The Long Road, PART 2
In his delirium, Keith tried to swallow. It still hurt, though not as much as before, and he reached up, putting a hand on his throat. He opened his eyes and found himself in what appeared to be a hospital room. Shirley was standing at the window, her back to him, and he swallowed again, blinking sleepily.
"Mom." He forced it out, surprised that he could even be heard.
She whirled. "Keith!"
He reached up and she was at his side in an instant, taking his hand. There was a look of pure joy on her face.
He tried to speak again. The words came without any pain, much to his relief. "What's going on?"
"You passed out in the bus yesterday, honey, so we brought you here. We're in Flagstaff."
He swallowed again. It was getting easier. "I passed out?"
Shirley nodded, tears glimmering in her eyes. "We thought we'd lost you, honey. We couldn't get you to wake up."
He looked around the room. "Have they found out what's wrong? What do I have?" His eyes shifted back to her face.
She petted his head. "Dr. Carter says you have a virus. They've never heard of it, and they don't know what it will do to you."
His eyes darkened with fear. "Am I gonna die?"
She shook her head. "I don't know, Keith. No one knows what will happen." She was crying now.
He stared up at her, his heart racing. If she was crying, it must be serious. He gripped her hand as she continued to stroke his hair. Trying to lift his head, he panicked. "Mom…"
"Shhh, honey…rest your voice. It's going to be all right, I promise." Hearing a noise behind her, she looked back to see Laurie and Danny.
"Is he awake?" Keith heard Danny ask.
"Yes, he just woke up," Shirley moved aside so they could see.
"Hey, how do you feel?" Danny grinned down at him.
"Like a cavity in somebody's mouth," Keith answered, his eyes following Shirley as she pulled Laurie aside.
"Mom, what's wrong?" Laurie looked worried. "He's okay, isn't he?"
"For now…oh, Laurie, he asked me if he was going to die…" Shirley tried in vain to hold back the waterworks.
Laurie swallowed, glancing at her brother. "What did you say?" She and her siblings had been told the news, and she was still reeling over it. Keith would have to take one day at a time until this virus left him, the doctor had said. If the virus left him.
"I told him the truth, that no one knew. I need to tell him what's ahead of him, but I can't…" She shook her head.
"Let Dr. Carter do that. He'll be better prepared for his questions." Laurie put her arm around Shirley's shoulders, pressing her head into hers. "At least he's awake, that's something, isn't it?"
Shirley nodded, her hand trembling as she wiped at the tears on her face. "Yes, I suppose it is. I just hope he wants to go home."
Laurie smiled. "Well, let's ask him."
They turned back to the boys. Danny was sitting at the foot of the bed, and Keith looked up, the worry evident in his eyes.
"What's going on? What's wrong?" He made another failed attempt to sit up, but his sister put a hand on his shoulder.
"Nothing. We were just saying how nice it will be to go home for a while."
"Home?" Keith frowned. "We have the tour to finish. Does Reuben know you're talking crazy? He'll flip."
Shirley sighed. "Keith, you can't go on with the tour, not as sick as you are."
"I'm okay. Look, my voice is almost back to normal. I feel a hundred percent better."
Shirley and Laurie exchanged concerned glances. "You need to talk to the doctor, honey."
His look darkened. "Why?"
"He can explain this whole…virus problem better than we can. Will you do that, first? Listen to him and then decide? Reuben has agreed to bide by your decision." Shirley's voice remained gentle. "And so have we."
Keith nodded, swallowing. Was it his imagination, or was it painful again?
After listening to the doctor's rundown of what problems he could be facing, Keith was stunned. And sick.
Like Laurie, he was still reeling from having read Dr. Carter's frightening list. It was even more disturbing seeing it in writing. The others sat around him in silence, letting it all soak in.
Finally, Shirley spoke. "Well, honey? What do you think?"
Keith shook his head, looking up from the paper there in his hand. "I…I don't know." He looked over at Reuben. "How long do I have to decide?"
"Not long, I'm afraid. I managed to cancel Phoenix, but Santa Fe is day after tomorrow."
Blowing out a big breath, Keith pressed his head into the pillow. "I'll have an answer in the morning, then."
