chapter fifteen

31 March

Susie woke to a ringing and pushed her arm out from under the covers to stop the alarm. Why had she set it for Sunday? Fussing at herself for the annoyance, she drifted off … until another ring roused her enough to realize it was the doorbell. At eight o’ clock in the morning?
Even more annoyed, she pulled herself up and threw her robe over her arms, dragging her feet to the living room. She checked the peephole and opened the door. “Dad, is everything okay?”

His alertness belied the time of day. “Why wouldn’t it be?”

“It’s early.”

“I thought we could have breakfast together.” He held up a brown bag with the beginnings of oil spots and the smell of eggs and hash browns drifting through. “Did I wake you?”

“Yeah, but that’s okay. Come on in.” She led him into the kitchen, rubbing her eyes and covering a yawn.

“I tried to call last night, several times, and never got an answer.”

She lowered herself onto a chair, ignoring the no-elbows-on-the-table-rule. “I was out, but I thought Kate was here. What’s up?”

Opening the bag, her dad went to the cabinet for plates and napkins, then pulled out, unwrapped, and served the food before sitting across the table. “I have to leave town again. We just sold a system to a new company on the west coast – a large system; it’ll take time to set up.”

“How long will you be gone?”

“Two or three weeks, depending. I leave this afternoon, so I was hoping you were free this morning.”

“Yes, I’m free.” She yawned and nibbled at the sandwich. It was too early and she was too tired to actually want it.

“Good, I’ll take you to lunch. But we’ll have to go early enough that I can leave here by two.”

By two. Duncan was coming over before then. “Okay, just don’t let me forget to tell the guys I may not be back by one.”

He raised his eyebrows. “I thought you were free.”

“I was just going to walk down and watch rehearsal, but I can go later.”

“Sweetheart, you don’t have to change your plans. We can be back by one.”

Considering whether to argue, she got up to start a pot of coffee. She knew her dad would want it and imagined Kate would whenever she got up. Besides, it sounded like a good idea. She wasn’t sure she would let herself drink it in front of her dad, though. He would say something; more than Evan had.

“So were you out with Evan last night?”

The echo of her thoughts was eerie. He must have tried to call there, too. “No. You didn’t reach him, either?” She took her time scooping coffee grounds, her face turned away from him.

“I didn’t reach anyone. They didn’t have a show?”

She didn’t want this conversation. “No. I don’t know where Evan was.” He was waiting for more explanation. How would he react to her date? She knew. He wouldn’t be happy. She’d have to ease him into it … somehow. The door opening startled her. At least checking it was a distraction, allowing her to step out of the kitchen. “Kate. I thought you were still in bed.”

Her roommate dropped her bag on the floor. “I was next door, and no, I didn’t tell him. But I did hear Duncan come in pretty late last night, or I should say this morning. You must have had an interesting time. He’s sure in a good mood today. Was everything okay? Should I have stayed here and waited up…”

Susie felt her dad beside her. Her stomach twitched.

Kate’s guilty look didn’t help matters. “Oh. Hi. I didn’t know you were here.”

“Kate, I haven’t seen you recently. Are you doing all right?”

“I’m okay.” She glanced at Susie apologetically, then switched moods. “And you still get better looking every time I see you. Are you sure no one’s snagged you yet, or are you just afraid to tell us?”

“There’s no one in my life that you don’t already know about. But I’m not sure my daughter can tell me the same thing. What’s this about Duncan?”

Susie tried to keep her voice natural. “He took me out last night.”

“Out? Where?”

She pulled on her robe ties, unnecessarily. “For dinner, and dancing.”

“Just the two of you?” His eyes pierced her skin.

“Yes.”

He took a deep breath, obviously trying to bite his tongue. Kate excused herself to head to her room and Susie used the movement to return to the kitchen, to the breakfast she didn’t want.

Her dad followed, not sitting. “I didn’t realize you were dating.”

“Only since last night.”

His pause said he wanted to hear more. Her silence didn’t deter him. “And everything went okay?”

She looked up, not hiding anything. “It was very nice. I had a great time.”

“Have you learned any more about him?”

“Dad...”

“I know, he’s Evan’s friend, but there are certain things Evan doesn’t have to worry about that you do.”

