Page 8 of Bold Encounter
Genevieve arrived to find that Cadie had already claimed their usual corner table, her fingers tapping rapidly on her phone.
"Do you have a hot date later?"Genevieve slid into the chair opposite her friend.
Cadie looked up with a grin."Working on it.This guy from the music shop is tall and has dreamy eyes.And he plays bass."She set her phone down."But enough about my love life.How are you holding up after the wedding?"
"Fine.The band's booked solid for the next two months."Genevieve stirred her latte, avoiding Cadie's eyes.
"I wasn't asking about work."Cadie leaned forward."That cop who rescued you, what was his name?"
"Abe Stewart."
"Abe," Cadie repeated, drawing out the syllable."Did he call?"
"No."Genevieve shrugged with feigned indifference."He was just doing his job."
"No officer's job description includes watching over someone all night in their patrol car."Cadie's eyes sparkled."That wasspecialtreatment."
"Maybe."Genevieve traced the rim of her cup."It doesn't matter.I can't keep finding myself in situations where I need rescuing."
"But you want to see him again."
It wasn't a question.Genevieve nodded reluctantly.
Cadie smiled."Then call him."
"And say what?'Hey, remember that scary guy that brought me the dead bouquet of roses?Wanna to grab dinner sometime?'"Genevieve shook her head."That's not exactly romantic."
"Neither is pining over your phone."Cadie checked her watch."We should head to the club.You need time to warm up."
The House of Blues was a restaurant and bar with a small stage.But the size of the stage didn't diminish its importance.The venue was popular and sought after by performers.
Genevieve peeked around the corner, scanning the audience.She hadn't realized how much she'd hoped Abe might show up but wasn't surprised that he hadn't.
"Five minutes," the stage manager said.Genevieve pulled back and closed her eyes to focus.For the next hour, there would be no Jason, no Abe, no complications—just her band and the music.
The spotlight hit her as she walked on stage to a roar of applause.Smiling, she adjusted the microphone."Good evening," she said."Let's start with something new tonight."She nodded toward Cadie at the piano and the band found the opening chords.
Genevieve's voice filled the room.Each song flowed into the next, and the audience responded with growing enthusiasm.By the end of the set, she was riding high on their energy.Taking her final bow, she scanned the crowd one last time.
She stiffened.Jason Thornton stood at the bar, his intense stare fixed on her.He wasn't applauding, just watching.
His unexpected presence sent a flash of panic through her.
She forced a smile and exited the stage, keeping her movements casual.Mickey, the drummer, approached as she reached the backstage area."Great set tonight."
"Thanks," she said, trying to keep her voice steady."Can you stay and talk for a few minutes?I need to send a text."
"Sure thing."
She turned away from the entrance, fingers trembling as she pulled out her phone.Mickey chatted about the night's performance, but his words barely registered.
She typed quickly:Jason's here at the club.Feels threatening.
Abe's response came quickly:On my way.Stay with someone.Don't leave.
Relief washed over her.She continued her conversation with Mickey, laughing a bit too loudly at his jokes, while keeping an eye on the backstage entrance.
"I think we really killed it with that new arrangement," Mickey said, then she spotted movement.Jason appeared, his lean figure silhouetted against the dim light.The other band members had scattered, leaving only Mickey beside her.
