Everything (5 page)

Chapter Nine

Leo

The lyrics still weren’t coming. I usually wrote lyrics and music together, couldn’t really do one without the other, but not this time. I had a few melodies I was falling in love with, just no words. The tunes were growing a little more each day, and I could hear the orchestra behind them as I tinkered away at the piano.

But I hadn’t found my theme yet.

My mind kept walking back to Blue Eyes at the community notice board. Because of her tears, the aqua color in her eyes had been so vibrant and strong. That hopeless look on her face...

I shook my head, hoping the song had worked.

Scratching at my stubble, I figured I should probably think about shaving in the morning, but for now, I wanted to nail this piece. The pads of my fingers sat lightly on the ivory keys, my middle finger resting on F-sharp as I worked in the key of D.

“Come on, inspiration, hit me,” I muttered.

I was blaming the busyness of looking after the building for my lack of progress with the musical. That was why I wanted to let the empty apartment across the hall. Bobby had actually given me the entire top floor—both apartments—saying I could use the smaller one as a music studio, but I didn’t need much living space, so I moved all my stuff into the small one with the idea of renting out the two-bedder and making myself some cash. Then, I could hire someone to help me. An assistant could look after the general running of the building, and I could spend more time composing.

Bobby said I needed something spectacular and unique for him to pitch to his guy in NYC.

“It’s gonna have to be pretty damn amazing, Leo, or my guy won’t even give you a look in.”

I’d assured him I could pull it off. Bobby had given me a really great deal through a connection of his, and I’d managed to get all the gear at total mate’s rates. I’d saved myself thousands. On top of that, Bobby had surprised me with a pristine second-hand baby grand. It took over my living space, but I didn’t care. All my best creating happened on the real thing. I only used the electronic stuff when I wanted to record something.

I wriggled in my seat and played a D-chord. The lid of the piano was propped open an inch, and the rich sound made me smile. My fingers took control and sped up the keyboard, the tinkling sound filling me with a familiar sense of peace.

Music made everything better.

The phone on the counter rang. I always hated walking away from the piano when I was playing, but I jumped up and grabbed it, hoping it’d be someone calling about the apartment. I didn’t recognize the number, so that was a good sign.

“Hello?” I sat back down on the piano stool and crossed my fingers.

“Um, hi, yeah, hey, um...” The female voice was soft. There was a girly sweetness to it that was plain adorable. “I’m just calling about the apartment for rent.”

“Oh, great. I was hoping I’d get a quick response. I only pinned the notice up this afternoon.”

“Yeah.” She cleared her throat. “How much would it be?”

“Three thousand a month.”

She hissed, a sharp intake of breath that told me this wouldn’t be a goer.

“Not good, aye? I’ve done my research, and that’s actually below market standard for a two-bedroom place. I mean, it’s a small apartment, so I’m trying to be fair.”

“Yeah, there’s no way I can afford that.” She sighed. “If I’m honest...I don’t know why I’m even calling. I’m a single mother with no income because my baby’s still little and I just...” She sighed again and then gave a dry chuckle. “I guess I’m desperate for a change of scenery.”

I paused, my eyebrows bunching together. “Hang on a sec, you’re not that girl I met at the notice board this afternoon, are ya?”

“Yeah. Yeah, I am.”

I grinned. “Did the song work?”

Her reply took a moment to come, but finally she said, “Yes, it did. Thank you. I’ve been listening to it all evening.”

Geez, that made me feel good. “What’s your name?” I ran my finger gently over middle C.

“Jody.”

“I’m Leo.”

“Hi.” I could hear the smile in her voice, but it faded when she cleared her throat. “Well, I’m sorry for wasting your time. I’m trying to figure out ways to earn a little cash while still looking after my baby, but I don’t think any amount of cleaning houses or whatever could pay for your apartment.”

Cleaning houses. Her words lit an idea hiding in the corner of my brain. I bit the edge of my lip and then started talking before I could stop myself. “I’ll tell you what, how about this...”

Leo, what the hell are you doing?

Running my tongue over my lower lip, I ignored my inner voice.

“The reason I’m trying to rent out the apartment is that I need a little income. You see, I’m the building manager, and it’s taking up quite a bit of time. Time I’d rather use for other things, so I figured if I could sublet the apartment across the hall from me, score myself a little extra cash, then I could maybe split the job with someone else and pay them to work part-time.”