She looked away again, resenting the insinuation.

He sat across from her. “He does know that you and Evan are very close, and that Evan is not going to allow…”

“Dad, he was a perfect gentleman. He took me to a nice restaurant and we went to a nice lounge to dance, and talk…. He went out of his way to make everything … wonderful. Don’t judge him by his appearance. He is a really good person, and I really enjoy being with him.”

Her dad nodded, silent.

She stood. “I’m gonna run through the shower and get dressed. I won’t be long.”

Susie closed her door and stood for a moment. He wasn’t going to be easy to convince. Although, considering his own marriage, he should understand. His in-laws felt the same when they met him and never changed their minds. Her dad wasn’t that stubborn, though. He wouldn’t disinherit her if … if what? They’d had one date. It wasn’t like it was going to be long term. It was just a date, though they’d already agreed to go out again. Her dad didn’t have to know that detail yet.

She dressed better than if she were staying home, still casual though, in faded jeans and a variegated violet polyester blouse with short, wide sleeves. Blowing her hair until it was just dry enough not to get her blouse wet, she started to pull it into a ponytail and changed her mind, leaving most of it down with just the sides pulled back away from her face. He seemed to like her hair, since his fingers slid through it so often. She was anxious to see him. Her date.

When she returned, her dad was in the living room, coffee mug in hand, looking at the flowers on the book case. He looked up curiously.

“I got them last night.” She didn’t wait for his reaction, heading into the kitchen, knowing he would follow. Gritting her teeth for the comment, she poured a cup of coffee, adding her milk and sugar. She would have to get cream. Milk didn’t taste the same.

“You drink coffee now?”

“Sometimes.” She stirred briefly, placing the spoon on a coaster.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea? You’re supposed to be careful with caffeine.”

“I don’t drink much.” She walked back to the couch, folding her legs in front.

Her dad sat in Evan’s usual spot, closest to her without being invasive. There was space next to her on the section she had separated from the rest, but she generally used it to hold a book and a small tray she used to rest her drink on so it wouldn’t spill. Kate had suggested a coffee table, but Susie didn’t want the room that crowded. She liked empty space in which to move around.

“Do you think he’ll ask you out again?”

He wasn’t letting go. So much for hiding that detail. “He already did. Last night … before he left.”

“Last night. It sounded like Kate said…”

“Well, we got home just before one, so this morning I guess, but he just walked me in and left.”

He nodded. She supposed she answered what he most wanted to know. Though, at her age, she didn’t know why she should have to say one way or another. She didn’t have to. But he felt better. It was all over his face.

“So I guess work is going well.” Susie sipped her coffee.

“Actually, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. Do you remember Jackson?”

“The guy that’s always on the road?”

“Yes, and he’s having trouble at home for that reason. His wife is insisting that he stay home more often.”

“I don’t blame her.”

“Nor do I.” He swallowed the last of his coffee, resting the empty mug on his leg. “But, they need someone to take his place.”

Her lungs expanded slowly, releasing the air in a trained relaxation effort. She knew what was coming. “And you volunteered?”

“I’m the only one qualified who doesn’t have a spouse or young kids. I didn’t volunteer, so to speak, but I couldn’t refuse and leave it to someone … more tied down. But they are providing an answering service that will always know where I am.” He pulled out a business card and handed it to her. “Here’s the number. I’ve already told them who you are and to contact me immediately if you need me.”

She grinned. “Are you ever going to stop worrying about me?”

“Never. That’s my most important job.”




They were back before one. Her dad claimed he didn’t want to interrupt her plans, but she expected he wanted to check Duncan’s reaction to seeing him. Susie didn’t care for her own sake; nothing had happened to have to cover. She hoped it wouldn’t matter to Duncan that he was there, studying him.

Walking in to the apartment, they were nearly overrun by Kate. She had done her hair in the George style she had adopted; long bangs parted in the middle and the top half of the back pulled up with the rest falling over her neck, and she was in a burgundy pant suit.
Susie admired how sophisticated she looked, with her height accentuating the attractiveness of her clothes. “Where are you going so dressed up?”

“I have an interview. Hi again, John. Hope you didn’t third degree her too much ‘cause of me.”

