Page 11 of Stroked
Lucy shook her head as she ate another fry. “I have no idea. Even before last night, I’ve been so busy after the station, talking to bands and agents, listening to demos, keeping up with schedules. I haven’t even written any new songs lately. The record label hasn’t hit me up yet, but they said they’ll be waiting on new submissions. Something's gotta give.”
“Luce, you love writing music, and you clearly have a knack for this club stuff. You’re practically part-time at the radio station. So, would it be so bad to leave?”
Lucy stared at me with wide blue eyes. “So, now you’re encouragingmoretime with Jason? That was a quick turnaround.”
I threw a fry at her. “I was having a moment. It’s my artsy dramatic side. But seriously, you got a job at the station to get your songs on the radio. Now you have a label you work with and access to all the music execs as the talent manager here. So, why burn yourself out?”
Lucy shrugged. “I dunno. Maybe. But so far, it’s only been two nights. We’ll see.”
We finished our fries and got more Blue Moons. We sat and talked for a while. Jason occasionally popped over for a quick kiss before hustling away again. The house band wasn’t quite as loud as the band from last night, so it was easier to have a conversation, but it was still a bit louder than usual with all the extra bodies.
We had our bodies to the bar but were facing each other, still chatting, when a small, delicate hand grabbed Lucy’s shoulder. I looked to see who the hand belonged to, so I could assess if I needed to pounce or if they just needed a drink. I was shocked to see whose hand it was.
“Hey, Lucy, I got your email. I plan to get back to you this week,” Valentina said as she squeezed in next to Lucy.
“Hey, call me Luce! Everyone else does. Val, you remember Amy, right?” Lucy asked her.
Valentina smiled and extended her hand in front of Luce. “Hi, yes, good to see you again.” I smiled and shook her hand with a small nod in her direction. I couldn’t form any words. I was concentrating too hard on not ogling. She had on a dress. Spaghetti straps, low cut, flowy material, fairly short, dark blue solid color. It was the perfect shade against her light skin tone and made her eyes pop even more than the red and black outfit from last night. Her silky black hair fell over her shoulders, laying on her perky breasts over the blue material.
“What brings you in, Val? Not that I’m complaining!” Lucy said. Thank God she spoke and snapped me back to reality.
“It was so fun last night, but I was working, so I could not sit and enjoy myself. I wanted to come check it out off the clock,” Valentina replied. The way she spoke made the juncture of my thighs tingle.
Lucy was beaming. Not only had she gained a bunch of new college patrons, but she snagged a professional connection.
“I gotta run to the restroom. Amy, will you keep Val company?” Lucy asked as she jumped off her stool.
“Sure, want another Blue Moon?” I asked.
Lucy gave me a thumbs up, so I waved down Jaz and ordered two more. “What are you drinking?” I asked Valentina.
“I will have what you are having.” She smiled at me as she placed her clutch on the bar.
“Jaz, make that three Blue Moons,” I said.
Jaz pushed the three beers across the bar and grinned before walking away.
Valentina had gotten cash out. “How much do I owe her?”
I took a swig and shook my head. “No, if you’re with Luce, they won’t charge you. But she works on tips, so just toss it over. She’ll get it eventually.”
Valentina tossed a few bills across the bar, then leaned toward me. “I saw you last night.”
My heart started racing. “Oh, was that you? I wasn’t sure, but thought I recognized someone as I was leaving.”
“You did not say hello. You seemed to be dodging me.” My God, she was direct.
“Like I said, I wasn’t sure it was you. Plus, I was honestly shocked to think I saw you there.” I took a big swig as I watched for her reaction. I was trying to keep my face calm, but inside, everything was moving a hundred miles a minute.
“Why? You were there. Is there something wrong with The Lounge?”
“No, I go several times a week. I used to go more, but I’ve been pretty busy lately,” I replied, still trying to keep my outside demeanor under control.
“I have only been a couple of times. But it seems lovely.” She stopped and took a drink.
I had to know. I normally didn’t ask in the wild, but she was really hard to get a read on and she initiated the conversation about last night.
“Valentina, are you part of the community?” I asked. My heart was about to jump out of my chest. And I was wearing a romper with a low cut and spaghetti straps, and I kept thinking everyone could see the beats of my heart as they knocked against my chest.
