A/N: Holy Cow, 205 hits since I posted? That is unbelievably flattering and humbling. I would like to thank everyone that read it, especially those who left a review or added my story (or me) as an alert or favorite. They truly are addictive. I hope the second chapter is up to par with the first.
In other news, I found a beta! Well, a beta found me. As many thanks as I could muster to chisaii-kitty for being an awesome beta even in the face of technical issues. After this, go read her story Allegro. Actually, read her other stories too, Drawn and Stiletto. Any remaining mistakes are my own.
Disclaimer: Charlaine Harris owns the characters, I just like to borrow them for my own selfish delights.
He barely recognized the thoughts going through his head. He spent the next few minutes trying to figure out when his day went from awesome to awful and exactly what these feelings were. Desire was too strong of a word, but fascination didn't really fit either. Attraction... now that seemed like a winner. Upon this realization, he nearly fell off the treadmill. The idea that he was attracted to a woman that wasn't Felicia scared him to death.
Eric decided that an hour long run was definitely enough for the first day. He grabbed his things and headed back to his home as fast as he could. He went back to ignoring every other living thing around him; he needed the comfort and safety of home right now. He was a bundle of nerves. The elevator was just taking too damn long so he opted to climb the 10 flights of stairs. It would be a good way to get rid of the nervous energy, right? Wrong. He was just as anxious and twitchy as he was in the cardio room with her.
Her. The blond whose name he didn't even know but could describe every aspect of her being in vivid detail. A shower was most definitely called for right now. He stripped down and climbed in the stall, trying in vain to get all thoughts of her out of his head. But when the hot water hit his skin, all he could think about was the way the droplets of water would look running down her body, his hands following the path they'd created. As soon as that thought crossed his mind he immediately turned off the hot water, letting the ice cold blast shoot him back to reality.
He couldn't be having these thoughts. He was a grieving widower. Felicia would be the only woman who could ever have his heart. He was a firm believer that there was only one great love in a lifetime and Felicia had been it.
But what if she wasn't?
He nearly jumped out of his skin at that one. He needed a distraction and fast. He threw on his now-standard fare of lounge pants and a t-shirt and turned on the television, hoping for some mindless distraction. Every channel seemed to feature some cute blond actress who paled in comparison to her beauty. This wasn't working. He quickly turned off the TV and walked to his study, hoping for something interesting in his e-mail inbox. He noted on the walk there that Clancy was unconscious in a particularly sunny spot near the windows.
There goes walking him as a distraction.
The computer started up slowly, too slowly for his liking. He tapped his fingers against the wood of the desk. This was the desk where he wrote each of the Danger novels. He had a lot of memories sitting behind this desk. It was where he was sitting when he received the call that changed his life. He quickly pushed the depressing thoughts away and scanned through the e-mails that were now loaded in front of him. There was nothing interesting, as per usual.
One message from Pam suddenly caught his eye. Apparently, the studio that produced the movie of the first Danger novel wanted to option the second. The first made him a fair amount of money, that combined with the royalties of the books funded his current lifestyle of doing absolutely nothing for a living. He sent her a reply stating he was on board. If a new movie made him as much money as the first, he wouldn't have to worry as much about putting a new book out for financial reasons. It could come to him as slowly as he wanted and it was most certainly coming slowly.
He leaned back in the chair, closing his eyes. It was barely 1 p.m. and his day had already turned to shit. It started off so well, too. This was not boding well for the whole starting over idea. He was ready to try to live again, but did that mean starting over romantically too? He didn't think he could handle the thought of ever feeling something for a woman like he did for Felicia. Couldn't he start over slowly? Did he really have to jump back in the water with both feet without looking? It was almost too much to think about.
He tried to practice the breathing techniques he had learned to calm his mind. He was completely frazzled and knew if he continued down this path he would end up having a full blown panic attack. It was in that moment his mind created an image of a smoky bar. Patrons filled the small round tables surrounding a stage with a full sized grand piano and double bass already in place. He recognized this world as it was one he was most comfortable with. This was the world of Alexander Danger, 1940's New York. In all the years he spent with his creation, Danger never went to a place like this, what led him here now? The band began to take their places on stage and started up with some familiar tunes. The M.C. of the club took the mic and began the show.
"Ladies and gents, it is my pleasure to introduce the fabulous Miss Susannah Renard."
The blond stunner swayed across the stage, taking her place behind the microphone and began to belt out standard after standard. The crowd went wild for this new catch. She would be a star in no time.
Eric jumped out of his seat with such force that the chair went flying backwards into the wall. In the past three years, he had never experienced anything that sparked a new story line for his work. This was all happening too quickly. It was his first day back in society, his first interaction with people and he's inspired already? It didn't make any sense.
What confused and scared him even more was that he could not stop thinking about the scene at the jazz club. The widower in him wanted him to push it out of his brain and forget it ever happened but the writer in him wanted to know more. Why was Danger in a jazz club? Who was this mysterious woman and what role would she play in plot?
Plot, what plot? This isn't even a story yet, it was a scene. Could I turn this into a plot? Better yet, do I want to?
