Indigo- The Complete Series, page 9
part #1 of Indigo Series
Lucy and Lola walked down to the pier and Lucy treated herself to a chicken burrito and a can of soda from a taqueria. “Promise you won’t tell my mom about this, and I won’t tell your paw mama about it either?” Lucy laughed as she gave Lola a small piece of chicken.
As she ate, Lucy watched the colors of the sky change with the setting sun. It had been foggy all last week, so people were out enjoying the evening. Lucy pulled out her phone to read her messages. She giggled at a few texts from Colleen using only emoticons to describe her students’ antics. Her mother texted her an invitation to dinner this weekend. And the last one was from Justin:
I’d like another chance to meet you. A small, informal gig is planned for tomorrow night at Rocky’s on the Pier. Bring some friends if it makes you feel more comfortable. I won’t take no for an answer. It’s an unannounced gig, so don’t tell anyone. Promise? ;)
Without overthinking, she replied:
I’ll be there and I promise to keep your secret.
She sent a text to Colleen and Cassie about getting together tomorrow.
Colleen replied right away with a thumbs-up emoticon. Lucy sent a fist bump in return.
And she grinned when her phone pinged with Justin’s reply:
I can’t wait to see you.
Once Lola was locked behind her gate, Lucy returned to her cottage, poured a glass of wine, and scrolled through Pandora for some music. She was about to select her Indigo channel when she remembered Justin was a fan of The Moody Blues, and so she typed their name into the search box. The first song played was “Nights in White Satin.” She took her glass of wine and sat down to look out the window, while she listened to the singer’s beautiful voice, and some of the most romantic lyrics she had ever heard, about a man expressing his yearning desire for a woman.
She was eager to see Justin, and believed he was interested in her, but what would happen after that, she had no idea. Her thoughts drifted to what it would be like to talk with him, touch him, and kiss him.
As the song ended with a lush string arrangement, she was startled by her phone pinging an incoming message. From Cassie:
Against my better judgment, I’ll come with you and Colleen. Just kidding. Send me the details, and I’ll meet you there.
***
“Remind me again why we’re at Rocky’s?” Colleen asked, tossing down her menu. She wore white jeans rolled up around her ankles and a snug red and black-striped boatneck shirt.
Her friend had a point. Rocky’s was run down, smelled like greasy food, and was overflowing with screaming kids. She would have to craft a different strategy. “Come on, Colleen. You love lobster rolls, and Rocky’s has the best lobster rolls in Santa Monica.” Lucy said, glancing at the menu.
“Matt says hi, by the way,” Colleen said casually, stirring her margarita with a straw.
“Matt? Why are you bringing his name up now?” Lucy asked in a high-pitched voice. So much for trying to sound casual.
“I’m just trying to remind you there is a handsome young man who is dying to take you on a date.”
“And you know this how?” Lucy folded her hands over the closed menu.
“I was in Starbucks, and I ran into Erik. Remember him from the Indigo concert?”
Lucy nodded, taking a sip of her cocktail.
“Anyway,” Colleen leaned forward, “Erik told me Matt has tried to contact you several times, but you never reply. Why is that?”
“I guess I’m not interested,” Lucy snapped, frustrated with Colleen for giving her the third degree.
“And there it is.” Colleen sagged back in her seat, raising a hand. “Lucy Bianchi’s standard reply, and why she chooses to spend a perfectly good Saturday night at a tourist-trap restaurant. Now tell me why we’re here.” She crossed her arms, waiting for Lucy’s response.
“No reason,” Lucy said, avoiding Colleen’s stare. “It’s a beautiful night, and I didn’t feel like driving all over LA for dinner.” Lucy hoped she sounded convincing.
“Uh huh,” Colleen said, narrowing her eyes. “And you’re wearing an outfit I’ve never seen before. Is it new?”