Shirley reached over, taking his hand. "Dr. Carter said he's releasing you tomorrow. We'll take care of all that, and you concentrate on your decision. Whatever it is, we're behind you, darling."
Keith smiled tiredly as his family and manager began filing from the room, each one giving him parting words.
Shirley leaned down, kissing his forehead. "Sleep well, sweetheart."
"Thanks, Mom, you too. See you in the morning."
All too soon, the door closed behind them and Keith was alone with The Paper. His eyes scanned it again, the words taking on bizarre shapes through the tears. A sob wracked him and he closed his eyes. Lying back on the pillow, he scrunched the paper hard in his hand.
He was feeling almost as bad as when he'd arrived, but Keith was determined not to let on. He was leaving that hospital, no matter what! He'd managed to get dressed, and that all but exhausted him. Needing to build up energy for the next task, he sat back down on the bed. His sore throat and cough were gone, but the fatigue and shakiness had taken their places. And if even one person saw him this way, he was doomed.
The door opened and Shirley, Laurie and Reuben entered.
His mother went straight to him. "How are you feeling, sweetheart?"
Keith looked up with a jolt. Could she see through his façade?
"Okay." It was only a half-lie.
"You're all signed out and the nurse will be here with the wheelchair," Laurie informed him, putting her arm around him.
He nodded, watching Reuben nearly bursting at the seams. He smiled."You can relax, Reuben. I've decided to go on with the tour."
While the manager looked completely relieved, Keith noticed his mother and sister's disappointment. He continued.
"But only for as long as I can. I don't know what's gonna happen next, but if there comes a time when I'm not able to give it my all up there on that stage, this kid is going home."
That made Shirley smile. "I think we can live with that. Right, Reuben?"
Reuben nodded, tugging on his tie as if to get some air. "Right, of course. But you need to let us know when that is." He looked down at Keith, his face serious.
Laurie nodded vehemently. "Absolutely. No more just passing out on us." She rubbed Keith's shoulder harder with each word.
He smiled. "Fair enough."
"So, I guess it's on to Santa Fe," Shirley sighed almost regretfully. "You're sure about this, honey?"
He nodded. "Very."
She took his chin in her hand, peering into his eyes. He swallowed hard, trying to look alert. "How 'very,' Keith?"
He smiled tiredly. "Don't worry. You'll be the first to know if I made a mistake."
"I'd better be."
Now the nurse was there with the wheelchair and Shirley and Laurie helped him into it while Reuben gathered up Keith's personal effects. Still trying not to show how shaky he was, Keith closed his eyes and said a little prayer.
Seven hours and nearly 400 miles later, the Partridges found themselves in Santa Fe. Keith was feeling better by now, though still anxious over what was yet to come. Even the slightest possibility of the virus striking again was making him edgy. He knew it would happen sometime, but when, where and how were the questions. Any little ache or pain could mean serious trouble and he knew he had to be prepared.
Their venue here was to be a fair. After stopping by the hotel to freshen up, they once again loaded into the bus to head for the local fairgrounds.
Using the directions the hotel's front desk clerk gave them, Reuben easily found the fairpark, after a good half hour in the scorching heat of the desert.
There were several workers milling about as the psychedelic bus passed the tents and concession stands, heading for the canopied grandstand at the far end of the asphalt covered tarmac.
The kids were hanging out the windows, watching the goings on around them. Reuben slowed the bus and parked it in the back of the stage, where it settled with a sigh.
A hefty Mexican greeted them as the family and their manager stepped off the bus. "Welcome to The Santa Fe County Fair," he grinned, extending a beefy hand to Reuben. "I am Freddie Velasquez, the Fair director."
"Reuben Kincaid, Mr. Velasquez, and this is the Partridge Family." Reuben indicated his group.
"A pleasure to finally meet you, and please, call me Freddie." He nodded, displaying very white, even teeth. "I have a crew around back that will help unload your instruments. Would you like to check out the stage to make sure it fulfills your needs, Mrs. Partridge?"
"That's very kind of you," Shirley smiled. "And it's Shirley. This is Danny, Tracy, Keith, Chris and Laurie." She touched each of her brood on the shoulder as she pointed them out.
