Page 72 of Sing Your Secrets
Reese studies me as she approaches. Laying the mic down carefully on the DJ booth, she asks, “You guys chummy yet?”
“The chummiest.” Mac winks. “All right, your mom is here to pick me up, but Reese can let me know when you’re coming by. Any day works, just not Wednesdays after four. I have my meeting.”
Reese nods with a warm smile. “Still going to those?”
“It’s kind of a once you’re in, you’re in type of situation.” I’m not sure if they think they’re being subtle, but it’s obvious they are talking about AA. Reese mentioned Mac just finished up a prison stunt for a drunk fender bender.
“Uh, Mr. Mac,” Sedi blubbers, “can I walk you out? I just have a couple of questions…professional questions.” Never once in my years of knowing Sedi have I seen him act so unsmooth and nervous. I guess Mac is to Sedi what someone like Petey is to me. An idol.
“Sure.” Mac nods over his shoulder. “Come on.” Sedi eagerly shuffles around the DJ booth, nearly tripping over a cord and his own two feet.
“That’s a fast friendship,” I say, watching them leave.
“Dad’s a good mentor. Sedi could probably learn a lot from him.”
“Sounds like it.”
“You could learn a lot from him too,” she says. Her eyes brighten like an idea just popped into her head.
“I don’t doubt it. I can’t wait. I have to spend most of the weekend getting this place ready to go, but I’ll be more free next week.”
“What’s the rush? There’s still over a month before opening.”
I lean against the DJ table. “Marketing obligations. Then, on Monday, Law and I have a meeting with the potential new buyer of this place. They want to check it out before they officially commit.” Reese puckers her bottom lip. “No…don’t do that,” I say wrapping my arms around her waist and pulling her between my legs. “You know it’s not my call.”
“This used to be my favorite place in the world and you’re going to sell it to some rich suit who doesn’t give a shit about the actual magic of The Garage. They’ll probably never step foot in here except to pick up revenue checks.”
“I’m pretty sure they can collect those digitally.”
She scowls. “You’re furthering my point. You should keep this place. Hire me. I’ll run it if you don’t want to. I’ll turn my resignation into Henley tomorrow.”
“And what about your benefits? Hm? Because Law is not going to invest in medical, dental, and a 401k for bartenders and stage crews.” I kiss the top of her head. “Keep your job, baby. Plus, I thought we were frying bigger fish with this album, right?”
She glances around the main floor and lets out a pitiful sigh. “Fine.” She touches her lips to mine, briefly. “You really did a great job by the way. It looks exactly the same…just cleaner and herpes-free.”
I nod my head dramatically. “That was one of our main objectives. Fix the stage, repair the bathrooms, new kitchen appliances, and get rid of the STDs.”
“Smart move.” She chuckles against my lips.
With a quick look over her shoulder to ensure the coast is clear, she kisses me like she means business. Opening my mouth, I taste her tongue and match her enthusiasm as I wedge my hand under the wire of her bra. I pinch her nipple hard and she squeals. “Sorry, too much?” I ask, raising my brows at her.
“No, but if you keep touching me like that, I’m going to have to pull you backstage.”
I roll her nipple between my thumb and finger again, showing her exactly what’s on my mind, but she steps away and readjusts her bra. “My lunch break’s been over. I have to get back to work.”
I smirk. “Since when do you care about being late to work?”
“Since my”—she lowers her voice—“boyfriend reminded me my boring legal job is the only way to keep my benefits.”
She takes a step backward and my growing hard-on protests. “Stay. Call in sick.”
“They saw me an hour ago and I was fine.”
“Please?”
“Bye, Miles. Next week, okay? Let’s say Tuesday after I’m off work. I’ll text you Dad’s address.”
“Reese.” I give her my most stern look. “Stay.”
She sticks her tongue out before she hops off the stage, purposely swaying her hips as she walks away. She knows I’m watching her leave. “You could spare three minutes!” I call after her. She doesn’t turn around but I hear her playful laugh.
“Bye, baby,” she says waving over her shoulder.
And with that, she disappears from my sight.
“Little tease,” I mumble with a smile on my face to no one but myself.