Chapter One: The Raven-Haired Musician
Mariah's POV
Like every weekday, my alarm sounded at seven. Rolling out of bed, I showered and got ready for another day of being ordered around by my boss. It was nice being the co-host but it'd be nice to run the show one day. One day in the very far off future.
Entering Crimson Lights, I ordered my normal. "Here you go, Sweetie." Sharon smiled as she placed my large coffee and breakfast bagel on the counter.
"Thanks." Taking the cup and plate to a nearby table, I pulled out my tablet to check my schedule.
"There's my favorite half-sister." Noah smiled ear to ear as he approached. Taking a seat, he leaned forward. "How was the date?"
"I'm your only half-sister so, therefore, I'm your favorite." Sipping the coffee, I glared at my brother. "It sucked. He only talked about himself and undressed me with his eyes in the first ten minutes. Are all of your kind pigs? Because it kind of seems that way."
"We're not all bad." Noah leaned back in his chair. "I'm sorry. Want me to kick his ass? I totally will."
"No. It's okay. I just…I'm done. I think I'm one of those people who are meant to be alone. I mean, I'm happy. I have a great job, live on an amazing ranch, and I can pay my bills. Can't ask for much more."
"You're depressing." Noah's attention was drawn behind me towards the patio. "Can I help you?" Turning to see what had his attention, I was met by a gorgeous dark-haired woman with small curves and a slender figure. Her messy hair didn't quite touch her shoulders as her bangs aligned perfectly with her eyebrows.
"Hey, I was told there was a room for rent above Crimson Lights." Her voice was a little deeper than most women and had a slight nasal sound when she pronounced certain syllables. "Do you know where the owner is?"
"Yeah, she's our mother. I'll go get her."
"Thanks." Nervously, the taller woman moved her weight from one foot to the other.
Wanting to ease the tension, I commented on the stickers that were on her very worn guitar case. "Do you travel a lot?" I motioned towards the case. "Lot of different towns."
Impossibly green eyes stared dumbfounded at me a moment. "Oh, uh, sort of." Shifting the case in front of her, she shrugged. "I try to get one in every town I visit. But most are ones that I've found and liked for one reason or another."
"That's cool."
"Hi, I'm Sharon." Mom came from behind the counter. "Noah said you were interested in renting the room upstairs?"
"Tessa Porter." Shaking my mother's hand, she smiled. "Yes, I am."
"Well, I'm going to run before I'm late." Hugging Sharon and Noah, I gave Tessa a friendly nod before dashing towards the door.
"Don't give up! We're not all bad!" Noah called.
"Shut up, Noah!"
xxx
Finally, I was able to get away from GC Buzz and away from Hilary. Scrolling through messages, I noticed five missed calls from Kevin. Tapping his picture, I waited. "Hey, is everything okay? You've been blowing up my phone."
"I'm back in town for a few days. I wanted to catch up. Wanna grab some food and eat in the park?"
"Uh…sure. Where from?" Getting in my car, I put him on speaker.
"I'll pick it up from the club and meet you at the park."
"Sounds good. Leaving the studio now. See you in twenty." Ending the call, I made my way towards Chancellor Park.
As I waited, I sent Sharon a message saying I'd miss dinner so she wouldn't worry. "Hey Bestie!" Sneaking up behind me, Kevin wrapped his arms around my shoulders.
"Oh, geez!" Fumbling for my phone, I barely caught it before it hit the pavement. Sliding it into my pocket, I turned wrapping my arms around his neck. "Hey! Glad you're back. Even if it is only for a few days."
"You were my second call. I needed Ester to watch Bella so she was my first."
"Yeah, so what's the deal with Bella?" Taking the drinks, Kevin and I walked the pathway towards our normal spot.
"Well, she's my daughter."
I stopped causing Kevin to turn. "You have a kid?!"
"I do, yeah." He grinned. "Hard to imagine, huh?"
"Yeah, just a little." As we approached, I heard someone singing. Why does that voice sound familiar? Turning the corner, I saw the woman from Crimson Lights.
"Wow. She sounds amazing." Kevin's voice was soon drowned out by the woman's singing. She does sound amazing. Why is my heart pounding right now? Returning her smile, I waved. "Hey, Earth to Mariah." Waving his hand in my face, he laughed when I finally came to. "Let's grab a table."
