Page 8 of Shock to the Heart

"And just like that, it's a party," he chuckles as we dig into our food.

Trey is so charming that it's defusing my usual nerves around guys. Maybe it's that he's older, and more confident. Or maybe it's that he is so open, and really listens to me.

We chat for a long time about music without once mentioning my parents, which I appreciate. It's great that we both enjoy a huge variety of genres. And I love that we both listen to different music for different activities. Ambient for reading. Dance music for housework.

"What about when you're driving?" I ask, folding up the empty burrito wrapper.

"Is it cliché if I say classic rock?"

"Well, yes. But it's also fabulous driving music."

"Just not on the highway when you're in a hurry. That's how you get a speeding ticket."

"True."

He rolls up his empty wrapper as well, and we start in on the churros. "So, you've been a painter. You're a secret musician. What other creative things do you do?"

"Well, I'm currently a part-time line cook at the Willow Hotel. I get to be creative when I'm plating things."

"Food as art. I like it."

"What about you?" I ask. "Is being an electrician your lifelong dream?"

He nods, staring into space as he ponders for a moment. "I enjoy it. And creatively, I've dabbled in metal sculpture, and play a little guitar."

My eyes fly wide open. "Really?"

He holds up his hands. "Nothing impressive. We're talking a handful of chords, and some classic country tunes suitable for campfire audiences at most."

"Still, it's always nice to have something other than your main job."

"Yeah. At first I thought I was sort of being forced into being an electrician. Turns out I love it, so why fight your basic nature?"

"I guess so."

There's a glimmer in his eye as he squeezes my hand. "Like you with your music that you don't want anyone to know about. It only makes sense: you've been exposed to music, songwriting, inspiration, and the entire recording process since you were a baby."

"That doesn't mean my stuff's any good." A hollowness fills my chest. "It doesn't mean that it has any significance at all."

"Hey now." His thick fingers thread through mine. "If it's something that you've created from your heart, it has incredible significance. Even if nobody ever hears it other than the house plants." His warm smile is making me melt again.

"Electra, you've written something that moves you. Plus, you didn't just scribble down a vague idea. You've written and recorded the songs. You've put together a small collection. That's amazing. Do you know how many people think about doing that and then never follow through?"

Holy geez. This sexy man is like a one-man cheering squad for my self-esteem. "I'm glad that you're so, um, enthusiastic."

His eyes light up. "Of course I am. Maybe if I do a really good job, you'll let me hear even…" He holds his fingers an inch apart. "This much of a song. I'm curious to hear your singing voice, since your speaking voice is so airy and soft."

Wow. Just a few days ago, I was taking every precaution to make sure that no other person would ever, ever hear my songs.

Trey has chopped through my walls just like the drywall. Run new lines of thought like he redid the wiring.

And making my feelings for him surge every single time he flashes that megawatt smile in my direction.

6

TREY

Our lively chat stretched our lunch break out quite a bit. Talking with Electra is incredibly comfortable. We're not trying to impress each other, and we each really listen and try to make sense of what the other is saying.