“No, it’s not new. I’ve had it in my closet forever.” She tossed her hair over one shoulder, trying to look nonchalant. She wore black jeans with a new sleeveless, plum-colored peplum top that flared at the bottom hem, black sandals, and a black blazer.
Colleen snorted. “God, I haven’t used that excuse for years. Something’s up and sooner or later I’ll figure it out.”
“Cassie’s here,” Lucy said, relieved when Cassie approached their table. Cassie was dressed in black jeans and a long, light blue blouse.
They promised not to talk about college, but in the end, they shared college stories about all the teasing they received from friends who were not history or art history majors. After they had finished eating, a soft rock trio played in the background.
“Even with a scholarship, my parents were horrified when I told them I wanted to major in art history,” Colleen said. “With apologies to my friend,” she said, pointing a finger at Lucy. “They believed it was a degree for rich girls who would marry well and serve on museum boards when they weren’t busy going out to lunch, shopping, or taking yoga classes. It’s not a good career choice when you’re from a large family with little money for a college education.”
Lucy glanced up as the waiter left their bill. She waved her friends off, placing cash on the table.
“And I chose art history. And now I’m living the dream,” Colleen said, making air quotes with her fingers.
“Do you enjoy teaching?” Cassie asked.
Colleen took a moment before answering. “Some days are better than others,” she said with a half shrug. “But I enjoy challenging my students to think about what art is, and what it means to them.”
“What about you Cassie?” Colleen asked. “Aren’t your parents worried you’ll be an unemployed historian?”
Cassie’s face broke out in a bright smile. “My family is proud of their Greek heritage and they support my choice.”
Lucy jerked her head up when Colleen said, “I think it’s time to go find some real fun.” Colleen typed quickly on her phone.
“You’re leaving?” Lucy asked. The trio had finished playing, and she tried to be as subtle as possible as she scanned the area for Justin. But he was nowhere in sight.
“This place is ready to close, and it’s only ten!” Colleen said with a loud laugh.
Lucy had to agree. Only a few other tables were occupied.
“I just got a text from Lisa and Amy.” Colleen slid her phone back into her purse. “They landed a table at Club Paradiso, and I said we would meet them.”
“Um…I…” Lucy hesitated. She promised she would stay, and there was no way she could leave now.
“Cassie, would you care to join us in a little clubbing?” Colleen asked, while reapplying her lipstick.
“Thanks, clubbing isn’t my thing, but don’t let me stop you.” Cassie stood up and placed her bag on her shoulder. “I’m going to go to the restroom, and then I’ll have a cup of coffee before I leave,” she said to Lucy. “Nice to meet you, Colleen,” Cassie said before walking to the restrooms.
“I’m going to pass,” Lucy muttered, tearing off the corners of a damp cocktail napkin.
“What?” Colleen slapped her hands on the table. “Since when did you become a middle-aged woman?”
“Don’t start, Colleen. Go, and I’ll call you tomorrow,” Lucy said. “I’ll just walk back to the cottage from here.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure. Cassie and I will stay for a bit longer and then I’ll go home. Now go.” Lucy waved her friend away and took a sip of her now-warm cocktail.
CHAPTER 11
Lucy
“Can I get you anything else?” the waiter asked.
“Sparkling water and a cup of black coffee, please,” Lucy replied. She wasn’t going to leave Rocky’s until she saw Justin, but where was he? The group had finished packing up, and now the small stage was empty, and so was most of Rocky’s, for that matter.
And then there he was. He was talking with some older guy by the bar. Great, her friends were gone, and she was all by herself. Just then Justin turned as his eyes found her. A slow smile crept across his face and wrinkled the corners of his eyes. He wore jeans and an untucked light-blue shirt. He had more stubble than the last time she saw him, but she could still just make out the cleft in his chin. Could this man be any more handsome?
Her heart pounded in her chest. Once again, it was impossible to look away. The physical distance between them made it easier for Lucy to relax but she was also battling her inner desire to throw herself at him right here, right now. No man had ever made her feel this way before.