Freddie's grin widened even more. "I know all about you. My two kids are big fans of yours." He led them up the stairs to the stage area. It was solid and huge, facing grandstand-type seating that held a few hundred people.
Keith surveyed their surroundings with a professional eye, taking in every little detail. There were plenty of cables to hook up their amplifiers, and enough room so that they could spread out without falling over one another. He glanced up at the mesh canopy above them, the purpose of which was to keep the stage cool and shaded in the desert sun. It either wasn't doing a good job, or he was still running a temperature, because he was feeling extremely warm. He felt a headache coming on and he reached up, rubbing the back of his neck, where the pain was stemming from.
Shirley noticed his move. "Keith? What's the matter?" She didn't want to sound alarmed, but he did look a little pale.
"I'm okay," he smiled tiredly. "Is there someplace around where I can get some water?"
"Sure, in my office up towards the gate," Freddie answered.
"Danny, go with your brother," Shirley ordered, and Keith rolled his eyes.
"What have I ever done to you, Mom?" he asked.
She laughed as the two boys started off. Freddie called after them, "It's a white building, near the cotton candy stand!"
Keith waved his acknowledgement, his hand returning to the back of his neck.
"Are you okay, Keith?" Danny hustled to keep up with Keith's longer strides.
"Yeah," Keith muttered. The headache wasn't really worsening any, but it would if Danny continued bugging him.
"Hey, you want some cotton candy? I've got fifty cents." Danny was getting out of breath. What was Keith's hurry?
"No, but you get you some." Keith spotted the office ahead. Danny sauntered over to the stand nearby and Keith went to the office. Trying the knob, he found it was locked and he sighed, looking skyward, his fingers pressing hard into his neck. Now the pain was heightening and he slumped back against the outer wall. Trying to ignore the throbbing in his head, he pushed himself up and tried knocking. Maybe, just maybe, someone would be inside.
"Dad's not here. Can I help you?" A female voice made him whirl.
He saw a Mexican beauty of all proportions standing there. Her long dark hair was pulled back under a bandana and her full, colorful skirt billowed about her dark legs. He couldn't help but stare.
She suddenly seemed taken by surprise by him, too. She stepped back, bringing a hand up to her bronze throat. "Oh! I…you're Keith Partridge!"
He nodded, shaking off his initial surprise. "Yes…I needed some water, and your dad told me to come here…the door's locked."
She reached into a pocket, producing a key and, hand shaking, reached for the doorknob. Obviously embarrassed, she fumbled with it, finally dropping the key on the ground.
They both reached for it at the same time, their eyes meeting again. As their hands touched, Keith grinned at her. The girl smiled shyly, her eyes averting to the ground.
He gently took the key from her and inserted it into the lock. Twisting the knob, the door opened, and he stepped back, sweeping his hand. "Ladies first."
She slipped in front of him and turned on a light. The office was small, with a desk and telephone and a filing cabinet. Next to the filing cabinet, Keith saw a small water cooler.
The girl didn't look at him, but indicated the cooler. "There is your water."
"Thanks," Keith said, taking a cone-shaped paper cup and filling it with the water from the inverted jar. He popped a painkiller into his mouth and washed it down, his eyes reverting back to the girl, who had opened the filing cabinet and was sifting through the files in the drawer. He guessed that she was just avoiding his gaze and he shrugged, crinkling the cup up and tossing it into the wastebasket next to the desk.
"Thanks again," he started out of the room and he could feel her eyes on his back.
"You're welcome. Can I get you anything else?" It was a sudden turn of events and Keith smiled, turning to look at her.
"No, thanks. What's your name, anyway?"
She blushed again. "I'm sorry. I'm Lena Velasquez."
He extended his hand. "Nice to meet you, Lena. You already seem to know who I am."
She nodded, trying not to stare at him. He was simply gorgeous. The photos of him she'd seen did not do him justice. "Yes…I love your music. Do you write it yourself?"
"Some," he gave her hand a gentle squeeze and she nearly melted. "Well, most of it, anyway. I'm glad your father booked us here. Looks like a fun place."