“Because of you? No.”

Susie ignored her friend’s look. “Who’s the interview with?”

“Just a local modeling job; no big deal. See ya later! Bye, John.” She closed the door behind her before Susie could ask any more questions.

“I guess her acting thing isn’t working out?”

Susie continued in to the room and reclined onto her couch section. “If you’d seen her act, you wouldn’t have to ask. I think she’d do better on the production side.”

“Doc asked me about her a couple of days ago, and I didn’t know what to tell him. She doesn’t seem to be around much.”

“She’s always in and out.”

“She must be seeing Mike again.”

“I guess.”

“Sweetheart, why do I get the feeling there’s something you’re not telling me?”

She finally looked over at him, sitting across from her, worrying about her friend; his best friend’s daughter. “Dad … tell Doc he’s welcome to visit any time. He can call me to make sure we’ll be home.”

He understood. “I’ll tell him.”

The doorbell took her attention, and she stopped her dad from getting up. “I got it.” Her steps slowed on the short walk to the door, allowing more time to calm herself. Why was she nervous again? It wasn’t even a date. They were just going downstairs, with the whole group. Even so, she was nervous, relying again on a deep, soothing breath before opening the door.

Instead of Duncan, she found a young delivery boy holding a bouquet of red roses.

“Susie Brooks?”

“Yes?”

“These are for you.”

“You’re kidding.” She thanked him and accepted the bouquet, brought them close to her face to smell their rich perfume, and turned the card to see its inscription. Pushing the door closed with her elbow, she read:

Thank you for a wonderful evening.
I’m looking forward to the next time.
Love, Duncan

There were five, making a total of a full dozen. She stood still a moment, collecting herself, or attempting to, then went to add them to her vase, knowing her dad was staring, but needing time … for her racing thoughts to settle, for her emotions to stabilize. She had left the single rose in its own vase and gently touched its soft petals until the doorbell pulled her away.

Her dad was closer and didn’t hesitate to answer it. She waited, hedging toward him, still not quite collected.

Evan’s voice greeted him. Her dad moved back to allow entrance, returning the friendly hello, and she saw Duncan as he was he telling her dad it was nice to see him again. She hoped he meant it, and still would by later in the day. They propped their guitar cases against the entry table.

Susie walked closer. He looked over and smiled. She didn’t answer Evan, though she heard him say something to her. She kept walking, stopping only to throw her arms around her date, not caring that her dad was watching. Not caring that Evan was in the room. She felt him return the hug. “You shouldn’t have. It’s too much.”

He pulled back. She released him reluctantly.

“They must have come on time.”

She nodded. “But you really shouldn’t have.”

“I had t’ make it an even dozen. And it was well worth the hug.” His eyes sparkled.

She grinned and considered moving closer again, until she heard her dad clear his throat.

“John, how’s business?” Evan’s voice filled in, a sign to back away and remember her surroundings. She interrupted by offering everyone a drink, but no one accepted, and Evan took the lead in breaking tension by making himself at home, taking his normal spot on the couch. Susie moved to her extra space, letting her dad have her seat, and Duncan sat by his friend. Not the way she would have liked to arrange it, but she could see his face well.

Her dad pulled a foot over his knee, leaning back as though he owned the place. “Actually, Evan, I have to head to the airport in about an hour, and I was hoping to talk to you before I left.”

“Oh? What’s up?”

“He got promoted again.” Susie pulled a leg up in front, her arms wrapping around to hold it there.

Evan looked over, reading the tone of her voice.

“Which basically means I’ll be on the road a great deal more than I am now. The good side of it is that I’ll be close to Glenn Heights on a fairly regular schedule, so I can check in on your mom and maybe give her a lift back and forth more often, as her time permits.”

He nodded. “I’m sure she’ll enjoy the company. I know I don’t get back as often as I should.”

“She knows you’re busy. However, when I took the job, I was counting on you not being too busy to be here for Susie if she needs you, since I won’t be around much.”

“Dad…”

“You know you don’t have to ask.” Evan saw her glance. “After all, that was one of the stipulations of you letting her move out here in the first place.”

Her dad chuckled. “Well, it’s not like I had much of a choice. She gets her stubbornness from me, you know. She would have followed you here, anyway.”

