A few days later, Eddie kissed Jackie’s shoulder before slipping from bed. He wrote a short note and left it on her pillow. After quickly dressing, he snuck out and hurried to the Jitterhouse to meet an old friend.
He grinned when he saw Roxy curled up next to Trevor, who caressed her round belly. Thoughts of Jackie carrying their child spun in his head. One day, but they had all the time in the world.
Eddie gave the couple a wave, then moved to Skylar who sat behind the counter. “Can I get my mocha?” he asked sweetly.
Her face lit up. “I’m so happy for you two. It sucks about Kim, but you and Jackie are right for each other.”
“Yeah, we are.” He pulled out his money and gave her an arched brow as her lips pursed. “Skylar, if you give all your friends free drinks, you’re going to go broke.”
“None of you let me give you drinks though,” she pouted.
“Because we don’t want you going out of business. Who’d keep us caffeinated?”
“Fine.” She sighed. “You’d think I’d learn by now, but I haven’t.”
“You’ve got a big heart, and you make an excellent cup of coffee.”
She grinned back at him. “And Jackie’s a lucky woman.”
“Thanks.”
He left money on the counter. She handed him the drink and he crossed the room, sinking into the seat across from Roxy. “Thanks for meeting me.”
“When you told me why, I couldn’t resist. I can’t wait to see her reaction.”
Nervous, he nodded. “Hope I don’t blow it.” He pulled out his notebook and opened it to the right page. “Help me make this perfect. Please.”
Trevor shook his head. “Trust me, Eddie, she’s yours. You don’t have to write a ballad for her to say yes.”
“No, but Jackie deserves the world. I want to do something special that no one else would think to do for her.”
Roxy teared up, smiling as she lifted her gaze to his. “You nailed it. You don’t need any help, Eddie.”
“Really?” he asked.
Trevor pulled the notebook over and grinned. “You got this.”
“That makes me feel so much better. Thank you, both of you. Now I hope the guys will help me compose the music.”
Roxy reached over to squeeze his arm. “Take a deep breath and relax. This is beautiful, and written from the heart, for Jackie. She’ll melt. I guarantee it.”
“Thanks. Guess I’ll see you tonight?”
“You bet your ass you will. I want to watch.”
“Then I’ll see you later.” He climbed out of the booth and walked to work. They were taking off early to practice.
On the way, he dialed Grampa John, and held his breath. No matter what he said, it wouldn’t change his decision, but he wanted the extra support.
He answered quickly, “Good morning, Eddie.”
“Morning, Grampa. You have a minute?”
“Sure do.”
“I’m not real sure how you’re going to take this, but I need to talk…”
* * * *
Jackie woke without Eddie. She reached for him, but his side was cold. Her hand came to a note and she frowned, blinking to focus sleepy eyes.
Jackie,
You were so warm and peaceful, I didn’t want to wake you. I have a few things to do before the show tonight, so I won’t see you before then. Please, promise me you’ll be there.
I miss you already, but the guys are keeping me busy after my hiatus.
Love you, Angelfish.
Until tonight,
Eddie
She pouted at the note. The first time she’d woken up without him in a week, and it sucked. With a sigh, she reached for her phone.
Love you, Eddie. Miss you. Can’t wait until tonight. Please sneak away early. – Your Angelfish
The day had a bleak start, but she’d have Eddie tonight. She could hardly wait.
Bouncing out of bed, she grabbed a change of clothes and locked herself in the bathroom for a shower. By the time she’d finished, she found Chatan in the kitchen, drinking a cup of coffee.
She gave him a smirk as she poured herself a cup. “Thought you said something about only staying one night.”
He nodded, his eyes lighting up. “Eddie convinced me to stay for tonight’s show. So, here I am. I’m heading back tonight.”
“You’re welcome to stay another night. No point in driving back home that late.”
“Nah, it’s important I get back. The elders called. Trouble’s brewing.”
“Need help?”
He shook his head. “We have it covered, but thanks.”
Jackie shrugged and leaned back against the counter. “Have any clue what Eddie’s busy with? Too early for work, unless there’s an emergency. Only then, they’d have canceled the gig.”
He zipped his lips and threw away an invisible key.
She pouted, batting her lashes at him.
A laugh escaped. “Sorry. Not spilling, even for you.”
She drew in a breath and let it out in a huff. “You suck. Maybe I want to surprise him.”
“Not today.”
“Okay, fine. What are your plans?”
“Thought about visiting Tomahawk out in Edenton. Maybe get a new tattoo. Want to ride along?”