“That makes sense.”

“So...”
Leo, don’t be an idiot!
“What if I offered you the apartment for free and you could by my assistant.”

She was taken aback; I could tell by the sudden pause. I was getting good at catching this girl off-guard. Hell, I was catching myself off-guard with this one. What was I thinking, offering a job to some chick I’d only just met? But her eyes...those tears. I wanted to help her.

She chuckled, a breathy, disbelieving one. “You’d let me live in your two-bedroom apartment for free?”

“Well, I’d be asking you to help manage the building. It’s a busy job. You’d be dealing with tenants, organizing fix-it type stuff, maintaining the general upkeep of the building, that type of thing. Housekeeping for the two apartments we rent out on a short-term basis and then a regular clean for Ms. Thornby.” I paused, waiting for her reaction. She didn’t give me one, so I kept talking. “It might be a good job for you, you know, ‘cause you could work from home and your little baby could be with you for the day.”

“You wouldn’t mind me taking my daughter with me for all that stuff?”

“Of course not! I’m sure she won’t be any trouble, will she?”

“No, she’s only eight months old, she’s fine.”

“So, is that a yes?” Why did I sound so hopeful? This was an awful idea!

“Okay, but how would I earn any money? I mean, I still need to feed two mouths and, you know, buy diapers and stuff.”

“Well.” I chewed on the inside of my cheek as I thought, berating myself yet again for being so foolhardy on this thing, but it felt right. I mentally flipped the bird at my cautious warnings and went for it. “What about this...I give you twenty percent of my current wage plus free food and housing.”

“You’d pay for my food?”

“Maybe we could include doing my grocery shopping in your job description and you get what you need for yourself at the same time. Sound good?”

“Actually, it sounds perfect. Like, too good to be true.”

I grinned. “I’m serious. Why don’t you swing by tomorrow and you can check out the place, see if you like it. I’ll draw up some kind of contract and we can make this official.”

“Okay.” Her chuckle sounded lighter.

I gave her the address and hung up, throwing the phone onto the two-seater couch behind me. Mate, I felt good! My fingers trilled over the keys, and then I let out a laugh while I found the right chords and started singing “I Feel Good.”

Chapter Ten

Jody

It wasn’t hard to find Leo’s building. His directions had been clear. I’d borrowed the family car, dropping Morgan off at the dance studio on my way so I could have it. She asked me where I was off to and I hedged, saying Angel and I needed a day out. I told her we were heading to the beach for some winter sunshine. She bought it with a smile, giving me a kiss on the cheek as she got out of the car.

My nerves were buzzing as I made my way to Santa Monica. I liked the area; I actually worked there when I was pregnant with Angel. Not wanting to bump into any of my school friends from Pasadena, I spent as much time in hiding as I could. Taking a job at a grocery store in the area kept me busy and away. It worked...and it was time to get away again.

I parked the car across the street and looked up at the red, brick building. It was pretty plain from the outside, just a big old rectangle with the front entrance smack in the middle, like a mouth. I felt like I was looking at the kind of apartments you’d find in a children’s picture book. I guessed it was old and had been renovated.

Unbuckling Angel’s straps, I lifted her onto my hip and grabbed the diaper bag. Man, I’d be glad to get rid of the thing once she’d outgrown it. When was that? Three years away? I tried not to cringe.

Checking the street, I crossed and headed up the stairs. My good vibes were battling it out with my negative nerves. I still couldn’t believe Leo’s offer. It was so original it almost didn’t seem possible. Could I seriously manage a building?

I waited for the old elevator to crank its way down to us. The place felt a little rickety, but the paint on the walls was fresh and clean. I pressed six and we rode to the top. As soon as the doors dinged open, I stepped out into a small hallway, made bright and airy by a skylight in the ceiling. Opposite me were a set of stairs leading down, and on either side were two pale brown doors encased in white framework. I stepped to my left and knocked once, clutching Angel closer to me as we listened to the sounds behind the wood.

“Coming!”

I grinned; there was that accent again. So funny.

“I wonder where he’s from,” I whispered to Angel.

She replied with a cheerful little “Goo!” and then started slapping lightly at my face.

I grabbed her fingers and pretended to eat them, which had her squealing with a high-pitched giggle that made me wince.