"I could give you a tour of the grounds if you'd like," she blurted, then regretted saying it when she saw the look on his face.
"You know, I would love to do that, but in all honesty, I'm not feeling all that well, and…"
She looked away disappointedly. "Oh, I'm sorry…"
Now he felt like a complete jerk. "Maybe tonight, after the show, we could do something."
Her eyes shot back to his, this time with a spark in them. "That would be fun."
He grinned. "It's a date, then."
There was a commotion outside the door and they turned to see Freddie leading Reuben and the Partridges inside.
"I see you found the place," Freddie boomed.
"Yes, and you left it locked, Daddy. I had to let Keith in," Lena put a hand on her hip.
"Sorry about that. Folks, this is Lena, my eldest daughter. Lena, this is the rest of the Partridge Family, and their manager, Mr. Kincaid."
Greetings were exchanged, and Shirley looked around the small room. "Where's Danny?"
"Oh, he had to have some cotton candy. He probably couldn't decide on what size to get," Keith answered.
"Here I am, Mom," Danny poked a sticky face in the room. "And you're right, Keith, I couldn't decide, so I got one of each!"
Keith rolled his eyes. "Figures," he said, shaking his head. He looked tired, and Shirley put a hand on his arm.
"You still don't feel well, do you?" She asked.
"It's just a slight headache," he answered. It was amazing how she could tell these things. He didn't think it showed that much.
"Well, you should go back to the hotel and rest before the show," Shirley said. Somehow, she knew this was the start of something new, and it was beginning to worry her.
"Aw, Mom, we want to ride the rides!" Chris moaned.
"Yeah, Mom!" Tracy pouted.
"I could drive Keith back to the hotel if you'd like," Lena offered.
He glanced at his mother. She had that uneasy look on her face again. "It's okay with me. That way the kids wouldn't be driving me crazy."
"That's true…I suppose that would be all right. Reuben could direct the stage set-up, and Laurie and I could look at the booths. Thank you, Lena, for your offer."
Lena smiled up at Keith. "You're welcome."
He smiled back at her.
to be continued....
In his delirium, Keith tried to swallow. It still hurt, though not as much as before, and he reached up, putting a hand on his throat. He opened his eyes and found himself in what appeared to be a hospital room. Shirley was standing at the window, her back to him, and he swallowed again, blinking sleepily.
"Mom." He forced it out, surprised that he could even be heard.
She whirled. "Keith!"
He reached up and she was at his side in an instant, taking his hand. There was a look of pure joy on her face.
He tried to speak again. The words came without any pain, much to his relief. "What's going on?"
"You passed out in the bus yesterday, honey, so we brought you here. We're in Flagstaff."
He swallowed again. It was getting easier. "I passed out?"
Shirley nodded, tears glimmering in her eyes. "We thought we'd lost you, honey. We couldn't get you to wake up."
He looked around the room. "Have they found out what's wrong? What do I have?" His eyes shifted back to her face.
She petted his head. "Dr. Carter says you have a virus. They've never heard of it, and they don't know what it will do to you."
His eyes darkened with fear. "Am I gonna die?"
She shook her head. "I don't know, Keith. No one knows what will happen." She was crying now.
He stared up at her, his heart racing. If she was crying, it must be serious. He gripped her hand as she continued to stroke his hair. Trying to lift his head, he panicked. "Mom…"
"Shhh, honey…rest your voice. It's going to be all right, I promise." Hearing a noise behind her, she looked back to see Laurie and Danny.
"Is he awake?" Keith heard Danny ask.
"Yes, he just woke up," Shirley moved aside so they could see.
"Hey, how do you feel?" Danny grinned down at him.
"Like a cavity in somebody's mouth," Keith answered, his eyes following Shirley as she pulled Laurie aside.
"Mom, what's wrong?" Laurie looked worried. "He's okay, isn't he?"
"For now…oh, Laurie, he asked me if he was going to die…" Shirley tried in vain to hold back the waterworks.
Laurie swallowed, glancing at her brother. "What did you say?" She and her siblings had been told the news, and she was still reeling over it. Keith would have to take one day at a time until this virus left him, the doctor had said. If the virus left him.
