I got into my convertible and started it, opening the garage door to a sky full of snow drizzling down upon the city. A light dusting had accumulated since I’d gotten home two hours earlier, which surprised me. On the drive to the club, the snow fell at varying rates, from heavy to non-existent; at the club, it was more on the lighter spectrum. As I pulled up to the club’s parking lot, I couldn’t help but notice the lights still on at the coffeehouse. At almost nine o’clock, it wasn’t usual for them to still be open. A sharp knock on my window startled me; a young man dressed in a warm coat and wearing a cap stood, waiting for my attention. I rolled down my window.
“Can I, um, help you?” I said.
“I’m here for your car, Miss Hill,” the young man said. The name on his tag read ‘James.’
“Oh, no, but thank you.” I turned off the engine and opened my door; James stopped me from exiting.
“I insist. Mr. Atwood has instructed me to care for your vehicle. I promise it will come back in perfect condition.” James stood waiting, his hand extended and ready for my keys. “Please, Miss Hill?” He jutted his open hand out again, exaggerating the gesture.
“If you must, I guess I’ll let you,” I said, placing the key into his hand and watching his fist close around it. James politely offered his other hand to help me out of my car, which I accepted. I expected a claim ticket. Instead, the young man smiled at me.
“Your car is the only one in the valet tonight, Miss. You won’t need a claim ticket.”
I thought it odd that, on a Monday night, I’d be the only car in the lot. I decided, however, not to press it. “Very well,” I said. “Thank you, James.”
“Raphael awaits your arrival, Miss Hill.” James bowed before me and gestured toward the club’s entrance. “Have fun this evening.”
I returned his bow and smiled. “Thank you again.”
As expected, a tall, heavy-set man stood at the door waiting for me. “You must be Miss Hill,” Raphael said. “Allow me.” He stepped aside, pulled the door open for me, and held it. I stepped through the door and looked around. There was not a soul inside the club. Granted, it was only Monday night, but there should have been others around.
The lights inside the club were muted; the only lights flickered from ceiling-mounted gobos and candles that shimmered in glass jars on the tables. Soft jazz music piped in from the overhead sound system. Though no one was there, the bar had every sign of being open for business. What’s going on?! I thought to myself. I felt like a fool, having fallen for an epic prank, when Arthur stepped from a back room.
“Ciao!” he said, his voice echoing through the club. “I didn’t realize you had arrived. I’m sorry I wasn’t here to greet you.”
Boy, was I happy to see him! “Hi, Arthur,” I said. “I thought Ernie set me up.”
“Oh, no. No games or pranks here. The owner loses money by opening the doors on Monday nights during the winter, so we’re closed. This should be my night off.”
“Y-You shouldn’t have gone through so much trouble. I’m sorry,” I said.
He walked to where I stood. His piercing blue eyes were mesmerizing as he peered into mine. “Don’t be sorry. It was no trouble.” He winked at me and gave me a sly smile. “Besides, I’ll have more time to pay attention to your audition when no one else is here.”
“Arthur, I appreciate you opening the club for my audition, but I’ve spent all day in the studio and I’m tired. Would it be a problem if—”
He sighed, but nodded his head. “It’s not a problem at all. But,” he said, “I would really love to take you on a proper date.” His hand brushed mine, which made me shiver. “Please, Destiny? I’d like to get to know you better.”
I hadn’t looked at another man or thought about dating anyone since Jared and I parted ways. The pain of heartbreak lingered, and I wouldn’t renege on the promise I made to myself. “I-I don’t know, Arthur. Work takes most of my time; I’m not sure there’s room for a relationship in my life.”
He looked as though he wanted to press it, but he patted my hand instead. “It’s okay. You know,” he said, “you don’t need to sing if you don’t wish. I know you’re talented, and I know I want you for the gig on Wednesday night. You came in and sang for me if anyone asks. Right?”
“Singing isn’t the issue. My heart isn’t in the right place for a relationship. I don’t mean to hurt your feelings, Arthur. My life is complicated, and—”
“Mia bella signora, you don’t have to explain a thing to me. It doesn’t mean I won’t keep trying, though.” He winked and flashed a bright smile at me. “I like a challenge.”
That made me chuckle. “I will definitely be a challenge.” I winked back and returned his warm smile.
“Accepted!” We both laughed, the awkwardness of the moment vanishing the longer we sat.
To be continued….
Special thanks to Bee at Poses By Bee and Inna Lisa for the poses; Spladoum at MTS for Arthur’s handsome jacket, Ekinege at TSR For Destiny’s dress, Alopex at MTS for the leggings, and Sandy at ATS3 for the drinkable wine glasses and bottles. Other CC not listed can be found on my Custom Content page.