The older guy flipped a few switches, and picking up a microphone, said, “Hi, I’m Rocky, the owner of this place. We have a real surprise for everyone this evening, at least for those of you who stayed. Come on up, Justin.” The small audience clapped in surprise.
Justin stepped on stage and picked up his acoustic guitar. He strummed a few notes, and after making a few tuning adjustments, he smiled at Lucy. “Thank you. I’m staying in LA for a while to work on a covers project. So far, it’s an eclectic bunch of songs, but I’d like to play a few of those I’m experimenting with tonight. The first song is ‘Lovely To See You’ by The Moody Blues,” he said, giving Lucy a wink.
Lucy smiled and gave him a small nod of her head. She wasn’t familiar with the song, so she sat back in her seat and listened closely to the lyrics describing walking with him and how fear will disappear. Justin was sending her a message, and an invitation.
As the song ended, Cassie returned to the table. “Who is he?”
“Justin Hamilton,” Lucy answered while everyone applauded.
Cassie raised her brows in question.
“Do you know the band Indigo?” Lucy asked.
Cassie shook her head and returned her attention to the stage.
After the applause stopped, Justin leaned into the microphone and said, “Thank you. The next song is by Peter Frampton. It’s called ‘All I Want to Be (Is By Your Side),’” he said, looking at Lucy with a wide grin.
Lucy sat still as she listened to Justin’s deep voice. He sang with confidence, like he’d known this song forever. His voice sounded sincere as he closed his eyes and sang the last line.
Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Cassie’s inquisitive stare, but she didn’t care. She was captivated watching Justin sing.
Lucy blinked a few tears away when he finished the song. She believed Justin was using these songs to convey his interest in her.
“So, I’m guessing Justin Hamilton is the reason you didn’t want to leave?” Cassie picked up her coffee mug and took a sip before setting it down.
“Is it that obvious?” Lucy asked, glancing at Justin, who was tuning his guitar again.
Cassie chuckled. “Yeah, it is. And you don’t need to have psychic powers to see it.”
A few more people were inside Rocky’s. In fact, there were a lot more people. No doubt thanks to everyone connected with social media and notifying friends that a rock star had landed on the Pier.
After re-tuning his guitar, Justin glanced around the room. “I see Rocky’s just got busier. But unfortunately, I only have time for one more song.” When the crowd moaned, Justin waved them off.
“Thank you. This next song has always held a certain magical power for me. It’s ‘Into the Mystic’ by Van Morrison.”
Mesmerized by the haunting melody and the visual poetry of the lyrics, Lucy leaned forward and rested her chin on the palm of her hand. She loved this song, and now it took on an entirely new meaning, with Justin singing about not being afraid about opening up to the unknown, and it resonated deep in her soul.
As Justin played the last chord and grinned to the audience, Cassie turned to Lucy and said, “These songs have meaning for you. Do you know him?”
“Not really.” She applauded with the others. Justin put his guitar away and then signed a few autographs for fans, while occasionally glancing up at her.
Interrupting her thoughts, Cassie said, “I’m surprised. I get the impression, by the way he’s looking at you, that you two know each other.”
Lucy didn’t reply. Instead, she took a sip of water.
Justin shook hands with Rocky and then turned his attention toward her, moving through the cluster of fans. His body moved with self-assurance and grace.
“Thank you for coming, Lucy.” Justin reached for her hand as she stood to meet him.
Once again, Lucy felt a strong physical reaction when they touched. It was strange how much his touch settled her nervousness. He chuckled and said, “It really is lovely to see you again. The first time we were interrupted by a runaway dog. And the last time…well, I apologize for the misunderstanding.”
Lucy held his gaze. His interest in her was evident by the gleam in his eyes, and his gentle touch. Just like the first time they met, everything and everyone fell away as they looked into each other’s eyes.