"Yeah, sure." Taking a seat, I waited as Kevin unloaded the bag. "What does Ester and Jill think about all of this? And Michael?"
"Ester was, and still is, beyond excited to have a grandkid. Jill and Michael, it's a little hard to tell. How are things going with you?"
"Uh…good. GC Buzz is going well. I'm doing more with the media section as well as co-hosting. Hilary is…difficult to work with sometimes but she's taught me a lot."
"That's fantastic!" He paused, taking a bite of his sandwich. "What about in the looovvveee department?" Kevin wiggled his eyebrows. "Mariah having any fun between the sheets?"
Guitar playing faltered a second. Glancing over my shoulder, I caught the raven-haired woman turning towards a group of people walking by. Was she listening to us? "Uh…no. None of that." Turning back to Kevin, I lowered my voice. "The guy was a creep. He mentally undressed me in the first ten minutes. I think I'm going to give up for a while. It's just not happening for me."
"I'm sorry. That sucks." Skeptical eyes studied me.
"What? What are you looking at?" Following his line of sight, he was watching the woman from this morning. "Are you interested in her or something? I think her name's Tessa. She kind of travels. I think she's renting the apartment from Sharon." Smirking, Kevin tried stiffening a laugh. "What?"
"Nothing." Shoveling in another bite of sandwich, his eyes narrowed at me.
"What?" Taking a sip of my drink, I tried figuring out what was so entertaining.
Leaning closer, he whispered. "It sounds like someone else is interested in her." My brows furrowed. "Really? It sounds like someone, you, is interested in her."
"What? No!" I laughed, guitar pausing again. "I'm not…no. What could give you that idea?"
"The fact that you're blushing this hard. You zoned totally out when we first saw her here." With each point, Kevin tapped a finger. "The fact that your foot has been tapping to the beat of her singing. I've never seen you smile like that before. And there's just something…I can't place my finger on. "
Scoffing, I shook my head. "You're crazy. She's a woman. I'm attracted to men."
His brow rose. "Really? Are you though?"
"Yes!" Kevin's hands went up in surrender.
"Hey, is everything okay over here?" Tessa's voice was borderline defensive.
My head snapped to the right, breath hitching. "We're fine. Best friend's just being an idiot."
Green eyes studied me a moment. "Okay. Well, enjoy your dinner." I watched as the taller woman made her way back towards her guitar case.
"Okay, I was actually joking at first but now…not so much." Finishing his drink, Kevin crammed everything into the to-go bag.
"What do you mean?" Finishing my sandwich, I did the same.
"Let's get out of here." Standing, Kevin grabbed the bag. Before leaving, I tossed a ten in her case and waved. As she sang, Tessa bowed slightly to thank me.
Once we were out of ear-shot, Kevin spoke. "I don't know about you, but she seems kind of interested. The whole time we were there, she'd look over at us. Anytime I'd lean closer, she'd look away. Then she got all defensive when she thought I upset you. Not to mention, you made sure to introduce me as your best friend."
Did I do that? I did, didn't I? "It's probably just a girl thing. I mean, Mom's probably told her about me because she's renting the apartment above Crimson Lights." I tried shrugging Kevin's observations off but they still ate away at me. What if she is interested in me? I've never had a woman interested in me before. Or at least one that I know of.
"Aaaannndd she's gone again." Kevin wrapped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. "Either way, whatever makes you happy. Just don't give up."
"Eh, I don't know. I doubt it." The mood became serious.
"Are you interested in her?" His brow creased. "Honestly?"
"No." I paused, twitching under Kevin's gaze. "No." I paused. "Stop looking at me like that!"
"Okay. Okay." Pulling me into a hug, he laughed. "Alright, I need to get back to Ester. I should be around for a week. We'll have to get together again."
"Definitely."
Xxx
Walking into Crimson Lights, I was greeted by the musician's bright smile. "Hey, it was Mariah, right?"
"Uh…yeah." I blinked away confusion. "Why are you…behind the counter?"
"I work here now. Your mom said I could work instead of paying rent. Your normal?"
"Yeah…please."