“Isn’t it time to go?” Susie bolted up, avoiding Duncan’s eyes, thinking back to the conversation the night before. He had chosen Thiel to stay close to her. That wasn’t true. Or was it? Had her dad put him up to that, too? She didn’t need to be taken care of anymore. She wasn’t a child.

Evan edged up to her on the way downstairs. “Hello.”

She questioned him with a look.

“You didn’t answer me earlier.”

“Oh. Sorry. I was…. So where’d you go last night? Dad said he tried to call.” And he could hear their conversation, as Duncan could.

“Just down to Doug’s. Kate was at our place. Is there something going on with her? She was acting … I don’t know … just…”

“I’m not getting into this with you, Evan.”

“Into what?”

“Like I told Mike, I’m not getting in the middle. If you have a question about her, ask her, not me.”

He stopped, taking her arm, waiting until she looked at him. “Suse, I’m not trying to lecture. I’m just concerned.”

“So am I.” She shouldn’t have said that, verifying there was a problem. “But I can’t talk about it. Just let it go … please.”

He nodded, his chest rising and falling. She felt Duncan’s eyes and pulled gently away from Evan.

Reaching the basement, they found the others already there, talking with Roy and Mitch. Susie caught Duncan’s eye when she and her dad stopped out of the way to let the guys continue on to join their group. She wanted to hold him again, to talk to him, about anything. His look seemed to be agreeing, but he shifted his guitar case, grabbing the handle to pull the strap off his shoulder, and followed his buddy.
Mitch turned to greet them and saw her, giving her a grin and a nod. She pulled her eyes away, watching Duncan accept his hand, but just barely, staring directly into his eyes, studying him. The producer backed away, moving his attention to the others. Susie decided to return to her apartment when her dad took off, unwilling to sit there alone in the midst of both men she wanted to avoid.

She sat close enough to hear the conversation without being in the middle of it. Roy looked over at her when they moved their chairs up further than where they had been. Let him look; why did she care? He would never say anything with her dad there.

“Well, down to business.” Mitch propped himself on the edge of the stage riser, the constantly forward-curving shoulders hunched, elbows resting on his spread thighs. Too far, Susie thought. It was vulgar with as tight as he wore his striped pants. She stayed focused on her band, ignoring his glances, and ignoring the manager who plopped into a metal folding chair.

Mitch ignored him, also, talking directly to the band, most of whom were still standing. “I didn’t come today to talk about the show. That’s still in the planning stages. What I want to talk about is production of your first album. I think it’s time, and I want to be the one to do it. Now, admittedly, I’m not a big name but I do quality work and I think we could help each other out. I’ve already checked into space at a small studio that I’ve worked with in the past, and I can get you in this coming weekend if you can be ready. I know it’s short notice, but I want this to be as live as possible, getting the rough, raw sound of Raucous and using as many first takes as we can. No voice-overs, no studio musicians, just pure Raucous. I think we can put down the main tracks in one long day and I’ll go back to do the editing and mixing and set up another session if necessary. I’m hoping to get it released within a month, so it’ll be out before the charity concert. It may sound next to impossible, if you’ve studied the production side at all, but I work best under pressure and with a short deadline. So what do you say?”

An album? So fast? With this guy? Susie moved her eyes from one band member to the next. Stu, sprawled on the floor, hands propped behind him, was in disbelief, explaining his rare silence, Doug was in deep thought, Evan skeptical, Duncan … she couldn’t quite tell what he was thinking. They all seemed to be waiting on their lead singer to start conversation.

Mike looked suspicious. “And what’s all this going to cost us?”

“So your lead singer is also your lead spokesman.” Mitch nodded. “That works.” He opened the briefcase sitting on the floor next to him, pulling out papers and handing them to Roy. He snapped it closed again. “Simple, really. Just a small percentage of what you make, after the initial production costs are covered, and your signatures on a one-year contract. If our partnership isn’t satisfactory, after the year’s out, you’re free to go your own way. Of course, I will retain rights to the album and you’ll continue to get your percentage if it keeps selling.” He paused, for effect. “I think you can make it, and I’m willing to risk some money on it if you’re willing to risk your time and give up your current jobs once we get rolling.”

