A Bolt of Loving, page 8
Vince sighed. “I know,” he resigned. “I don’t have any means of affording a place like that at the current juncture, but I have no idea where else to take her. I don’t want to take her to a steakhouse chain.”
“Now, there’s nothing wrong with a decent steak,” Brent argued. “But, agreed, it won’t offer the intimacy you’re looking for. Regardless of what you decide, I hope it works out for you.”
“Thanks, Brent,” Vince said. “I have a few days to figure it out, so hopefully something will come to me during that time.”
Fortunately for the journalist, a little saving grace would be coming his way soon.
A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER, Vince was toiling away at his desk on his latest article for the university newspaper. He was stuck on a sentence, and was in the process of modifying it to enhance the flow of the piece. His train of thought was interrupted when his editor-in-chief, Fred Cussel, called the journalist into his office for a private meeting. Fearing the worst, Vince took a deep breath, headed into Fred’s office, and closed the door behind him.
“Please,” Fred requested, “have a seat.”
The journalist sat down. “Is there something wrong, Mr. Cussel?” Vince asked.
“I wanted to commend you on the hard work and commitment you’ve put into your role here,” the editor complimented.
“Thank you, Mr. Cussel,” Vince replied. “I have to admit, I have a lot on my plate lately. However, I am committed to putting my best effort forward for the good of the organization.”
“Yes,” Fred nodded. “I understand you’ve taken up a new hobby in your spare time.”
“I have,” the journalist confirmed. “I have been enlisted as a temporary drummer for a jazz quartet. But, how did you know?”
“When you left work last week,” the editor explained, “I overheard you mention to one of your colleagues you were heading out to Carrollwood for a rehearsal. How is that coming along?”
“So far, so good,” Vince responded. “We’ve been practicing in advance of an audition by our lead saxophonist at the Jazz Club downtown in a few weeks.”
“Saxophonist?” Fred queried. “Is she the same one who performed that stunning rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner at the Thunder game this past Saturday? I saw her perform it on the TV broadcast, and I have to say, she did a wonderful job of it.”
Vince beamed. “She was, sir,” he confirmed. “I was at the game with her for moral support, and I got to see her from the Zamboni entrance while she performed it. She is quite a talented artist, I admit, and I’m honored to be part of her ensemble, and call her a friend.”
Fred chuckled. “Based on the Kiss Cam footage they showed,” he observed, “I’d say the two of you are more than friends.”
Vince sat in stunned silence for a moment. “They showed that on the broadcast?” he panicked.
The editor nodded in confirmation. “They were coming back from commercial during the second intermission, and they showed the clip,” he explained.
The journalist was embarrassed. Now, everyone in the broadcast area who saw the game knew he and Lauren were an item. “I’m sorry if that was unprofessional of me,” he apologized. “And, I accept any repercussions from it.”
“On the contrary, Vince,” Fred commented. “She seems to be a special woman in your life.”
Vince nodded. “She is, Mr. Cussel,” he responded. “And, I believe she feels the same way about me.”
“Then, this will come in handy for you,” the editor said. Fred reached into his desk drawer, and pulled out a sealed envelope, which he handed to Vince.
The journalist was confused. “I don’t understand,” he asked. “What is this?”
“It’s a bonus,” the editor stated. “I was going to wait to give it to you at the end of the week, but after seeing what happened over the weekend, I wanted you to have it now, so you could take Lauren out someplace nice; treat her to a lovely dinner, if you desire.”
Vince was appreciative of the kind gesture, and shook Fred’s hand. “Thank you ever so much, Mr. Cussel,” he answered. “I was thinking of taking her out to the fondue restaurant near her home, but I wasn’t sure how I would afford it. This will cover it handsomely.”
“It’s my pleasure, Vince,” the editor commented. “You’ve waited a long time to find someone who could make you happy again, and I want you to give this young lady her due.”
“I will, sir,” Vince answered. “Thank you again.”
