Joy Ride by Desiree Holt (reading a book TXT) 📕

If that’s the way you feel about him, don’t you think you at least should tell him your name? Playing that game is getting a little old.”

Emma nibbled her thumbnail. “I just wish I could be sure how he felt about me. I have this panicky feeling that if the concert goes well and things go well for him, that’s the last I’ll see of him.”

“Why? He might be on the road but today we have such things as cell phones and video chats.” Annie grinned. “You’ve heard of those, right?”

“Of course. But he has to want to use them. Annie, I can’t keep up with him. Who am I? An almost-thirty-year-old woman with a boring job and a boring life.”

“Honey, if you were so boring he might take you home with him once. Maybe even twice. But that would be the end of it. Have a little confidence in yourself.”

Emma chuffed a short laugh. “I can just imagine what my folks would say if I showed up at their house with him.”

“Your folks need to accept the fact you’re a grown woman making your own choices.” She paused. “Are you ashamed of him, Emma?”

“Hell, no. I just wouldn’t want them to make him uncomfortable.”

“I think it’s all in how you present the situation.”

That was so true. The sharp edges of her relationship with her parents were easing. Maybe they’d be more receptive. Especially since his background apparently wasn’t all that different from hers. If she wanted something permanent with him, she had to be the one to set the stage with her family. If she cared enough for him, then this was what she needed to do. Be proud of him. Show her feelings. Let everyone–everyone–know they were together.

“Meanwhile,” Annie continued, “you won’t be taking him anywhere if you don’t tell him who you are.”

“I know, I know.”

Annie scooped some salsa with a chip and popped it into her mouth. “Maybe the night of the concert would be a good time. Especially if things go really well. He’ll want to celebrate with you. You can tell him your name and about your birthday at the same time.”

“Fine. Fine, fine, fine.” She drew in a deep breath and blew it out. “I’ll do it then.” And hope Miss Redhead isn’t there or attempts to get in my face.

“Then Saturday we need to go shopping and get you a new outfit. Which is how I started this conversation.”

“Another new one?”

Annie nodded. “Something really special.” She winked. “Just put yourself in my hands, girlfriend. I’ve got ideas.”

Emma laughed. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

“Just remember.” Her friend was giving her the no nonsense look. “It’s you he wants or this would have been over long ago. “He likes what you bring to his life. And he’s proud enough of you that he wants to show you off.”

“I can’t help being nervous. You know that.”

“This is going to work. I feel it, Emma. Now let’s get you tricked out so you can knock the socks off everyone.”

“I only care about one person, Annie.”

“I know, but this is kind of your coming out party, sweetie. No more hiding in the shadows or keeping your name a secret. Showing Marc that you’re definitely the prize he wants.” She winked. “Not to mention his friends and all those groupies that hang around the band.”

“Yeah?”

Annie smiled at her. “Yeah. This is it, Emma, The brass ring. Just grab for it.”

In that moment Emma actually felt she might be able to do it.

***

This is stupid. Idiotic. I must be braindead.

It was early Thursday evening and for the second day in a row, Marc was prowling the grocery store where he’d first run into Music Lady. How long could he hang out with an empty basket before the manager got suspicious and called the police? But he figured since if he’d bumped into her there once before, she must live in the neighborhood and it would be logical for her to appear again.

Maybe she’d need something on her way home from work. Wherever she worked. He hadn’t gotten around to asking her that yet. He was saving the more personal questions for when her skittishness wore off.

In the meantime, he had this insane need to see her. Make sure she was coming back to the club again. Two nights running, he’d even checked out Hot Salsa during Happy Hour to see if she and her friend were there having a drink. Nada. He missed her almost more than he wanted to admit, trying not to watch the door. Hoping each time it opened, she’d be walking through it. He just had to keep telling himself that she had a good reason for staying away, but for the life of him he couldn’t figure out what it could be. He just hoped to hell she hadn’t changed her mind about the concert. If this all came together, she was the one he wanted to share it with.

A flash of blue caught the corner of his eye and a thrill of anticipation ran through him. He turned, expecting to see her pushing her cart into the produce area and started in that direction. But when he looked again, he realized it was a total stranger. Disappointment was a bitter taste in his mouth.

Concentrate on what’s coming up, buddy boy. On the things you can do something about.

Rick had met again with Butch Meredith that morning and brought back the contract for them all to look at as well. He also had the layout of the Amphitheatre and the list of what they could request, including one guest pass per musician. Marc wanted to be sure he’d see ML at least by the weekend to make sure she had hers.

Rich had given him some shit about requesting a pass for a woman who wouldn’t even give him her name, but he’d put a cork in it fast enough. This could end up being a really big deal, and he wanted ML