"Perfect. Send me the bill," I say and rise.
Ears stands, warning, "Riggs, if she's not the next Mariah Carey, don't have me call my contacts."
I grunt. "You still have a thing for her, huh?"
He grins. "She's my queen."
"Don't worry. You're going to love Blakely," I reinforce.
"What's her last name?"
I almost say Gallow, then stop myself. "Fox."
He repeats, "Blakely Fox. Well, at least she doesn't have to change her name."
"Nope. See you in two months. Have your girl send me the date," I order, wanting to get out before he asks any more questions or changes his mind.
I fight through more traffic, heading straight to the beach house. It's around three when I stroll through the door, still feeling giddy.
Today couldn't have gone better.
Lightning streaks through the sky as I step inside, momentarily lighting up the dark house. Blakely's at the piano, but she's not playing. She's staring out at the water, lost in her thoughts.
"Pet," I gently say, sliding my hand on her shoulder.
She jumps, then glances up. "Oh, hey. I didn't hear you come inside."
"I guess not."
She glances at the clock, then says, "You're home early."
I slide next to her on the bench, teasing, "Is that a good or bad thing?"
She smiles, but the worry doesn't leave her face. She answers, "Always good."
Damn, if her statement doesn't make me happier.
And she sees it. She asks, "Why do you look elated right now?"
I chuckle. "Elated? That's an interesting choice of words."
Her smile grows. "Guess one part of my brain still works."
I lean closer to her face. "I have some news for you."
"Oh?"
"You've got two months to get ready."
"For what?" she asks.
"Your demo."
She gapes at me, then questions, "Riggs, what are you talking about?"
I drop another bomb. "It's at Naked Pipe Entertainment."
The color drains from her cheeks. She stares at the piano keys.