Keys

A week into “I glove you,” Keys’ world had become an extreme carnival ride of upside down and sideways, as he rode the ups and downs of opening himself up to intimacy. Sometimes he experienced a sense of elation, like catching a tube ride inside the barrel of a wave. At other times, when one of them would close down and push away, he rode a wave of fear, mired in thoughts of what might happen if she turned out to be a lunatic, like Sarah, or, if her asshole ex reappeared. He desperately hoped Mia wasn’t a “too good to be true” story, ending in his heart being obliterated, crushed to a pulp. He didn’t think he could recover twice in one lifetime from that kind of heartbreak. But, he reasoned, just like their “adventures” in Cancun, he would rather be zooming along a zip line than paddling about on a board in the sea.

As he worked on a new song in his Muse Groove while waiting for her to arrive, inspiration struck. When the door buzzer rang at two-forty-five, he was so immersed in songwriting, he completely ignored the noise. The second time it rang, he looked up from his inspirational flow. Good move, Keys. Invite your new girlfriend over and get so immersed in songwriting you don’t even hear it when she arrives.

He got up and rushed to the front door. Pressing the response button revealed her pretty face in the security camera on the monitor next to the door. “Come up, come up. I’ve got something to share with you,” he said excitedly.

“I’m on my way,” she said.

Two minutes later, she stepped from the elevator as he stood in the doorway to his apartment, waiting with the kind of elation a German shepherd might have for seeing its owner. “Hey, angel,” he said, eying her sexy body, sheathed in a short, red wool coat, with big black buttons and a huge black collar. A pair of thigh-high boots hugged her shapely legs.

“Hi, Keys.” She rushed toward him and wrapped her arms around his waist.

He tipped her chin up and kissed her soundly.

When he released her, she looked up at him with bright eyes and said, “What a delicious greeting.”

“There’s more where that came from.” He put his arm around her and guided her into his apartment. “I’ve got to play something for you before we head out. You cool with that?”

“Of course. I always love to hear your music.”

He grinned, took her hand, and led her into the Muse Groove. Once inside, he shut the door and strode to his piano. “Sit,” he said, indicating one of the chairs.

She sat, unbuttoning her coat to reveal an even shorter black and white dress that hugged her luscious curves.

“How can I concentrate when you look so good?” he said.

“You’re equally as distracting,” she said, crossing one leg over the other. “Now, play whatever you want to play for me.”

He pivoted on his piano bench, cleared his throat, and held his hands above the keys. Then, he played the new song which he’d named Night Lust. When finished, he whirled around. “What did you think?”

“It’s beautiful. Now that’s a hot love song.” She tapped her lips with her fingertip, rose, and strode across the room to retrieve his acoustic guitar. “Do you mind if I play?”

“Go right ahead,” he said, eager to hear her play.

“Play the song again,” she said, perching at the edge of her chair.

He nodded and began to touch the keys.

Mia joined him, fumbling with the chords until she found the right ones.

Keys smiled at her prowess with the guitar. Once he’d finished the song again, he said, “You know you have to play the guitar on our album.”

“I’m a little rusty,” she said, setting the guitar aside. “And, I thought it was your breakout album, not ours.”

“Rusty or not, that was fantastic. You’re really good. I say it’s a collaboration. Keys and Song.” He made a frame using his hands in front of his face. “Or, we can do Song and Keys, I don’t care.”

“Yes, but the way my name reads, people will think the album is about a song.”

“It doesn’t matter. Before long, the whole world will know about this hot-shit musician named Mia Song,” he said, grinning. “I’ve got an idea. We need to go somewhere before we eat.”

“Where do you want to go?”

“You’ll see. It’s a surprise.”

“You know this is the first time we’ve been outside of one or the other’s apartments since we agreed to be a couple,” she said.

“I guess it is.” Keys rose from his piano seat and extended his hand to her. When she took it, he pulled her close. He couldn’t seem to stop touching her when they were together.

