Chapter 22

I was armed and ready to drop a bombshell on my class this week, and I wanted nothing short of Mentos in a soda bottle-type reaction. I was practically tap dancing with excitement as they took their seats.

Cue drumroll, pleas e!

“Good morning, everyone,” I greeted with a smile as ridiculous as the Grinch. “We’re halfway through the semester and your compositions are coming along beautifully. The talent and creativity you’ve shown has far surpassed any of my expectations. So today, I’d like to try a little something different. I brought in a special guest to review your compositions and give feedback.”

I ushered my special guest in through the side door and had the pleasure of seeing their jaws hit the floor harder than a Looney Tunes piano drop when they caught sight of who strolled in.

I’d worked with Jimmy Blackmore a handful of times over the years, so when I heard he was in town, I couldn’t resist calling him up to ask for this favor. Jimmy was a world-renowned guitarist and lead singer of the rock band, DeRidder, and just so happened to be from the Bay Area.

With his sleek hair, dark jeans, and faded black T-shirt, Jimmy oozed rock star. He strolled casually to the center of the room, looking around at the sea of wide-eyed, young faces. “Hey, guys. I’m Jimmy.”

Boom, suckers! Bombshell detonated. Favorite teacher award this year was going to a one Miss Hadley Marie Olivier for providing a celebrity encounter of epic proportions. Sarah was always bragging about her collection of vintage Mozart music sheets that the kids were always fawning over. Well, in your face, Samaha!

Alright, let me rein it in . I was getting a little carried away by my own awesomeness.

“Surprise! Jimmy’s the one who will be giving the feedback this week for your compositions. Who wants to go first?”

Normally it was like pulling teeth trying to get volunteers, but nearly every hand shot in the air.

“How about Sam’s group?” I said, pointing to him, his arm practically coming out of socket.

He and his partner descended the stairs quicker than a Price is Right contestant to stand in front of Jimmy.

“Sam’s an engineering major and a big Eddie Kirkland fan,” I explained to Jimmy as they reached us.

“Great taste, Sam.” Jimmy extended his hand, and Sam shakily accepted. “Eddie was one of the greatest guitarists to ever live.”

Sam was rendered speechless for a moment as he fumbled for something to say. “It-it’s such an honor to meet you, Mr. Blackmore. I heard you play at Austin City Limits last year. The show was incredible.”

“Appreciate it, man,” Jimmy said kindly.

“And this is his partner, Elizabeth Warner,” I said, introducing them. Elizabeth was the music major in this group—audio engineering.

Jimmy took her hand.“Pleasure to meet you, Elizabeth.”

Elizabeth started to giggle like a schoolgirl, her cheeks reddening. Jimmy had that effect on most women. He was a few years older than me and extremely handsome with his always perfectly styled chestnut brown hair and bright blue eyes. I bet even his mirror blushed at the sight of him.

Jimmy folded his arms across his chest. “I’d love to see what you guys have been working on.”

They stood immobilized with fear. I could tell their thought process when volunteering didn’t make it past meeting Jimmy to actually having to play their work for him.

“Here, I’ll take it.” I reached out for their composition notes.

They handed it over nervously. Their composition was best suited on the guitar, so I grabbed one and started playing while Jimmy listened closely, nodding along. When I finished, Sam and Elizabeth stared at Jimmy with bated breath.

“Very nice,” Jimmy said, smiling. “The bridge is so unexpected. You guys really nailed it. The only thing I would say is that you have the harmony in C-minor, which is giving it a somewhat darker feel than I think the song intended. Maybe think about changing it up.”

Sam was nodding fervently. “Yeah, yeah, that’s a great idea.”

“Overall, it’s a great piece of writing though, guys.” Jimmy gave a quick nod.

“Thank you, sir,” Sam said while Elizabeth continued to giggle.

“And you’re an engineering major?” Jimmy asked with surprise in his voice.

Sam shook his head. “Not anymore.”

“What?” I asked, confused.

“I changed to music technology last week,” Sam said proudly, beaming at me. “I love music. I just never thought I could do it as a career… until now, that is.”

