. You invited me, remember?” She smiled and looked around her. “You do live here, don’t you?”
“Yes, of course.” She turned her hand over and interlaced their fingers. It never felt like home until…now. It was too soon to say that. Rein it in, Razer. You’ll scare her off. “I’ve never had anyone over for dinner before.”
“Are you kidding me? All this space and the fancy appliances and furniture? I figured you must host dinner parties for all your famous friends on a regular basis.” Drew finished her salad.
“The closest I’ve had to that is takeout pizza with Jaymi.” She smiled wryly. “And she’ll deny that she’s famous, so I don’t recommend bringing it up.”
“What about you?”
“I don’t see the point of denying it.”
The smile left Drew’s eyes.
Me and my big mouth. She swallowed and sipped her wine. “What I mean is, it’s reality, and I have to accept that. It has its perks, but it also means I can’t let my guard down a hundred percent. I hate that side of it.”
Drew pulled a face and set down her utensils. Her hands dipped to the cloth napkin in her lap. “So, despite that, you’ll take advantage of your fame when the opportunity arises?”
“Yes. Sometimes—”
“Unbelievable. All this time, I thought you were different.”
She tried to suppress her ire but no dice. “Different than whom? Your mother? Based on what you’ve told me so far, I am different. Why do you always put a negative spin on fame? Do you think I would’ve had the same leverage to establish scholarships if I wasn’t famous? Do you think I’d have the money to make the donations I make? I’m not just talking about those Thanksgiving dinners you saw me buy. You don’t even know about other ways I’ve used my notoriety to help others.” She stood and threw her napkin onto the table. “Including you and your store.”
She crossed the room and stormed onto the balcony. The gust of wind that needled her flesh through the fabric of her sweater was no match for her burning tears. Fuck it. No one will ever get me. She braced her palms on the rail and hung her head. I thought Drew was different, and she thinks I’m not. She huffed out staccato breaths and watched each exhalation form a transient cloud in the air.
She barely felt Drew’s hand on her shoulder.
Drew’s other hand reached around and turned her head. “I’m sorry. Nikki, I’m so sorry.”
“Sorry for what?” Nikki backed away. “Forgetting that I’m a human being with real feelings? Well I’ve got news for you, sweetheart.” She punched a fist to her heart twice. “This is real. It loves and beats and breaks just like everybody else’s.” She wiped her soaked cheek, and her arms fell limp at her sides.
Drew looked down, shoved her hands in her jeans pockets, and then clenched her arms against her sides as another biting wind blew snow off the rail and assaulted them. “I’m such an ass. You must think I’m as cold as this weather. God, Nikki, I promise you, that’s not who I am.”
Nikki hugged herself and caught Drew’s eye. “I only wish you would see me for who I am, Drew. I can’t change that I’m famous, and I won’t apologize for it.”
“You’re right.” Drew let out a long sigh and stepped toward her. She rubbed Nikki’s arm. “Come on. Let’s go inside before we look like the next round of snow sculptures.”
Nikki slid open the glass door. “After you.” Once inside, she ducked into the bathroom. She took a few minutes to freshen up, but the mirror revealed she still looked like shit. Her hair was spiked from wind instead of pomade, and her cheeks were crimson. She grabbed a blanket out of the linen closet and found Drew on the couch with her legs tucked beneath her. She looked small and helpless. It was impossible to stay angry when all she wanted to do was hold and protect her.
“I’m sorry, too.” She draped the blanket over Drew. “Better?”
Drew nodded. “Thank you.”
“Be right back.” She cleared the table and stacked the dishes on the counter. Cleaning up could wait. A few minutes later, she carried two steaming mugs of hot cocoa into the living room.
“You read my mind.” Drew curled her hands around the cup. She blew on it and carefully took a sip.
Nikki tucked herself in beside her beneath the blanket. It was toasty from Drew’s body heat. If she weren’t so wound up, she could easily nod off.
“When I was seven or eight, my mother was up for a part as a single mom,” Drew said. “At that age, I didn’t know much about the roles she usually got, but I knew this one was different.” She took a drink. “You wanna know why?”