“So…” she said, her hands on his shoulders. “Don’t you think we should lay down some rules for how this plays out with our friends?”

Keys let out a grunt. “I guess so. I’ve been enjoying you so much I haven’t given thought to much else. What are you thinking?”

“Well…” she said, brushing her hands down his arms. “I’m not eager to shout out our relationship to Zander or any of my friends at the moment. Especially to Gia.”

“That makes sense. Especially since we’re getting ready to depart from our respective places of employment.” He dropped his head to kiss her softly on the lips. She thrilled him to no end. Every touch, every gesture stoked a fire in his heart. He broke apart from her and said, “Let’s keep things on the D.L. until we’ve said our good-byes.”

“Agreed. Maybe they won’t hate us at that point.”

“Oh, I’m sure the band will hate me. They already do. Every practice ends up in a fight, and it’s all my fault. Or that’s what I keep hearing.” Keys swept his hands up and down her backside. “And if we don’t get going, I’m going to lay you down across my piano and fuck you senseless. Let’s go while I have a shred of restraint left. There’s something I need to get.”

“Okay, friend,” she said, backing away from him.

“With amazing benefits,” he said, already missing the touch of her. He grabbed his sunglasses and ball cap off the top of the piano where he’d left them. “Let’s go.”

Outside, in front of the Dakota building, Keys hailed a cab. Dirty snow and ice still clung to the sidewalks, even though it was early March. When a yellow cab pulled up in front of the sidewalk, he opened the door for Mia, watching her slide her beautiful body into the back seat. All sorts of fantasies galloped through his brain as he watched her. His thoughts became thick and delicious as he pictured sliding his fingers inside her in the back seat of the car. But, then he remembered their experience with the nosy Uber driver and their agreement to not reveal their relationship yet. I’ll have to find a place more private.

He gave the driver the address of his favorite music shop in Greenwich Village without giving the name. He hoped the address didn’t give it away.

“What’s in Greenwich Village?” she said.

“A lot of stuff is in Greenwich Village. Restaurants, clothing stores, shoe stores, bars, convenience stores…” He ticked them off on his fingers.

“No, silly, where are we going?”

“You’ll just have to wait and see, won’t you?”

She shook her head but looked intrigued.

Several minutes later, the cab pulled up in front of Renegade Music.

“Is that our destination? What other instruments could you possibly need?” she said, eying the front of the brick building.

“I’ll show you,” he said, sliding out of the car and holding the door for her. They proceeded toward the store, keeping a respectful distance apart.

Inside Renegade, the walls were lined with photos of music legends. Even a photo of Marked Love adorned the walls.

Musical instruments were arranged in sections. To the right, stood the keyboard section. Drum kits were in the back.

“This way,” Keys said, removing his shades as he strode toward the wall of guitars that spanned the length of the building.

“Why do you need a new guitar?” Mia said.

“I don’t. You do.” He stroked her cheek with the side of his finger.

“Me?” Her face lit up.

“Absolutely. After hearing you play earlier, you need your ax.” He leaned forward and whispered in her ear. “You’re going to start playing again, angel. With me.” When he eased back from her, Mia had tears in her eyes.

“I sure hope those are good tears. I’d hate to know I made you cry so soon in our…” He glanced right and left, seeing no one. “Relationship,” he whispered.

“I’m so happy with you, Keys. I’d hug you right now, but…you know. And, a guitar…I’m speechless.” She reached out and brushed her hand against one of the handmade beauties hanging on the wall.

Out of the corner of his eye, Keys noticed someone approaching them. He stepped even further away from Mia to feign mere friendship with her.

When the dude got closer, he said, “Keys. How’s it going, my man?”

Keys turned to see his buddy, Simon. “Simon. I hoped you’d be here.” He exchanged a man-hug with Simon. “I’m buying a guitar for a friend of mine. This is Mia Song.”

Mia turned and smiled at Simon. She put out her hand and said, “A pleasure to meet you.”