"Coming right up." Turning, the taller woman started preparing my coffee.
I hate small talk but awkward silence is worse. "Busy morning?"
"Not yet. Sharon said it would pick up at nine. Any tips?"
"If orders get lined up, cut a brownie or a muffin apart. People don't mind waiting if they get free food."
"That's for sure." She laughed. "Best part about singing at weddings or events is the free food."
"I bet. So, you sing in places besides the park?"
"Yeah. I just haven't found a place here yet. Your mom said I couldn't sing on the patio for tips, which I totally understand, so I settled for the park."
"GC has a night club, The Underground. My brother, Noah, runs it. They have an open mic night once a week. Maybe you could play there?"
"That'd be cool." Placing my coffee on the counter, she pulled out a set of tongs. Clicking them twice with an amused smile. "Do you want your bagel toasted or no?"
"Uh…" Glancing at my phone, I wavered. "Heated. I can stay a little longer and eat here. I have a deadline and my boss is harping on me for it."
"Great." Smiling, she popped the bagel in the toaster oven. "Where do you work?"
"GC Buzz. I co-host and do most of the social media…" My voice trailed off when I noticed the shock on the taller woman's face. "What is that look on your face?"
"Oh, my God. Y-you're Hell on Heels Faceplant Mariah!"
"You've seen the video…" Great.
"Yeah, like a thousand times!"
"Oh, that's great." Feeling my cheeks heat up, I looked away.
"It is. Yeah, I mean, I would have laid on the floor and waited until they rolled up the carpet and carried me out. But you got back up and finished the show. You rock."
"Yeah, I don't think so." Why is my heart pounding like this again? If it keeps up, I may have to make that doctor's appointment I've been dodging for two years. "It was Tessa, right?"
"Mmhmm. Thankfully, the name tags are magnetic." She pointed to the golden rectangle on the left side of her shirt. "It won't put holes in every shirt I own."
Feeling like a moron, I mentally face palmed myself for not noticing the shiny gold tag. "I didn't want to stare at…your…you know." My cheeks started to burn more when Tessa laughed.
"It's okay. Most people don't notice them. Especially when they've not had enough caffeine yet." She paused, placing my bagel before me. Leaning against the counter, Tessa smiled. "Since I'm working here, I guess we'll be seeing a lot of one another."
How did my cheeks get hotter? "Yeah…I guess so…" My voice squeaked. "I…I can put your name on the list for Friday. If…if you're interested in performing."
"Will you be there?" All I did was nod. I can't think around this woman. "Then count me in."
"Great." My voice cracked on the simple word. Clearing my throat, I drank half of my coffee in one gulp.
"I'll let you eat in peace. Let me know before you leave. I'll refill your coffee. One the house." She paused, about two feet away. "Because your mom said you, Noah, and Scott get unlimited free refills."
Taking my bagel and coffee to a nearby table, I started eating. I watched Tessa work over the top of my tablet. Was she flirting? Could Kevin be right about her being interested in me? Would I be interested in her? I mean, she's super talented. Her voice is amazing. She smells nice. When she smiles, I can't form a coherent sentence. This is way too much to process before at least noon and four cups of coffee.
"Hey, Sweetie." I jumped hearing my mother's perky voice. "I didn't mean to startle you." Taking a seat, Sharon smiled. "How was dinner with Kevin? I'm sorry I missed you last night."
"It's all good. We had fun. Grabbed food and went to the park. He has a kid now! Can you believe it?"
"I saw her last night with Ester. She's so cute. Kevin will be a great dad."
"He will be." Darting towards a farther table, Tessa wiped it down before the rush came in. "So, you hired Tessa so she wouldn't have to pay rent?"
"She's low on funds so I figured it would be helpful. She keeps any tips she receives. So far, she seems like a very nice girl."
"Yeah, yeah. She's pretty nice. I can only assume you let her use the cheat sheet or regulars I typed up for you?"
A wholesome laugh escaped my mother. "Yes. That has been one of the most helpful things you've done for this place. Thank you, again."
"You're welcome. I had an OCD moment and typed it all up." Glancing at my phone, I grumbled. "Guess I better go."
"Okay. I'll see you tonight."