“It’s my pleasure,” Fred said. “Now, I believe you were working on an article when I called you in here?”
“Oh yes, sir,” the journalist nodded. “I’ll get back to it right away. I can’t stop saying thank you, but I truly appreciate this gesture.”
Vince left Fred’s office, and headed back to his desk trying to contain his elation. After work, he called to make the reservation for Saturday night at 6:30; then, called Lauren to let her know the dinner date was ‘all systems go.’
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
THE MORNING AFTER ANOTHER productive rehearsal at Lauren’s place, Vince woke up, and went through his normal weekend routine of preparing to attend his 10 a.m. 12-step meeting at the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences. Vince chuckled at the memory of Lauren asking him privately to spend the night again with her, but promised he would see her again tonight. He even teased her by saying, if she played her cards right, he would not only spend the night, but he might take his shirt off when they went to bed. Lauren laughed, and told him she’d hold him to that promise before kissing him good night, and sending him on his way home.
When he arrived at the College, Brent was waiting for him outside, sipping an iced beverage. The two shook hands, and waited outside for the time lock to deactivate.
“So, what’s the plan for tonight?” Brent asked. “Were you able to decide on where you’re taking Lauren to dinner?”
Vince nodded. “I have,” he said. “I’m going to take her to the fondue place after all. I made the reservation back on Tuesday.”
Brent was in shock. “How the hell were you able to pull it off?” he quizzed. “I thought you said it was out of your price range.”
Vince recounted the conversation with Mr. Cussel to his friend; pointing out the fact the TV broadcast showed the couple’s public display of affection. Brent confessed he saw it, as well, but didn’t want to spill the beans. The journalist admonished Brent for not telling him; thus, saving him further embarrassment should anyone confront him or Lauren about it. However, Vince told Lauren their antics were shown on television, and after talking it out, they accepted it for what it was. In the process, Vince recited the Serenity Prayer to her…
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
“We cannot change what happened,” Vince continued. “We have to accept it for what it was, and move on from there. We only hope we don’t receive any backlash, or further grief from it.”
“Well,” Brent cautioned, “I think you will be grilled by the others today for missing last Sunday’s meeting.”
Vince sighed. “If that happens,” he replied, “I’m willing to accept that. I attempted to rationalize skipping the last meeting, but that was no excuse for me missing it. However, on the plus side, I didn’t gamble this week, so it’s all good.”
“That’s reassuring,” Brent commented. “I have to admit, I was worried about you during the week. But, I’m glad you’ve maintained your abstinence.”
Kirk and Maria showed up a few minutes later, and gave their greetings to Brent and Vince. Kirk was the first to comment. “We missed you last Sunday,” he mentioned.
Maria added, “I hope everything is alright with you.”
“Everything is fine, guys,” Vince assured. “I ended up sleeping in last Sunday after the game last Saturday.”
Maria planted her tongue in her cheek. “Uh huh,” she doubted. “I’m sure Lauren had a hand in that.”
“Okay,” Vince fessed up. “I did spend the night at her place, but it’s not what you think.”
The journalist explained what had happened at the game, and he spent the night to comfort Lauren after she heard the news about her former husband. He made it a point to mention the two of them slept with their clothes on the whole night, and no further intimacy occurred.
Maria cautioned Vince to be careful. “I know you both care about each other,” she warned. “But, both of you are fragile individuals, and one bad incident might end up being a trigger for either — or, both — of you.”
“I appreciate the concern, you guys,” Vince replied. “But, I can vouch for myself, I have no intentions of going back. I can’t speak for Lauren, though, but I am willing to be there for her, and I hope she’s willing to be there for me.”
“Just be careful, my friend,” Brent commented. “If Lauren’s ex-husband saw the same clip I did last Saturday, I have a bad feeling he might be introducing himself to you, or his new gal to Lauren.”
