Page 11 of His to Love

I’ll have to send pictures next time. They played our tunes.

She sent the text with a smile on her face.

Immediately her bandmate, Dale, called. He was the most upset when she’d moved.

“Be careful with that,” he snapped.

“We have copyrights on all our stuff. If they want to record anything, I’ll make sure we’re covered. Jeez. You’re welcome to come out. I have lots of room. He’s very open and likes having new musicians play.”

Between that and the next conversation she had to have, a feeling of unease crawled up her spine.

She ended the call with Dale and called her mother and father. As a grown woman with a country between them, Rainy felt like she was still under the thumb of her parents.

“Hey,” she said to her mom. “I’m all settled in Portland. The house is really cute.” It was a half lie. The house was cute but she felt anything but settled.

“Are you liking it?” her mother asked.

Rainy didn’t like the place. It was too big and nothing about it felt homey, but she couldn’t bring herself to tell her mother because the nicest part of the experience was meeting her neighbor—a musician. That part her mother would frown on.

“It’s all good, Mom.” She looked between the two drinks and debated which to drink first. Did she sip at the sweet juice or the bitter coffee? She chose the coffee because it matched the mood her mother elicited—strong, bitter feelings.

After a minute of small talk, she ended the call, relieved that she wouldn’t have to check in for another week.

Her phone lit up with a text from a number she didn’t recognize.

Really like some of your tunes. Where are you?

It could only be Kris. Suddenly, hearing from him made life feel rich and full. She was filled with enthusiasm again.

I’m at the Cricket Café. She fired back a text.

He responded like he was waiting for her next text. A thrill raced through her.

Excellent. Which Bloody Mary are you having?

He always had a touch of seduction in his voice—even if it was his writing voice—that made her think of mischief. He could probably talk her into just about anything.

Um… coffee?

She smiled even though he couldn’t see her.

I see you need a tour guide to appreciate the finer points of Portland.

She glanced down at her drink choices and picked up the pineapple juice and took a drink. It was fresh and sweet.

I think I need a lot of things.

I’m happy to help. In fact, I’m probably available for most of what you need. But back to your music, I’d like to talk about your stuff. How about I make you dinner and we can discuss what you need.

Was that a come-on? Did she want it to be? The timing was crap. She didn’t think that having dinner the night before her first day at work was the best plan.

I’m interested. She texted, feeling her stomach move like there was a hundred butterflies swarming inside. Let me focus on work for now but I will get back to you. Maybe the middle of the week?

There was a moment’s pause.

I’m actually not in town right now. I won’t be back until this weekend. So, let me have dibs on next Saturday night. I’m working out the details for a tour.

Okay, and Kris?

Source: www.allfreenovel.com