"See you." Before leaving, I got a refill from Tessa. "I'll see you tomorrow morning, I guess?"
Beaming, Tessa placed the lid on my to-go cup. "I'm sure we'll bump into one another before then. Have a good day."
"You too. Bye."
"Later."
Xxx
Tessa's POV
I need to tone it down around Mariah. But it's so cute when she's embarrassed. If I'm going to keep this job and the awesome apartment, I can't hit on my boss' daughter. Even if she is in her twenties. Preparing for the lunch rush, I cut up a brownie and made sure all tables were cleared. I still can't believe she's Hell on Heels Mariah though. Wow. I knew she looked familiar but I couldn't place where I saw her before.
"Hey, Tessa." Noah waved as he walked in. "How's it hanging?"
"Good. Mid-day coffee fix?"
"Yes, please." He leaned against the counter as I poured his coffee. "So, how are things here? Hopefully, GC has been nice to our newest barista."
"For the most part everyone's been pretty nice. Not sure if it was me or the blueberry muffin samples. I'm going to say it was because of me."
"If it was this morning, it was probably a little bit of both." Blowing on his coffee, Noah tested the temperature before sipping it. "Mariah said you were interested in playing at The Underground this Friday."
She works fast. "Yeah, she told me about it. Sounds pretty cool. I hope you don't mind."
"No. Not at all. If you're even half as good as she said you are, maybe I'll have to get you to play every weekend."
"She said I was good?" Pouring myself a cup of coffee, I waited for an answer.
"She said you were excellent. She's not one to gush but she kinda did." He paused, brow furrowing in confusion. "It's so odd."
"That's nice of her."
"Once she lets you in, Mariah's truly a nice person. A mutual friend of ours, Devon, is toying with the idea of launching a music label. He's been known to lurk at the open mic nights. Who knows? You might be his first artist."
My heart raced at the idea of being signed by a label. That's everything I've ever wanted. "That'd be amazing. Everyone I meet here is top shelf with connections. How am I supposed to make it?"
"Not everyone was born a Newman, Abbott, or Winters. Mariah wasn't. Look at her now. She's the co-host of GC Buzz. Just work hard and you'll be seen. Your talent will speak volumes."
"Thanks, Noah."
"You're welcome. Just bring you're A-game Friday and I'm sure you'll make a great impression. I hope you don't mind if I have you go on first. People enjoy the rest of the acts if they've had a few drinks beforehand."
"That's fine. What time should I show up? I can warm up in my apartment."
"Uhm…" He thought a moment. "I'd say about nine. Show starts at nine thirty so we can make sure the mic works and everything."
"Alright. Sounds great."
Xxx
Friday came and I was extremely nervous when I pulled up to The Underground. Noticing Mariah's car, I smiled. She actually made it. That sets my mind at ease a little. Not much but a little. Picking up my case, I entered the dimly lit club.
"Hey! There's the woman of the hour!" Noah called from behind the bar. "What's up?"
"Not much. Just got off work, freshened up, and came here. Where should I put this until the show?"
"Put it in Dad's office. It's over there on the left." Noah pointed to the farther side of the club near the restroom sign. "Bathrooms are on the right."
"Thanks." Making my way towards the office, I looked around for the redhead but she was nowhere to be found. I was about to open the office door when I heard Mariah's voice.
"Yes Hilary, I will get plenty of pictures and video of her." Is she talking about me? I shouldn't listen but I can't help it. "Devon has already mentioned he wants to meet her. Look, I don't want to overwhelm her. After tonight's performance, I'll show Devon the video. If he wants to sign Tessa, then I'll ease her into the idea." My heart threatened to break through my ribcage as a wave of nausea hit me. "The show is about to start. I'll edit the pictures and then show you in the morning. Goodbye, Hilary." Grumbling, Mariah said something under her breath that I couldn't understand. Before I could knock, the door opened. "Oh Geez!" The redhead jumped back. "Tessa, hey…you're here."
"Yup. Noah said I could put my case in the office until it was showtime."
"Oh, please." Stepping to the side, Mariah allowed me entrance. "You nervous?"
"Just a little." Placing the case against the wall, I tried not to fidget.
"You'll do great." She paused. "How long had you been standing there?"
