Love's Someday (30 page)

Erica let go of Ashleigh’s hand and sat back in her chair with a sigh. “I understand how you feel, though. You have your music…your friends, and I go to sleep at night wondering if you think about me…if you miss me.”

“I do,” Ashleigh admitted as a tear slipped down her cheek. She wiped at it angrily as another one slipped from her eye in defiance. “If you want me to give up music, I will. I just want to come home…I want us back.” Erica shook her head sadly, and Ashleigh felt as though she were going to be sick. “You don’t want me back?” The words tumbled out of her mouth.

“I want you back, Ash, more than anything in this world.”

“Then why are we sitting here? Let’s go home,” Ashleigh pleaded, unable to temper the desperation in her voice.

“We can’t go back to what we were, at least I can’t.” Erica looked away. “Things have changed between us, and it’s not going to be the same no matter how hard we try.”

Ashleigh was unable to contain the sob that tore through her. “You brought me out here to break up with me, didn’t you?”

Erica reached across the table and took Ashleigh’s hands into her own. “We already did that, remember?” Erica tried to smile, but her eyes grew shiny again, causing her to blink and look away. “I didn’t want to have this conversation tonight, but I guess it’s inevitable.” She took a deep shuddering breath and blew out slowly.

“Life as we knew it, Ash, is over.” Erica tightened her grip as Ashleigh tried to pull her hands away. “But we have hope. We can start over. It’s not going to be the same, but if we’re both willing, it can be better than it was.”

“I don’t know whether to be happy or sad,” Ashleigh said with a sniff. “I want a second chance, but something in your eyes tells me that you’re going to be sleeping on the couch a bit longer.”

Erica smiled through watery eyes. “I took you for granted, and somewhere along the way, I lost track. One morning, I woke up next to you and realized I really didn’t know who you were.”

“Can’t you forgive me for that?” Ashleigh felt her newfound hope already beginning to wane.

“I have, and that’s not what I meant.” Erica reached over and tucked a strand of hair behind Ashleigh’s ear, letting her fingers rest against Ashleigh’s cheek. “What I mean is, you live with someone for so long you stop wondering what makes them tick.”

For the first time since the ordeal began, Ashleigh realized that she’d been guilty of the same thing. The moment of clarity came with the pang of guilt. She’d been angry at Erica for refusing to understand why her foray back into music had been so important to her. But now she was forced to admit that she’d been equally stubborn if not more so.

“I took you for granted, too. I realize that now,” Ashleigh admitted, turning to kiss Erica’s palm. She clutched the hand caressing her cheek and held it against her chest. “I knew you were bothered by the fact that I didn’t reveal my past, and I fooled myself into believing that’s all it was. I changed everything and expected you to adapt. I never asked you how you felt about it all because I was afraid of the answer.”

Erica shrugged. “Maybe it’s all for the best. This upheaval has made me realize I wasn’t deserving of all I had. That’s why I want to start over. I want to get to know you all over again without the mundane things of life getting in the way.”

“So tell me about this ATV hobby of yours again,” Ashleigh said with a smile.

It was ten o’clock and they hadn’t even made it to the city. Erica intended for them to have dinner in the French Quarter, but they’d eaten so much at Belle Terre’s Secret that neither of them had an appetite. Erica drove slower as she listened to Ashleigh talk. It took a bit of persuading, but Ashleigh got back into the game. Erica pretended not to know anything of Ashleigh’s past and made her tell it all again.

Though Erica had heard the saga of Ashleigh’s short-lived career before, this time it seemed different. Her mind was in a different place. It was no longer protesting what it was hearing, but rather empathizing with what Ashleigh felt. That is until Alex’s name was mentioned. She’d prepared herself for this part of the story but wondered if something new had been written into that particular chapter. Erica couldn’t stomach the idea of someone else’s hands on Ashleigh. That was a topic for another time.

They’d been engrossed in conversation since leaving the restaurant, barely even noticing the moonlit waters on the boat ride back to the car. Ashleigh no longer asked where they were going, seemingly content with wherever Erica was taking them.