Evan silently answered Duncan’s glance. He could read him, even if Susie couldn’t. They were questioning something. Evan looked back over at Mitch. “We’d have to read the contract and terms before we sign anything.”

“Of course. Roy has a copy of the contract you would be signing, plus some additional information. I will need an answer by tomorrow night if we’re going to get in by next weekend, and we can work out the details from there. There’s also a list of clients that you’re free to contact as references, and I do encourage you to do that. I honestly don’t want any clients who aren’t happy with my services.”

Mike nodded. “We’ll call tomorrow either way.”

“Fine, and call later today with questions if you’d like. I’ll look forward to hearing from you. In the meantime, would you mind if I sit in now and listen?”

“Why not, everyone else does.” Stu looked over to grin at her, jumping to his feet. “Hey John, what d’ya say? Would you spend the money to buy one of our albums?”

“I’ll do better than that. I’ll buy several to take with me when I travel, to introduce to my clients.”

“Hey, far out! What do you know? We already have an advertising exec. Now we just have to get the rest of our parents to do the same.”

Mike looked at Stu, then turned and stepped up onto the stage. “Let’s go.”

Susie watched Evan catch up to him and talk quietly before they took their places. Stu really could be inconsiderate at times. He knew Mike’s parents were totally against what their youngest son was doing with his life and wouldn’t even discuss the band with him. While still at home, he had always told them he was off to a study group when he was actually going to rehearsals with Stu and Doug and a couple of other kids from the same town, until they had found out and kept him from going. He still resented it.

While the guys warmed up, Mitch stood and talked with Roy for a moment, then focused on the warm up, particularly watching Stu. Roy was leaving. He headed her direction, purposely. Maybe he intended to talk to her father? To try to … what? What point would there be?

Reaching her, he shoved the papers toward her. “Give these to Evan.” Then he walked away.

She should have known. Evan, the businessman, would be expected to do the manager’s job, again. Her dad seemed ready to object to the rudeness, but she stopped him. She didn’t care anymore how rude he was. She just wanted him to leave her alone. Catching Evan’s glance – not hard since he had been watching the scene, she lifted the papers slightly and saw him nod in answer. He had expected it, as well. It put more work on him to have to fill in for Roy’s ineptitude, as Susie was sure it did for his real estate partner who ended up with all the paperwork, but she was glad someone with a good business mind was looking after the band’s affairs. She couldn’t imagine leaving their interests in Roy’s hands.

When the guys began playing one of their older songs, Mitch walked back and pulled a chair beside her. “Susie, it’s nice to see you again.”

“Mitch, this is my dad, John Brooks.” After the men exchanged greetings, she looked back over at the producer. “So I guess you are for real.”

The tall man grinned. “I guess I am. Do you always come to band practice?”

“Whenever I’m not working.”

“Really? You must live close by.”

She ignored the question, turning back to the stage to watch Mike.

After several songs, her dad got up to leave, and she offered to walk out with him, but he insisted she stay. Evan was about to begin the new one the band had decided he should do lead vocals on, so she gave in. Mitch or no Mitch, she wanted to hear this.

He gave her a hug. “Take care of yourself. I’ll call you tomorrow night. Are you going to be home?”

“I’ll either be at home or at Evan’s.”

He nodded. “Mitch, it was nice to meet you.”

“Are you headed out?” Evan called down from the stage.

“Yes, it’s that time already. Good luck with everything. I’m sure my daughter will keep me filled in on how it’s going.”

“Thanks, have a safe trip.”

He turned back to her. “I’ll see you in two or three weeks. Is there anything you want me to bring back from California?”

“Just yourself. Be careful.”

“I will. I love you, Sweetheart.”

“I love you, too.” She watched him walk away, again. After so many years, she should have become use to it, but it never got any easier. Maybe she would spend the afternoon at Evan’s, as a distraction. She took a cleansing breath and let the idea make her feel better as she sat down again.

“So where’s he going?”

“Business trip.”

Mitch studied her for a moment before speaking again. “Are you always this talkative?”
“I’m listening to the guys.” She kept her eyes forward and wished he wouldn’t talk through Evan’s song.

“You still don’t trust me, do you?”

“I don’t trust anyone, until I know I can.”