“The pleasure’s all mine. Any friend of Keys’ is a friend of mine. What kind of guitar are you looking to get?” He grinned, revealing a gap-toothed smile.

Mia looked thoughtful. “I’m not sure. I haven’t played for a while. I used to play both electric and acoustic.”

“Get both,” Keys said.

Mia gave a little shake of her head. “I couldn’t.”

“You can, and you will. I’m buying,” Keys said. “Simon here builds all of the guitars he sells. The one you played in my studio is one of his.”

“Wow,” Mia said. “The sound was awesome.”

“Thank you.” Simon bowed, and his long, shaggy, gray-flecked hair fell over his head like a pony mane. When he righted himself, his hair spread around his head in typical disarray. Eying both Mia and then the guitars, he stroked his scruffy beard. “I tell you what. Let me go get something out of the back. One of the hall of Famers on the wall in the front came in recently requesting a new guitar. I took hers on a trade-in. It’s got some pre-loved juju in it—it’s a beloved instrument. The gal was hesitant to part with it until I talked her into a new one.”

“Which hall of Famer was it?” Mia asked.

Simon leaned forward and whispered in her ear.

“Oh, my!” she said. “I’d be honored to hold it.”

Simon nodded. “I’ll be right back.”

She turned to Keys, excitement in her eyes. “I don’t know what to say, Keys. I’m thrilled to play again. But, you really don’t have to buy me both kinds of guitars.”

Once again, he checked right and left to see if anyone was watching, then leaned forward and kissed her softly and quickly. “I know I don’t have to. I want to. I’m investing in the future. Our future…” An electric zing shot through his groin and belly as he said the word “future.”

Simon returned a few minutes later, holding a sparkling silver and black guitar.

Keys laughed. “I know who played that guitar. I saw her play at the Grammys with that baby.”

Simon lovingly stroked the neck. “All the crystals on the body are hand placed. It’s got steel strings, good action, a nice little cutaway, so you easily play all the way up the neck… I was given permission to wow the owner with the build, so wow her I did. Here…” He handed the instrument to Mia. “Take it for a test drive.”

Keys leaned against a column placed between one guitar display and the next and folded his arms. “It looks perfect for you.”

Mia settled on one of the padded rosewood seats placed along the wall. She strummed a few riffs, getting the feel of the instrument. Then, she closed her eyes and played something heartbreaking and haunting.

Keys looked at Simon and mouthed a “wow.”

Simon gave an enthusiastic nod.

If Keys had any doubt about loving Mia until that moment, all doubts dissipated in the wake of her playing that guitar. His soul seemed to vibrate, completely mesmerized by the music.

When she finished playing, applause broke out from every corner of the store.

Keys put his fingers in his mouth and gave a loud whistle.

Blushing, Mia opened her eyes.

“I guaran-damn-tee you, you’re going up on the Hall of Fame wall,” Simon said, waving his arms toward the photo gallery. “Maybe I should get a picture of you today because I sure as shooting will be asked to put one up tomorrow.”

Mia scoffed. “Thank you, but…”

“No, buts about it, Miss Song. I get wannabes strolling through these doors all the time, thinking they’re God’s gift to musicality. But you’ve got the gift.” He stabbed the air emphatically.

Keys beamed, unsure if he’d ever felt more happy to be alive in his life.

“So, is this the one? I can show you a few more candidates,” Simon said.

Mia shook her head. “No more. This one spoke to me.”

Simon clapped Keys on the back. “Where’d you find this girl? Is she going to join Marked Love?”

Keys quickly shook his head. “I think she’s got plans of her own.”

Simon fished out a business card from his shirt pocket and handed it to her. “Take this. I know agents who would claw and scratch the others’ eyes out to get a chance to represent you. They’ll get you the gigs to rise straight to the top.”

“Thank you, but, actually, I…” She looked at Keys.

He pressed his lips together and gave a subtle shake of his head.

