Page 27 of Wine & Whiskey
Toasting his persistence, she laughs before clinking her flute against his. Her eyes close at the exquisite fruity, bubbly taste. When she opens them again, he gazes at her, his lips twitching with a playful smile, as if he enjoys her pleasure.
“Tell me how you got discovered.”
“On YouTube, of course. My friend’s mom posted a video of us in our school musical. A talent scout saw it and tracked me down.”
“You must have impressed him.”
The usual twinge of suspicion sneaks up her spine from talking about her career. Shrugging it off, she reminds herself he’s not like everyone else, doesn’t want anything from her. She can be different too. She can be herself with him. “My mom was skeptical at first, but it was legitimate. I sang in this record executive’s office. I was so scared, but I guess I did okay. They signed me on the spot.”
Bittersweet memories of her mother’s desperation float across her mind. How she pinned all her hopes on this unexpected opportunity, praying the chance at stardom would end their ramen noodle existence. How she scooped Shae up and twirled her around at the smiles and head nods after the audition. Whispering “We’re rich!” in Shae’s ear through her shrieks.
He tilts his head, studying her. “Are you happy? Is this what you want to do with your life?”
She gives him her brightest smile. “Of course! I love performing, having people sing and dance along.”
He raises his eyebrows, as if he knows she’s holding something back, seeing through her guilty facade. “But?”
Shame forces her head down, unable to face him. “I know it sounds ungrateful, but I actually like acting better. I love the challenge of it. Making people believe you’re someone or something else. When it works, it’s magic.”
Straightening the napkin in her lap, she shocks herself admitting her true feelings, unable to believe she said the words out loud. Only a horrible person would have a wonderful, blessed life like hers and still wish for something more. “I’ve never told anyone that before. Not even my mom or Carrie.” Looking up, she meets his gaze, fearful of what she’ll see reflected back at her.
“I know what it’s like to have something given to you that isn’t what you expect or want. Sometimes, it’s not as good as it seems.” Her heart flutters again as he smiles at her. “I’m glad you trust me enough to tell me. I want to know what you think and feel, what makes you happy.”
“I’m happy now.”
He entwines her hand with his. “Me too.”
After dinner, she snuggles against him in the limo, her head resting on his shoulder. Goosebumps freckle her arms and legs as he plays with her hair, twirling the long strands around his finger. Wonderfully relaxing, except for the fact she keeps imagining the feel of his hands other places.
“What would you like to do now?”
“I’m embarrassed to say it.”
He slides his finger under her chin, tipping up her head up to look at him. “Don’t be. Whatever it is, I’ll do it.”
“Well, they didn’t have any Bananas Foster…”
He bursts out laughing before pushing the button to lower the divider between them and the driver. “Jacks, can you please take us to that gelato place on Sunset?”
The chauffer raises his eyebrows as he looks at them in the rearview mirror. “Of course.”
Once the partition is back in place, he turns to her and winks. “I think that’s the first time I’ve ever surprised him.”
The limo slows in front of the shop, the patio unexpectedly empty for a Saturday night. “Is this okay? I don’t want you to be inundated with fans.”
Giddiness tickles her stomach at his thoughtfulness. The real date is a perfect one too. “Yes, it’s good. Thank you.”
Inside the café, her finger trails over the glass display case, trying to decide. Choosing between salted caramel or mocha espresso is a good problem to have. He leans over and whispers in her ear, “You can pick two if you want.”
“You know me too well.” After she signs an autograph for their server, they sit at one of the open tables. “I have to admit your real date is a success, Mr. DeMarco. Between here and the restaurant, this is the best food I think I’ve ever eaten.”
“Well, Miss Armstrong, tonight’s the best night I know I’ve ever had.”
She winks before licking the last of the chocolate from her spoon. “I already said yes. You don’t have to keep trying to impress me with your slick lines.”
His brow furrows before he shakes his head. “Sweetness, you don’t know how much I mean it.”
Their usual light-hearted banter stalls at his unexpected vehemence to her teasing. She sets down her cup and grasps his hand with both of hers. His weak smile pierces her heart, hinting of hurt maybe he’s endured too. Another thing they have in common. “I think you’ve just moved from great to excellent.”
