Page 19 of Broken Melody
“Fine,” I tell him and we do that awkward stand and stare thing again. My first impression of him was not a good one. And it didn’t get better when he made fun of my name, so I have no clue what is happening here. Instead of pushing back and demanding some answers, internally I’m freaking out because this singing thing could really be happening. I could really be asked to join their band - to sing professionally. I feel like this is a dream come true and it’s taking everything I have right now to remain calm.
“Sailor?” He says and I get the impression it’s not the first time he’s said my name.
“Yeah?”
“So can I have it?”
“Have it?”
“Your address. So I can pick you up?”
“How about I meet you there?”
He pauses, but then nods. “Okay. Then can I have your phone number? I’ll pick a place tomorrow then text you with the location.”
“Alright,” I tell him and watch as he pulls his phone out of his pocket and punches in the number I give him. When I feel a buzzing in my back jeans pocket, I pull my own phone out and look at the screen. Briefly I think of all the women that would kill to have what I’m now staring at – his number.
“Got it,” I tell him and then stare at him awkwardly.
“Sailor?”
We’re interrupted by a bar patron that has stumbled out of the bar. He’s smiling and claps me on the shoulder, “Your songs were great. I always like hearing you sing.”
“Thank you, that’s really nice of you.”
“You should be on the radio. I would pay to come and hear you in concert. It would be awesome,” he says slurring his words a little.
“I think you’ve had too much to drink, Russ,” I tell him with a laugh.
“No, I’m serious. See you again next week,” he calls cheerfully before he turns away and walks down the sidewalk with a group of friends. I wave at them before turning around to once again face Maddox, but he’s gone. I look around, as well as up and down the street, but I don’t see him anywhere.
Confused, I walk back into the bar just as my phone buzzes in my hand. Looking down, that same number appears with a text. “See you tomorrow.” I sigh and begin putting my phone back in my pocket, but it buzzes again. “That drunk was right. Your singing was good, the other day and tonight,” another text from his says. Immediately, my heart stutters in my chest and nerves make my hands shake.
I head straight to the restroom, but not before tapping Britt on the shoulder and motioning for her to come with me. She hops off her chair and follows me without a word. When we get inside there are a couple girls milling about and we wait for them to leave before Britt demands, “What was that all about?”
“Well, bottom line, he said that he and the guys have doubts about me.”
“What the fuck? Your singing is amazing! What more do they want?”
“He said they have reservations about whether or not Maddox and I can get along and given my lack of experience, if I’m up for this. Which honestly, I understand I guess. The man is exasperating.”
“But sexy as hell,” she says.
“I’m being serious here, Britt.”
“I am too,” she smiles then rolls her eyes when I don’t join her. “Think about it. Given everything they are probably going through with Maddox right now in the tabloids, you can’t really blame them for not wanting to add someone to the group if it would only create more drama.”
“True, but I’m pretty sure they don’t want anyone at all, so there’s going to be some drama with anyone I think.”
“Good point.”
“So, he asked me out to dinner,” I tell her.
“He totally hit on you didn’t he?”
“No, nothing like that,” I respond and reflect on our conversation and my teasing him. When we acted like we were going to kiss, that was just seeing how far we could push the other. “He said he wanted to take the opportunity to get to know me better. To make sure that we can get along and potentially be in a band together.”
“And you said yes, right?”
“Britt, I’m not stupid, come on.”
“I know that, but I mean, you did pour water on him.”
“He deserved that!”
“Yes, he did. But, I have a feeling that won’t be the last time he does something that earns that kind of reaction from you.”
Thinking about the way he watched me tonight – the indefinable look in his eyes, the smirk on his face – then the way he looked at me outside, I think she may be right. God help him if so, because I don’t plan on taking any shit. I’ve been through enough in my life and I won’t be walked on again. Not ever. So, look out Maddox Colt, you won’t intimidate me.