"Not too long. I just got here a few minutes ago."
"Oh, okay. Oh, I just got off the phone with my boss. She wants me to get video of tonight's performances and some pictures too. Are you okay with that?"
"Yeah." Thank God I made sure I looked nice! Not so much for the crowd but one person in particular. "Do I look alright for pictures?" Doing a quick turn, I caught Mariah's eyes lingering.
"You look great. Very rocker punk vibe." Starting to twitch under my gaze, Mariah tried to keep me talking. "Any idea what you're going to sing tonight?"
"Noah said it was going to be a three-song set so I figured I'd go with: Tell That Devil, Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down), and Skyfall. I'm in a femme fatal mood tonight. I've done the songs before and put my own little twist on them."
"The soulful sultry intoxicating tones that your voice has." Realizing what she said, Mariah tried to back pedal. "That's just what people have said online. There're videos of you in the park." Franticly looking at the clock, she brushed past me. "Mic check time!"
So, I do make her nervous. Good to know. Following close behind, I made my way towards the stage area. "Is there anything I need to know?"
"Not really." Mariah adjusted the mic as I sat on the stool. "Just make sure it picks up your voice so the music doesn't drown you out."
"Drown out the sultry soulfulness I have?" Flashing a half smile caused blood to drain from Mariah's face.
"Yup." She squeaked.
I really want to see her panic. As I warmed up, Mariah went behind the bar to help Noah. To test the mic, I hummed the beat of a song I had heard earlier that day. "I wish I would've laid my hands on you. Shown you a thing or two. I wish I would've pushed you against the wall, lock the door and bathroom stall, windows and the screen." Every muscle in the redhead's body tensed as I sang. "I wish you would've laid your hands on me. That kind gon' bring you to your knees. I wish I would've let you lay me down 'cause I wouldn't be here wishing now. I wish I would've laid my hands on you."
Noah clapped, unsure of what to say. "Wow! That's…wow."
"Thanks." Mariah kept her back to me. Body still tense. Come on. Turn around. Let me see what I just did to you.
"What do you think, Mariah?" The look on Noah's face was somewhere between amused and confused.
"It was great." The redhead's voice cracked. Clearing her throat, she filled a glass with water and chugged it. Finally, she turned to face me but never made eye contact. "Definitely that soulfulness."
"Glad you liked it."
The show started and everyone loved my spins on each song. Mariah stood close so she could get pictures and video for the website. Every time I'd hit a certain note, she'd have to take a steadying breath. I do have an effect on her. Is she interested in me? But she's never been with a woman before. It's probably nothing. Just loneliness from being stood up so many times before.
When I was done, I bowed and darted towards the bar. Mariah had a glass of wine waiting for me. "Thanks."
"You did amazing." Beaming, she sipped her own wine. There was a twinkle in her green eyes. "I'll show you the pictures and video before I send them to my boss."
"Awesome." Taking a seat on a stool, I tried to enjoy the rest of the show. Noah was right. This is more enjoyable when you've had a few drinks.
"Well, I better go. Hilary wants me at the studio bright and early to go over next week's schedule and fittings." Hugging Noah, Mariah finished her glass. "See you tomorrow." Turning to me, she smiled. "You working tomorrow morning?"
"As always." Emptying my own glass, I paid Noah. "I'll walk you out." Catching up with the redhead, we walked out to the parking lot.
"You really did do an awesome job tonight. Not that I thought you wouldn't knock it out of the park." Hesitating at her car, Mariah tucked a stay curl behind her ear. "I'll finish editing the pictures tonight and show you in the morning."
"Sounds good to me. I'll have your order waiting." She's so timid. "See you at eight?"
"Yeah. Well, goodnight." She smiled softly.
"Goodnight." Closing her door, I watched as Mariah pulled out of the parking lot.
Xxx
I woke up a little earlier than normal to get ready for work. Coughing at the hairspray killing my internal organs, I thought about Mariah. Have I ever put this much work into looking nice for someone? I don't even do this crap for myself. Choosing something to wear was relatively easy since it was going to be under an apron most of the day. I still made sure to wear my favorite pair of gray jeans that made me feel like I could rule the world.