“So what’s it like walking onto a stage in front of a packed house?” Erica heard herself asking.

“It’s terrifying in the hour before the show, but when I finally walk out there, I’m somewhere else.” Ashleigh shrugged. “I don’t remember much about it unless I really screw up. It’s like a dream.”

Erica shook her head. “I’m not sure I understand what you mean.”

“Some people are natural-born performers,” Ashleigh said. “I’m not one of those. I sing and I enjoy doing it, but performing has never been my strength. When I go on stage, I focus on the singing, my body does what it’s been trained to do. Nearly every move I make was choreographed years ago.” Ashleigh laughed. “If you compare old concert footage to the shows we do now, you’ll see that I’m still doing the same thing.”

“But you enjoy it, right?”

Ashleigh was quiet for a moment as she contemplated the answer. “I enjoy the music, hearing all the instruments come together, and the way our voices blend. I always thought our harmony was perfect. But taking the stage and doing a show is an accomplishment for me. The real test is whether or not I’ll run away screaming or if I’ll take the stage. I’m always so proud of myself for conquering that fear after a show. Now it’s your turn, tell me what scares you.”

“Failure,” Erica said as she unconsciously pressed harder on the accelerator. “I’m afraid of disappointing my folks with the family business. Scared that I’ll mess up the opportunity you’ve given me.”

Ashleigh didn’t say anything to squelch her fears; instead she reached over and took her hand and squeezed softly.

To Erica’s pleasure, Ivy’s wasn’t crowded, but she knew that would change within the hour. Ashleigh took her hand as she led them to a table.

“What can I get you to drink?” Erica asked as she remained standing when Ashleigh took the seat she pulled out for her.

“Rum and Coke…I think.” Ashleigh looked at her watch. “If you’re going to keep me out until sunrise, I have to pace myself.”

Erica took a spot at the bar and ordered the drinks while watching Ashleigh as she sat studying her surroundings. In this very bar, she heard “Love’s Someday” for the first time, and now she was on a date with the woman who sang it. Erica smiled to herself. It was really kind of cool, though it had taken her some time to realize it. A month felt like years, and in that time, Ashleigh had changed. She still looked the same minus a few pounds, but there was a confidence that Erica had never noticed before. Ashleigh had never really been one to speak her mind like she did earlier. It was refreshing…and kind of sexy.

“So this is where you spent your youth?” Ashleigh said with a smile as Erica set the drinks on the table.

“One of many. This was my favorite when we came down here to party. I first danced to your song in this bar.” Erica looked around at the patrons of various ages, not feeling as old as she expected to. “It seems kind of surreal to be sitting here with you now.”

Ashleigh cocked her head. “So what else did you do in these places? Just dance?”

Erica thought back to her first and only one-night stand. She stared over Ashleigh’s shoulder at the spot where she’d picked up Susan or Sandy…or something that started with an S.

Ashleigh gave her a playful nudge. “Your face says you did more than just dance.”

“That was a long time ago. My memory is very fuzzy on details,” Erica said with a grin.

“Did you have sex on first dates?” Ashleigh raised a brow as if daring Erica to answer.

“Why? Are you one of those kinds of girls?”

Ashleigh looked at Erica then with an expression that made every muscle in her body tense. “I can be.”

Warmth spread over Erica that had her silently begging for the breeze that made her uncomfortably cool earlier to return. She actually considered stepping onto the balcony for relief from the desire that Ashleigh was stirring within her.

“I have to ask you something.” Ashleigh set her drink down and folded her arms. “Have you…been seeing anyone else? I know it’s none of my business, but I need to know.”

The fire that Ashleigh had effortlessly stoked was extinguished as quickly as it began. The answer was simple for Erica, but now that it was out there, she would invariably ask the same of Ashleigh, and the answer just might kill her. “No, I haven’t dated or slept with anyone.” Erica wanted to turn the question on Ashleigh, but the apprehension rose in her so quickly she could only stare with an expectant expression on her face.

