Beautiful One (19 page)

****

Derek tucked himself behind his drums and began tapping out their first song. The guys followed suit as Mason took the stage. A few of the regulars moved in close, and little Miss Brunette was front and center. Mason was crooning one of Melissa's favorites. I smiled when she sang along. Aidan caught my eye but still seemed pained from the other night. I gave him an encouraging smile, and it seemed to help lighten his mood. The music slowed and, as Mason finished the song, I watched all the females within ten feet of my brother swoon. Melissa and I made eye contact and laughed.

Glancing over the crowded venue, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride that Random Plan had such a loyal following. I began to hum along with the next song
as
I watched the crowd join in. My humming immediately stopped when my focal point zeroed in on a familiar tatted arm casually draped around the back of a wooden chair. My heartbeat stopped. Wisps of perfect blond hair were delicately cascading over
that
arm.

I tried to focus on the crowd, the music, Aidan — anything to keep my mind occupied and my gaze from the intimate table for two. My mind was racing, overcome with curiosity. A shiver ran though me, I crouched down in my chair and turned my gaze to the small round table. Mesmerized, I couldn't look away.

Kara was invading Spencer's personal space, leaning in, batting her eyelashes, and smiling her perfect smile. Yes, she seemed interested, but was he?

“Liz, what are you looking at?” Melissa broke my spellbound trance.

“Um… oh, our bandleader is here.” I tried to sound casual then gestured over to the table in the back of the room.

“Whoa! I've got to get to church more.” Melissa laughed.

“Yes, you do.” I gave her a patronizing smirk.

“That's the guy you practice with on Wednesday nights? You never told me he was such a hottie. Is that his girlfriend?”

“I'm not sure.” I glanced back at them.

Melissa continued to stare, “Well, if she isn't, I can tell she wants to be.” Melissa rolled her eyes and motioned for me to glance back at the table.

Kara had completely shifted her body toward Spencer and was twirling her hair around one slender finger. About the same time I was trying to determine if Spencer was interested in her or not, he shifted his chair. From across the room, our eyes met. Spencer held my gaze. I matched his long, fixed stare as unemotionally as possible until the roar of the crowd broke in, causing me to turn away. I focused my attention on Aidan until Mason finished the song and spoke into the mic.

“We've got a special friend here tonight. Let's see if we can get him up for a song.” The crowd glanced around and continued to eagerly applaud.

“C'mon up, Spencer.” Mason smiled across the room.

I glanced back to their table. Kara was beaming
as
Spencer confidently took the stage. A few of the college girls howled and whistled. Mason handed Spencer his guitar then pulled up a stool. He caught my eye while he adjusted the mic.

“I've got one condition. I'd like to make this a duet.”

My heart started to pound when I realized what was about to happen.

“Elizabeth Ryan, will you please join me?” The crowd cheered, Melissa gasped, and Aidan's expression was of stunned irritation.

I must have had an out of body experience because the next thing I knew I was sitting on a stool with Spencer whispering in my ear. I wasn't sure if I shuddered from the feel of his warm breath against my skin or the fear bubbling up inside me. I exhaled a deep breath, hoping to calm my nerves.

“I hear you sing this song to yourself all the time. You can do this.” Spencer took a step back and began to strum the intro to the song, “Need You Now.”

My voice came out in a whisper and was shaky from nerves. At that moment… I hated him. I closed my eyes, shutting everyone out, and continued to sing. I was able to calm down my breathing as Spencer sang. When it was my turn to sing again, I was relieved. I felt the trembling in my voice taper off. The song seemed to go on forever, but I just kept singing.

When
I finally opened my eyes, Spencer gave me a nod and a proud smile. As we finished the song, we were met with an outpouring of applause, and everyone stood in admiration. Spencer joined my side and leaned in close.

“You did it, Elizabeth.” He smiled.

I couldn't help but smile too. My emotions were of relief and gratification. But my smile soon faded. I glanced around the stage, looking for Aidan, and he was gone.

My eyes darted around the bar. The applause continued, and the regulars started chanting for another song. Spencer smiled and covered the mic with one hand.

“They love you, Elizabeth.” He was beaming with pride.

I was torn between staying or going to look for Aidan. I smiled at Spencer and whispered, “I have to go,” and walked off the stage.