She pulled her phone out and sent a quick text to Eddie. Chatan wants a buddy to hang out with while his brother inks him. Mind if I tag along?
His response only took a moment. Not at all. Love you.
Grinning, she replied, Love you too.
“Sure, may as well. Maybe I’ll visit Monique’s Unique so I can get a new outfit.”
“No ink?”
She frowned. “Not at all sure what I’d get. Though I’ll call Tom if I ever figure it out.”
“Maybe we can think of something on the way.”
“Don’t hold your breath.”
* * * *
Brent stood outside Tiana’s shop for what seemed like forever. He shoved his hands in his pockets and watched her from outside. Since the night Stefano had attacked Eddie, they hadn’t spoken, and he felt like a rotten asshole for the bullshit he’d spewed.
Shaking his head, he pulled the door open and walked inside.
Her eyes narrowed. She didn’t say a word.
Brent had plenty to say. “I’m sorry. I never meant what I said. I was so damned frustrated by the situation, I took it out on you, and that wasn’t fair.”
“Apology accepted. Though I think you were right, we weren’t that serious. Now I’m not sure that I want to be.”
“I promised Jackie’s mother I would take care of her.
I should have asked more questions. Should have dug into his past more.”
“Because you don’t trust me.”
“No, because you were too close to him. You didn’t see the signs because he’s your family. I don’t blame you, so I should’ve never been an ass.”
“You’re right.”
He moved to the counter and looked into her eyes. “So where does this leave us?”
“Over.”
“Friends at least?”
She nodded, a slight smile on her face. “For now. Maybe you can earn your way back into my good graces.”
“I truly am sorry, Tiana.”
“So am I, Brent.”
* * * *
Jackie followed Chatan into Inktastic.
Tomahawk looked up with a grin. “Hey, little bro, Jackie.” He came around the table and gave her a hug before embracing his brother. “Haven’t seen you in ages, Jackie.”
“Yeah, but you keep trying to convince me to get a tattoo, and I don’t have a clue what.”
Chatan nudged her shoulder. “A cougar?”
Shaking her head, she smiled. “Not ready yet. One day I’ll have an idea of what I want. Right now, I want a dress. And maybe a gift for Eddie.”
“What kind of gift?” Chatan asked.
She stuck her tongue out. “It’s a secret.” She slipped through the door before either Tom or Chatan could protest, and headed to Monique’s Uniques.
The bells chimed as she walked in. Monique looked up from a creased paper and quickly shoved it under the register.
Her brow arched. “Love letter from Erik?”
Monique sighed. “Not a love letter.”
She grinned. “But it’s from Erik?”
“Yeah.” Shaking her head, Monique stepped around the counter. “Shopping?”
“Yes, for one super-hot dress Eddie can’t resist.”
Monique’s mouth dropped open. “Kim’s out of the picture?”
Jackie winced. She knew this would come up, sooner or later. She was surprised it hadn’t happened before now. “She’s dead.” Jackie swallowed hard, waiting for some snide comment.
“That’s sad.” Her brow wrinkled. “And now you want to impress him?”
Jackie took a slow breath. “After her death, we both realized what had been in front of us all along. Neither of us planned it, but shit happened, and well, here we are.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to imply you were sweeping in. It’s a pleasant surprise after years of you two denying your feelings.” Monique moved further into the shop. “I have the perfect outfit. Come on.”
Jackie chewed her lip as she followed. Monique held up one finger. “Give me a minute.” She slipped into the stock room.
A moment later, she carried out a pale blue dress that shimmered in the light. The skirt flowed to reds and purples as if it were a sunset reflected off a crystal-clear lake.
Jackie gasped. “Oh my god, it’s beautiful.”
Monique motioned to the dressing room. “Go, try it on.”
Jackie took the dress and changed. The fabric caressed her skin, molding to her. It reminded her of her skin underwater.
She stepped into the hall and turned slowly. “It’s gorgeous. I love it.”
“Perfect for you, especially since I hear you finally went through your awakening.”
Jackie laughed. “You heard that, but didn’t hear about Kim?”
Monique shrugged. “Mathis and Paavo were in.”
Knowing Mathis and Paavo, there was no telling how many details they’d shared. “Let me change and pay, then I’d like to find a gift for Eddie. Is there a jewelry shop nearby? I have an idea of what, but I’d want it sort of specific.”
“Next door. Enchanted Baubles. He can even enchant the piece you choose.”
“You’re a lifesaver.”