Heading downstairs, I started the normal pot of coffee and setting the chairs back onto the floor. Pouring myself a cup, I laughed. Getting one free food or drink item per shift is dangerous for me. Placing a few bucks in the cash register, I inhaled one of the day-old bagels. My nose crinkled tasting the onion. Why does Mariah like these? They're disgusting. Thankfully the coffee will kill the onion breath.
At 7:58, I put Mariah's fresh bagel in the oven and poured her coffee. As if on cue, when the oven dinged, in walked the redhead. "Right on time." I smiled as she looked up from her phone.
"Hey." Noticing the coffee and bagel, a slow smile made its way to her face. "Either you really want to see these pictures or you're magic."
"Mmm maybe a little of both?" She needs to wear choker shirts like that more often. She looks amazing! "Long time no see." There I go with the flirting again. Why can't I turn this off around her?
"I know. It's been ages!" Mariah laughed as she moved down the counter. "After this round of orders, I'll show you the goods." Red hair bounced as her head snapped up. "Pictures! The pictures."
Turning my attention towards the line of customers, I tried not to laugh at the flustered woman. "What can I get for you today?" As I worked, I felt Mariah watching me every once in a while. I wasn't quite sure what she was thinking, but I knew every time I'd catch her, she'd blush. Taking her empty plate, I refilled her mug. "Okay, all yours until nine."
Staring at me like a deer caught in headlights, Mariah finally snapped out of whatever inner turmoil she was having. "Right! The next rush. Uh, here are some of the pictures I got while you sang. I've not edited much besides lighting because of the dimness in The Underground." Sliding me her phone, I started swiping. "There're about ten pictures and a few video clips."
I wonder what other pictures she has in here. I don't think she's the type who would take sexy selfies. "These are fantastic." Do I really look like that? I wonder if that's how Mariah sees me. Starting the video, I cringed. "Okay, I can't. Hearing my voice played back messes with me."
Laughing, Mariah agreed. "It does everyone. I hate my voice when I hear it recorded."
"Glad to know I'm not alone." I paused, realizing the time. "Why does Hilary have you come in on Saturdays too?"
"Just to do fittings for next week and to go over the schedule. It's only half a day. I'm normally home by two."
"I guess that makes it a little better."
"Morning, girls." Sharon's chipper voice rang though the coffeehouse.
"Morning." We answered in unison.
"What can I get you, Sharon?" I smiled at the older woman.
"Two large coffees and a few cheese Danishes."
"Warmed, right?" Sharon gave a small nod. "Coming right up."
"Hey, how are you and Scott doing?"
"We're good. Lauren is still irritated with me but he's a grown man."
"He is, yes. I mean, at least he has roots in GC now. She has to be happy about that."
"I don't know. We've never gotten along. Are those the pictures from last night?"
"Yup. Take a look."
"Noah said Tessa did amazing. The crowd loved her." I know I shouldn't be listening but they're right there. I can't unhear them. Besides, they're talking about me. Sharon turned, back facing me. Does she really think that'll keep me from hearing? "I think Noah has a crush."
Dropping the tongs, they clanked loudly when hitting the floor. "All good! Nothing to see here." Rushing to the back, I grabbed a second set of tongs. Wrong kid, Sharon. Wait, am I crushing on Mariah? The thought stopped me. I can't dwell on this right now. The second rush is about to hit and Mariah's about to leave. Putting Sharon's order together, I placed it on the counter. "Here you go." I tried desperately to put on a convincing smile. Thankfully, she bought it.
"Thank you, Tessa."
"You're welcome."
Mariah watched Sharon and I skeptically. She waited until her mother was gone and no one was paying attention to confront me. "A musician isn't normally clumsy. Therefore, something she said caused you drop the tongs." Her brow rose. "What was it?"
Filling her to-go cup, I tried shrugging it off. "Nothing. It just slipped out of my hand." She's not going to buy that. I wouldn't even buy that.
"Right. For some reason, I don't believe you." She smirked. "I mean, if you like my brother, that's fine." I don't. I don't like him in any way, shape, or form besides being friends. "But he has a tendency to fall hard and quick." This is torture! Why does this seem so forced? "I know we haven't known each other for that long but if you want me to do some recon…"
"Stop. Please." I can't handle this. "No need for that. Your brother is a nice guy, truly, but he isn't my type." At all. Whatsoever.
