Page 53 of Ambiguous
I throw myself face-first onto my couch, the churn of the waves outside the only noise.
CHAPTER20
Jules
Iget to the westside restaurant early. I’d rather be here first than have him show up and wait for me. This place has a VIP room in the back, partially behind a curtain, so I won’t get interrupted by fans.
Right on time, the hostess shows Sam to my table, and I wave and stand up to greet him. He glances around. While I’m sure he’s had plenty of nice restaurant meals, he might not be used to ones where we’re the only people in the room. There’s no hustle of waiters going by, and the din of the main room is muffled. It gives us privacy and quiet.
Maybe too much privacy and quiet.
Sam clears his throat. “Hi, Jules.”
“Sam!” I want to hug him but instead shake his hand, enjoying the feel of his slim, cool fingers in mine.
I gesture at his chair, and we both sit.
He looks amazing. He’s wearing a suit for work, but he’s taken off the jacket. I love his ties and braces—he pulls off the look, not like he’s a little kid from the 1930s, but like it’s meant for him.
I’m wearing a long, sheer black tank dress over jeans. I got a few looks from the staff, but I don’t care. This is what I felt like wearing.
Seeing him in his bow tie makes me want to write a song about how we put on clothes to hide ourselves.
I smile at him.
He blinks rapidly and fumbles with his napkin. Then he blows out his cheeks and releases the air. “Okay. I made it here. Good to see you.”
“It’s good to see you, too.”
Seemingly unable to meet my gaze, he picks up the printed sheet for today’s menu. “How are things going?”
“We’re about to start recording.”
He sets the menu down, his eyes lighting up. “That’s great!”
“With you as my inspiration, I’ve written a whole lot. I have to thank you.” I smile. “You actually gave me an idea as you walked in right now. I’ll have to remember it for later.”
“Go ahead.” He waves his hands. “Write it down. I don’t want you to forget it.”
I pull out my phone. After I’ve jotted down a few ideas, I say, “Thank you.”
Sam’s been watching me, elbows on the table, chin resting on his clasped hands. “It’s fascinating to see you do that. Like catching lightning in a bottle.”
“I see you, and all these ideas just come to me.” I glance up at him, and the softness in his eyes makes me want to reach across the table for him. Then I remember that he’s dating someone and stop.
Thankfully, we’re interrupted by a server who takes Sam’s drink order. After he leaves, we sit, toying with the spoons.
I want to ask him about the man he’s dating and how serious it is. And whether our kiss meant anything. And if I have a chance with him even after I finish the album.
“What do you think of this china?” I blurt, pointing to the Versace bread plate.
Really? What the hell, Jules?
Sam blinks. “It’s kind of wild, honestly.” It is, with starbursts and cheetah spots and gold.
“Not something you’d put on your wedding present wish list, then?”With your man?
He gives me a weird look. “Uh, no. I’m not planning on getting married anytime soon. Or ever, probably. Don’t think there’s a need to pick out china. If you got married, would you want a design like this?”