The door flew back and there stood Leo. He looked different clean-shaven—younger, fresher, although maybe not as handsome. He kind of suited the light stubbly look, not that I cared either way. He wasn’t really my type. I preferred sharp, precise perfection...like Stefan. Leo was a total contrast with his dark locks of unkempt hair, low-slung jeans, and wrinkled T-shirt.

I was distracted from my silent assessment by his smile. It was still the same with or without facial hair, so broad it took over his entire face. Oh, and in this light his eyes looked green. That was kinda nice.

“G’day.”

So his accent was adorable. I had to give him that. 

I hoisted Angel higher onto my hip and smiled. “Hi.”

“And who’s this little one?” He leaned toward my daughter, bending down so their heads were level.

“This is Angelia.”

Leo hummed the chorus of Richard Marx’s “Angelia,” and I nodded with a smile. “That’s right.”

He winked at me and then turned his attention back to Angel.

“Hey, cherry blossom. You are just all kinds of cute, aren’t you?” He wiggled her foot, which made her giggle again. He laughed with her and gently tousled the fuzz on her head. “She’s beautiful.”

“Thank you.” My heart swelled at his compliment. I could see how much he meant it. It was a relief to know he was good with kids. I wanted my neighbor to be understanding. When Angel really got going, her cries and screams could be damn piercing...and they were only getting louder as she grew bigger.

“Let me show you the place.” Leo left his door open and walked across the hall, pulling a key from his pocket and unlocking it for us. He swung the door open and stepped aside so Angel and I could walk through.

My lips parted as I entered the light oasis. Skylights made up the roof over the living area, creating a sunny, warm atmosphere.

“Apparently it can get pretty hot in the summer, but there’s good AC through the whole building, so as long as you leave it on, you should be all right.” Leo crossed his arms, and I couldn’t help noticing the way his biceps curved. He seemed like one of those guys who was oblivious to his strength.

I looked away from him and studied the open-plan living and kitchen area. The kitchen was small, yet workable. An island separated the kitchen from the living room. It was a counter/breakfast bar type deal with two stools on the other side of it. The floors were wooden throughout with a big Indian-style rug in the center, held in place by a three-seater futon. There was a low coffee table in front of it and a long, low bookshelf against the wall.

“Sorry there’s no TV, I don’t really watch much.”

“No, that’s cool. I’ve got my computer.”

He nodded. “Ah, rooms are down this way.” He pointed behind him, and we followed him around the corner. He was right; the place was small. The hallway was a storage closet long and then there was the master bedroom, which housed a double bed, one side table, and a set of drawers. Opposite that was a smaller bedroom/office space with a desk and chair, and between the two rooms sat a bathroom.

“Oh, good, there’s a bathtub.”

“Yeah, no separate shower, but I bought a new curtain last week.” He pointed to the dark green curtain with pale green leaves dotted across it.

“Nice,” I murmured.

Angel was kicking her little legs, trying to wriggle out of my grasp. “One sec, Angel.”

“You want to explore, don’t ya?” Leo chuckled at her.

I walked back through to the living area and set Angel down on the carpet, watching her carefully as she dropped forward and did a jerky crawl toward the tassels on the edge of the rug.

“So, what do you think? Are you—?” Leo’s question was cut short by a ringing phone from his apartment. “Sorry, one sec.”

He darted out of the room. I folded my arms and scanned the space, picturing Angel and I living here.

Could I seriously do this?

Could I take care of Angel and live by myself? Cook meals? Do laundry? Help look after a building?

Fear and doubt clawed at me, restricting my airways. I squeezed my eyes shut.

“Stop it, Jody!” I muttered. “You
can
do this.”

Yeah, it’d be hard, but I could.

I didn’t
need
Morgan and Dad to cope. I was capable of raising my baby and carving out a life for myself. It may not have been the one I planned on, but it would be okay.

A tune came to me, swelling in my stomach and pushing at my voice box. I opened my mouth and set it free, singing one of my favorite songs from the musical
Wicked
—”Defying Gravity.”

It seemed appropriate somehow. I was taking a leap, pushing aside all my doubts and going for it, knowing it could end up being an epic fail, but believing that maybe, just maybe, it wouldn’t be.

Angel glanced up from the tassel she was trying to suck on. She was on her belly; dribble hanging from her bottom lip. I grinned at her, my voice rising as I spread my arms wide and felt that old euphoric buzz zip through me.