Mariah's head tilted with intrigue. "What is your type?"
I waited for her to realize what she asked and have the embarrassment make her backpedal again but it never came. "Don't you need to get to the studio? It's almost nine." I was still a little taken aback from the redhead's boldness. "Hilary doesn't seem like someone you want to anger."
"Oh, crap! I do!" Grabbing her coffee, Mariah dashed towards the door. "Thanks!"
xxx
Mariah's POV
What the hell was I thinking with that question?! I've not known the woman a week and I'm already asking her questions like that. It's crazy but I feel like I've known her for years not days. Whatever is going on, I need to figure it out later. I have a job to do. I entered the studio at 9:05 and waited for Hilary's wrath.
"Mariah! You're late!" Here it comes. "Those pictures and video better be in my email!"
"They are. They've been there since 8:30." Thank God this is a half day. I am not in the mood for her today.
Lunch time finally rolled around and I was free. I couldn't get Noah and what Mom said off my mind. I need to know. I don't know why I need to but I just do. Dialing his number, I waited. "Noah, what are you doing?"
"Hey, Mariah. I'm at The Underground doing paperwork with Dad. Why?"
"We need to talk. Can you take a lunch break?"
"You buying?"
I can hear the smirk in his voice. "Yes."
"Then I can take a break." He laughed. "See you in twenty."
Entering The Underground, Noah waved me over. "Hey, what's so urgent?" Looking through the bag, he shrugged. "Really? A healthy option? Come on!"
"Yes. You need to eat something more than bar food." Taking a seat on a stool, I unwrapped my chicken panini. "Mom thinks you're interested in Tessa."
Pausing mid-bite, Noah lowered his sandwich. "She thinks what?"
"She thinks you're crushing on Tessa. Because of what you said about her performance last night." Why am I getting so defensive about this?
"I said she did an epic job and everyone loved her. I'm working on the budget with Dad to see if we can pay her to perform here on a regular basis." Taking a bite of his sandwich, Noah shrugged. "I guess she took that for more than face value?"
Feeling my defenses lower, I continued eating. "I guess so."
"The real question is: why do you care if I'm crushing on her or not?" Smacking my hand hard on the bar, I glared my brother down. Taking a step back, the blood drained from his face. "S-see? That right there. What's with the hostility?"
"I'm not hostile."
"No matter what Noah's done, let's not burn down the bar please." Nick exited his office. "What's going on? You seem tense."
"I'm not tense."
Leaning against the bar, Nick studied me. "Uh-huh. You look like you're about to rip Noah's throat out. What's he done now?"
"Why is it something I've done?" Noah scoffed. Nick looked between us with a knowing grin. "Mom thinks I have a crush on Tessa. Mariah came here to ask me about it but she's all defensive because I've not given her a straight answer on if I am or not."
"Are you?" Nick's brow rose.
"I never thought about it. She doesn't seem interested in men anyway."
Shifting his weight, Nick frowned. "What do you mean?"
"I don't know. There were some guys who tried hitting on her last night but she brushed them all off."
"Just because you don't flirt back doesn't mean you're not into men." I muttered.
"Yes, Mariah, I know." Noah smirked. "I just…I don't know. She kept a pretty close eye on you the whole night."
"She had to. I was recording the performance." Finishing my sandwich, I trashed the wrapper. "Ten points!"
"Lucky shot. Not just while she was on stage. Like when you were at the bar too. There was just this protective vibe radiating from her."
"Hmm." Nick shrugged. "I mean, I still want to hire her no matter who she prefers. Tessa's an amazing artist. Not being influenced by other bar goers, could be a good thing."
"I think the only influence we need to worry about is Mariah here." Noah grinned, pointing in my direction.
Genuine surprise came over Nick as he looked from his son to me. "Are you interested in Tessa?"
"No!" Why are they staring at me like that? "I'm not interested in Tessa!"
"Okay." They spoke in unison.
A/N: Songs used/mentioned: Hands on you by Ashley Monroe, Skyfall by Adele, Tell That Devil by Jill Andrews, and Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) by Nico Vega