Melissa grabbed my arm as I reached for my purse. “Where are you going?”

“I need to find Aidan.”

Melissa blocked my way. “Didn't you say you'd leave him if he kept up with this jealousy crap?”

“I just need to see him, Melissa. That had to be hard for him. I want to make sure he's okay.”

Melissa disapprovingly shook her head and reluctantly let me pass.

****

I rushed out to the parking lot. Relief washed over me when I saw Aidan's truck still there. The windows were shut, so I stood on my tiptoes and peeked inside. I wasn't able to see anything and reached for the door. It was locked. My eyes scanned the parking lot. Finally, my eyes found his. He maneuvered his way through the cars. He was coming toward me with such a vengeance I wasn't sure what was going to happen. Within seconds I was trapped between Aidan and his truck.

Aidan narrowed his eyes at me and yelled, “What was that, Liz? I've been begging you… begging you to sing with me, and you sing with him? I am so mad at you!” He cursed under his breath, and, with a clenched fist, slammed his hand against his truck. I tried to step to the side, fearing for my safety, but with each step I took, Aidan closed the distance between us.

I stared into his furious eyes and finally was able to speak. “I had no idea that was going to happen. What else was I supposed to do?”

I glanced down at his tendons bulging on his forearms. He bent down and brought his face to mine.

“Is there something going on with you two?” His penetrating eyes were fixed on mine. “Answer me.” His tone was ominous as he placed his hands on my arms and began to squeeze.

Before I could answer, Mason was jogging toward us. “Aidan, get back in there. We have to finish our set.” Mason's gaze went from me to Aidan. His stance went from casual to stern. “What's going on?” he questioned.

Aidan released me and backed away then unlocked the door of his truck. “Nothing's going on. I'm out!”

He climbed in, glanced at me, and angrily tossed a cellophane-wrapped rose out his door. I watched as a card slowly drifted to the pavement below. He slammed his door, started up the truck, and revved the engine. Both Mason and I jumped back when his truck peeled out of the parking spot. His wheels screeched, racing out of the driveway onto Pacific Coast Highway.

Mason stared at me in confusion. “What happened?”

“He's mad. Mad I sang with Spencer.” I leaned down and picked up the rose and the card. “I don't blame him. He's wanted me to sing with you guys forever. I feel awful.”

Mason wrapped his arm around me.

“We've all wanted you to sing with us. You finally did it. What's the big deal?”

“Think about it, Mason. I was up there singing a romantic duet with another guy. I shouldn't have done it.” My eyes met Mason's and he shook his head.

“Don't feel like that. He should be proud of you.” In the distance, we heard Melissa yelling Mason's name from across the parking lot. Mason waved, and Melissa headed our way.

“I gotta get back in there. For what it's worth, you sounded awesome.” Mason jogged back to Melissa, they talked for a few minutes, and then she walked toward me.

“He's gone?”

There was such surprise in her tone I just looked at her and shrugged. Melissa glanced at the rose I had cradled in my arms.

“What's with the rose?”

I just shook my head at Melissa's confused expression.

“He basically threw it at me before he left.” I started walking toward my car with Melissa next to me. I unlocked the doors, and we both got inside.

Melissa gave me her
what now
look.

“He'll be okay. Just give him time.”

Melissa looked at me and shook her head.

I thought about her comment in the club just moments before. I knew what she was thinking. I still held the card in my hand.

“Are you gonna open it?” she asked.

Without answering her, I took a deep breath and ripped open the envelope. I studied the card face. It was a picture of a black grand piano with a red rose sitting atop it. It was so me. I loved it.
When
I saw his handwriting, I started to cry.

Dear Liz,

These last few months have been the best in my life.

Even though you're not ready to say the words, it doesn't mean I can't.

I love you,

Aidan

I reread the card a few times while tears rolled down my cheeks. I handed it to Melissa. After a few minutes she spoke.

“What are you gonna do, Liz?”

“Go find him. Apologize. Hope he forgives me.” I wiped my tears away with my sleeve.

Melissa sighed and started to speak then took a deep breath. A moment passed.

“Do you want me to go with you?” Her tone didn't reflect the kindness of her words.

“No, I'll be alright.” I reached out and hugged her. She opened the door, got out, and leaned back in.

“Call me if you need me. Let me know what happens.”

I nodded, and she closed the door.