He pivoted, inching closer. “I find it much more comforting to trust everyone, until I know I can’t.”

She finally looked at him. “I find that dangerous.”

He didn’t respond, and turned back to watch the band after she had.

****

Evan was glad to see the producer leave not long after John did, and made a note to ask Susie what he’d had to say to her. He knew she was not comfortable around him. Which could make things difficult if they agreed to the contract. But was he willing to veto the chance to have a record made because of it? He wasn’t sure. She wouldn’t be alone around him, anyway. He would be there for her, or the other guys would. She had to know that they wouldn’t let anyone bother her. Even Stu would find the nerve to defend her if necessary, regardless of his complete anti-violence stance.
When they left the stage, he asked everyone to come up later to discuss the contract. And she was soon by his side, handing him the papers.

“Do you mind if I come over, too? I’ll stay out of the way.”

Out of the way? He set a hand on her back. “Angel, you’re never in the way. In fact, I’ll make lasagna tonight, if you want to stay for dinner.” Her favorite. He hoped she would accept; he hadn’t seen her enough recently. And he wanted to hear about the date, since his buddy had stayed quiet about it.

“Sounds great.” Her eyes were warm meeting his.

“You better make enough for all of us. I think it’ll take a while to discuss business.”

He pulled his hand away with Stu’s interruption. “Yes, you’re invited, as if you need an invitation.”

“Well, hell, our apartment’s the only one without a decent cook. TV dinners get pretty boring.” He sidled up and put an arm around Susie. “You know, we have an extra room. You can come live with us. We wouldn’t charge you rent.”

She raised her eyebrows at him. “You have an open invitation at my place, too. It’s not like you’re going to starve.”

“No, but I’ve never actually lived with a woman before; it might be fun.” He squeezed her waist tighter.

She shook her head. “I guess I should’ve seen that one coming.”

Evan watched Duncan’s expression. The flirting didn’t seem to bother him. Strange, since he had always been so possessive before about girls he dated. He had never cared if they stopped seeing him, but as long as they were still together, he had completely expected other guys to stay away. Maybe the date had just been … what?

Evan was still trying to figure that one out on their way upstairs when his buddy reached his side and held him at a distance from the others.
“Y’ know I can no’ sign that contract.”

He had expected this. “Let me look through it. There may be a way you can.”

“And if there’s not?”

“Then he’ll have to make some changes before any of us sign it.”

“Ev, I’m no’ about to stand in the band’s way.”

“Duncan, this isn’t a solo act. We all stand together. That’s how we work.”

The thought appeared to bother him. He looked away, glanced at Susie, then looked back. “I am no’ so sure about signing any contract. I am no’ used t’ bein’ tied down.”

Being tied down. Why the glance at Susie? Was that a hint telling him the date was nothing more than his other dates? Just an interesting way to spend an evening? Evan sure as hell hoped his buddy had let her know that. He mostly hoped it hadn’t been anything like most of Duncan’s “dates.”



Evan took the empty spot beside Susie on the couch. His buddy was on her other side, though closer than Evan dared to get, and he felt slightly self-conscious sitting next to her. Why? She had always claimed his side when she came over and the other guys never thought anything of it, and obviously didn’t now. But things had changed. He could feel it from her.
He tried to keep his head in the discussion of the contract and what songs they would do and if this was really what they’d been waiting for in between reading through the legal jargon, but kept drifting back to thoughts of his two best friends being out so late the night before, and Duncan’s comment. And she was tired today, stifling another yawn.

He decided to risk an intrusion. “Did you get up too early?”

Her full attention turned toward him; the tired blue eyes peering into his. “Well, I didn’t intend to, but Dad came over at eight. I nearly told him to go away and come back later.” A faint hint of mischief shone through her expression. She knew he would never believe she would actually tell her dad to go away.

“Why don’t you go lie down? I’ll come get you in a couple of hours.”

She shook her head. “I don’t want to be alone right now.”

He didn’t have to ask why. She still hated it when her dad left for long trips.

“So maybe you shouldn’t have let your date keep you up so late.”

She turned to Mike, recovering quickly from the suggestiveness in the tone of his voice. “Maybe you should stick to babysitting Stu.”

