Chapter 15 #3
I listened to the performance as intently as I could, but mainly I was focused on Alec.
I loved how he held the guitar as if it were an extension of himself, and the way his fingers maneuvered over the strings.
He made it look so easy, as if anyone could sit down and learn how to play in an afternoon.
I loved that he closed his eyes and lost himself in the playing, like it was only him and the music.
And God, I loved the way his lips moved as he mouthed the lyrics.
“Astrophil” came to an end, and the boys played some of their more upbeat stuff before covering a couple of hits by other artists.
Asha clapped when they finished their final song. “That was awesome, guys.”
With a flourish of his drumsticks, JJ bowed. “Our aim is to please. Glad you enjoyed.”
It felt like the perfect end to a long day, sitting by the fire and enjoying good music. But something must have been wrong, because Oliver’s eyes were narrowed in concentration, as if he were trying to dredge up a long-forgotten memory from the back of his mind.
“Babe, what’s up?” Stella asked him.
“Nothing. It’s just… I can’t remember the last time we played around like this.”
“Neither do I,” Alec said. “But we should more often.”
Everyone nodded in agreement.
“Well, as much fun as this has been, I’m exhausted.” Xander yawned and rubbed an eye, nudging his glasses askew. “I think it’s time for me to call it a night. It was nice to meet you guys,” he said to me, Asha, and Boomer. “I’ll see everyone in the morning.”
After Xander, people slipped off to bed one by one. When Asha and Boomer vacated the love seat, Alec and I moved over so we could sit next to each other. Before long, only three of us were left.
“Hey, Felicity. I’ve got a question,” Oliver said. “You know that necklace you made for Asha? The one Stella liked?”
I lifted my head off Alec’s shoulder. “Yeah. What about it?”
“I’ve been struggling to come up with a gift idea for our anniversary, but the necklace is perfect. Could you maybe replicate it, but swap out the hearts for stars? I’ll pay for the supplies and your time.”
“Really?” I asked, sitting up straight. Oliver wanted to give me actual money to make jewelry? This had to be some kind of prank.
“Uh-huh. And maybe earrings to match?” He fiddled with the dog tag around his neck, sliding it back and forth on its chain. “Or would that be cheesy?”
“No, they’d be super cute. And if she doesn’t want to be matchy matchy, she can wear them separately.
Do you know if she likes dangle, chandelier, or studs?
” I was talking a mile a minute, caught up in the thrill of a fresh project.
I still had to finish my mockingbird, but that could wait.
The promise of a real commission had my whole body buzzing.
“Ah…studs?” Oliver said, and Alec nodded in agreement.
“When do you need them by?” I asked. “And how should I get them to you?” I doubted I’d ever see Oliver after this weekend, so I figured it would be best if we hammered out the logistics of our transaction now.
Oliver shrugged. “Not for a few months, so it’s no rush.
I’m sure we’ll all get together before that, and if not, you can always give them to Alec for me.
” His response was so casual, like it was a no-brainer that our paths would cross again.
Because of Alec. Because he assumed I would be with Alec. The thought made my chest feel light.
“Just in case, here.” He took my phone. When he handed it back to me, there was a new name in my contact list—007. “Text me if you have any questions.”
“Perfect,” I said, unable to believe my luck.
“Thanks, Felicity. I really appreciate this,” he told me. “You should consider selling your stuff. Clueless boyfriends everywhere would be grateful.” Then Oliver stood and stretched both arms over his head. “Anyway, I’m beat. See you both tomorrow.”
And just like that, Alec and I were alone.
“Are you excited?” he asked, shifting on the seat to pull me closer.
“Considering I’m getting paid to do something I love, hell yeah,” I said, no longer able to contain my glee.
“This could be a regular thing, you know. Oliver’s right.
Lots of people would buy your jewelry.” Alec gave a one-shoulder shrug in an attempt to sound offhanded, but I could tell he was alluding to our earlier conversation about college and my future.
See? he was saying. More confirmation that I’m right.
Forget law school and the pantsuits. Go after your dreams!
But he was too polite for an I told you so, so I mumbled a quick “thanks” and made a point of switching up the conversation. “You were really good tonight,” I told him. “How long have you been playing?”
“King started teaching me when I turned eight.”
“Your dad plays?”
“Used to. He was amazing, but he’s not really into music anymore.”
A frown crossed my face. King Williams was the CEO of Mongo Records. How could he not be into music? “How come?”
Alec’s entire body tensed, and his lips remained clenched for so long that I was afraid my question had offended him. But finally he said, “My dad lost sight of why he started the label in the first place. All he cares about now is making money. Music has nothing to do with it.”
“Is that why your relationship with him is complicated?” I asked. “Because of music?” It was hard to imagine that the main source of joy in Alec’s life also doubled as the strain between him and his father.
“In part,” he said, his voice taking on a sudden edge.
The fire was dying down, and I watched as one of the logs broke apart, collapsing the pile. “And the other part?”
He sighed and raked a hand through his hair, disheveling his always-perfect bangs. “It’s not a big deal.”
Why don’t I believe you? The question must have been visible in my expression because Alec’s face softened and he smiled at me.
“Seriously, Felicity. Don’t worry about it. The only thing you should concentrate on right now is your sister. Do you know what you’re going to say to her?”
It was an obvious subject change, but one with a solid point. Tomorrow I was hopefully—no, finally—going to see Rose. The realization made my chest hurt, and I couldn’t tell if that pressure was the result of anxiety, elation, or pure terror. Probably a combination of all three.
“I’m not sure.” What did one say when they located a long-lost relative? I’ve missed you? What’s up? Where the hell have you been?
None of those seemed eloquent to me.
“Why don’t you sleep on it?” He stood before helping me up. “Come on. We should go to bed. You’ll have time to think about it in the car tomorrow.”