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 Content Rating Notice: Recommended for Readers 18 Years and Older Only |
| >> Static Item >> Chapter >> Relationship >> ID #858590 |   |
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22 March She avoided both of them during the week, babysitting every morning and working late every night with extra practices for the upcoming show. Evan had caught her in the hall once – he’d been going out while she’d been coming in – and had come to her door once, to check on her. She’d been too tired to chat; more an excuse than a real necessity for him not to stay. She hadn’t seen Duncan all week. Susie imagined he wouldn’t ask again, or be much interested in talking to her. Friday night, Kate talked her into watching rehearsal. She’d had an argument with Mike and wanted to act as though Susie had dragged her downstairs. Susie was too tired to argue. And she missed watching her band. The basement was chilly with the recent temperature drop; more normal for the end of March in the Northeast than it had been. Nearly scuffing her feet while moving close enough that the guys could see them, she considered going back for a sweater. Her legs objected; too many extra practices. Evan grinned in between harmonies, acknowledging her presence. Duncan … didn’t snub her, as she’d expected, and probably deserved. Instead, he aimed sections of the song at her while joining in the harmonizing. “My love … oh,wo, my love … my love … does it … good…” Since when had they done this one? Had she missed that much? It was nice, though. Mike did a great job with Paul’s first number one with Wings. Evan had bought her the album when it had come out the year before and she had played it over and over for the longest time. Her first dance with his buddy. Duncan hadn’t pushed them to learn it because of that. It had to be coincidence, as Janet would say. “He is hitting on you big time.” Kate leaned into her ear. “At least acknowledge him.” “Kate, stop it.” She shrugged. “Okay, it’s your loss. But you are crazy.” They moved on to one of their own songs and Susie concentrated on Mike’s voice, closing her eyes now and then to block everything else out. Evan’s voice was nice, too, but it couldn’t come close to competing with Mike’s. He was a natural lead; his style and looks complemented the rich, full quality of his vocals. Susie enjoyed watching him shake his longish dark blonde hair away from his face at just the right moments and use his body as emphasis. But she mostly loved to just listen to his voice with no distractions. “Are you asleep?” She opened her eyes, wishing for the guts to tell Kate to stop talking. “No, I’m listening.” “With your eyes closed?” “I hear it better that way. This one is perfect for him; it shows off his range well.” “You’re listening to Mike that hard?” “Mike’s the one leading, but I’m listening to the rest, too.” She turned back and again closed her eyes. “Are we boring her?” “She’s listening.” “Uh huh, looks like it.” Susie looked up at Stu. “I am. You sound incredible tonight. I was just enjoying it.” “I sound incredible? Cool. I feel incredible tonight, too. Wanna try me out?” He winked. “I don’t have the energy for you. But I’m flattered.” “Aww … I’ll take it easy. Promise.” She chuckled. “Put it into your music.” “Hey, I’ve got plenty.” He ran his fingers quickly up and down the keyboard. “I’m sure you do.” She returned his wink. “That makes one of us.” Mike pulled him back into work, asking to go over a couple of phrases he didn’t think were working well enough. Susie kept her eyes open, afraid she might actually fall asleep. She shivered, thinking again about grabbing a sweater, but before she could talk herself into it, the guys called it a night. Early. Evan answered her question while approaching. “Stu and Doug have dates.” She hadn’t even had to ask. “Oh?” She looked at the keyboardist. “A girl from our last show. She looked like she has plenty of energy.” The mischief in his eyes made her laugh. “Well, I’m glad. Hope she’s good enough for you.” “Can I take that any way I want?” “Stu, you are such a pig. Be nice to her, would you?” “If he’s a pig tonight, I’m kicking him out of the apartment tomorrow.” Doug threw a warning glance. “Oh yes, we wouldn’t want to scare sweet Allison away since you finally found the guts to ask her out, would we?” “Allison? You asked her?” Doug nodded. “And I was stupid enough to agree to a double with him.” “Hey, I pushed you into asking!” Susie stood, walking up directly in front of Stu. “Stuart, you had better be nice tonight. I like Allison. Don’t embarrass her.” “Yes, Mom.” “And you still need one, too.” Doug nudged him. “Come on.” She grinned watching them leave and noticed Kate pull Mike away. “Guess it’s just us. Do you want to come over and find a movie to watch?” Susie turned back to Evan. Duncan was beside him; both waiting for her answer. “I don’t know. I’m kind