He righted his chair and sat down once again behind his computer. He had subconsciously opened a Word document. He set his fingers down on the keys and they began to fly. They captured every nuance of the scene that played in his head with every minute detail fleshed out.
When we last left Alexander Danger, he was mourning the loss of the love of his life, Elena. In all three books in the series, the romantic female lead captured some essence of his relationship with Felicia. In the first, Faye was a spunky go-getter (Felicia to a T) working with Danger to catch the man that killed her brother. Of course, sex ensued. The second featured Candy, the young gorgeous secretary he hired. She was tall, dark and undoubtedly sexy. Sexual escapades followed on every surface of his office, just like it had with Felicia. The third was Elena. She captured Danger's heart as no woman ever had. They were wed immediately only to have her ripped away by a gunman's bullet, a bullet that was meant for Danger.
Of course, that's why Danger was in a bar! He was drinking his troubles away, trying to forget her.
Eric frowned at how closely he allowed his books to follow his own life. Pam insisted he finish the third book even in his grief. He wrote the only thing he could, the death of the love of his life. If he was in pain, Danger should be in pain. Apparently, now that he found some sense of attraction to a woman that meant Danger should feel the same. Conflict waged a war within him; he did not understand or want to understand any of the multitudes of emotions he was feeling.
It's all part of the healing process I suppose.
He looked up at the screen. The page count in the corner shocked him. He had written 20 pages without the slightest effort. Reading it over, it flowed perfectly. Danger feeling depressed and lonely, seeking the sweet release liquor provided from his pain. The smoky club. The gorgeous singer. The sweet melody of her voice. The internal battle Danger felt, yet ignored. He had never written anything that easily in his life. He also realized he was jealous of his fictional creation. Danger just shoved the emotions aside, as if they didn't matter. He wished he could do that, disregard everything crossing his mind.
He was tempted to delete everything. Part of him hated the words in front of him. Part of him was amazed he was writing again. Part of him was ashamed he was this inspired by a woman he didn't even know. Felicia was the only one that had ever triggered such a strong response out of him, emotionally and creatively. He was terrified at what all this could mean.
He made the decision to leave what he had written alone for now. He had purged it from his system, maybe now the thoughts would leave him be. Clancy's barking roused him from his stupor. He looked at the clock. It was getting late and Clancy needed to go out again. The pair strolled through Central Park on a path they had never taken before. Clancy's nose had brought them to a small dog park.
What the hell, just because I don't want to socialize doesn't mean Clancy shouldn't.
They stepped through the gate and Eric removed his leash. The dog was suddenly a blur, running off to frolic with some of the other animals. Eric took a seat on a bench, keeping a close eye on Clancy, as he did not tend to spend much time with other dogs. There was no reason to be concerned, however. Clancy fit in just right, letting instinct teach him how to play nice.
He saw a petite woman come into the park next. She was cute enough, a short brunette bob held back by a colorful headband, an equally colorful sweater and khakis. She released her Boston terrier to go play with the other dogs and took a seat next to Eric on the bench.
"Hey, I've never seen you here before. My name is Amelia, and that's my dog Bob. Which one is yours?" she said sweetly with a smile across her face.
"I'm Eric, and that's my golden Clancy," he said pointing out the dog that was now bouncing in delight while playing a doggy version of tag. "And you're right; it's our first time at the park."
"He's gorgeous, just like his owner," Amelia added with a wink.
Eric blushed a deep red. He should be used to women's advances from the personal appearances he used to do, but he was admittedly a bit out of practice.
"Thank you. My best friend found him for me while I was mourning my wife."
There, that should keep the flirtation at bay.
"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that. Your friend did you the ultimate favor, animals help direct our healing energy to the places we need it most."
He must have given her an incredulous look as she followed that with, "I teach yoga at a gym not too far from here. I'm a firm believer in New Age teachings. In fact, one of my classes is known throughout the city as Doga. It's doing yoga with your dog! That really gets the energy flowing. I teach over at Stackhouse Gym. You and Clancy should come by for a class."
With that she reached into her purse and pulled out a card. He looked down at it and realized it was a voucher for a free trial day at the gym. She jotted down a day and time on the back, presumably when the class met.
"Stackhouse Gym, huh? It's funny that I should meet you today. I just signed up for a membership there and today was my first day going." He wasn't going to mention he was forcibly signed up, that wasn't an important detail.
"That's fantastic! You really should try out some of the classes they offer. They're some of the most inventive and exciting in the entire city."
With her excitement, he began to notice a slight twang in her voice.
"If you don't mind my asking, where are you from? You don't sound much like a typical New Yorker."
"Oh, I'm originally from New Orleans. My college roommate moved up here to Manhattan with her boyfriend when he was offered a huge position at a law firm. Well, two months into living here, she finds out he's cheating on her with one of the senior partners! That's the reason he got such a cushy offer! Can you believe it? Well, her brother called me and told me she was being stubborn and didn't want to move back home so he was going to move to New York, along with one of their friends Sam, to bring a bit of the South and home to her. He invited me to come along since he was going to franchise his gym here and knew that I was teaching yoga. He knew he couldn't run a proper gym in New York City without offering yoga classes. So we made the trek and now one year later here we are! But quid pro quo, Clarice. Where is your accent from?"