“Neither have I,” Ashleigh said, looking Erica in the eyes. “I had some weak moments…”

Game over! Erica’s mind screamed. If I jump off the balcony now, I won’t have to face her, and the probable broken ankle will make it easier for me to catch a cab because they’ll feel sorry for me. I’ll call the car rental company and tell them where to—

“Erica.” Ashleigh reached over and took her hand. “What did I just say?”

“You said…you had some weak moments.”

Ashleigh nodded. “And what else?”

Erica took a sip of her drink and contemplated the balcony railing.

“I knew you zoned out on me.” Ashleigh shook Erica’s arm. “The minute I said ‘weak moment,’ your eyes glazed over.” Ashleigh put her finger under Erica’s chin until she had no choice but to give her full attention. “I was caught up in the lure of old memories, but never once was I unfaithful to you. Yes, I know we were broken up,” Ashleigh said before Erica could say it. “Regardless, it would’ve been cheating to me because you still have my heart.”

Doubting she could hide the relieved expression on her face, Erica smiled and took Ashleigh’s hand. “Dance with me.”

Ashleigh was smiling too until she realized what Erica was saying. “I…I’m really not that good—”

“Bullshit, baby,” Erica said, still grinning as she pulled Ashleigh to her feet. “I’ve seen you onstage.”

“This is our first date. You’ve never seen me onstage. Play the game, Erica,” Ashleigh said as Erica pulled her to the dance floor.

“I call time-out.” Erica pulled Ashleigh tightly against her, forcing Ashleigh’s hips to move in time with hers. “See, I’m doing all the work. All you have to do is move with me.”

A chill raced up Erica’s spine when Ashleigh whispered against her ear. “I’m not a lazy woman. I’m more than happy to share the workload with you.” If Erica wasn’t completely certain that Ashleigh was not talking about dancing, she got the picture when Ashleigh ran her tongue down the side of her neck. Erica’s internal GPS searched out the nearest hotel and was screaming the location while Erica fought to keep her focus. “So do you think you’ll grant me a second date?”

“Nice subject change there,” Ashleigh said with a laugh.

Erica twirled Ashleigh and pulled her back tight against her body. “I know the game you’re playing. You’ll tease me until I can’t think and I’ll let you off the dance floor.”

“Hmm, you have me figured out pretty well, even though this is a first date.” Ashleigh turned and pressed her backside against Erica as they moved.

“You’re killing me,” Erica said as Ashleigh reached up and put her arm around her neck while moving her butt against her. Ashleigh was pushing every one of her buttons, and by the way she laughed, she knew it. The next song that played had a faster tempo, and Erica pulled away but caught Ashleigh’s hand when she attempted to leave the floor.

Ashleigh laughed when Erica pulled her close again and spun them around.

“Move those hips like I know you can.” Erica moved away as Ashleigh let go and began to move, then danced close again. “I wish we would have done this a long time ago.”

Ashleigh’s smile faltered. “I wish we would’ve too.”

Erica took her hand and pulled her close, dancing slower despite the fast-paced beat. Ashleigh clung tightly to her when she whispered against her ear, “The first time is always special, regardless of when it happens.”

They left the club too exhausted to dance another step. “Are you hungry?” Erica asked as she opened the passenger’s side door.

“Starved,” Ashleigh said as she sank into the seat.

Erica climbed into the driver’s seat and turned the key. “I know just the place. It’s another one of my old haunts and I think you’ll love it.”

“What is Bosco’s?” Ashleigh asked a few minutes later when Erica pulled into a crowded parking lot.

“It stays open twenty-four hours a day and serves the best breakfast you’ll ever eat.”

Ashleigh took Erica’s hand and followed her inside the tiny dive that she would’ve never given a second look much less ate in if Erica wouldn’t have suggested it. They were seated in one of the last few remaining tables, and Ashleigh’s stomach growled as she smelled the food being prepared.

“The specialty of the house is Eggs Sardou, a poached egg served with artichoke hearts and some kind of sauce, but it’s rich.” Erica looked over the top of her menu. “The pecan pancakes are awesome, too, if you’re looking for something more
breakfasty
. Oh, look over your shoulder.” Erica nodded. “That’s Bosco, the owner.”