Vince paused for a moment and weighed Brent’s words. The broadcast of the game last week went all across the Greater Tampa Bay Area. He wasn’t sure if Theo Cloverdale was the jealous type, but if he was, Vince needed to be on his guard. It wouldn’t be a matter of if the two would cross paths; it would be a concern of when. The journalist started to get a bad feeling about the notion of Lauren’s past clashing with her present.
It was something that ate away at Vince, but he attempted to bury it in the back of his mind for the time being, but his worries came up in his therapy during the meeting. He received feedback and advice on how to handle himself should Theo make his presence known to him, and the journalist absorbed all of the supportive words from his fellowship. With the wisdom he received, Vince earned some confidence going into his date with Lauren later in the evening. Little did he know, Theo would not only make himself known, but draw an emotional dagger on Vince’s psyche.
AFTER THE MEETING, Vince came home and grabbed a shower in advance of his dinner date with Lauren. He was looking forward to seeing her impression of the place, as he was unaware if she and her former husband ever had dinner there in the past. He was hoping she had never been, as it was an experience unto itself. Vince and Carolyn had been there once when they were still together, and he enjoyed the experience. He was hoping to wow Lauren with the same intimate charm the place had.
The drummer slipped on a pair of blue dress pants a white long-sleeved dressed shirt, and a gray tie. Since this was a proper date, Vince left his traditional headgear — his blue Thunder ball cap — at home. He chuckled at the thought of Lauren being shocked to see him without it, but he remembered the first time they met at the Jazz Club, he wasn’t wearing it then. After giving himself one final look in the mirror to make sure he looked presentable, he headed to his car for the drive to his companion’s bungalow in Carrollwood.
Vince pulled into Lauren’s driveway a half-hour later, and rang her doorbell. The drummer was expecting to be graced with a vision of beauty, and tonight was no exception. Lauren opened the door, and Vince had to pick his tongue up off the ground. The saxophonist was clad in a sleeveless V-neck black dress, with the skirt hem cut just below her knee. Lauren completed her ensemble with a pair of emerald-studded earrings, and a thin gold necklace with an emerald pendant to compliment her green eyes, which sparkled when she smiled at her date.
“My, my, my,” she complimented. “You’re dolled up for the occasion, as well. And, here I thought I was overdressed.”
Vince shook his head. “Nope,” he replied. “You look absolutely beautiful.”
“Why, thank you, Vince,” Lauren smiled. “And, might I say, you look dapper tonight, too.”
“Thank you, Lauren,” the drummer commented.
The couple kissed; then, Lauren whispered in Vince’s ear, “And, I hope some of your ensemble ends up on my bedroom floor later tonight.”
Vince chuckled at Lauren’s flirtatious comment. He leaned forward, and whispered back in her ear, “If we get that far, I guarantee at least my shirt will tonight.”
Lauren grinned at the thought of such a prospect. “We better start heading off,” she suggested. “I don’t want us to be late for our reservation.”
Vince nodded, and opened his car’s passenger door for his date. After the couple climbed into the vehicle, they were soon off to the restaurant.
TEN MINUTES LATER, Lauren and Vince pulled up to the fondue restaurant. It was located in an open air shopping mall with other stores and boutiques, but tucked away from the main driveway. The couple entered the establishment, and had to readjust their eyesight from daylight into the dimly lit restaurant.
“Can I help you?” the hostess asked.
“Yes,” Vince replied. “I have a reservation for 2 at 6:30, the name is Greer?”
The hostess checked her list, and saw Vince’s name. “Ah yes,” she recognized. “Would you prefer a table or a booth?”
Vince looked at Lauren, smiled, and responded, “A booth, please.”
The hostess grabbed a couple of menus, and told the couple to follow her. Vince and Lauren were led through the establishment to a secluded booth where they took their spots, and were informed their server would be by in a few minutes to take their drink order. Lauren was amazed at the fact they were able to net such an intimate location.
“I figured this would give us some more privacy from the rest of the patrons,” Vince explained.