of tired.” “It’s not even eight yet. You’re not going to bed yet, are you?” “No.” Maybe she should have said yes. “So come sit with us. I’ve barely seen you this week.” She met his eyes. He wanted to be with her. “Okay, for a bit. But don’t let me fall asleep.” **** Duncan was caught between arguing with Ev that she should go get some sleep and wanting to continue watching her. She’d taken the couch – beside Ev, but not real close – giving him the lucky vantage point of studying her without being obvious. The television was at the right angle to do both easily. She hadn’t spoken to him, but wasn’t completely ignoring him, either. Her eyes had touched his occasionally before getting lost in the movie. They touched him still, down into the depths of his soul. Even now, only able to see the delicate profile highlighted by long eyelashes, perfectly curved nose and full lips, framed with wisps of hair that had fallen loose from the ponytail laying partly over a shoulder and partly underneath her back against the couch, Duncan could feel the bright blue eyes he couldn’t see. They were a much prettier blue than his, nearly translucent. He thought it rather unusual for a girl with such light eyes and nearly alabaster skin to have such deep, dark brown hair. And it was straight, perfectly. Ev hadn’t mentioned her nationality, but from her looks, Duncan would have to guess that her parents must have been very different, leaving the best of the physical traits of each heritage to their daughter. An intricate cross of fragility and strength was apparent; not only physically, but inside, as well. She was rare; a special find. He had met strong women, and fragile women, and those in between, but none with such a balanced mix. None of whom he had cared whether or not they had paid attention to him. This one … mattered more than he could explain, even to himself. And she didn’t want to get closer to him. The doorbell interrupted his thoughts. Ev went to answer it. Susie didn’t pay much attention to that, either. He wondered what thoughts were engrossing her mind. It couldn’t be the movie. There wasn’t enough depth in it to capture the attention of someone so complex … so completely. He looked over at the movement. A man about his own height with a darker complexion, long, thin face and short, neatly-trimmed hair was grinning, focused at Susie. Someone who knew her, apparently. She hadn’t noticed him yet. “Can I pull you away for a minute?” Susie pivoted her head toward his voice. A large smile broke out on her face and she rushed over, throwing her arms around him. “Where’ve you been? I’ve been trying to call for several days.” Duncan stood. This guy had managed to pull her attention well. “The trip lasted longer than I expected. Is everything okay?” She stepped back slightly. “Fine, I was just checking on you. I was starting to worry.” “Didn’t Kate tell you I called?” “No. When?” “Monday; when I was supposed to be home.” “I guess she forgot.” “I’m sorry, Sweetheart. I should have called back. Next time I’ll keep trying until I get you or Evan.” Sweetheart? She’d told him there was no one else. Evan noticed the man glance at him and moved to Duncan’s side. “John, this is Duncan O’Neil, the friend I told you about. Duncan … John Brooks.” “So, this is Duncan. It’s nice to finally meet you.” He held out his hand. Brooks? This guy couldn’t be old enough to be her father. He accepted the firm handshake. “You, too. But I didn’t realize Susie had a brother. She doesn’t talk much about herself.” Susie laughed. “I don’t. This is my dad. He just looks young for his age.” “Ahh, I am young for my age.” He winked at his daughter. “And thank you. I’m barely old enough to be her father.” Damn. He’d sounded like an idiot. And she’d laughed at him. But at least he had her attention, for a moment. She pulled her father over to sit with her, leaving Evan the chair on the opposite side of the couch. The man’s business suit, complete with vest and perfectly matched tie, added an extra air of trepidation. Or maybe it was the way he held himself; as perfectly straight as his tie, even seated on the plush couch. He was thin, with large shoulders and a strong jaw line, along with Susie’s perfectly straight hair, though his was pure black. Duncan could imagine him a venomous opponent, even with his more advanced years. “So, Duncan, if I remember what Evan said well enough, you play guitar, as well. Is that right?” He nodded. Rude, he supposed, but the man unnerved him. Susie jumped in. “And, he joined the band. You should hear what a difference it makes. They were really incredible at practice tonight, and at their show last weekend. Even Stu’s impressed.” Duncan moved his glance from her to her father. At least something about him had her interest. And her father was being friendly, so far. “Is that so? I wish my flight hadn’t been delayed. I might have been able to sit in.” “They have a show