“Sam, that’s amazing.” My throat felt tight. “You really have the talent for it.”

“You were the first person to ever tell me that.” Sam pushed his glasses further up his nose. “My whole life everyone always told me that there was no future for me in music, and I believed them.”

“Well, I was told my whole childhood I wouldn’t always have a calculator on me and yet here we are.” I patted the phone in my pocket. “People are wrong all the time.”

Sam chuckled. “Thanks for everything, Ms. Olivier.”

Tears pricked my eyes as I walked over and gave Sam a hug. This was the feeling my mom always talked about when she tried explaining why she loved teaching so much. She said it only took one student in one moment to make it all worth it.

“Ms. Olivier,” I heard John-Luke call out. I sighed. Here we go . “Do I have to switch majors too to get that kind of hug?”

He and his entourage were the only ones laughing. I rolled my eyes, refusing to let him get under my skin today.

I directed Sam and Elizabeth back to their seats before Jimmy turned to me and asked, “What’s up with that kid?” while eyeing John-Luke.

“The wheel’s spinning, but the hamster’s dead,” I told him.

Jimmy scoffed. “You couldn’t pay me enough to do this shit. I’d get fired the first day for knocking that kid on his preppy ass.”

“Not necessary.” I waved him off. “For their final assignment, I’m having each of them write a comparative analysis of various artist’s compositional work… my special friend over there will be getting The Spice Girls.”

Jimmy’s face split into a wicked smile. “Nurture that side of yourself and never let it go.”

Once the class ended, Jimmy and I ventured out to a local lunch spot to catch up. It proved to be quite the challenge, however, as word that Jimmy was on campus spread like wildfire. Despite his attempts to stay incognito with sunglasses and a low-hanging hat, he couldn’t evade the constant interruptions from adoring fans eager for a photo op. He refused to take me up on my offer to wear the fake nose/mustache/glasses combo, so technically this was his fault. In the end, we resorted to eating our club sandwiches in the car before returning to campus.

“Thanks again for doing this, Jim,” I told him on the drive back. “It really meant a lot to the kids.”

The class had hummed with excitement from start to finish, and I knew a barrage of Jimmy-related questions awaited me at next week's lecture.

“Thanks for hitting me up. It was a lot of fun.” In the sanctuary of my car, he was finally able to remove his hat as he shook out his hair. “You’ve got a really talented group in that room.”

I beamed with pride. “That’s for sure.”

“The teaching thing really suits you,” he noted.

“I’ve definitely been enjoying it.” Now that I got over my imposter’s syndrome, I actually looked forward to my classes each week. Might just be something in the gene pool, because my mom still talked about how much she missed teaching.

I could see him eyeing me from the passenger seat.

“What is it?” I asked, wondering if I had a bat in the cave.

“Nothing… You’re just so different here,” he said thoughtfully.

“How so?”

He pushed his sunglasses to the top of his head like he was trying to get a better look. “I don’t know. You’ve just got a look about you that I’ve never seen before.”

I feigned offense. “And what look is that?”

He smiled. “Contentment, maybe. I don’t know.” He let his sunglasses fall back into place. “I just know you never looked like this when we worked together in New York.”

My forehead wrinkled. “How did I look in New York?”

“Overworked,” he stated dryly.

I laughed because it was true. “We were all overworked,” I said. “Didn’t mean I didn’t love it.”

“I’m not saying you didn’t. Life’s just different out here.” He looked out toward the road. “This business is a grind and will wear down even the best of us.”

“So, you’re saying I looked both overworked and worn down? Appreciate it, Jim,” I teased.

He chuckled. “No, I’m just playing devil’s advocate here.”

I smiled.“The devil doesn’t need any more advocates.” I already had enough people trying to tell me what a great fit me and California were.

“Whether you want to admit it or not, the Cali life looks good on you, my friend.”

Spoken like a true Californian. “I’m starting to think all you Californians made a pact at some point to try and convert as many people to your way of life as possible.”

He gave me a cocky grin. “We know what we have.”

“Well, you can’t have me,” I said obstinately.

He smiled and shook his head. “Shipley’s been trying to reach you,” he said, changing the subject.

