Chapter 2:
Sleeping in was something I had always wanted to try, but as I rolled out of bed around eleven it didn't seem as great as I had pictured. For the most part I felt like the day had gotten away from me, the sun high in the sky beating down on the city, people bustling about to and from work, kids chasing one another, thugs driving about scouting turf.
I adjusted my sunhat as I casually walked the streets, not being rushed by errands to run gave me the time to enjoy the scenery, the smells, and the energy that was NYC. I took a detour through Central Park smiling at the bright and lovely green foliage. Trees dancing in the breeze, birds singing to mates, flowers stretching towards the sun, couples picnicking along the rolling hills. Everyone was enjoying the hot summer day in their own way.
For a while I sat under a large oak tree singing back at the birds that chirped as they flew by. Several kids stopped their game of cops-n-robbers to request songs before an adult came along calling for them. When the sun started to turn the sky beautiful oranges and reds I decided to leave the park, having enjoyed another day of complete freedom. Ronnie hadn't shown his face in the apartment at all in the first week of my freedom. It was strange the first few days not seeing the sly blond, but I quickly adjusted to his absence with a spring in my step.
"Risa?"
Behind me waved a petite woman wearing a pink and purple dress with several guys following her. They all wore black suits and hats that hid most of their faces.
"Kate?" I questioned.
"Oh I'm so glad it's you," she said.
I waited for her to reach me, and we embraced in a brief hug before parting. We smiled at one another as the guys in suits stood around us nonchalantly watching the perimeter. I knew Ronnie worked with thugs, and that the party he took me to was hosted and run by one of the biggest names in the city's underground, but I didn't think Kate traveled with such back up.
"It's good to see you again," I said.
"Risa," she started. "Can I call you that?" I nodded. "Risa would you like a job?" Her eyes twinkled at me, her hands clamped together in front of her like she was begging.
My first instinct was to say no, but as I thought about my emptying fridge, and the lack of money Ronnie left me I realized my easy-go-lucky trend had to end if I was going to make it a whole year.
"What sort of job?" I asked.
"I'm so glad you asked," Kate smirked.
"You want me to sing in your club?" I gaped.
Kate had rambled on and on about music and songs the whole ride over to the same club the party had been at. We were sitting at a table. Both with cups of tea, not for from the stage where a band prepared for the night.
"Yes, it would make this place even more popular. Your voice filling its rooms, serenading the guests, even your pretty face will quickly boost your popularity. So will you do it?" Kate asked.
"You're going to pay me to sing?" I was so shocked at the opportunity I practically forgot to breath. It was like Kate was handing me my dream on a silver platter. "Just sing?"
"Will you do it?" Kate smiled.
"Yes," I said.
"That's great!" she clapped. Jumping to her feet she squeaked out, "I have to tell Keith and the everyone. They'll be so excited."
As she began to scurry away I jumped to my feet calling, "When do I start?"
"Tonight!" Kate said.
At that I fell back into my seat, heart racing, foot tapping, and stomach knotting all at once. This was happening. No more hiding tunes between errands, no more bad radio connections. I was going to be singing the songs I loved so much to make my living. It was the perfect job.
"Miss Michaels?"
I looked up to see a member of the band standing on the edge of the stage. He looked friendly, at least more so than the guys that were following Kate around.
"Yes," I replied.
"We'd like to warm up," he said.
"Oh, right," I said.
Standing I joined them on stage where we tested the instruments, practiced a few songs, and made sure we all harmonized. It was fun, some of the guys cracked jokes, and tested my music knowledge. Before long Kate returned and nearly had a heart attack as she approached the stage.
"Risa you have to change," she said.
"What? Why?" I asked startled.
"Because pretty girls should wear pretty things. Come with me," she urged.
I glanced down at my current outfit; the dress an old plain navy blue, my shoes scuffed and worn. It was nothing compared to Kate's summer dress.
"Okay," I nodded.