“I’m honored to hear that. Thank you,” she said again.

Simon grinned. “I woke up today, thinking it would be an ordinary day. But, then, I heard a musical angel. Oh, my heart,” he said, thumping his chest.

Mia and Keys both laughed.

“Now, let’s see what you can do with electric,” Simon said, striding toward the electric guitars hanging on the wall.

Forty-five minutes later, purchases made and the promise of delivery tomorrow, Keys followed Mia out of the store into the rush and bustle of New York. Car tires made a wet thwap, thwap, thwap against the road. The sun had decided to make a late afternoon appearance, shoving the clouds from the sky as it sped toward the horizon. Keys welcomed its warmth. He even welcomed the water drip, drip, dripping from the rafters of buildings, trickling into the street from the snow piled at the edge of the sidewalks, and running down the sides of the street lamps.

“Nice to see the sun for a change, don’t you think?” he said, pulling his sunglass case from his pocket and fitting the glasses on his face.

“It sure is,” Mia said.

Her fingers brushed his hand, perhaps as eager to touch him as he was to touch her. But, they had rules in place, and the rules must be followed. Not that the media would care about rules if they decided to target him—they’d make up any damn story they pleased. But, at the moment, at least, he wasn’t in anyone’s viewfinder as far as he could tell.

“What do you want to do next?” he said.

“I’m famished, what about you?” Mia said.

“I could do with some grub. Do you like Italian?”

“Mmm, do I ever,” Mia said.

“Do you ever eat at La Cozza Arrabbiato’s, over on East 14th?” He gathered his fingers in front of his lips and kissed them. “It’s fantastico.”

“No, I don’t think I’ve been to that one,” Mia said. “Doesn’t that mean the angry mussel?” She let out a little laugh.

“The mussels might be pissed when they arrive, but by the time Antonio is done with them, they’re grateful to have been in his loving hands.” Keys winked, flexing his fingers in front of her.

“God, I wish I could touch you,” she added.

“Same here. I’m not used to not getting my way,” Keys said with a laugh. Then, he stepped from the sidewalk and whistled for a cab.

Ten minutes later, the cab let them out in front of La Cozza Arrabbiato. In a few quick steps, they entered the cozy restaurant.

Keys removed his sunglasses, blinking as his eyes adjusted to the golden light shimmering from the walls and ceiling.

Bricks lined the long, narrow building, while candles glowed softly from the center of the tables. White plates and napkins were neatly arranged on the gleaming wood tables. Several patrons sat, eating, and talking. Before long, Keys knew the place would be packed.

An older hostess with long dark hair greeted them with a dimpled smile. Her eyes widened when she saw Keys. “Buonasera, Keys. È bello vederti.”

Keys leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. “Buonasera, Maria. It’s good to see you, too. How are you? How’s Antonio?”

Maria waved her hands at the inside of the restaurant. “We’re too busy to know each other’s names. We have to take shifts with the kids.”

“I understand the price of fame,” Keys said.

“I know you do. Who is your companion?” Maria said, eying Mia.

“This is Mia. She’s a good friend of mine. She’s a New Yorker, and she’s never been here.”

Maria pressed her hand to her bosom and feigned shock. “How is this possible? Do you live in a cave?”

Mia laughed. “Pretty much. I seldom go out.”

“Well, now you must frequent our restaurant. You won’t be able to resist once you’ve tasted our food. Antonio thinks he is the chef, but I constantly remind him that all the recipes came from my family.” Maria clasped Mia’s hands. Her eyes twinkled with mirth.

“She’s not kidding,” Keys said. “Not about the reminders or good food.”

“Let me get you seated,” Maria said, releasing Mia and hustling around the front podium to retrieve some menus. “I have just the spot. We’ll seat you away from prying eyes.” She led them to a cozy table in the back. “Shall I start you off with a bottle of wine?”

“Mia?” Keys said.

“Absolutely,” Mia gushed. “Today deserves a celebratory toast.”