"I told him the truth, that no one knew. I need to tell him what's ahead of him, but I can't…" She shook her head.
"Let Dr. Carter do that. He'll be better prepared for his questions." Laurie put her arm around Shirley's shoulders, pressing her head into hers. "At least he's awake, that's something, isn't it?"
Shirley nodded, her hand trembling as she wiped at the tears on her face. "Yes, I suppose it is. I just hope he wants to go home."
Laurie smiled. "Well, let's ask him."
They turned back to the boys. Danny was sitting at the foot of the bed, and Keith looked up, the worry evident in his eyes.
"What's going on? What's wrong?" He made another failed attempt to sit up, but his sister put a hand on his shoulder.
"Nothing. We were just saying how nice it will be to go home for a while."
"Home?" Keith frowned. "We have the tour to finish. Does Reuben know you're talking crazy? He'll flip."
Shirley sighed. "Keith, you can't go on with the tour, not as sick as you are."
"I'm okay. Look, my voice is almost back to normal. I feel a hundred percent better."
Shirley and Laurie exchanged concerned glances. "You need to talk to the doctor, honey."
His look darkened. "Why?"
"He can explain this whole…virus problem better than we can. Will you do that, first? Listen to him and then decide? Reuben has agreed to bide by your decision." Shirley's voice remained gentle. "And so have we."
Keith nodded, swallowing. Was it his imagination, or was it painful again?
After listening to the doctor's rundown of what problems he could be facing, Keith was stunned. And sick.
Like Laurie, he was still reeling from having read Dr. Carter's frightening list. It was even more disturbing seeing it in writing. The others sat around him in silence, letting it all soak in.
Finally, Shirley spoke. "Well, honey? What do you think?"
Keith shook his head, looking up from the paper there in his hand. "I…I don't know." He looked over at Reuben. "How long do I have to decide?"
"Not long, I'm afraid. I managed to cancel Phoenix, but Santa Fe is day after tomorrow."
Blowing out a big breath, Keith pressed his head into the pillow. "I'll have an answer in the morning, then."
Shirley reached over, taking his hand. "Dr. Carter said he's releasing you tomorrow. We'll take care of all that, and you concentrate on your decision. Whatever it is, we're behind you, darling."
Keith smiled tiredly as his family and manager began filing from the room, each one giving him parting words.
Shirley leaned down, kissing his forehead. "Sleep well, sweetheart."
"Thanks, Mom, you too. See you in the morning."
All too soon, the door closed behind them and Keith was alone with The Paper. His eyes scanned it again, the words taking on bizarre shapes through the tears. A sob wracked him and he closed his eyes. Lying back on the pillow, he scrunched the paper hard in his hand.
He was feeling almost as bad as when he'd arrived, but Keith was determined not to let on. He was leaving that hospital, no matter what! He'd managed to get dressed, and that all but exhausted him. Needing to build up energy for the next task, he sat back down on the bed. His sore throat and cough were gone, but the fatigue and shakiness had taken their places. And if even one person saw him this way, he was doomed.
The door opened and Shirley, Laurie and Reuben entered.
His mother went straight to him. "How are you feeling, sweetheart?"
Keith looked up with a jolt. Could she see through his façade?
"Okay." It was only a half-lie.
"You're all signed out and the nurse will be here with the wheelchair," Laurie informed him, putting her arm around him.
He nodded, watching Reuben nearly bursting at the seams. He smiled."You can relax, Reuben. I've decided to go on with the tour."
While the manager looked completely relieved, Keith noticed his mother and sister's disappointment. He continued.
"But only for as long as I can. I don't know what's gonna happen next, but if there comes a time when I'm not able to give it my all up there on that stage, this kid is going home."
That made Shirley smile. "I think we can live with that. Right, Reuben?"
Reuben nodded, tugging on his tie as if to get some air. "Right, of course. But you need to let us know when that is." He looked down at Keith, his face serious.
Laurie nodded vehemently. "Absolutely. No more just passing out on us." She rubbed Keith's shoulder harder with each word.
He smiled. "Fair enough."
