8. Nate #3
Rory takes a bite of bread and chews. “Anyway, he came in…fourth, I think? He got a lot of points for the daughter’s piano skills, but it wasn’t enough. And the following year, they changed the rule to specify that the entirety of the talent must be performed by the contestant.”
“Bummer. But it makes sense.”
What other talents do I have? Nothing seems to come to mind, at least that would be acceptable to perform on stage.
I’m a decent shot with a handgun, but that’s out for obvious reasons.
I’m only kind of okay at darts.
I’m pretty damn good at sex, I suppose. Performing that on stage would probably get me kicked out of the competition, though. It might also get me murdered or maimed if Dylan is in the audience.
Looks like I’m back to square one.
I rub my chin, racking my brain while I hope for a flash of brilliance. “Any thoughts on what I should do for my talent?”
Rory takes a bite and chews thoughtfully. “Let’s see. It has to be something that you can do on stage. Or, like, art or something that you can display. Can you paint?”
I stare at her. “You’ve known me since we were in kindergarten. If I was any good at art, you’d know by now. But no. I’m a terrible artist, unless you want stick figures.”
“Hmm.” She props her chin in her hand, tapping her fingers against her lips as she studies me. “In that case, I’m going to rule out any musical talent, too.”
“Good call.” I sip at my wine and watch Rory.
God, she’s beautiful. Her brown eyes sparkle as she takes me in, a line forming on her forehead as she concentrates.
“You’re so fucking beautiful,” I say, unable to keep it in. “I’m the luckiest damn guy in the world to have you in my life.”
Rory gasps, sitting up straight and clapping her hands together. “That!”
Not exactly the reaction I was expecting. “Uh…what?”
She claps her hands again. “That! That can be your talent.”
I’m not getting it. What can be my talent?
Rory looks at me expectantly, but my confusion must be apparent.
“Your voice. It’s perfect. That can be your talent,” she says, like this is supposed to be obvious.
“I don’t sing.” At least, not well.
She knows this, too. I sing in the shower, on occasion, and she’s well aware of just how poorly I carry a tune.
Rory shakes her head. “No, not singing. Just talking. Your voice is perfect for narrating. Like, audiobooks. So for the competition, you can read a book out loud. A romance book.”
This seems like a bad idea. “Like a spicy scene?”
“Not exactly. We’ll find something steamy but not too explicit. There are a lot of old ladies on the judges’ panel. They’d eat it up.”
The idea has merit, and I’m not opposed to it.
“As long as we pick a good passage. I’d do that.” I down the last of my wine, and motion to her still-untouched glass. “Are you going to drink any of that? I can get you something else if you want.”
Her gaze falls to the glass of crimson liquid, and it’s like something shifts inside her. “I’m all set. Actually, I think I’m going to take a shower.”
I nod in acknowledgement.
She carries her still-full wineglass and her empty plate over to the sink, then heads up the stairs without another word.
I remain at the table, thoughts tumbling through my head.
Narrating something from a book is a decent idea for a talent, depending on the scene. At least, it’s an okay enough idea to put thoughts of the pageant on the back burner while my attention is on Rory.
Something is different about her tonight. She’s not herself, and I can’t pinpoint why. I’ve seen her happy, sad, angry, grieving, distracted by work, and consumed by so many other emotions, but this is new to me.
It’s not the same as right after her mom died, but then, grief is one of those things that can feel a million different ways on any given day, so I can’t completely rule that one out.
No matter what it is, though, if Rory thinks it’s none of my business, she’s dead wrong.
If something is bothering her, I’m going to fix it.
I just need to figure out what needs fixing.
Nate
Hey, was Rory okay today when you guys were hanging out? She seems…off somehow.
Allie
Seems like something you should ask her.
I did. She didn’t say much.
Allie
Then it sounds like there’s not much to tell. Sorry.
I’ll be home late. Shots are two-for-one tonight.
Make good choices. Let me know if you need a ride home.
Allie
KK.
Nate
I know you’re out with Allie, but was anything up with Rory earlier today? She seems down or just off somehow.
Stacey
Nothing to share from my end. Maybe ask her. And I’m home now. Allie is still at the bar.
Nate
So a talent competition, a bachelor auction for charity… What else did I sign up for?
Dylan
History quiz. History of HiLo and the area in general.
That shouldn’t be too bad, I guess. Anything else?
Dylan
They usually have one more competition but it varies. Usually some kind of cooking or baking or something like that. Create a recipe or a drink or something.
Like a cocktail?
Dylan
They’ve done that a few times. The bars will serve the winning recipe. They’ve done one for like a breakfast sandwich that Marge served at Lone Brews. Stuff like that.
Any idea what it’ll be this year?
Dylan
Nope. But we should form a team to help you out with whatever it is and with the rest of it.