get out of here. I don’t need an audience,” I said, holding the door open, enduring the loud, walking bass line blaring in the house.
I shut the door, thankful we went for the extra insulation in the office. The sound proofing didn’t negate all the sound, but it gave me a break from the migraine-inducing practicing Alex was in the middle of.
I listened again to the message and dialed the number.
“Allo.”
“I’m looking for Sidney Stoneridge.”
“You found him. What are you selling, darlin’?”
I started laughing and said, “This is Cin Fin-Lathen.”
“Oh damn, sorry, Cin. All I get these days are telemarketers.”
“Most people don’t even answer the phone.”
“Rather rude though, don’t you think?” he asked.
“Actually no, but let’s not argue.”
“Damn, our first fight. Does this mean we’re through?” he teased.
I laughed again. “I think we can look beyond this and see if we can save our first date.”
“Whoa, a date. It’s really a date, isn’t it?”
“Did I get the wrong idea?” I asked, embarrassed.
“No no, not at all. I’m just amazed I had the cojones to ask you,” he admitted.
“Well, you did, and I’m accepting.”
“Here’s what I’m thinking. Tomorrow afternoon, I have to be there for an additional sound check, so the band can run through the numbers with your son. After, I have a few hours before I have to return for the concert. I was hoping that you’d let me take you to an early dinner, and maybe we could walk around and do some people watching and get to know each other. And then, if you’re not thoroughly turned off, you can sit with me and watch the concert from my booth.”
“Sounds great.”
“Does it?” he squeaked. “I mean, fabulous. Would it be bad of me to ask you to meet me down here at four?”
“I’ll be there.”
“Here’s my cell number if you chicken out,” he said and gave me the number. “Just tell the guard who you are. I’ll have a pass waiting for you.”
“I’m looking forward to this, Sidney,” I said and hung up.
I took a moment to get myself together before I faced Harry, and Alex’s music. What an interesting turn of events. This morning I was Cin Fin-Lathen, retired consultant, shelving books. Twelve short hours later had me on the job again, dining with a rock star, and accepting my first date since my divorce. A date? What the hell was I going to wear? I was sure I had nothing. Not only did I need to guess what to wear to an early dinner, but a concert too. The Florida heat had to be considered, and being on my feet all evening meant no heels.
I was so deep in my panic that I didn’t notice the door opening. The level of sound startled me. I looked up to see Harry easing in the door, carrying my forgotten wine glass and the half-finished bottle of wine. I wanted something stronger but smiled when Harry tipped a few ounces in my glass before sitting down.
“Well?”
“I’ve got a date.”
I gave him the particulars, and before I could say it, he said, “We need to go shopping.”
“No, I need to go shopping, solo. I can’t afford you.”
Harry flashed a brilliant smile.
“I didn’t mean that,” I said, getting up. “Are you going to the concert?”
“I’m Alex’s roadie. Actually, Elijah’s manager faxed over some passes for the three of us.”
“I imagine you’ve negotiated some kind of deal.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be looking out for us professionally while you’re flirting with the suspects.”
“Thanks.” I picked up the glass of wine and headed for my bedroom.
“Cin,” he called, walking after me.
I turned around and gave him my full, distracted attention.
“I didn’t mean to push you into this date. I didn’t realize that you, well, you haven’t been out there in a while. You always seem to be in the company of guys.”
“A priest, married coppers, and my ex-husband don’t