"So, I guess it's on to Santa Fe," Shirley sighed almost regretfully. "You're sure about this, honey?"
He nodded. "Very."
She took his chin in her hand, peering into his eyes. He swallowed hard, trying to look alert. "How 'very,' Keith?"
He smiled tiredly. "Don't worry. You'll be the first to know if I made a mistake."
"I'd better be."
Now the nurse was there with the wheelchair and Shirley and Laurie helped him into it while Reuben gathered up Keith's personal effects. Still trying not to show how shaky he was, Keith closed his eyes and said a little prayer.
Seven hours and nearly 400 miles later, the Partridges found themselves in Santa Fe. Keith was feeling better by now, though still anxious over what was yet to come. Even the slightest possibility of the virus striking again was making him edgy. He knew it would happen sometime, but when, where and how were the questions. Any little ache or pain could mean serious trouble and he knew he had to be prepared.
Their venue here was to be a fair. After stopping by the hotel to freshen up, they once again loaded into the bus to head for the local fairgrounds.
Using the directions the hotel's front desk clerk gave them, Reuben easily found the fairpark, after a good half hour in the scorching heat of the desert.
There were several workers milling about as the psychedelic bus passed the tents and concession stands, heading for the canopied grandstand at the far end of the asphalt covered tarmac.
The kids were hanging out the windows, watching the goings on around them. Reuben slowed the bus and parked it in the back of the stage, where it settled with a sigh.
A hefty Mexican greeted them as the family and their manager stepped off the bus. "Welcome to The Santa Fe County Fair," he grinned, extending a beefy hand to Reuben. "I am Freddie Velasquez, the Fair director."
"Reuben Kincaid, Mr. Velasquez, and this is the Partridge Family." Reuben indicated his group.
"A pleasure to finally meet you, and please, call me Freddie." He nodded, displaying very white, even teeth. "I have a crew around back that will help unload your instruments. Would you like to check out the stage to make sure it fulfills your needs, Mrs. Partridge?"
"That's very kind of you," Shirley smiled. "And it's Shirley. This is Danny, Tracy, Keith, Chris and Laurie." She touched each of her brood on the shoulder as she pointed them out.
Freddie's grin widened even more. "I know all about you. My two kids are big fans of yours." He led them up the stairs to the stage area. It was solid and huge, facing grandstand-type seating that held a few hundred people.
Keith surveyed their surroundings with a professional eye, taking in every little detail. There were plenty of cables to hook up their amplifiers, and enough room so that they could spread out without falling over one another. He glanced up at the mesh canopy above them, the purpose of which was to keep the stage cool and shaded in the desert sun. It either wasn't doing a good job, or he was still running a temperature, because he was feeling extremely warm. He felt a headache coming on and he reached up, rubbing the back of his neck, where the pain was stemming from.
Shirley noticed his move. "Keith? What's the matter?" She didn't want to sound alarmed, but he did look a little pale.
"I'm okay," he smiled tiredly. "Is there someplace around where I can get some water?"
"Sure, in my office up towards the gate," Freddie answered.
"Danny, go with your brother," Shirley ordered, and Keith rolled his eyes.
"What have I ever done to you, Mom?" he asked.
She laughed as the two boys started off. Freddie called after them, "It's a white building, near the cotton candy stand!"
Keith waved his acknowledgement, his hand returning to the back of his neck.
"Are you okay, Keith?" Danny hustled to keep up with Keith's longer strides.
"Yeah," Keith muttered. The headache wasn't really worsening any, but it would if Danny continued bugging him.
"Hey, you want some cotton candy? I've got fifty cents." Danny was getting out of breath. What was Keith's hurry?
"No, but you get you some." Keith spotted the office ahead. Danny sauntered over to the stand nearby and Keith went to the office. Trying the knob, he found it was locked and he sighed, looking skyward, his fingers pressing hard into his neck. Now the pain was heightening and he slumped back against the outer wall. Trying to ignore the throbbing in his head, he pushed himself up and tried knocking. Maybe, just maybe, someone would be inside.
"Dad's not here. Can I help you?" A female voice made him whirl.
