I press the play button on the cd player, and music fills my workspace. I close my eyes and let the sound Alek creates envelop me. I pick up my phone, find Alek’s name and place the call. Alek answers on the second ring.
“Hello my beautiful Lucy.”
The sound of his voice already has me smiling, but the use of my nickname makes me laugh.
“Hello my handsome Schroeder,” I reply teasingly. “Thank you for the cd, I’m listening to it right now.”
“I’m glad you like it. Did you get my note?”
“I did. It was very sweet.”
He's quiet for a beat before he says, “I miss you.”
His confession pulls at something inside me, “I miss you, too,” I reply softly. “Are you ready for your show tonight?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be. This show is so much less formal than the ones I did this weekend. It’s refreshing to relax and enjoy the audience.”
“That’s wonderful Alek. I didn’t realize so many hospitals had music wellness programs.”
“It depends on the city. Some find it hard to get funding for basic programs let alone music wellness programs. If I can help put a spotlight on a program that helps, I feel it’s my duty to do so.”
A warmth fills me at the generosity of this man, “You’re a good man Alek Berringer.”
My compliment, even though it’s true, makes him uncomfortable. “You’re just saying that because I sent you a present.”
“No,” I argue, “I’m saying it because it’s true and because you sent me a present.”
He chuckles, his rich voice echoing through the receiver, “I knew it!” I laugh along with him until he says, “Hold on a second, Rose.” I hear him shift the phone as he opens the door. “Okay, I’ll be right there.” I hear the door close and then he’s back talking to me. “Rose, I’m so sorry, Vince is here, so I need to run.”
I smile to myself at his concern for cutting our call short, “Alek, you don’t have to apologize. You need to get to the hospital, and I have arrangements to work on.”
His sigh of relief is audible through the phone, “Thank you for understanding. Can I call you after the show?”
“Of course. Good luck tonight.”
“Thanks, talk to you soon.”
“Okay, bye.”
I end the call, turn up the music and get back to work on the arrangements I have left to finish.
As promised Alek called after his show, and we talked until I began to yawn. While I have no doubt Alek enjoys the formal performances, it’s the visit to the hospital he spoke most excitedly about.
I wake the next morning to a text from Alek.
Alek: Good morning gorgeous.
I smile at the blind compliment. Even though Alek has seen me first thing in the morning, I’m fairly positive, gorgeous is an exaggeration.
Me: Good morning
Alek: Getting ready to hit the road. Driving to Cincinnati today, I’ll call you when I get settled in.
Me: Looking forward to it. Be careful. XO
My finger hovers over the send button as I internally battle with myself about adding the universal symbols for hugs and kisses. In the end I send the message, because truth be told I’d rather be kissing Alek than sending him text messages.
Up until the end of the day, work is uneventful, and then fifteen minutes before closing, Todd walks through the door. “Rose.”
Taking a bouquet from the cooler, he saunters over to the counter, smirk firmly in place. Fighting the urge to roll my eyes, I opt to be indifferent, yet polite.
“Todd. Will this be all for you?”
He huffs, “Still the same bitch you always were I see.”
What does he expect me to fall at his feet and beg him to take me back? Fat chance. “Funny, you’re the only one that thought so. I wonder why that is?”
His eyes narrow, “Heard you’re seeing someone. Does he know what a whore you are?”
I grit my teeth and count to ten, trying not to take the bait he’s casting. “You know what Todd, there are six other shops in town for you to get flowers from, visit them from now on. Because the next time you walk through my door, I’ll call the police claiming harassment.”
“You wouldn’t dare,” he seethes leaning into the counter.
Fury fills me as I stand my ground and lean towards him, “Try me.”
He’s the first one to step away, tossing a twenty dollar bill on the counter and grabbing the bouquet, he turns and storms out the door.
My knees practically give out once the door closes behind him. Moving to the door, I lock it, turn the sign to closed and turn off the lights. Balancing out the register, I head out the back door ready to go home for a long soak in the tub and glass of wine.
Chapter 10
Alek
Just as I pull into the hotel, I receive a text from Vince.
Vince: In the hotel bar. Stop by after you check in.
Me: Will do.
Phone in hand I send a quick message to Rose, letting her know I’ve arrived and will call her soon. She replies with a smiley face, and I smile in return.
I step out of the car and stretch my back as the valet makes his way over. I pop the trunk and grab my bags, before handing him my keys. Taking the ticket he hands me, I put it in my pocket and walk through the double doors to the reservation counter.
Once I’m checked in, I take my luggage to my room and then make my way to the bar to check in with Vince. I step into the dimly lit bar, and spy Vince seated at one of the high-top tables. I walk over and slap him on the back as I take a seat across from him.
“There he is,” Vince says as I settle onto the barstool. “How was the drive?”
“Long,” I reply as the waitress approaches with a menu.
“Can I get you something to drink?”
I