“Hey! It’s your turn for a while. I get enough ….” Stu halted, catching Mike’s choice of terms. “Date? As in an actual date?”

Mike smirked. “You know, when you ask a girl out and she actually says yes. Or have you forgotten?”

“Have I forgotten? I go on more dates than you do.”

“Uh huh, and with a different girl every time.”

“Hey, that works for me.” Stu looked back at Susie. “You had a date? A real one? Should I ask who or…”

“Hell, man, you were there Friday when they talked about it.”

“I was where Friday? I don’t … you mean at the gig? With him?”

Evan would have laughed at Stu’s expression if it weren’t so insulting to his friend.

“You weren’t serious? You were just getting rid of Mitch, right?”

Susie raised her chin. She was getting irritated. “Yes, and no. Can you stop that now?”

“Serious? You and Duncan? On a real date?”

“Stu, I have dated before, you know.”

“Well, yeah, but …” He peered at the man beside her. “Damn. How did you get her to actually say yes? And how did you get through him?” He gestured toward Evan. “You know how many guys have tried?”

“Would you shut up, already?”

He looked back at Mike. “What?”

Mike rolled his eyes.

“Think before you talk, Stu. Or at least take a breath.” Doug jumped in to mediate. “Did you have a good time?”

Susie grinned at him in thanks. “Yes, it was very nice.” Her eyes drifted toward Duncan’s. “I look forward to the next one.”

Evan watched his buddy’s face. The next one. He didn’t want to be tied down, but he apparently hadn’t made her think he didn’t. She would never just assume there would be a next one. His look, though, was soft, more gentle than Evan had ever seen it. Duncan did care about her. To what extent, Evan couldn’t be sure.

“They must have had a good time, as tired as she is today. Just how late were you out? Or up?”
The spark in her eyes when she faced the antagonist should have warned him to back off. Evan doubted he would take the hint.

“Or did you bother sleeping at all?”

Mike smacked him in the shoulder. “Would you shut up?”

“Why? Hell, the rest of us stay out all night occasionally. Why shouldn’t she? You know, equal rights and all. I’m just curious.”
Too far. Evan was stopping it now. “How about if we talk about this contract so we can answer him tomorrow?”

“Hell, this is more interesting. You can just tell us if it’s good or not. We won’t have any flaming idea what it’s saying, anyway.” Stu jumped in further, looking directly at her, daring her to answer. “So where’d you go? Did he take you to the biker bar downtown?”

She lifted her chin again, tilting her head. “Yes, Stu. I dressed all in leather and we hitched a ride with a motorcycle gang who made us honorary members and gave us matching tattoos.”

“Damn! Stop, you’re turning me on. Or give me more detail. Was it one of those black bikini tops with studs? Will you model it for me?”

She picked up the pillow between them and threw it across the coffee table. “What is wrong with you today?”

“Okay, so tell me the truth so I can get that picture out of my head.”

“It’s none of your business.”

“Are you kidding me? You know we don’t have secrets around here. And do you really want me to think whatever I want?”

She shook her head. “We had dinner and went dancing.”

“And then…”

“And then, what?”

“You expect me to believe that’s it … with him?”

She glanced at Duncan, giving up.
Her date seemed amused, but refused to take the bait. “As she said, it’s no’ your business.”

“Really? Then I guess I’ll have to use my imagination, and that leather’s looking awfully good on her.”

“Is it?” She leaned back against Duncan, close against him, allowing the arm he wrapped around her shoulder to stay there. Then she looked back at Stu, her voice lowered. “Well, I doubt your imagination could be half as good as the real thing, but you’ll never know.”

Mike nearly choked on his iced tea. She looked at him and Evan studied her face. Was that meant as an admission? She wouldn’t have …. Duncan’s grin … was pure amusement; nothing more. He knew better. He would never start anything that serious with her while not wanting to be tied down. Not with her. He was smarter than that.

But Evan preferred not to hear any more. “I think I’ll start dinner.” He got up and put the papers on the table.

“Do you want some help?”

He would have loved to accept, just to have her closer to him, but she was too tired, and she was with his buddy today. “Go ahead and relax, Angel. Use my room to lie down if you’d like.”

“Thanks, but I’m okay here.”