I sighed. “I know.”

Logan Shipley was a producer friend of mine who’d been calling and texting incessantly over the past month trying to get me to go to New York for a job, but I’d been dodging him. “I’ve just had a lot going on.” I hadn’t told anyone in the business about my mom except for a few really close friends.

“Logan’s been telling everyone that he doesn’t think you’re going back to New York either.”

I turned into the parking lot. “Then he needs a new fact checker.”

He chuckled. “I don’t know, Olivier. Now that I’ve seen you in action, I think there’s a shot at conversion.”

“Not a chance in hell.” My chin lifted. “If you ever catch me touting the benefits of matcha or complaining about the gridlock, just take me out.”

Jimmy burst out laughing.

From the first day I’d met Jimmy Blackmore, I’d always felt comfortable around him, despite his bad-boy reputation. I learned later on that it was carefully cultivated by his PR team because he was honestly one of the nicest guys I’d ever met. He didn’t allow drugs in the studio or on tour, and he had a long-time girlfriend that he was crazy about. None of that was a good fit for a rock star persona, however.

I thanked Jimmy again and said my goodbyes before dropping him off at his vehicle. I thought about what he said on the walk back to my office. He was now the second person to tell me that I seemed different here, and I wasn’t sure what to make of it. I could definitely think of one reason why I’d been feeling happier these days that had nothing to do with the state of California. I was seeing the human equivalent of a bottle of Prozac, so it was impossible not to feel happy. But my identity was woven so tightly around New York, I wasn’t sure it could ever be unraveled.

◆◆◆

I checked my watch and realized I had lost track of time grading papers. I had told Lex I would be at his house at 6:00 and it was already 6:05. I gathered up my things and raced home, ridiculously eager to see him. As I made my way up the walkway, my phone started to buzz, and I checked to see that it was Lex.

“Hey, you still coming?” he asked as soon as I answered.

“Yes, sorry.” I picked up the pace. “I got caught up at work. I’m almost to your door, actually.”

The door to his home swung open just as I made it to the foot of their porch. Lex was standing there in the entryway, and we both hung up at the same time. I smiled like an idiot and ran up the steps, jumping into his waiting arms. He lifted me so that I could wrap my legs around him. One arm snaked around my waist to hold me there, and the other tangled in my hair as our lips found each other. I sighed at the relief of having his hands on me again even though it had been less than twenty-four hours since I’d seen him.

My eyes closed as I let him kiss me right there in the doorway, our tongues already sliding together. I was addicted to this feeling of him kissing me and was already thinking of when I could get my next hit. Running my fingers through his soft hair, I nipped playfully at his bottom lip. His answering growl made me giggle as he pulled back with a grin on his face. He kissed me softly once more before setting me down on my feet. I was still looking up at him, marveling at his handsome features, when I heard someone cough loudly next to us.

Stuart was standing there with a look of pure mischief gleaming in his eyes. It was a testament to how preoccupied I was with Lex that I hadn’t even noticed Stuart standing there until that moment.

“Is this how we’re doing greetings these days?” Stuart asked. “Because if so then… how do I put this delicately... my turn!”

“Stuart, I have something to tell you.” I gave him a serious look. “It’s going to come as a bit of a shock, but here it is… Lex and I are no longer platonic.”

“What?! No!” Stuart said, gasping, placing his hand over his chest. “Is it because he’s a neurobiologist and I’m just a chemist?”

“You caught me.” My chin dipped. “I’m a neurobiology-only kind of gal.”

“Figures,” Stuart said, but he was smiling looking between the two of us. Lex just shook his head, not bothering to get involved in our repartee.

We sat down for dinner together, and I wondered how much of our dynamic would change now that Lex and I were seeing each other. I didn’t want to make Stuart uncomfortable or feel like he was third-wheeling, but that didn’t seem to be a concern in Lex’s mind as he sat down right next to me, placing his hand on my thigh. Lex had always participated in our conversations in the past when we had dinner, but there was always some part of him that seemed reserved, and now I knew why. He held no such reservation tonight, however, as he ate with either his arm draped over my chair or his hand resting on my legs.

