After an awkward silence he said, “Have you lived here long?”
“Oh, only a few months or so,” she replied offhandedly. “What about you?”
“I just moved in a few months ago as well, and I don’t know many people yet. I thought I’d take this opportunity to meet one of my neighbors.”
She nodded and said, “Well, welcome to the neighborhood.”
“Welcome to the neighborhood to you too,” he said. “I love it here.”
“It certainly is a great city,” she mused. “One of the best skylines in the world.”
Maddie held his gaze for a few moments and then looked down at the package in her hands. She looked up, held the package up slightly, and said, “Well, thanks again for delivering my package.”
She took a step back. He needed to think of something to say…anything.
“By the way,” he said. “Nice shirt.”
Maddie raised a curious eyebrow.
“I mean…the Beatles,” he said. “I think they’re amazing. It’s cool that you’re wearing a Beatles shirt.”
“Big fan?”
“Definitely. I’m a music fanatic. I like all kinds of music genres from all ages. In fact, I’m the lead singer of a band and we jam in my apartment sometimes. I hope the music hasn’t bothered you.”
She shook her head. “No, it hasn’t bothered me at all. I guess the walls have good insulation. Now that you mention it, though, I have heard music coming through every now and then, but it wasn’t terribly loud. From what I could hear, it sounded good.”
“Really? You liked it?”
“Seriously. I thought it was coming from iTunes or something. Does your band have a name?”
“It’s an alternative rock band called Night Fury. Ever heard of it?”
She pursed her lips, wrinkled her eyebrows, and looked up as if trying to recall. After a few moments she said, “Sorry, I don’t believe I have.”
“No need to apologize. We’re not exactly famous yet. But we have recently landed some steady gigs at some of the biggest and hottest nightclubs in town. Our goal is to get a recording contract and hit the big time.”
“That’s really cool. I love alternative rock. I’m also a music fanatic of all genres and ages.”
“That’s pretty sick,” said Adam.
She seemed genuine when she said, “I think it’s admirable to have such big dreams.”
She smiled that dazzling smile again. Adam thought he would melt. He decided to take a chance.
“We practice in the residents’ lounge every Thursday night,” he said. “You should come watch us sometime. It’s an open invitation. Several of the residents, our friends, fans, and significant others come to our practices. We hang out, drink beer or whatever, and there is always plenty of good food to munch on. It’s just as much social time as it is a rehearsal.”
“It sounds like a good time. I just might do that. Well, thanks again for delivering my package. It was a pleasure to meet you.”
She took a step back, indicating the end of the conversation. He wondered if he had come on too strong. She didn’t give him a definite ‘yes,’ but it wasn’t a flat-out ‘no,’ either. Adam glanced down at Maddie’s left hand and smiled inwardly when he saw no ring.
“It was very nice to meet you, too, Maddie. Hope to talk to you again soon and maybe see you at rehearsal.”
As he turned and walked away, he gave himself an imaginary high-five. His friends would not believe this. He couldn’t wait to tell them.
Chapter 2
Maddie paced back and forth in her kitchen, waiting for her friend to answer the phone.
Why was she not answering?
Maddie tapped her foot impatiently and called again. She really needed to talk to her.
Then, finally, she heard a voice—her best friend, Sancha. After a short greeting, she asked, “What took you so long to answer?”
Sancha replied with mock exasperation, “I was out in the garden. I didn’t hear it ringing. I’m fine, by the way. Thanks for asking.”
“I’m sorry. I just need to talk to you about something.”
“It’s fine. I’m just teasing you. What’s on your mind, dulce amiga?”
“Well, I met one of my neighbors today,” Maddie said as she continued pacing.
“Is everything okay?” Sancha interjected before Maddie could say anything else.
“I’m fine. It’s fine. Everything’s okay. It’s just…”
“Really? Are you sure?” said Sancha, sounding worried.
“Yes. Yes. I’m sure. It’s just…” Maddie paused.
“Well, spill it then. What’s his name?”
Maddie started to speak, realized what Sancha had just implied, and paused again before saying, “Who said it was a he?”
“Well, if nothing is wrong, then what else would it be? Am I right?” Sancha said smugly.
Maddie sighed and said, “You know me too well. Do I really only call you when something is wrong?”
Sancha laughed and said, “No, don’t be silly. Well…so, maybe you do, but it’s okay. That’s what best friends are for. Go on. Is he muy guapo?” Very handsome.
Maddie thought about it a moment and said, “Actually, he’s…beautiful.”
Sancha paused and then said slowly, “Really? I don’t often hear someone describe a man as ‘beautiful.’ ”
“True,” Maddie agreed, “but that is the best word I could think of to describe him.”
“Wow, he sure must be something then. Tell me all about him.”
Maddie twirled her hair as she said, “He lives in the apartment next door. His name is Adam Lancaster. My mail was accidentally delivered to his mailbox and he stopped by to deliver it and introduce himself. He’s in an alternative rock band, and he wants to be a rock star, which is really cool. He’s tall with dark hair. It’s kind of like a modern pompadour, you know the style, with short, faded sides, longer on the top, and combed into a high mound in front. It looks like he works out a lot because his arms and shoulders looked cut. He’s got indigo-blue eyes that draw you in. And he actually seems really nice.”
“All of that sounds great,” said Sancha. “So what’s the problem? Why the urgent call? Do you want me to get my connections to run a check on him?”
“I think he’s
