And then it’s time to go to Rusty’s.
I don’t set out to look at the bright side of things, but on my drive to the bar, I realize that Lindsey’s fuckery has given me newfound determination. Of course, I’d have been trying my best either way, but I’m not going to let the obstacles she created keep me from succeeding. Without the harm she did, I might be overcome with nerves right now; instead, my focus is on delivering a good show.
Regardless of my spunky attitude, nerves hit me when I pull into the lot, which is already quite crowded. I enter through the side door as I’d been instructed, and check in at the office, where I find Rusty’s owner, Barrett Stone. I do a double take after I spot him behind the desk, because an identical man is standing next to him.
“Autumn, good to see you,” Barrett says, standing up to come around the desk. Turns out I had the right man. “How are you?”
“I’m good. Excited.” That’s half true. Half excited, half petrified.
“We are too. This is my twin brother, Bronson, by the way. You’re not seeing double. And more importantly, this is our partner, Caz.”
In the chair that faces the desk, there’s a woman who turns in my direction, flashing a lovely smile. “Autumn! I’ve heard so much about you.”
“You have?” My tone makes it obvious how surprised I am by this.
“I’m really looking forward to hearing you play,” she says.
I’m wondering if she’s a business or personal partner, and the answer becomes clear when Barrett lays a hand on her shoulder and caresses her in a way that would be very inappropriate if they were merely coworkers. “Caz doesn’t come in often, and I was glad to be able to lure her here with the promise of live music,” Barrett says.
“Oh, well, I hope I don’t disappoint,” I say.
“I’m sure you won’t,” Caz says, offering an even bigger smile that somehow boosts my confidence.
“I’ll show you where to set up,” Barrett says, leading me out of the office and toward a corner of the bar where there’s a small stage. A few people watch us pass, but most of the crowd are busy with their own conversations and don’t pay any attention to us. He shows me where to set up and goes over the power cord situation and a couple of other details. “Need help carrying in your equipment?” he asks.
“No, thanks. I can handle it.”
“Okay. Let me know if you change your mind,” Barrett says. “And feel free to have a drink at the bar while you’re waiting to go on. Just tell either of the bartenders who you are, and it’ll be on the house. They can also set you up with bottled water.”
After I thank Barrett and he leaves, Garrett appears.
“Oh, hi. I wasn’t expecting to see you here already,” I tell him. It’s barely seven-thirty.
He shrugs. “I wanted to make sure I was here in time to wish you luck. Or do I tell you to break a leg?”
“I think that’s only for the theater.”
“Well, anyway. Can I help you get set up?”
“I just need to bring in a few things.”
Garrett follows me back past the office. As soon as we’re outside, he pulls me into a hug and kisses me. “I wanted to do that a minute ago, but I saw some people from the office here.”
“Really? Who?” I’m still buzzing with nerves, but his embrace helps to ground me. When he names a couple of coworkers, I say, “I wonder if it’s just a coincidence.”
Garrett gives me a confused frown and shakes his head. “No, I’ve been talking to people about your performance for the past couple of weeks. I expect even more to show up.”
“I had no idea you were doing that.”
“I’m glad they’re here to watch you, but it’s going to kill me not to touch you all night. I mean … when you’re not on stage.”
“Maybe we can make up for it later.” I give the muscles at the side of his chest a squeeze, realizing I haven’t even seen his bare chest yet. It feels like there’s a Clark Kent situation going on, with a stealth superhero body hidden beneath his clothes. He had a t-shirt on in bed last night, but I could feel the strength of him when he held me. “Will you stay over at Duke’s again?” I ask.
“If you want me to.”
“I do.”
“Then I will.” He rubs my back in a way that reminds me of how Barrett Stone interacted with Caz, and when we walk to my car, he holds my hand, but it occurs to me that someone could see us in the parking lot.