9. Emerson
“Wait, let me get this straight. You ended up eating lunch with Stone, and then he took you home on his motorcycle?” Tilly’s voice was so loud that I had to pull the phone away to save my eardrums.
“Yes. That’s literally what I just said to you,” I said as I sandwiched my phone between my shoulder and cheek, so I could strum a chord I’d just written.
“This is perfect.” Tilly’s voice was low like she was whispering to herself and hadn’t meant for me to hear.
“I’d say it’s the exact opposite of perfect,” I responded. I contemplated asking her what she meant, but I knew it was safer for me not to pry. Tilly always seemed to have plans for me, and it was better if I didn’t know what they were.
Noise from the landing drew my attention to my door, so I stood and made my way over to peek through my peephole. “Are you here?” I asked, not putting it past my best friend to suddenly appear out of thin air.
“Huh?” Her voice echoed in my ear as I squinted to see better.
Suddenly, a very shirtless and sweaty Stone came into view. He was doing some crazy jump rope routine on the landing. My gaze drifted down his chest to his abs. The way the band of his pants slid further and further down his waist each time he jumped had my heart pounding.
Memories of the feeling of his body pressed against mine came rushing back to me, and I had to pull myself away from the door before the whole complex caught fire and all that was left was me, standing in front of my door, staring at Stone.
It would be just my luck.
“Are you there?” Tilly’s voice made its way through my cloudy mind, and I blinked a few times to center myself. I vowed right there and then to never look through my peephole, ever again.
“Yeah, I’m here,” I whispered.
“What happened? Why do you sound different?”
I cleared my throat. “I don’t sound different.”
“Ha. Did you just see him?” She paused. “You saw him, didn’t you?”
I rolled my eyes. “Can we talk about something else?”
She laughed, telling me that she knew she’d caught me red-handed. Thankfully, she dropped the topic and started going over plans for the rest of the weekend. I had a gig tonight at Festivia, and we were still waiting to hear back from Fusion Boozin’ about tomorrow.
She told me that Troy from Night Spirits said I did well and was willing to have me back if a slot opened up. I was a little disappointed that nothing came from the set I played last night. I’d heard whispers that a scout from Cherry Red Records had been there, but no one came looking for me after, and Tilly hadn’t mentioned a call or email. She wouldn’t be able to keep something like that a secret.
I blew out my breath as I straightened and headed back to my guitar and music. I was struggling to get this song right. Part of me wanted to showcase it tonight, but with the way Stone kept floating in and out of my mind, I was too distracted to focus on it.
“Tilly?” I asked, turning my attention to the phone.
“Yeah?”
“Can I let you go? I’ll see you tonight.”
“Um-hmm, yeah.”
We said our goodbyes. I hung up before I dropped my phone on the couch and then collapsed on the cushions next to it. I closed my eyes and tipped my head back, taking in a deep breath.
I needed a shower. That would help me center my mind and focus. I grabbed my phone and stood. I was in my bathroom, stripped down to just my underwear when I got a text from Tilly.
Tilly: I made you a flaxseed hair serum. It’s on your kitchen counter. Use it after your shower.
I sighed as I shook my head. Tilly seemed convinced that it did something for my hair, but I was unsure. She was also superstitious, having me do these strange routines with hopes that it would be the thing that turned my luck around.
I opened my bathroom door. I thought about covering up, but I was only going to be in the kitchen for a second. Besides, I was alone. What did it matter if I walked around topless?
I padded through the living room to the kitchen. I scoured the counters until I found the small Mason jar full of brown goo. I cheered as I reached over my sink and scooped it up. Just then, my gaze flicked up to the window, and my entire body froze.
Stone was standing there, still sweaty and shirtless, staring at me. He looked as frozen as I felt.
I screamed—loud enough to wake generations of my ancestors—and dropped down to the ground. My arm instantly went to cover my breasts even though there was no way he could see them now. I closed my eyes and shook my head as I whispered, “Oh, no. No, no, no.” Over and over again.
That didn’t just happen. Did it? No, it didn’t happen. I didn’t just flash my brother’s ex-best friend…did I?
I set the jar down, cursing Tilly and her superstitions, and then used both hands to cover my face. I breathed through my nose and out my mouth about a thousand times, before I grabbed the jar and crawled through my apartment into my bathroom, locking the door before I stood.
I stared at myself in the mirror, trying to determine if Stone had really seen everything. The window in the kitchen was small. There was a chance he just got a peek. I shook my head, my entire body flushing in embarrassment. There was no use trying to lie to myself. He’d seen me shirtless. And he’d seen everything.
Me: I just flashed Stone.
I sent the text off to Tilly before I undressed the rest of the way and climbed into the shower. I thought the heat from the water and the lavender soap would make me feel better—it didn’t.
My insides were as discombobulated as they were when I got in. I turned off the water and wrapped my hair in a ratty t-shirt. I slipped on my satin robe, made sure I was completely covered, and picked up my phone.
Tilly had blown up my text messages. She sent me demands for more information, GIFs, and emojis all depicting how confused she was. I shot her a quick text that said I’d tell her tonight and that I needed to get ready.
She sent me a grumpy emoji before she sent a thumbs-up.
I channeled all my anxious energy into doing my makeup and hair. With my face done and my hair up in big rollers, I made my way into my room. I spent the next half hour unpacking boxes and hanging my clothes up in the closet. When I got to my orange-and-black-patterned ruffled dress with a deep V, I abandoned the rest of the boxes and got dressed. After accessorizing with a black chunky belt, I headed back into the bathroom to finish getting ready.
