Page 24 of Bewitched By the Siren
“Have you ever sung this one on stage?” I ask, breathing a silent sigh of relief when she relaxes back into her chair a bit.
“No, but I might have to add it to the set list,” she says, then hums a little of the chorus.
Her voice is sweet and melodic, and I find myself relaxing, as well. Now that Hali is no longer on edge, we can have a nice night. We talk a while about music, songs we like, songs we hate, and everything in between. Before I know it, four empty beer bottles line the table in front of us, and I’m heading into the house for two more, making me wish I’d bought more than a single six-pack.
“Last two,” I say as I step back out onto the porch.
Twisting the top off one, I hand it to Hali, and she accepts it with a grateful smile, saying, “It’s probably a good thing. I think I ate your whole bag of chips.”
“Oh, I helped,” I say with a chuckle, then pick up the bag and pour the last of the crumbs directly into my mouth.
Hali laughs, then takes a swig of her beer before growing serious. I watch as she collects her thoughts, a nerve ticking in my jaw as dread pools in my gut. I send up a silent plea that she’s not gearing up to tell me she doesn’t want to hang out with me like this. That she’ll never sign with my agency, I’ll be going home soon, and there’s no point.
Solid reasoning, sure, but I’m not ready to stop this…whatever it is we’re doing. Not yet.
“I don’t really have any friends,” she says finally. “I’ve always been…introverted, I guess. I just want you to know, this is nice. Thank you.”
“It’s my pleasure, really,” I say quickly, then cock my head. “Are you sure you’re introverted? I mean, you perform on stage. Quite well, actually.”
“It’s an alter-ego. I assure you,” she says with a laugh.
“LikeJem?”
“Who?” she asks, her brow furrowing.
“Oh, my God. You’ve never seenJem and the Holograms?”
“Never heard of it. Is it a show?”
“Oh, my dear sweet Hali. Let me educate you,” I say in a faux-patronizing tone that makes her laugh.
Pulling my phone out, I search the old cartoon. Finding a clip of the opening credits, I hold the phone between us so Hali can watch it while I talk.
“It’s from the late eighties. The lead character’s real name is Jerrica and she uses this holographic computer called Synergy to transform in ‘Jem’ when she needs to perform. Her band transforms, too, and there’s this rival band called ‘The Misfits’ that’s always causing trouble. And Jerrica takes care of foster kids kind of like how you take care of sea turtles.”
Hali nods as the video finishes, then meets my eyes. “And you like this show?”
“It’s iconic,” I say, pressing a palm to my chest to display how earnest I’m being.
Hali laughs. “Okay, then. I’ll have to check it out.”
Keeping her eyes locked on mine, she lifts her bottle and drains the last of her beer. I watch her throat work as she swallows, then she quickly lifts her other hand to cover her mouth as she yawns.
Setting her bottle next to the other empties, she sighs. “I should probably get going. It’s getting late, and I’m exhausted after my swim.”
“Okay,” I say, hoping my disappointment isn’t evident in my tone. “See you tomorrow?”
“See you tomorrow,” she says with conviction, then thanks me again as she stands.
I want to stand, too, to hug her or something, but I hold back. This was a good night, and I don’t want to end it on a bad note if the physical contact were to make her uncomfortable. She gives me a little wave, then hops down my steps before striding toward home. I watch her until she disappears inside, then stand with a contented sigh and clean up our mess.
Hanging out with Hali tonight was really nice, and I can’t wait to do it again. I don’t know how long I’ll be here, and I’m determined to make the most of the time we have.
Because deep down, I’ve already come to terms with the fact that she’s not going to sign with me. She would never leave her mom. She loves this island, and wants to stay here, living her life the way she wants.
I’ll keep trying, of course. It’s my job. But my heart won’t be in it. And I know, when I get back to L.A., my life is going to change for the worse. Julius won’t be happy. If he doesn’t outright fire me, I’ll definitely be getting a demotion.
But right here, right now, with the sea breeze blowing my hair and my heart beating a happy rhythm after a great night with an awesome girl, I can’t find it within myself to give a damn.