“We have a new Valpolicella Blend that is quite good. Would you like to try it?” Maria said.

“Sure,” Keys said. “You’ve never steered me wrong before.”

Once Maria sashayed away, Keys said, “I’ve got to use the facilities. Be right back.”

Mia nodded. “Don’t be too long. I’ll miss you.”

Keys grinned. “I told you this relationship would turn into a sappy love song.”

“Do you mind?” Mia said.

“Not in the least. I glove it.” He winked at her as he rose, then scooted back his chair and strode toward the hallway door. He stepped down the dimly lit hallway. When he pushed open the men’s room door, a guy inside the bathroom had his hand on the doorknob.

“Whoa,” Keys said, startled. Then, he recognized Trevor.

“Keys?” Trevor said, blinking like an owl. “What are you doing here?” He stood holding open the bathroom door while Keys stood in the hallway.

“Eating Italian, what else?” Keys said, annoyed at seeing Trevor. “Can I get past you to use the loo?”

“I need to talk to you,” Trevor said.

“We’re not talking in the men’s room, I can assure you,” Keys said, fisting his hands. Just fucking go away. I was having a fantastic day with Mia, and I don’t need you to bring me down.

Trevor pushed Keys into the hall. “Are you here with her?”

“If by her you mean Mia, yes. She’s a good friend,” Keys said, shoving Trevor’s hands away from his chest.

“She’s more than a friend, and you know it,” Trevor hissed, baring his teeth.

“I said she’s a friend.” The words emerged in a growl. “She’s one of the few people on the planet who I don’t get into a shouting match with on the regular.”

“Okay, okay, okay,” Trevor said, waving his hand in front of his face. “She’s a friend. But, I’m a friend, too, and I miss you, man. Friends have benefits. I want to hang out with you again. Please?” His fingers curled around the lapel of Keys’ jacket.

Keys shook his head at Trevor’s clingy behavior. “Let go of my jacket, Trev, now.”

Trevor’s hands jerked away. “I’m sorry, man, but I miss you. Hanging out with Noah and Sam is no fun at all. They’re stupid and boring.”

Keys’ jaw worked back and forth as he considered whether or not to say anything. He held his breath between his cheeks for a few seconds before slowly blowing it out. Gently, he placed his hand on Trevor’s shoulder. “You’re hanging with the wrong kind of friend, Trev.”

Trevor’s forehead furrowed. “What do you mean?” His espresso-colored eyes appeared bloodshot and glassy like he’d smoked a joint and downed a couple pints before coming to La Cozza Arrabbiato.

With as much kindness as he could muster, Keys leaned forward and whispered in his ear, “You’re gay, dude. You like guys. What you miss is being naked around me.”

Trevor’s mouth hung open. His eyes bulged like a pop-eyed goldfish. He began to blink like a lunatic trying to make sense of what he just heard. “You’re wrong, Keys. Fucking wrong.”

“I don’t think so, buddy,” Keys said, softly.

Trevor shoved Keys, sending him flying back against the wall.

“Shit!” Keys exclaimed as he crashed against the unforgiving bricks.

Trevor rushed out of the hallway, disappearing from sight.

Keys straightened his clothes and patted his head for signs of blood. The only thing he could find was a nasty goose-egg sized bump. “Great,” he muttered. “Just great.” He proceeded into the bathroom to do his business. Then, he made his way down the hallway and back to his seat.

As he removed his jacket and hung it on the back of the chair with a heavy sigh, Mia said, “You were gone a long time. Is everything okay?”

“I dunno,” said Keys. Squeezing the back of his neck. “You and I were having a fantastic day. And, then, by being honest, well… I think I just lost my best friend…for good this time.” His body pressed into the chair like he weighed about two tons. “Since I’ve already started losing bandmates, maybe we should hurry up the leaving part, yeah? It hurts to lose Trevor as a friend. But, maybe I need to risk losing everyone to find my dreams. What do you say to that, angel?”