She was asleep when he went back out to the living room. Against Duncan’s chest with his arm still around her, his fingers touching her hair. What had he done? Why hadn’t he opposed this? His buddy wouldn’t stay; she would get hurt again. But he had never expected her to fall for him.

“You can si’ down. I do no’ think she’s goin’ t’ wake very easily.”

Evan shifted his eyes to Duncan. Why wouldn’t she fall for him? He was better looking, a better guitarist, and had been everywhere. He had to be more exciting to her than someone she had known forever. But he was also a good person, and Evan’s friend. And the guys were staring at him. He pulled himself out of it and moved closer. “I’ve never seen her so relaxed around someone she barely knows, or anyone she’s ever dated.” He sat cautiously, though he imaged Duncan was right about her not waking.

Stu agreed. “I never saw her fall asleep on Nathan, and they dated for, what, six months?”

“Seven and a half.”

“You never did like him much. Did you have some kind of premonition?”

“He was a self-centered jerk. I never understood why she went out with him.”

“He wasn’t that bad. He just acted like a kid, and he was fun to hang around with. And he did know how to dance.”

“Nathan ... is he the guy you said moved out?”

Evan nodded at his friend. “He was in the band for nearly a year.”

“So what happened?”

He didn’t answer, not sure how much to say, and Mike took over. “He left, without a word to anyone, including Susie.”

“And they were still dating?”

“She thought they were.”

“Why did he leave?”

The guys looked at each other. Finally, Evan gave him a vague response. “He didn’t bother to say, and she won’t talk about it.” No secrets? Stu had no idea.

Duncan looked down at the girl sleeping against him, lifting his free hand to gently push the hair away from her face. “I can no’ imagine it would ‘ave been his choice.”

Evan studied his friend. “So, you are planning to ask her out again?”

“I already have.” He met Evan’s eyes directly, waiting for a response.

Evan couldn’t give him one, not in front of the others.

“Then maybe you can tell us the truth.” Stu threw his mischievous grin. “Kate keeps saying she never kisses on the first date. Is she right?”

Duncan raised an eyebrow. “As Susie told you before, it’s none of your business.”

“Oh, come on. What’s the big deal?”
“I do no’ want her t’ change her mind abou’ going out again.”

“She’s asleep; she won’t know you told us.”

“Maybe not, but I would.”

****

Duncan walked her back to her apartment when she decided she was too tired to be good company any longer. Kate, who had shown up just before they ate, had luckily decided to stay with Mike and Susie was glad to finally have him alone. She turned to him when he closed the door. “I’m sorry I fell asleep on you. I just couldn’t keep my eyes open.”

“I am no’ sorry, and I wouldn’t have moved, but my arm fell asleep.”

She grinned, then looked away, unsure of what to do next, until he moved closer and gently raised her chin to kiss her. A soft kiss; gentle, unassuming. Her hands found his shoulders.

“I ’ave been wanting t’ do that all day.”

“Well, next time, don’t wait so long.” She slid her arms further around him and again accepted his mouth … his warmth ...

The door interrupted. She looked over to see Kate but didn’t pull away.

“Oh. Excuse me. I would have knocked, but I really didn’t expect anything to be going on.”

She felt Duncan start to pull back, and annoyed at the interruption, raised her eyebrows at her roommate. “I thought you were staying with Mike.”

“I forgot something.” Kate walked back to her room for a minute, then returned and went to the door. “You can lock up behind me; I’ll see you in the morning. By the way, I told you he was in a good mood this morning. Now I know why.” She grinned at Susie and winked at Duncan, then shut the door behind her.

“She really does talk too much.”

“Maybe, bu’ she’s right. I was in a very good mood this morning. Better than … in a very long time.” He brushed a hand through her hair and pulled her closer again.

She didn’t want to let him go, laying her head against his shoulder, pressing her hands firmly against his back.

“Susie...”

“Hmm?”

“Will you meet me for lunch tomorrow?”

“Yes.”

He pulled back slowly, taking her hands. “You better ge’ some sleep.”

She nodded, though she could have stood there just holding him all night.

“Good nigh’, Babe.” He touched her lips again briefly, then turned to open the door, looking back. “Sleep well.”