tomorrow. Wanna come with me?” “You’re sure it won’t cramp your style being seen with your father?” She raised her eyebrows. “What style?” “The whole club dating scene. Not that I would mind keeping guys from asking you to dance, but I would have to act like I mind in order to be a cool parent, would I not?” She chuckled. “You are a cool parent, and I only go to hear the band. I’m not interested in the rest of it. So if you have time…” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “I’ll make time. When do you want me here?” A thought crossed her face that she put aside. “Come early; I’ll make supper. But don’t wear your business suit. It’s not that fancy.” The man looked down at his clothes. “I came straight from the airport since it was getting late.” He took his arm down and stood. “In fact, I think I’ll head home and unpack and hit the shower.” Susie and Evan walked him to the door. Duncan rose to his feet to be polite, but hung back, out of the way. He watched her give her dad another hug. “Goodnight, Sweetheart. Don’t stay up too late, you look tired.” He kissed her head. “Evan, thanks for letting me barge in.” “Anytime, John. Glad you’re home.” With a brisk formality, the man walked between them, approached Duncan, and again extended his hand. “Duncan, it was nice to have met you. I’ll look forward to the show tomorrow.” “Thank you. I hope it’ll be worth your time.” He grinned. “I’ll be with my daughter, scaring guys away. And Evan’s band is always worth the time.” Evan’s band. Duncan wondered if the other guys knew he referred to them that way. He also wondered if the “scaring guys” remark was meant to be personal. He wouldn’t be surprised. **** “So, Duncan, where is your home?” Susie sipped on her ginger ale, watching as her father attempted conversation with the band’s newest member. Just to be polite, she guessed. Although she knew her dad had been surprised at Duncan’s appearance, she also knew he would never do anything to offend Evan. She imagined he would be very happy to eventually claim her best friend as a son-in-law, since he very nearly treated him as a son. Not quite, though. He never questioned anything Evan ever did, and didn’t worry about him as much. Or maybe he just felt he didn’t need to worry about Evan because he had more trust in him. “I’m stayin’ with Ev and Mike.” The guitarist shoved hair back from his face while planting himself in a chair beside his buddy. They were sweaty already, just from moving all of their equipment from Doug’s van onto the club’s stage and getting it set up. The club didn’t have a stage door; it all had to come through the double door at the entrance and to the back of the room. People were dribbling in, listening to the DJ spin the latest tunes and getting a head start on their buzzes. A few said hello and offered to help; most kept their distance and stared at Raucous and their guests. Her dad hadn’t broken a sweat, although he’d helped carry speakers and receivers. He looked curiously at the guitarist. “Yes, but, where are you from?” Duncan didn’t want to answer. She could see it on his face. His jaw muscles tensed a bit, then forced a fake relaxation. “I grew up in the UK.” He avoided her dad’s eyes and stole a swig of his beer. “Oh? Which country?” When he hesitated, Stuart chimed in. “UK? Isn't that England? You said you were Scotch-Irish. That's what you sound like.” Mike rolled his eyes. “You mean Scots-Irish. Scotch is a drink, not a person. And the UK is England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.” “Bullshit. If you’re from Scotland, you’re Scotch, aren’t you?” He looked for Duncan’s help against his foe. The guitarist pushed his hair back again. “Yes. Scotch is technically correct, but they prefer t' be called either Scots or Scottish, and most people over here do no’ know what the UK is.” Stu threw him an appreciative glance, and he turned back to her dad. “My father’s Irish, but I ’ave been here and there.” Susie could see her dad posing for a more definite answer. He didn’t like ambiguities. But Duncan didn’t want to be questioned further. She saw him glance over at Evan and felt the need for another rescue. “Will you dance with me?” He caught her eyes and waited. She could feel every eye at the table on her and nearly wished she’d stayed quiet. “Y’ are asking me?” He looked genuinely surprised. She shrugged as if it didn’t matter. “Unless you don’t want to.” But it did. It would matter if he refused her. “I would love t’ dance with you.” He looked to her side. “With your permission.” Susie looked at her dad, who was as confused as she was. Ask his permission? Guys didn’t do that, not at this age. Her dad finally gathered himself. “I don’t dare say no, since she asked you. But I’m honored to be asked, as if I still have that much control.” She grinned. He would be surprised how much control he still had. Susie never did anything without wondering what her dad would