“This band is reallygood, looks like they have a new drummer.” Patrick’s head swivelledin the direction of the band. His sentence stopped abruptly whenthe woman reached the table. An awkward few seconds passed. Theband started to play the intro to their first number, unconcernedor oblivious to the absence of their lead singer.
This ticked-off female had theRock Chic look down pat, with her blonde spiky hair, blackkohl-lined eyes, and full pouting red lips. For this evening’sperformance she had donned a ruby-red sequined push-up bra, atransparent black sleeveless shirt unbuttoned and tied at thewaist, and ripped black jeans, exposing a generous slice of tonedthigh. Her boots had added notably to her sizeable height. Shetowered over them both.
“Hey Patrick. Longtime, eh? Who’s your friend?” The woman cocked her head and glaredat Chloe.
“Scarlett, this isChloe. Chloe this is Scarlett, the lead singer ofThe Boss.”
As he made the introductions, hesmiled at Scarlett, but she remained unimpressed. She struck apose, one hand on her hip, and arched her back, pushing hersizeable breasts in his direction.
“Hi Scarlett, pleasedto …” Before Chloe could even complete the greeting, Scarlett hadturned on her platform heels, and jumped up on stage to belt outher first number. “Belt out” described her singing style to aT.
Every word Scarlett sang piercedthe air, like poisonous darts aimed at Patrick’s head. Not overlyconcerned by Scarlett’s angry demeanour, Patrick pulled his chaircloser to Chloe to whisper in her ear over the cacophony.Scarlett’s vocals grew louder and she pranced about the stage,furious but powerless. He kept one eye on her in case she decidedto locate a more useful weapon to make her point.
As Patrick talked, hishead inclined towards Chloe’s. My God,does he have a death wish? Chloe witnessedthe fury radiating off Scarlett in waves, and the tsunami was nodoubt headed in their direction. But all too soon Patrick’scloseness counteracted the angry vocals, and her eyes closedinvoluntarily. The words he uttered sounded indistinct, but hislips connecting with her ear spoke a language all their own. Histhigh pressed against hers under the table, the heat and thepressure unmistakable. So intent on Patrick, on him and him alone,so aware of his proximity, everyone around her seemed to fade intothe background. She wanted to receive the kiss that she knew waitedfor her as soon as she turned her head to face him. As she turnedher body towards him slightly, anticipation sendingdelicious incoming signals to every cell, a hand clamped onto her shoulder,effectively stopping her from going any further with thatplan.
“Hello you two, mindif we join you?” Samantha’s hand rested on Chloe’s shoulder as shebent down to place a brief kiss on Patrick’s cheek.
Samantha moved to the other sideof the table, and a well-dressed man sat down opposite Chloe. Hesmiled and tipped the waitress who deposited theirdrinks.
“It’s packed in heretonight. It was a fluke I spotted you two, tucked away in thecorner, with a table all to yourselves. After the day I’ve had Ididn’t relish standing up by the bar!” Samantha lifted her glassand beamed at them. “Cheers.”
Patrick tapped his glass againstSamantha’s, and when she bent to sip her cocktail, he castapologetic eyes at Chloe.
“Chloe, where are mymanners!” Samantha took the man’s hand in hers. “This handsomedevil is my husband Malcolm. Mal, I’m sure I’ve talked aboutmeeting Chloe Armstrong. Chloe was a dancer in Paris.”
“Ah yes, Chloe andTodd … Oh sorry, I thought …” Malcolm stopped, looking first atPatrick and then at Chloe, realising his blunder a second too late.His eyes darted to Samantha.
Samantha immediately shot Malcolma shocked look, obviously willing him to shut up.
Eager to cover theembarrassing faux pas, they all began talking at once.Awkward. Laughter rangout around the table for a few seconds, before they settled intogeneral chitchat. The conversation quickly turned to sports. Maland Patrick began to discuss AFL players and their prospects forthe next season. Samantha and Chloe discovered a shared love oftennis, and watching the telecasts of whomever managed to win theirway onto centre court at Wimbledon.
Chloe had reluctantly abandonedany attempt to get know Patrick better. Luckily the small groupfound themselves immersed in lively discussion, the company, andenjoying the evening. As the night wore on, even Scarlett stoppedprancing in their direction and concentrated her attention on agroup of more ardent fans in the opposite corner.
Chloe noticed Samantha had becomequieter in the last half an hour.
“I wonder if I couldask a favour and grab a ride home with you since you pass by ourplace on the way. I’m starting to get a migraine. I can feel thejackhammer in my head already. My own fault. I should’ve leftearlier when I felt the headache begin.” Samantha’s pale complexionand weak smile was testament to her condition.
“Maybe we should get ataxi, Sam?” Malcolm helped his wife to her feet, and placed aprotective arm around her shoulders.
“It’s no problem,Mal.” Patrick offered. “I’ve witnessed Sam’s migraines in the past.It’s probably best to get home as soon as possible. Getting a taxiisn’t as easy as it used to be at this time of night. You don’tmind if we leave now do you, Chloe? I’ll make it up to you, Ipromise.”
“Of course not. TakeSamantha and Malcolm home. She looks really pale now.” Chloe stoodand picked up her handbag.
“Youare a sweetheart.”Samantha squeezed Chloe’s hand. She winced and closed hereyes.
Chloe had clung to the hope thatthey would spend more time getting to know one another at the endof the evening. She had even toyed with the idea of asking him infor a coffee when he dropped her home. Patrick escorted Chloe toher door, cupped her face in his hands and softly kissed hergoodnight. Obviously aware of the eyes boring into his back, hemade it quick.
“I’m sorry, Chloe, Ididn’t anticipate this. I’m working on a big job near Warragul thiscoming week, so I’ll be away for a few days. How about we try thisagain next Friday night? Maybe we could drive down the beach road.If you like Greek food, there’s a Greek restaurant famous for theirFriday night lamb feast in Mornington.”
“Hey, it’s okay. Samdoesn’t look