Cassie coughed, prompting Lucy to remember her manners. “Cassie Papadakis, this is Justin Hamilton.”
“Nice to meet you,” Justin said, shaking her hand.
“Nice to meet you, too.” Cassie studied each of them before saying, “I’ve got an early morning appointment, so I’ll just say good night, okay? Thanks for inviting me, Lucy. Bye, Justin.” She smiled at them before she turned and left.
People were beginning to approach Justin. “It’s getting a little crowded in here,” she said.
“Come with me.” Justin took her hand as they moved around people asking for autographs and selfies. Justin was polite, but determined to leave, and they finally made their way outside onto the Pier. They kicked off their shoes and walked down the beach.
Justin took Lucy’s hand again. “There, that’s better.” She had held hands before, but holding Justin’s hand was different. A warmth of awareness spread throughout her body as if she’d been holding hands with him for years.
They walked in silence for a few minutes. The sand was cool but still warm in spots. “I enjoyed the music.” Ugh, what a lame thing to say.
“Yeah?” He turned his face to hers. “I’ve been working with a lot of songs lately, but I’m enjoying the project so far. Did you have a favorite song I played?”
She smiled up at him. “I liked ‘Into the Mystic’ the best.”
“And why is that?” he asked, bending down to catch her eye.
She peeked up at him. “There’s something timeless about it. A sort of faith in opening up to the destiny of someone’s life. Does that make any sense?”
“Perfect sense.” Justin squeezed her hand as they walked.
“Why did you choose those songs to play tonight?” she asked.
“I chose them for you,” he answered with a smile.
As they continued to walk and hold hands, Justin whistled a song she didn’t recognize. It was beginning to feel a little awkward until Justin spoke first. "I’m at a disadvantage here. You know I'm a musician, but I don't know anything about you. What kind of work do you do?"
"Ah, that’s an easy question,” she said. “I'm an art history graduate student at UCLA. I’m doing an internship at the Preston Museum.”
"I assumed all art historians were baristas at coffeehouses.” Justin chuckled.
"Most art history majors get asked the question: What are you going to do with a degree in art history? Finding a job in this field is tough. I was lucky. I could afford to pursue my passion for art. What about you?” she asked, eager to shift the focus from her. “Why music?"
Justin kicked the sand before answering. "I did all right in school, I guess. My teachers thought I had an aptitude for mechanical engineering, but I was bored. Once I discovered music that was it. My parents disapproved, but my friend John and I left for London right after graduation. The rest, as they say, is history," he said with a laugh.
They continued on for several minutes, each absorbed in their own thoughts. Lucy was aware of Justin’s reputation as a ladies’ man, but he seemed just as shy as she did. She had to remind herself she was strolling on the beach at night holding hands with Justin Hamilton!
“Does Lola run away often?” Justin asked.
“Yeah,” Lucy answered. “But the neighbors know her, so someone always brings her back home.”
Lucy was surprised that they had already arrived at her street. “Oh, we’ve walked down near my cottage.”
“That’s interesting,” Justin said, nodding over his shoulder. “I’m staying at my producer’s weekend place not far from here.”
Great. Now they had officially run out of conversation topics. Maybe this mutual attraction was just wishful thinking on her part.
Justin cleared his throat before asking, “Why did you cancel last time?”
His question caught her off-guard. “I was afraid,” she replied. Because what else could she do but answer his question honestly?
“Of what? I won’t hurt you.” His voice was gentle and patient as he regarded her. His face was hidden partially in shadow, lit only by the surrounding light from nearby homes. But Lucy could still see the gleam in his eyes.
Lucy nodded. She couldn’t think of anything to say.
“Then what’s the problem? Why end something before it’s even started?”
His frankness surprised her. She was also distracted by how his thumb was gently rubbing her hand. “I don’t know,” she said. “You’re a famous rock star who happens to tour a lot, has tons of adoring female fans, and oh yeah, lives in England.”