Kate lead me out of the club and up a set of stairs to a set of apartments. Inside one was a rack of female clothing, which Kate scanned until she found a dress she liked. Stepping away from the rack she held up a black dress that had emerald lace and a slit up the side. It was gorgeous, and perfect and fit better than I thought. Apparently Kate had many friends that would drop by out of town and would borrow clothes from Kate's "closet".
"I wish I had your legs," Kate said.
We were grooming ourselves in front of the large gold frame bathroom mirror. Kate had changed into a saucy red number and was touching up her flawless makeup, while I was pinning my long hair up into a style that fit the dress.
"Have you seen your waist, it's so tiny," I said.
Kate blushed. "Thanks. You are so sweet."
We finished up with our appearances then returned to the club, chatting like I had seen others do while shuffling from store to store. As we entered the club I felt normal, with Kate's laugh and my pleased smile for being able to make her laugh. I had seen girls, friends, walk New York's streets together having good times talking and sharing secrets. I was doing that now with Kate, and it sent me over the moon.
"Have fun. I'll see you later tonight," Kate said.
"Okay. Bye," I waved.
We went our separate ways, Kate out towards the bar, and I back to the stage where the band was waiting. They greeted me with friendly smiles as I took my place at the mic. Looking out over the club I could see people arriving, guests taking their seats, and intimidating men lingered in the shadows.
"Ready Miss Michaels?" the drummer asked.
"Let's go boys," I smirked over my shoulder at them.
With that the beat started, and I began to sing. At first the songs were soft and smooth, lover songs, then as meals finished and drinks were poured the songs turned quicker with witty lyrics and swinging melodies. With each new song I moved more and more with the atmosphere; I made faces to go along with the lyrics, dancing to the faster songs, even used the band as props. I was having the time of my life. I was almost disappointment when we were given a break.
"You're doing great Risa," Kate said.
She was at the bar, a green martini in hand and cheeks the color of roses.
"Thanks. I'm having a great time," I said.
"i bet you're thirsty, how about a drink?" Kate said a little too loudly.
I could smell the alcohol on her, and it was apparent on her face that the martini in hand wasn't her first. "Sure," I smiled.
We continued our chat from earlier as we drank. After my third I was called back to the stage, but on my way I was stopped. My hand was grabbed keeping me from the stage, I tried to pull free until I saw who it was.
"Mr. Gandor it's good to see you again," I said.
"You too Miss Michaels," he nodded.
When he didn't release my hand I asked, "Can I help you with something?"
"Yes," he replied dropping my hand. "I have a request for your next number."
A smile slid across my face. "I would love to hear it," I said.
"Stardust," he replied.
It was a popular song, one of my favorites in fact, but it wasn't the most up beat song.
"For a girlfriend?" I inquired. Surely this man had a lady to love, he was kind, good-looking and well connected. "Or an ex?"
"Why would you say that?" Luck asked.
"Because it's about a lost true love," I said.
"Hardly," he shook his head. I raised a brow at him, but Luck only smirked back. "I see it as a sign of good fortune. Dreaming of the future."
I thought about his interpretation for a moment before I heard my name called from the stage. "That's an interesting way of looking at things," I said.
Smoothing the skirt of my dress I excused myself to which Luck nodded.
"Are you ready?" the guitarist asked when I reached the mic stand.
"I have a request boys," I said.
"Yes Miss Michaels?" grinned the drummer.
"Stardust," I said.
"No problem."
As I sang my eyes searched the dancing crowd, at first I wasn't sure what I was looking for until my eyes fell upon it. More like who. Luck was at the back of the room standing under the arch that separated the dining area from the bar. His arms were crossed, and his mouth was quirked up at the corners, but what held my attention were his eyes. Bright and steady honey orbs that stared back at me. I hadn't felt nervous all night, but as Luck's gaze held mine there was a twitching feeling inside my stomach.
