Naomi looked at him and said, “Did you meet one of your acquaintances there?”
“Nugget, let me remind you of something. A gentleman never tells.” Rev winked at Naomi, who stormed off into the kitchen, where she asked Stella, “Anything I can help you with?”
“No, thank you. We’re eating at seven, so I thought maybe we can all sit outside until then.” Stella pushed the vase around the kitchen island until she found the perfect spot. Did he know yellow roses symbolized friendship or a platonic relationship? Was he trying to tell her something?
When she looked to David, he held a glass of whiskey on the rocks in his hand, and the three men were in a deep discussion about one of Revan’s photos on the wall. He fit right in, and it thrilled her. After pouring herself a glass of red wine, she beckoned Naomi to follow her outside.
The next hours flew by in harmony. David and Revan exchanged stories about their travels, and when Naomi announced Luca and David’s discussion about politics had taken up enough time, the conversation turned to the subject of book-to-movie or stage adaptations.
Luca and Revan were good guys, and Stella loved them, so their approval of David was important to her. She knew Naomi liked him, too.
A few days later, she also introduced him to her parents. They weren’t inclined to be starstruck, but they had both heard of him and knew how successful he was. When Stella listened to them interacting as if they’d known each other for a long time, hearing him tell stories about his family and background, she began to wish David could stay forever.
It was then when Stella realized she’d fallen in love with David. When she allowed a glimmer of hope to settle into her heart. Perhaps they could have a future.
They spent as much time together as possible. And, every night, David came over after the show.
One evening, a week before his time in Philadelphia was over, he pulled her close and walked his fingers up and down her naked arm. “I’d like for us to stay in touch.”
“I’m hoping the same. But what do you suggest?”
“I’m planning to swing by here whenever I have a few days off between cities, but it’s not always possible. And we have the weekend in Chicago. We’ll go to the concert, I’ll show you where I grew up, and I can’t wait to introduce you to my parents and sister.”
“You make it sound so…official.” She trailed her hand over his chest and his abs, relishing his reaction to her touch.
“I enjoyed meeting your parents when they came for a show and we had dinner afterward. And Sabrina has been bugging me to meet you ever since I told her you helped me pick out her birthday gift.” He continued to caress her arm.
“Okay, now I can’t wait to go to Chicago.” She shivered when his fingers grazed her breasts, and David pulled her closer.
“We’ve got to make this work, babe. But please, if you ever feel like I’m neglecting you, let me know. Promise to tell me if you think I’m not giving you enough time and attention.” His dark eyes bored into hers. Did she see fear lurking in those depths?
“I know how demanding your job is. Our relationship is still new, but we agreed to do our best to make it work, even if we can’t be together all the time. So I’m not sure what else you mean.”
“I… I’ve seen too many long-distance relationships fail. They aren’t easy to maintain when one person is always on the road. But I love you, Stella. You have to believe me!” David’s kiss, full of passion and longing, took Stella’s breath away. They didn’t need to say anything more, instead letting their bodies speak, and she gave a part of her soul to him.
On their last evening together, they cuddled on the sofa in Stella’s living room. It was getting late, but neither cared. Their last few moments together were more important than anything else.
David’s reached over to where his jacket hung over the back of the sofa, and took out a special edition of The Phantom of the Opera.
“When you read this book, it’s like turning back time to when we met. I want you to remember our dreams and let them guide us into our future.”
Her voice quavered when she said, “I will.”
Then David pulled out a rectangular box wrapped in silver paper. Stella gasped when she opened it. In it was a gold and silver bracelet with a single star charm.
“I want to give you the moon and the stars, Stella. You’re my North Star, and wherever I am, I’ll look at the night sky and wish I could be with you. Think of me when you wear this.”
He sang to her, “Think of me… Remember me…”
All Stella could do was cling to him while tears spilled down her cheeks.
CHAPTER 16
Stella—July 2018
T
he bus rumbled over a pothole and jolted Stella. She wiped away a tear. Darn, David… I hate what you did to me!
She touched the bracelet. For two years he sent her a new charm from every city where he performed. Little silver, gold, or two-tone mementos. Her favorite one had clear crystals arranged in a curve resembling the waning moon, with light blue stars and clear dots filling a dark blue sky.
His wish had come true… She thought of him whenever she wore the bracelet. And she wore it every day.
Naomi bumped her shoulder and said in a low voice, “We’re in Rouen. Better wake up.”
“I’m not sleeping. I’m reflecting.”
“Ah, Stella code for ‘thinking about David.’ While you’ve been reflecting,” she made air quotes, “I’ve been getting acquainted with our fellow travelers.”
Now Stella grinned and said, “Which means you’ve made up stories about every one of them.”
Naomi loved to
