Chapter Thirty-seven
Honey almost refused to take the catering job. When Melanie dissed her about twiddling her fingers while waiting for something to happen, she recognized the truth, and it didn’t sit well with her.
“Okay. Sure. You going to pick me up Saturday night so we can go together?”
“Absolutely. I’ll be there early with your uniform, so be ready. It’ll be like old times. I understand from some of the other waitresses that the Jackson mansion is gorgeous, and this woman’s parties are crazy. Suppose to be around two hundred people there. Probably just an intimate meeting of close friends for her.”
“Meow!”
Melanie laughed. “Sorry. Jealousy slips out when I least expect it.”
“That’s why I love you. You’re so… real, my friend.”
“Yeah, a real jerk. Say what you mean. I can take it. Oops, the customers are lining up. Gotta go. See you on Saturday.”
Early morning runs and shopping with her mom helped pass the time. She hadn’t heard from Luke and was tempted to go to the honky-tonk, but something held her back. She’d never been one to run after any guy… she wouldn’t start now at her age.
Instead, she passed the time cleaning out her wardrobe, playing cards with her mom and Bernie, and simmering when her phone stayed silent. As Luke continued to ghost her, she felt her anger growing.
Arguments formed in her mind… scenes where she told him to go back to the devil who spawned him. His bad treatment of her meant he’d given up the best thing that would ever happen to him.
And so on…
Finally, Saturday evening rolled along. Thankful that she’d agreed to take on this job, she joined Melanie in the car.
“Gotta admit, I’m glad to get out of the house for a while. Bernie’s loving, puppy dog gazes when Mom’s not looking are driving me crazy.”
“Aww… come on. Admit it. It’s kinda cute. I hope your mom decides to give the guy a chance.”
“Me too,” Honey laughed. “Speaking of romance, how’s things going with you and Jess?”
Melanie swerved and got a honk for her lack of caution. Of course, it didn’t deter her from sharing. “My God, Honey, he’s so cool. Did you know he’s close to finishing an online business management course? Nudie’s owner figures the guy in charge of the club now is looking at retirement in the next year or two. He wants Jess to take over the assistant spot now with the idea of him stepping into the main position as soon as he gets his degree.”
“Seriously? That’s really wonderful, Mel. Who knew the guy had so much going for him. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a sweetheart, but so quiet.”
Mel arched her brow and made a comical face. “You know what they say about the quiet ones.” Becoming serious again, she continued, “Jess’s dedicated and honest to a fault. Between us, I can’t get enough of the man. I think he’s the one, Honey. I’m terrified and excited at the same time. Yet the minute I see him, everything settles into place, and I just know. He likes me being me.”
“Okay. Then he does need treatment.”
“Not funny.” Mel sneered cheekily.
“Sorry. Not sorry.” Honey teased. Then sobered. “In other words, he’s smitten and perfect for you.”
Mel’s ridiculous sigh had Honey laughing. “You’re so in love, my girl. I can’t wait to see the beautiful babies you two will have.”
Mel sighed even louder, ending the noise in a squeal. “Me too. His wonderful dark skin and my blue eyes.” She waved her hand in Honey’s direction. “Now to make the world a perfect place, you and Luke should be together, and we can have our families at the same time.”
Honey gulped back her reactive groan and admitted, “Except I haven’t heard from the jerk in days. I think he’s over me, Mel.”
“The man’s not insane, dummy. Trust me, he’s not over you.” When Honey didn’t answer, she added, “Did you call him? Hell, just come out and ask him what’s going on.”
“Uh huh. No way. I’d never stoop that low. A girl has her pride.”
“Sure, the same girl who gave me that advice not too long ago if I remember correctly.”
“Maybe, but you’re different. You have the guts to take whatever the answer is.” Honey looked at Mel and let the sadness of his rejection show in her expression. “I’m barely keeping it together. No way, I could handle a vocal brushoff. Better to just let him make the next move.”
They arrived at the house before Mel could argue. She just reached over and patted Honey’s arm. “I love you and so does Jess and your mom and Bernie, and the kids at school, and —”
Honey’s laughter cut Mel off as a man stepped from the gatehouse and approached. “Sorry ladies, before you’re allowed in, you gotta hand over your cellphones. We’re keeping them safe here. They can be retrieved at the end of the night.”
Since it had become a custom for many of the catering parties to follow this rule, neither girl argued. Instead they did as requested, gave their names to be put on the individual phone sleeves and followed directions to the parking area.
As they exited the car, Melanie wrapped her arm around Honey’s waist to guide her toward the caterer’s activity area and whispered, “Let’s enjoy tonight and let the rest of the world go by. Deal?”
“Deal.” Honey smiled brightly and they both headed forward to get their instructions.
***
Luke and the band arrived at the Jackson house early to set up the instruments and sound system on the stage in the garden. Cissy had outdone herself tonight with an outfit so western, the silver fringes on her dress and matching boots glittered in the strings of lights strategically placed all around their platform. With flowers and trees encircling the raised stand all loaded with lit bulbs, it fit in well with the decorations for the rest of the yard.
Cissy closed in on Luke, excitement written on her face. “Lordy, dude, have you ever seen so many colors? Between the flowering vines and the colorful potted plants everywhere, it’s like a movie setting.”