Before I drove out of the parking lot, I texted Aidan. No response. I tried to call. He didn't answer. I went to his house. No truck. His favorite beaches were farther down PCH, and I drove by each one. I never found him. After that, I even went to Lantern Bay Park. He wasn't there.

My cell phone vibrated with several text messages. They were from Melissa and Mason. I texted them both and added an extra text to Mason, asking him to cover for me. It was after midnight, and I knew my parents would wonder where I was.

Just before I made it home, I decided to turn around and check Aidan's house one more time. When my headlights reflected off his truck, I was relieved. I parked behind him and pulled out my cell phone. When I walked to his front door, I texted him.

Me:
I'm here. Please let me in.

I waited… and waited.

No reply.

I tried to call. He wouldn't answer.

When I realized I wouldn't be hearing from Aidan tonight, I stuffed my cell in my front pocket and grabbed my keys. Movement from a car parked across the street caught my attention. The soft glow from an overhead streetlamp surrounded a white sedan. Suspicion focused my eyes on the car as I slowly walked across the street. I took a step forward and peered through the dirty car window.

Lost in a sea of desire, the two lovers were unaware of my presence. My heart pounded while I witnessed the betrayal before me. The adrenaline pumped so quickly through my veins I felt dizzy from the sudden rush. Fearing I might pass out, I reached out and put my hand against the car to steady myself. The unexpected jolt caused the two to look my way. I took a step back, but not before the lustful brown eyes of the brunette met mine. A slight smile crept across her face that made me feel like I might be sick.

My instincts told me to run, but my feet wouldn't move. I was vaguely aware the car door was opening and Aidan was coming my way. I staggered across the street, praying I wouldn't fall. Aidan called my name. Stunned, I stared at him while he zipped up his pants, and I took off running. Tears were streaming down my face as I reached for the handle of my car. Aidan grabbed me before I could get inside. He spun me around, and I snapped away from his grasp. We stood in silence as his eyes met mine. The top button of his pants was undone and his tan shirt hung open. In the distance, I heard the steps of heels clicking our way.

“I guess I'm gonna take off, Aidan. Unless you'll be finished here soon.” The brunette chuckled.

“Give it a rest, Nina.” Aidan's jaw tensed. His gaze never left mine.

I stood, shell-shocked.

The white sedan drove away, leaving us alone with nothing but anger and pain between us. My eyes filled with tears. I lowered my head and began to sob. Aidan reached out and grabbed me. I pushed back and stared into his eyes.

“I trusted you! I trusted you!” I cried out while I gasped between sobs. “And you humiliated me.” He smelled of cheap perfume, and it sickened me. The feel of his touch made my skin crawl. I pushed him with all my strength and seethed. “Don't touch me!”

He dropped his arms and let me go.

I wrapped my arms around myself in an attempt to calm down. When my sobbing stopped, I finally questioned him.

“Why?” I wiped my tearstained face with the back of my hand.

“I don't know, Liz. I was so mad when I left the club, and Nina followed me.”

He choked out his flimsy excuse like that was supposed to make it better. My eyes roamed over his bare chest while his shirt blew in the breeze. He disgusted me.

“Have you been seeing her the whole time?”

“Would you believe me if I told you this was the first time?” Aidan buttoned a few buttons of his shirt and stuffed his hands in his front pockets.

“Probably not,” I confessed.

“Well, it was.”

“Is that supposed to make it better?” I snapped.

“I don't know. I messed up.” Aidan pulled his hands from his pockets and rubbed his face then took a step toward me.

“I'm so sorry. I love…” But before Aidan could finish, I silenced him with my lifted hand.

“Don't. Don't say that to me.”

“Liz. Please.” Aidan's voice cracked. Tears were falling down his cheeks. “Please, forgive me… please.”

Aidan's remorseful demeanor didn't affect me. I couldn't bear to look at him anymore. I closed my eyes and inhaled the balmy night air. The uncertainty of what was to come was swirling between us. I knew it was up to me. I knew what I had to do. I took a step toward Aidan, swallowed hard, and
w
ith certainty I spoke. “It's over.” I unclasped my necklace and held it in front of him.

He
slowly
opened his hand. I dropped it in his palm, turned around, and got in my car. The last thing I
remember
seeing
was Aidan's slumped silhouette reflected in my rearview mirror.