Though I dream in vain
In my heart it always will remain,
My stardust melody,
The memory of love's refrain,
He didn't glance away once. Not when I blinked, not when someone passed between us, not even when a big burly man stopped to speak to him. My legs shook a little as the song came to an end it was almost like a goodbye. When it finished those warm eyes would look away from me, and this feeling I couldn't explain would go away. I didn't want it to.
The memory of love's refrain,
The music continued for a moment longer then faded, with it left those beautiful honey eyes. My chest tightened as I watched Luck leave the room, my hands clenching around the pole of the mic stand. Before I knew it the band started the next song, this one more upbeat getting the club-goers pumped up once more.
After several more songs the band and I were given a short break, the bartender delivering drinks and a note. He smirked at me as he handed me my drink and a cocktail napkin, which I didn't need, but then I inspected it.
'The back door,' was all it said.
That was all I needed. When we went back on I felt refreshed and full of energy, dancing to the music again and involving the band in my antics. When the night came to an end most patrons were gone except for the few that seemed to be working with the guys that ran the club. Kate was already gone, so returning the dress would have to wait, which was fine with me. This meant I could leave sooner, and get to the back door.
If it wasn't for Kate I wouldn't have known where the back door to the club was, and when I reached it I didn't hesitate to step out into the dark alley. At first my hope fell when I saw the alley empty, but the voice that sounded behind me sent my heart into a full out sprint.
"Glad you made it Miss Michaels."
Spinning on my borrowed heels I came face-to-face with those warm amber eyes. "Mr. Gandor," I said.
Luck pushed himself off the alley wall stepping towards me with his hands in his pockets. "Call me Luck, Miss Michaels," he said.
Flushing I said, "Risa is fine, Luck."
A small crooked smile turned his lips as he removed one hand from his pockets. He leaned down closer offering his free arm. "Can I walk you home Risa?"
Taking his arm I smiled, "I would enjoy that very much Luck."
With that he escorted me out of the alley, down the street, and up town to my apartment. His arm was strong in my hands despite his slim figure. His pace easily matching mine as we walked through the early morning air, faint streaks of the rising sun could be seen in the indigo sky. We didn't say much as we walked, just the occasional comment here and there, but as we reached my building I found I wanted to say so much yet I just didn't have the words to express it.
We stopped just outside the entrance the doorman waiting to open the door for me. I released Luck's arm as I looked up at him reluctant to say goodbye.
"Thank you," I said.
"It was my pleasure," he said. His voice sounded deeper than before almost raspy.
"Will I see you tomorrow night?" I asked.
"More than likely," he replied.
"Can I request something?" I inquired.
Luck smirked down at me as he moved closer his warmth reaching me from our proximity. "I see it as only fair."
"Will you escort me home tomorrow too?" I asked.
Luck stared down at me for a breath, then he was so close. Close enough to kiss. His mouth found mine with ease, his hands caressed my face while mine knotted in his suit jacket. I had seen couples kiss, the look of passion in their eyes, but experiencing it was a whole other thing. My breathing stopped as my mouth moved with Luck's, his tongue meeting mine, his hands holding me tightly to him. I had thought kissing a silly thing to do with too much physical contact and unnecessary breech of personal space. As Luck continued to kiss me I realized just how wrong I was.
When we broke apart I was breathless, and Luck was smirking. With my heart in my throat as I said, "Please tell me that was a yes."
"It was," Luck nodded.
He didn't say anything else as he started down the steps. I watched as he reached the street and turn in the direction we came.
"Hey Luck!" I called. Running to the edge of the stoop I waited until he turned around. "Can I request one of those tomorrow too?"
"Goodnight Risa," he chuckled.
"Goodnight," I waved as he turned away.
Not only was my night good, but my year was shaping up to be pretty wonderful.
So here's the next chapter.
Stardust by Bing Crosby.
Hope you like.
Leave a review with your feelings.