Jamie's Encore
Chapter 14 Concert Aftermath
CORONADO CONDO
She awoke in her lover's strong arms. She wanted to do this every morning for the rest of her life. They had celebrated until the wee hours of the morning; sleep, when they surrendered to it was oh so sweet. Now she could smell coffee! Oh, yes, Henry was still with them. Can she convince him to stay?
She wiggled a bit, to get a better angle for a good morning kiss. She laid one on him, and woke him up. She looked at the bedside clock and saw the bright red numerals, 9:25. 'Oh, man, time to get up.'
Before she could escape, assuming she wanted to, Jamie wrapped his arms tighter around her waist. "Good morning love; you were, and are amazing! Have I told you yet today that I love you?"
"No, not yet," she snuggled tighter against him.
"1-4-3, always and forever!" He dropped a tender kiss on her forehead.
"1-4-3, always and forever – back at ya!" She returned the gentle kiss.
She had nowhere to go, but they did have house guests. Lolling in bed all day wasn't an option – too bad.
She slid her legs over the side of the bed, got up and slipped into her sleek, silk robe that covered her to mid-thigh. Jamie had gotten the robe for her last birthday . . . her 29th. It was a pale blue with C/M embroidered over her left breast. It fit perfectly and felt so good! She loved it. She had given him a matching robe for his next birthday – his 30th. His was a slightly darker blue. They were a stunning couple . . . for their own eyes only!
She slowly padded out to the kitchen where Henry held out a mug of perfectly prepared coffee. 'How can I, we, convince Pops to join us in California?' The thought was persistent.
Henry placed a soft kiss on her cheek, "morning paper's on the table," he announced.
'Hm, that's different."
She sits down, takes aa big sip of her coffee and opens up the paper. She gasps!
There she is, a full-page color picture of herself on stage last night, in a low & deep curtsey! The headline below the front-page picture read:
San Diego 1 – NYC 0
Game, set, match!
She quickly scanned the accompanying article; the praise was effusive. She couldn't stop the blush rising on her cheeks. She was not used to this!
"Impressive, isn't it," Pops remarks as he continues to work on breakfast.
"What is impressive?" Jamie voices as he enters the kitchen.
"The picture spread on the front page," Henry mutters. "Take a look."
Jamie peers over her shoulder, he lays his hands on her shoulders and starts a gentle massage. "Wow, I'm impressed!" He kisses the top of her head. "You deserve all the praise they can write. I was in tears, your performance of Moonlight was spectacular, babe!"
"You are biased." She leans her head to press on one of his hands.
"Busted. And in love! Is breakfast ready, Pops?"
"In 2, take a seat."
Frank joins them, giving Caitlin a hug and kiss on the cheek before sitting down.
Jamie hops back up and assists Pops with bringing the food to the table. They dish up and start to eat.
Jamie hands his dad the paper; Frank looks at the front page and puts the paper down.
"Caitlin, my dear, I've attended quite a few concerts in my days. I have NEVER been as moved as I was last evening – by your performance!"
"Thank you, Frank. I gave it my all."
"I could tell, thank you!"
"I'll second that," Henry agreed. He reached over and squeezed her hand.
"Let me tell you something," she began. "Your son, Jameson, was a big part of my success. His love and support, helping me relax and prepare was a great help. I have never felt so loved and supported."
Jamie bows his head, somewhat embarrassed.
"Well, I'm glad to hear that. His mother and I tried our very best to raise him to be that kind of man."
"You succeeded!" She reaches for Jamie's hand, brings it to her lips and kisses the back of it. She grins at Jamie, he grins right back.
"Now, there is one thing we need to talk about," Caitlin continues. "Pops, can I convince you to stay in San Diego and be our breakfast chef?" She smiles seductively at him.
He throws back his head and lets out a belly laugh. He lowers his head and looks at Frank. They stare at each other for a bit.
Jamie looks on, astonished. He didn't know that she was going to say that. he turns to look at her, puzzled. "Are you serious?"
"Why not," she cocks her head. "Would you object?"
"No, not at all. I know some who would, though." He snorts.
Frank and Henry haven't spoken, yet.
"After all," she continues. "Pops is a grown up, he can make his own decisions, right?"
Jamie turns and looks at his dad and grandpa.
"Wow! I wasn't expecting that," Henry huffs. "I must say, it's tempting. Frank?"
"Well," Frank hesitates. "That will take quite some thought, I think."
"Yes, it will." Pops quietly replies.
"Well, at least we didn't get a no," Caitlin winks at Jamie.
"No, we didn't."
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Later Nicky joins the group, she had been sleeping in Olivia's spare twin bed. The two had breakfast together in Olivia's apartment, now the girl was with her family.
She looked at the picture on the front page of the paper and wowed! "My mom needs to see this! And uncle Danny. Hey, I have an idea."
"What's that, Nic?" Frank inquires.
"Well, we are going home Friday, right?"
"Yes," Pops voices.
"Well, why don't I take home 2 copies of the paper. One I give to mom Saturday morning; one I get to Jack to give to his dad the same day. Then we can discuss at Sunday dinner!"
"Can I be a fly on the wall," Jamie requests.
"Or have your dad have his phone on, surreptitiously?" Caitlin wonders.
Everyone bursts into laughter.
"Hottest family dinner, ever!" Jamie snorts.
"I agree, Pops?" Frank adds.
"Let's do it," Henry gives his approval.
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As Caitlin walks into the office the next day, she sees Olivia with her hands on her hips and a scowl on her face.
She holds out her hand, full of notes. "What are we supposed to do with all this, boss?"
"What is all that," Caitlin asks.
"We've got 10 requests from 'advanced' piano students for lessons; 5 requests for you to perform with area orchestras; a request regarding your interest for a Carnegie Hall concert; and finally a feeler regarding next July 4th's celebration at the National Cemetery of the Pacific – the Punchbowl. And you have done only one high-profile concert!"
Caitlin plopped down into one of the chairs in the waiting area. She put her elbows on her knees, and her hands on her forehead. "Oh my, do I need to hire an agent?"
"No, honey. You are about to marry one!"
"OLIVIA!"
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TBC