Lauren leaned in, and whispered, “A prime location for the two of us to do some canoodling, if we choose.”
“Oh,” Vince commented, “someone is feeling feisty tonight.”
“And, you’re not?” the saxophonist challenged.
“I’m trying my best to behave,” the drummer admitted. “At least, I am in public. But, once we get back to your place, I might be enticed to go further.”
A sly grin emerged on Lauren’s face. “I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again,” she said. “I’m going to hold you to that.” The saxophonist accentuated her words by squeezing Vince’s thigh.
“I’d rather hold you against me,” Vince answered in a hungered voice. “But, that will have to wait for a while.”
Lauren playfully smacked Vince’s arm. “You’re such a tease,” she admonished.
“Excuse me,” the drummer retorted. “I’m a tease? You’re the one who just squeezed my thigh.”
“Believe me,” the saxophonist whispered again. “If I wanted, I could squeeze a little more inside, but I know we’re in public, so I will do my best to behave.”
Vince chuckled. “You’re bad,” he noted; then, whispered, “But, I love you for it.”
The couple kissed again before deciding to peruse the drinks menu. They both agreed to steer clear from the alcohol, out of respect of Lauren’s illness; opting for a couple Blackberry Sage Lemonades. After the server took their drink order, Lauren was curious about why Vince chose this restaurant. Vince confessed about being there with Carolyn when they used to be together, and enjoyed the experience. He stated he wanted to share it with the new woman in his life, which Lauren appreciated; however, the saxophonist grew a little concerned.
“Aren’t you worried about you running into her?” Lauren worried.
“After what some of my friends and colleagues have told me about our antics at the game last week,” Vince countered, “I’m more worried about running into Theo’s fist than Carolyn.”
“I doubt that would happen,” the saxophonist commented. “Cal said Theo has moved on with someone else, so I doubt you have anything to worry about.”
“Be it as it may,” the drummer queried. “I’m still afraid something might happen. But, let’s look at this from the other side of the coin; how would you react if you saw Theo with his new gal? I know you’re with me now, but still, seeing her in the flesh would probably be a sensitive issue.”
Lauren sighed. “I don’t know how I would react,” she replied. “But, if and when I do, I would hope you would be there with me to lessen the sting.”
Vince took the saxophonist’s hand into his. “Lauren, honey,” he answered, “I will do my best to always be with you; provided I’m not occupied with my work at the newspaper.”
Lauren pulled her hand away from Vince. “What do you mean, ‘provided I’m not occupied with my work at the newspaper?’”
Vince explained, “We both know my role with the band is only temporary. Once Sean has completed his paternity leave, he’ll be back on the drums, and I’ll be offstage, watching you and the rest of the group perform.”
Lauren lowered her head, as Vince’s words sunk in. She was enjoying all of the time the two was spending together, but in a few months, he would have to pull away from the ensemble, but not out of her life entirely. Vince was still interested in being her life partner, but the chemistry he had with Randy and Glen was remarkable. Lauren didn’t want to throw that camaraderie away when Sean was slated to reclaim his role behind the drum set.
“What if Sean didn’t come back?” she queried. “What if he decides to settle down, and finds a more stable means of employment?”
Vince blinked. “Are you thinking of firing him?” he asked.
“No, no,” Lauren clarified. “I’m only saying the four — well, five — of us have been doing this in our spare time. Yes, we’ve gotten the odd gig to help pay for the bills, and this is something we all enjoy doing. However, when you have a newborn baby, it makes sense to find something more stable so you could help raise them, and provide for their future.”
“Okay then,” the drummer countered, “answer me this: say we nail this audition in three weeks, and you receive that recording contact. Now, we both know you, Randy, and Glen are locks to go into the studio. But, when it comes to deciding your drummer, who would you prefer to have manning the skins: the guy who’s been with you since the beginning, or the substitute who pitched in when it counted? You don’t have to answer that now, but it’s something to think about should the scenario arise.”
