Page 23 of Four of Hearts

Watson looked up and his eyes met mine. He was surprised to see me, but he looked pleased. “Lola.”

“Hi,” I said with a smile.

“So you got the flowers,” another voice said, and I turned my head to look over at Kline who stood by one of the couches.

Bennett was there too, but he was the last one to notice me. They were all coming closer now, but they stopped a few feet away to leave me some personal space. Well, except Leo who was standing right next to me, grinning like he had when he opened the door.

I looked around and took them all in, then my eyes went back to Kline. “I did get the flowers, and I really loved them. And the card, too. That was really nice of you.”

“Glad you like them,” Kline said. “Watson, get her something to drink.”

“Right away.”

I looked over at Watson and smiled. “Water, please.”

“We hoped you were at Benson’s. We wouldn’t have known where to send the flowers to otherwise,” Bennett said, looking pleased that I received their pretty gift.

“I was hoping to see you guys again. I think I would’ve come watched another one of your shows next weekend,” I told them truthfully.

Leo placed his hand on my lower back, gently leading me toward the couches. “So we’re all on the same page here.”

I sat down on the couch, and once Watson brought me a glass of water, they all sat down too, leaving me some personal space again. They weren’t forcing themselves on me, and they were being very careful with their eyes and words.

I took a sip of the water and let my gaze wander to each of theirs, and after lowering the glass again, I decided to be straightforward.

“I would like to explain myself for the way I reacted after I left the stage.” I kept looking at all of them, letting my eyes linger on each of them every time my eyes met theirs.

“You did leave in a bit of a hurry,” Watson said, smiling gently. “We would’ve loved to talk to you.”

They weren’t mad, but I could tell they wanted an explanation. They didn’t expect one, they just hoped for one.

I smiled tightly. “I would’ve loved that too. I was just…overwhelmed. And confused. I’m usually not like that but being on that stage with you four dancing around me, looking all hot and sweaty, was nothing I had ever experienced before. I enjoyed it, don’t get me wrong, it was just…”

“Intense,” Bennett finished my sentence, and I nodded.

“Yes, very.”

“We get it. And maybe it’s our fault that we didn’t ask you if you’d be okay with it. We were just so excited to have you there at our show that we needed you on stage for the last number.”

I looked at Leo, undoubtedly understanding what he was saying. “It’s your show, and to be fair, I should’ve known something like that could’ve happen. I just didn’t think it would happen to me, so I wasn’t prepared,” I explained to them. My laugh was nervous when I continued. “But now that I know about it, I’m definitely prepared.”

They all laughed. They sounded delighted by my words, and the sounds of their voices made me feel all warm and tingly inside.

“You’re welcome to come back next weekend. We gave you a free ticket for you and your friend. What’s her name, by the way?” Kline asked.

“Willa.”

“And did Willa enjoy the show too?” Leo asked.

“Oh, for sure. But she liked the guy who checks tickets and IDs more.”

“Morris?”

I looked at Watson and grinned. “She fell head over heels for him. She’s already planning their wedding.”

They laughed again and looked at each other.

“We thought he looked a bit dreamy last night. Did they exchange numbers?” Leo asked.

---