I glanced at Stuart throughout the dinner to see if it ever seemed like he was getting uncomfortable, but he just smiled like he was enjoying seeing his friend so happy. As usual, the food Lex cooked was absolutely delicious. A thought sprang to my mind that I’d been contemplating over the past few days that I’d just remembered to ask.

“Hey, do you guys know if Jace started seeing anyone?” I felt Lex stiffen next to me, and I realized how that must have sounded.

Stuart grinned at the irritated look on Lex’s face. “Why? You sick of Lex already?”

“What? No!” Obviously, that’s not what I meant. “I’m asking because I think he might be a good match for Sarah.”

Lex’s posture relaxed a little as he resumed eating. I placed my hand over the one he had on my leg, holding it there.

“What?!” Stuart said, outraged. “Why wouldn’t you try to hook me up with Sarah?”

I popped another roasted carrot in my mouth. “You lost your chance when you tried to pull that cheap line on her at faculty night.”

“So, I’m just supposed to sit by and watch while all my friends get paired up and I get bupkis? I thought we had a deal. I set you up and you set me up in return.”

“How exactly did you set me up?” I swished my fork at him. “Lex and I managed to get here all on our own. I don’t remember you being involved.”

“Oh, I was involved!” he said indignantly. “I’m the one who’s had to put up with his wallowing over these past few months. And it was me who was always telling him to quit being a baby and make a move because there were more guys like Jace and Merrick lining up. Or didn’t he tell you?”

I bit my lip, trying not to laugh.“He never mentioned it.”

“What?” He narrowed his eyes at Lex. “Tell her!”

“I don’t recall you ever saying anything like that,” Lex said with a shrug.

“Oh, this is rich!” Stuart exclaimed. “My contribution to Halex is going to go completely unrecognized.” He got up and stormed off to the kitchen with his plate, while Lex and I burst out laughing.

“Wait! Stuart, come back! We were just teasing,” I called to him from the dining room, still laughing. “We definitely would not be here without you!”

He poked his head through the door. “So, you’ll set me up?” he asked, grinning with his eyebrows raised.

“Sure,” I said, shaking my head. “For your contribution to Halex, I will try to set you up with someone.”

“Thanks, Hadley.” He took his seat again. “I knew I could count on you… unlike some people…” He narrowed his eyes at Lex.

“ Halex isn’t going to become a thing, is it?” Lex asked me with a look of true concern.

◆◆◆

Between taking care of my mom, driving her to all her appointments, and our busy work schedules, I had barely seen Lex over the past week. We hadn’t been able to spend more than a few minutes each day together and that was only in passing since he had worked late almost every day this week.

I was growing antsy.

When I noticed his car wasn’t in the parking lot after I got home from my mom’s chemo appointment on Friday evening, I decided to give him a call.

“Hey,” Lex answered on the first ring.

“Are you sick of me?” I teased. “Is that why you refuse to spend time with me?”

“Of course not,” he said quietly. I could hear a shuffling noise and then the sound of a door shutting, and I knew he had walked away from the others at work. “I’m sorry about this week. We’re just at a critical point in the project. As soon as this part’s over, things will be better. I won’t have to be here as late.”

“Sure, whatever you say,” I said in a pitiful voice. “I’ll just have to find a way to occupy myself since I’m all alone.” I sighed, laying it on thick. “Don’t worry. I’ve been here before. I know just what to do. My hand and I are old friends.”

His voice deepened as he said, “You don’t need to do that. I can take care of it for you.”

I made a tsk noise. “Promises, promises.”

“Give me an hour,” he said huskily.

“I guess I can wait,” I said, digging in my purse for my keys as I made my way up the sidewalk. “But don’t take too long or…”

I stopped short when I noticed there was a man standing on my porch very near the door. The evening had grown darker, and I couldn’t make out who it was from this distance, but my heart started pounding. There was no one else around, and my mind started calculating the distance between him to me and me to my car.

“Hadley?” I heard Lex saying on the phone. He could hear my heavy breathing. “What is it?”

I was frozen to the spot. “There’s a man on my porch,” I whispered.

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