He saw a Mexican beauty of all proportions standing there. Her long dark hair was pulled back under a bandana and her full, colorful skirt billowed about her dark legs. He couldn't help but stare.
She suddenly seemed taken by surprise by him, too. She stepped back, bringing a hand up to her bronze throat. "Oh! I…you're Keith Partridge!"
He nodded, shaking off his initial surprise. "Yes…I needed some water, and your dad told me to come here…the door's locked."
She reached into a pocket, producing a key and, hand shaking, reached for the doorknob. Obviously embarrassed, she fumbled with it, finally dropping the key on the ground.
They both reached for it at the same time, their eyes meeting again. As their hands touched, Keith grinned at her. The girl smiled shyly, her eyes averting to the ground.
He gently took the key from her and inserted it into the lock. Twisting the knob, the door opened, and he stepped back, sweeping his hand. "Ladies first."
She slipped in front of him and turned on a light. The office was small, with a desk and telephone and a filing cabinet. Next to the filing cabinet, Keith saw a small water cooler.
The girl didn't look at him, but indicated the cooler. "There is your water."
"Thanks," Keith said, taking a cone-shaped paper cup and filling it with the water from the inverted jar. He popped a painkiller into his mouth and washed it down, his eyes reverting back to the girl, who had opened the filing cabinet and was sifting through the files in the drawer. He guessed that she was just avoiding his gaze and he shrugged, crinkling the cup up and tossing it into the wastebasket next to the desk.
"Thanks again," he started out of the room and he could feel her eyes on his back.
"You're welcome. Can I get you anything else?" It was a sudden turn of events and Keith smiled, turning to look at her.
"No, thanks. What's your name, anyway?"
She blushed again. "I'm sorry. I'm Lena Velasquez."
He extended his hand. "Nice to meet you, Lena. You already seem to know who I am."
She nodded, trying not to stare at him. He was simply gorgeous. The photos of him she'd seen did not do him justice. "Yes…I love your music. Do you write it yourself?"
"Some," he gave her hand a gentle squeeze and she nearly melted. "Well, most of it, anyway. I'm glad your father booked us here. Looks like a fun place."
"I could give you a tour of the grounds if you'd like," she blurted, then regretted saying it when she saw the look on his face.
"You know, I would love to do that, but in all honesty, I'm not feeling all that well, and…"
She looked away disappointedly. "Oh, I'm sorry…"
Now he felt like a complete jerk. "Maybe tonight, after the show, we could do something."
Her eyes shot back to his, this time with a spark in them. "That would be fun."
He grinned. "It's a date, then."
There was a commotion outside the door and they turned to see Freddie leading Reuben and the Partridges inside.
"I see you found the place," Freddie boomed.
"Yes, and you left it locked, Daddy. I had to let Keith in," Lena put a hand on her hip.
"Sorry about that. Folks, this is Lena, my eldest daughter. Lena, this is the rest of the Partridge Family, and their manager, Mr. Kincaid."
Greetings were exchanged, and Shirley looked around the small room. "Where's Danny?"
"Oh, he had to have some cotton candy. He probably couldn't decide on what size to get," Keith answered.
"Here I am, Mom," Danny poked a sticky face in the room. "And you're right, Keith, I couldn't decide, so I got one of each!"
Keith rolled his eyes. "Figures," he said, shaking his head. He looked tired, and Shirley put a hand on his arm.
"You still don't feel well, do you?" She asked.
"It's just a slight headache," he answered. It was amazing how she could tell these things. He didn't think it showed that much.
"Well, you should go back to the hotel and rest before the show," Shirley said. Somehow, she knew this was the start of something new, and it was beginning to worry her.
"Aw, Mom, we want to ride the rides!" Chris moaned.
"Yeah, Mom!" Tracy pouted.
"I could drive Keith back to the hotel if you'd like," Lena offered.
He glanced at his mother. She had that uneasy look on her face again. "It's okay with me. That way the kids wouldn't be driving me crazy."
"That's true…I suppose that would be all right. Reuben could direct the stage set-up, and Laurie and I could look at the booths. Thank you, Lena, for your offer."
Lena smiled up at Keith. "You're welcome."
He smiled back at her.
to be continued....