Page 51 of My UnTrue Love
When had she last smiled at him that way?
A part of him, way down deep, wondered if it had been years ago. In college, just before the big Homecoming celebration. Clementine had been talking about the dress she’d bought for the party, and he’d casually mentioned that he’d invited Mamie O’Rourke.
Mamie was wealthy, and elegant, and the daughter of Lon “Ranger” O’Rourke, the legendary host ofHome on the Range. Plus, Mamie could suck the chrome off a six-shooter. She might’ve been born into money, but she was a slut like most other girls in town. Clem was too sweet to even think of all the nasty things Mamie had been eager to do.
Johnny’s decision to take Mamie to the dance made perfect sense. She’d screwed up in the end and hadn’t convinced her dad to give Johnny a slot on the musical variety show, but that wasn’t Johnny’s fault. His audition for Ranger had been perfect! Everybody knew it.
After the Homecoming debacle, though, Clem’s smile had dimmed for him. Not all at once, but slowly cooling, degree by degree, until her eyes were no longer bright as diamonds, sparkling like the dew.
She’d expected him to take her to the celebration. They’d gone to all the high school dances together. It wasn’t like Johnny had much of a choice of dates. Things had been different in college, though. He’d suddenly had opportunities with popular girls. Clementine got that. She didn’t nag or complain when he picked classier women and spent most of his time with his faster friends.
…But, she also didn’t smile at him quite the same way, as before. That way-down-deep part of him had noticed it, but the rest of Johnny had just been grateful that she wasn’t quiteso exuberant with her emotions. Muses could be a little tacky. Everybody knew it.
In retrospect, though, that wholehearted enthusiasm hadn’t beensobad. He liked how clean and open Clementine was. They should spend more time together, so she’d remember how close they really were. That would get her back to acting how he wanted.
Clem watched him approach, her expression only a fraction as welcoming as it once was. “Did you need something?”
“What, like I can’t just stop by and say ‘hi’ to my oldest friend?” Johnny set the laptop on the bar next to Clementine and presented her with the full-force of his best angle. He had an exceptional profile. It’s why he’d insisted it be the cover of the album. “Plus, I have something for you to listen to.”
“Oh.”
Johnny kept talking, waiting for her enthusiasm to grow. “It’s the tune the band’s been working on.Waymore sophisticated than our old stuff. I wanted you to be the first to hear it.”
“I appreciate that, but maybe I could hear it later?”
“Why? I came all the way down here,now.” She still didn’t seem eager to hear the song, which was weird. You’d think she’d be thrilled that he wanted to include her in the process. You’d think she’d be honored that he respected her so much. “We said we’d still work together, remember?”
“Yousaid that, Johnny. Not me. I’m working on something else, right now.”
He blinked, offended by her attitude. “Clem, this can’t wait. The album needs to be doneyesterday.”
Her gaze flicked towards the clock on the wall. “I understand, but I have an appointment with another musician. Someone very important.”
He was shocked. Genuinely shocked. She was working with someone else? Already? Betrayal swirled inside of him. How could she just move on with another musician so fast? “More important thanme?”
Clementine didn’t rush to reassure him that he was always and forever her number one priority. “I’m sorry, but I’m meeting him in five minutes.”
“Well, the song’s only three minutes.” Johnny pushedplaywith more force than necessary. “Take a listen.” He handed her the headphones.
Clementine reluctantly accepted them. “I just can’t focus on this, right now.”
“Come on. It’sthree minutes. I’m not asking a lot.”
Clem restlessly swept her wild hair behind her ears and put on the headphones. The song started and he watched her closely. Gauging her reaction.
He’d had no idea how much he relied on her feedback until she was gone. Losing it bugged him. Why hadn’t she considered his creative process, before she left? Why hadn’t she warned him how tough it would be for him? Without inspiration, Johnny was wasting hours of his time, working and reworking the same piece. It was too hard!
Clem didn’t say anything, but he could see her tuning into the music. Her head moved as she tracked the notes. She closedher eyes, listening closely. Processing the lyrics. For precisely thirty-eight seconds, it was like old times. Johnny felt a surge of satisfaction.
Then, Pecos Bill walked into the saloon.
The moment he entered, the coyote’s easy stride faltered. His head whipped around, pinning Johnny with those spooky blue eyes. It was like Bill smelled an intruder in his den. Something feral glowed in his gaze. The animal inside of him reacting to a threat. He changed direction, prowling right for the bar.
Johnny felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.
Bill stopped directly in front of him, his head canting to one side. “Howdy, John.” He said very quietly.
“Bill.” Johnny refused to show his sudden fear. “Why are you here?”