“It’s called money, Doll Face.”
She laughed at the same nickname an old geezer had called her the night before. Bouncing away, she went to help set up her microphone, giving Matt room to sidle up next. “You good with the routine we worked out, Luke?”
“The song choices?”
“Yeah.”
“Sure. Whatever you think. I’m easy.”
“I don’t know why you keep saying that. You trying to convince me or yourself?”
Luke laughed, feeling in a good mood for some strange reason. Probably hoping that tonight’s move might bring a quick ending to the case, and he could get back to being himself. Before he could answer, Matt nodded toward an obvious bouncer-looking dude. “Look at the way that bozo is strutting around. He’s got a punchable face if I’ve ever seen one.”
Surprised by the normally easy-going musician’s edginess, Luke spoke low. “What’d he do to you?”
“Idiot stopped us at the gate and gave us a hard time, called the van a piece of hippie shit and told us to park it in the bushes so the other guests wouldn’t see it.”
Thinking of the multi-colored, old microbus, Luke hid a grin. “Asshole doesn’t know vintage when he sees it.”
Matt grinned. “See. I knew you’d get it. We’re gonna have fun tonight bro, see if we don’t?”
Before Luke could answer, he noticed one of the waitresses setting glasses up on a special mini bar, and his heart soared into his stomach. “Yeah, man. I believe you’re right.” His tone had Matt’s eyes swiveling to him and next to where Luke’s gaze followed the beautiful server. Recognizing Honey, he smiled and left Luke alone.
Luke’s eyes drilled the girl while she picked up a tray filled with flower arrangements to set on each table for the coming guests. He stepped down from the stage and headed in her direction.
As he got closer, he saw that like the other waitresses, she wore a blousy white shirt tucked into a snug black skirt and high heeled boots that made her gorgeous legs look even longer.
She’d gathered her gorgeous hair up to sit in a twist on the top of her head, but escaping curls hugged her face, giving her the gamine look of a child. Once in front of her, any ideas of her being a child evaporated. This beauty was all woman.
Because he stood in her way, it forced her to stop, look up, and see him there. Her eyes gave away her pleasure and then her closing lids hid the truth. Rather than wasting time with a greeting, he got straight to the point. “You never told me you worked for a caterer?”
Taken aback, she answered quickly. “You never asked. In fact, you’ve never stuck around long enough for us to talk about much, have you?”
“You’re mad at me.” He didn’t ask it like a question because he could tell by the inflamed sparks aimed his way. Trying to lighten the mood, he grinned mischievously. “Give me a chance, Honey. I’ll get to that. I promise.”
His words had the affect he’d hoped for. She leaned into him, but her hard voice had him on guard. “When?”
“Soon.” His hand reached to touch and pulled back at the last minute. If he felt her skin, he might not be able to step away, and tonight he had to keep things together.
Suddenly, Mel appeared and gave him a searching glance. One he met and held. Then he winked and she grinned. Message passed and received. “You both seem to know what you’re doing? Worked gigs like this before?”
“Sure. It’s what got us through Uni.” Mel turned to Honey. “We’ve been given permission to store the excess alcohol in her office. Come… give me a hand.”
Luke’s ears perked up, and his nerves suddenly came alive. “Hey, I’ve got a few minutes before we need to start playing. Let me help you.”
“Thanks.” Both girls accepted his gesture without a thought.
***
Back in the garden, Mel pulled away leaving him with Honey for a few more minutes. The guests were starting to arrive, and she seemed anxious to get back to her chores, yet he hated to let her go.
Then a voice at his elbow had him understanding her sudden anxiety to leave. Without another word, she turned away, abandoning him to the woman who insisted on his complete attention.
Apparently, this female expected deference, but Luke had never fawned over another and wouldn’t begin now. Recognizing that her flowing gown cost more than a Taylor Swift show ticket, he shrugged. Her auburn hair streamed over her shoulders in such a way that one knew it was lacquered in place so the breeze wouldn’t be affecting it. The low-cut silver satin outfit she’d chosen could be considered risqué on anyone else, but this full-breasted woman pulled it off perfectly. Same with the fancy boots she wore to match. She knew she looked good and… she did.
“I’m told you’re the lead singer here tonight.”
“Yes, ma’am. Luke Stone.”
“I’m Lori Jackson. Just so you’re aware, Mr. Stone, I expect this party to go off without a hitch. I’ve invited influential guests who’ve requested a real Nashville sounding country western band. You’re to give them the music they demanded. I’ve never heard you sing nor am I a particular fan of the twang. So don’t disappoint.”
“No, ma’am.” He stared down into her face… his portraying no emotion whatsoever. He saw her eyes widen, then interest begin to form. He’d seen that hungry look a million times, and it disgusted him. Before she could add anything, he excused himself and headed for the stage where the others waited.
Matt sidled over. “Is that our hostess?”
“Yep. Purchased boobs and fake hair extensions all wrapped up in an expensive package.”
Matt laughed. “Christ, bro. Let’s rock this place tonight and then get the hell away from here. Have you seen all the security? It’s pretty much a viper’s nest.”