I found my white cowboy boots in a box marked shoes before grabbing a few necklaces and bracelets. I set my boots by the front door and then sat down on the couch and grabbed my guitar. I kept my oath to myself and didn’t peek to see if Stone was still on the landing. I had half a mind to solder the peephole shut.
I got lost in playing and singing. I only stopped when my phone chimed, and I glanced down. Tilly was making her way toward Festivia and she’d see me there. My time slot was earlier tonight, so I placed my guitar into its case.
I had twenty minutes before I had to leave since Festivia was only five minutes down the road from me. I fixed myself a quick bowl of cereal and leaned against the counter while I ate.
Suddenly, Stone’s door opened, and he came out wearing his leather jacket. His helmet was perched under his arm as he turned to lock the door. I knew I should pull my gaze away, but I didn’t. Instead, I watched him—studied him—as he turned and started to make his way to the elevator.
He stood there, staring down at his phone, and I wondered where he was going. Was he meeting girls? He was probably meeting girls. He was wearing a pair of dark jeans. His hair was styled, and I didn’t have to stand next to him to know exactly what he smelled like.
As if he sensed that I was watching him, he turned his head and met my gaze. I told myself to look away, but my body didn’t listen. Instead, I just stood there, holding his gaze. I had so many questions. And for some reason, I thought that studying him would give me answers.
Why did he crush my brother’s dreams? What had happened since he walked away from our small town? Had he thought about me? Did he still have the keychain I gave him? Why didn’t he ever reach out?
There were times back in high school when I thought he liked me. I’d catch him looking at me like I meant something to him. But he never made a move. I wanted to know if it had been real, or if I’d misread everything.
The elevator doors opened, and Stone pulled his gaze away and glanced inside. He paused before he boarded the car. The doors shut, and he was gone.
I blew out my breath as I dumped the rest of my cereal down the sink and rinsed out my bowl. I wasn’t hungry anymore, and it was probably better if I didn’t stuff my face before I went onstage.
I grabbed my purse and my guitar before locking up my apartment and taking the elevator down to the first floor. The sun had disappeared, leaving a black sky full of stars. The air was cool, and I appreciated that. I didn’t want to show up sweaty and gross for my slot.
The city had come to life. People were wandering the sidewalks either on their way to a dinner reservation or coming from one. I took in a deep breath as I followed the directions on my phone. Festivia was a small bar, but it was bursting with people. The walls were fitted with large accordion doors that had been pushed open, and people were eating inside and out on the patio.
I smiled at the hostess and told her who I was. There was currently a man in a cowboy hat singing into the microphone onstage. She nodded as she waved for me to follow her. I kept close as she weaved in between the tables and the waitresses taking orders.
She took me through to the back and opened a small door. The room held a compact vanity with a chair in front of it. She smiled and said they would come get me when it was time.
I thanked her and sat down, trying to calm my nerves while I waited. I’d just pulled out my guitar when the door opened, and Tilly appeared. She smiled at me as she shut the door.
“I need details,” she said before I could even say hello.
I shook my head. “No Stone talk until after my time slot.”
She scowled at me before she sighed and nodded. “Fine.” She grabbed the only other chair in the room and pulled it close. “I think we have another note from the philanthropist who is your biggest fan.”
I frowned. “The who that is my what?”
She looked at me like I had three eyes. “The philanthropist who is your biggest fan.”
I raised my eyebrows. “Saying it again doesn’t make it make more sense.”
She shook her head as she reached into her purse and pulled out a small white envelope. “The guy that paid for your apartment.”
My stomach twisted at the reminder. As much as I appreciated that this fan wanted to help, I was still suspicious of his motives. Why did he want to help me? What was he expecting in return? Had Tilly vetted this person? She tended to believe the best in people.
“This was taped to my door when I got home from watching my niece.” She handed me the envelope, and I picked it up with the tips of my forefinger and thumb. “Tilly,” I said, with the tone of voice my mother used to give me. “Why would you bring this here? What if there’s drugs or something in there?”
She stared at me before she rolled her eyes. “There are not drugs in there.”
“Did you test it?” I stared at the envelope, fighting the urge to toss it across the room.
She shook her head. “You’re so suspicious of everything.” She took it from me and pulled the flap out from where the sender had tucked it into the envelope. She pulled out a note along with what looked like a small elephant.
She looked up at me with her lips flat and an annoyed look in her eyes. “Strange lookin’ drugs,” she said before she flipped the piece of paper over and read the note. “Dear Emerson, In Thailand and India, the elephant is a symbol for luck. I hope you have an amazing performance. Good luck.” She looked up at me. “Aww. That’s sweet.”
I gingerly took the elephant from her and held it in my palm. “That is nice,” I admitted.
“See? And you thought it was something nefarious.”
“Have you not seen the news? Every day someone is getting abducted or drugged.” I slipped the elephant into my guitar case before shutting it. “I’m realistic.”
Tilly shook her head. “Well, I choose to believe that there is more good than bad out there. It’s all about keeping your aura clean so it welcomes goodness.” She leaned back in the chair and sighed. “Alright, show me what you’re going to play tonight.”
My entire body relaxed as I began to strum my guitar. All the stress from my day just melted away as I closed my eyes and began to sing.
This was my happy place.
This was where I belonged.