think. Duncan came around and pulled out her chair, stepping back to let her lead him to the dance floor. He kept more distance than he had the weekend before. She supposed he was a bit wary of her dad; most of her dates … dates … this wasn’t a date, though, just a rescue. She still felt too many eyes on her. Evan would know her intentions. Her dad … most likely would, too. And he would want to know why she was helping Duncan escape his questions. “Why did y’ ask me to dance?” He peered intently, making up for the lack of physical closeness. “You could have said ‘no’ if you didn’t want to.” His fingers tightened against her waist, barely, not enough for onlookers to notice; only enough to remind her they were there. “You know I want to, but why did you ask now?” “Because Dad is a bit like … an alligator. Once he bites into something, he’s not easy to get away from. And you didn’t want to answer him.” He studied her, and she didn’t pull away from his gaze. “Did you think I’d tell you more if we were alone?” She stopped moving and stepped back slightly. “Wow, are you always this grateful when someone tries to help you? You know, I really have no idea why it matters, but you don’t have to tell me anything. I don’t care where you’re from. I care that you’re Evan’s friend and that you’re really good for the band. And if you don’t want to dance, really, just say so.” He wouldn’t let her pull away, reaching again for the hand she’d taken from his. “I’m sorry.” She kept her distance without taking her hand away again. “I did no’ mean t’ offend you.” But he apparently didn’t think much of her, either, if he thought she was being that calculating. “And I would like t’ finish the dance, if you will.” She nodded, just slightly, not wanting to make more of a scene than they already had. And she knew they were still being watched. “I am sorry. It’s an old habit.” Susie shrugged again, still trying to convince herself it didn’t matter. “Well, I know it took you a while to trust Evan, and everyone puts more faith in him than in me. So it’s no big deal.” He moved closer, again tightening his grip on her waist. “It is a big deal. I insulted you. Bu’ I do no’ intend to do so again.” The music ended. The DJ announced that it was show time. He had to go to work. He released her, barely. “Go out with me next weekend. We can find a place to dance withou’ being constantly watched.” Go out with him? He didn’t even trust her. Why would he expect she should trust him? “Too soon t’ ask again?” “Are you always so persistent?” “Honestly, I ’ave never asked anyone else a second time.” “You mean you don’t date a girl more than once?” He lowered his face to be closer to hers. “I mean it’s never mattered whether or no’ I was turned down, until now.” Before she could reply, Evan walked by and touched his shoulder. “Let’s go.” They’d been standing on the dance floor alone. A warmth crept into her cheeks and she turned away from him. He stopped her with a light touch. “Can we dance again later?” She felt even more heat from his fingers exciting the nerve endings in her arm. “Yes, if you ask me.” His face relaxed. “I guess it’s my turn.” Susie again drew back, letting him be free to go play with the guys, where he was supposed to be. “Suse.” He waited until he had her eyes. “I grew up in Scotland, in a small fishin’ village no’ far below the Highlands. And I did no’ tell Ev that until I ’ad known him for over three months.” She avoided her dad’s stare while Duncan pulled out her chair and held it. He should have gone straight to the stage. They were tuned and waiting on him. There would be too many questions, from her dad, the guys, and maybe from Evan, though she wasn’t sure about him. He had been trying to set her up with him. It wouldn’t surprise him if she finally accepted and agreed to a date. “What was all that about?” And it was starting already. “Nothing; we were just dancing.” She watched him pick up his guitar and double-check it for pitch against Stu’s keyboard. “Was I not supposed to ask where he’s from?” “He just doesn’t talk much about himself.” “Sounds like he’s trying to hide something. Was he bothering you?” “Dad, he’s Evan’s friend. And, no, he wasn’t.” She only half-listened to the questions, concentrating on their first song of the set. Why would they start with that one? That wasn’t even on the set list. “And how much do you know about him?” She finally looked over. “I know he’s Evan’s friend, and Evan doesn’t call just anyone a friend.” An intricate guitar riff pulled her back. She hadn’t heard this, either. She’d missed too many practices. Clapton. It was a Clapton song. Not one of her favorites as far as lyrics went, but … maybe he was right. If the music was good enough, she could overlook the weak lyrics. And this was good. He was … incredible. Absolutely incredible.
© Copyright 2004 Voxxylady (UN: voxxylady at Writing.Com).
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