He looked at this small woman and could not believe that entire story just spilled from her. She sure could talk. He didn't know where all the air came from. Yoga must build up her endurance. She did however quote Silence of the Lambs, one of his favorite movies, so he decided to humor her with his story.
"I was living in Sweden working at my family's nightclub when my future wife walked in with a huge group of friends. She was spending the semester abroad in Stockholm. Well, we met and fell in love almost immediately. She was strong and stubborn; she challenged everything I thought I knew about myself. But she was also unbelievably loving and kind. We spent every day for the next four months together. When it came time for her to leave, I knew I couldn't let her go. I packed up my life and followed her to New York. I had always wanted to be an author, and she encouraged me to follow my dreams. We were together for six years before she passed. That was three years ago."
He looked down at his hands. He hadn't intended to share that part of the story, it just came out. He had never told anyone that before, except Pam of course. Just then, she reached over and wrapped her small hand around his.
"Well, Eric, fate brought you here. This city is your destiny. There is something out there that has kept you here even after her passing. I think it's time you found it. What would she say to you if she could see you now? Would she have wanted you to put your whole life on hold? I think if she was as strong as you said, she would want you to move on with your life. If she loved you as much as you said, she'd want you to find happiness and peace in a life after her."
He looked at Amelia with tears in his eyes. He just met this woman not thirty minutes ago but she had just made the most profound statement of his entire life.
"The thought of that is terrifying." How was he confiding in this stranger? This was completely out of character for him.
"Let that fear light the fire under your ass! Start living again to spite the fear! Don't let a useless emotion like that dictate your direction in life. Get back behind the wheel and drive!"
He stood up then, pulling her up with him and wrapped her in a hug. He called out for Clancy to come back to him, attached his leash and went to leave.
"Thank you, Amelia. You have no idea how much your words have done for me. Yoga, especially Doga, are a little too out there for me, but if I ever change my mind you'll find me at your class. Maybe I'll see you around the gym."
"You got it big man. See ya! Remember, today is the first day of the rest of your life."
With their closing remarks made, he found his way back to the apartment and back behind his desk. He sent Pam a quick e-mail before reopening the document from earlier to get back to work.
Pam,
You have no idea what happened to me today. Honestly, I don't even know what happened. All I know is I have 20 pages of the fourth book typed out and would love for you to come over when you get a chance. Bring dinner, my fridge is empty.
~E
Within twenty minutes, there was a knock on the door. There was Pam in her typical downtime suburbanite wear with deli sandwiches in hand.
"You wrote today?! Seriously, you wrote something today? Please tell me you're not bullshitting me, my heart can't take it. A potential movie deal and the beginnings of the fourth book all happening in one day?! Offer me a chair you jerk, I might just pass out."
He took the sandwiches from her over-dramatically trembling hands and led them to the table. He told her all about his day, the highs and the lows, leaving out the details about a certain blond from the gym. He wasn't sure if he could handle that conversation with Pam just yet. After they finished eating, he led her to the study so she could read over the rough draft. With speed only a literary editor could muster she scrolled through his writing. It would appear he was not going to be given the chance to avoid that sore subject.
"So what's her name and where did you meet her? This doesn't sound like the little brunette you met at the park."
With an over exaggerated sigh he began, "I saw her at the gym. I don't know her name or anything about her, but the way she's making me feel is scaring me shitless. I couldn't get her out of my head any other way, so I started to write. This just flowed out of me without a second thought."
"Eric, if I had any appreciation for your gender I would kiss you flat on the mouth. This is brilliant. Get it steamy and get a plot and then we'll talk contracts. We won't be able to get this on the shelves by Christmas but we might be able to swing it in time for the movie release! Oh, think of the marketing! I'm going to make you a very wealthy man once again, Eric Northman."
Steamy? Of course the fans would expect love scenes. Can I still do that as well as I used to?
The two friends spoke for a little while longer before it was time to call it a night. He walked Pam to the door and after a quick embrace, she looked at him with an evil glint in her eye.
"Don't think I'm letting you off the hook about this little blond bombshell. You will be pressed at a later time and date. Lucky for you, I have an early morning meeting."
With that, she was out the door. Eric took Clancy for quick pit stop outside then began his own bedtime ritual. As he lay down in bed, pulling the sheets around him he looked over to the left side of bed. With a sigh, he closed his eyes and repeated the words Amelia said before, today is the first day of the rest of my life.
With that, he closed his eyes and began to dream, back to that smoky club where the sweet sound of Susannah's voice lulled him into the deepest sleep he had in years.
A/N 2: Wow, that's one hell of a day in the life of my new favorite author. Could you find all the possible foreshadowing in this chapter? Chisaii-kitty and I agree, we like the story within a story, but what do you guys think? Leave a review and let me know!
Will Eric take Amelia's advice? Will Clancy continue to be absolutely adorable? Does Pam's snark know no bounds? Stay tuned for the next thrilling chapter, same Danger time, same Danger station!