Once we’re ready, I signal to Jerald. More lights come on but remain stationary. I can’t stand flashing lights across the stage while trying to play and sing, nor do I like them shining directly on me, practically blinding me. They’re positioned well enough so we’re illuminated but can still see out into the crowd. But most importantly so we can see our way around the stage should we decide to get mobile. And Holly and I often do.
“Ladies and gentlemen, let’s welcome Delray Beach’s own, The Breakers!”
We open withCrazy on Youby Heart, allowing Holly to showcase her fantastic vocals. From there we play a set that includes Fleetwood Mac, Santana, Journey, a few originals, and even something from Shania Twain. Throughout the set I continue to look over at the women, managing to snag the gaze of my obsession. Hey, might as well call it what it is. I’m obsessed with finding out more than just her name.
Her smile is warm and inviting, and as soon as our first set is over, I remove my guitar from my shoulders, weave around tables and patrons, and make my way toward her. Just as I arrive, her two friends whisper to one another and scramble outof their seats. Their gazes dart back and forth between me and their friend while rushing away.
“Well, that wasn’t subtle at all,” hot momma says with a laugh.
I chuckle. “Not exactly.” I meet her gaze and nod to the empty chair closest to her. “May I?”
She uses her foot to push out the chair and waves her hand as an invitation for me to sit. As I lower myself into the seat, Vikki, the waitress approaches, so I raise my hand at her.
“Hey, Vikki, can I please get the house draft, and the lady will have…” I look at her empty glass, unable to tell what she’s been drinking. “Well, I guess she’ll have whatever she’d like.”
“I’ll have a chocolate martini, please.”
“You got it.” Vikki makes her way to the bar, leaving me and hot momma staring at one another.
I can’t help the chuckle that escapes, earning me a curious look.
“What?” She asks.
“I’d really like to know your name so I can move on from thinking of you as lucky number seven or hot momma. Not that the latter doesn’t apply, but, I’m sure you’d rather not be called that.”
She erupts with a deep throaty laugh that has my balls tightening.
Damn, Xander, keep it together.
“Oh, I don’t know. Kinda has a nice ring,” she chuckles. “I’m Michelle. And you’re Xander.”
I dip my head in acknowledgement but keep my eyes locked hers. Being this close to her again, I take in the details of those sexy silver-gray eyes that are almost too big on her tiny heart-shaped face. Delicate lines fan out from the corners while thick lashes that don’t need enhancing crown her lids. I take in the slender slightly up-turned nose and her plump lips that, like her eyes, should seem too big for her face. But she’s perfect. Cuteyet beautiful. Her short asymmetrical bob of dark hair is classy, streaked with silver, not gray, somehow catching the light so it gleams.
She does her share of assessing, making me wonder what she sees when she looks at me. I’m comparable to wrestling legend, André the Giant, next to this tough Tinkerbell.
“Thank you, for earlier, up on stage, with that guy,” she says in clipped segments.
“Well, you looked like you were handling it just fine.”
“I’m not sure I would’ve thrown him in the crowd, no matter how much I really wanted to.”
“That’s why I’m here. For the heavy lifting.” I chuckle.
“I think it’s much more than that. You and your band are terrific. Every song was perfect.”
“Thanks.” I can’t help but preen. Hey, even guys like hearing compliments. “We have a lot of fun.”
“Do you always perform here? I’ve never seen you before. I mean, this is actually my first time here, but I must have missed you in the past during the Music Fest.”
Vikki returns with our drinks, setting them on the table. Even though the drinks are on me—meaning free—I slip her some bills for a tip, knowing how hard she’s working this evening.
“Thanks, Vikki.”
“You bet. Catch ya later.”
As she walks away, I turn to look at Michelle, who’s watching intently.
“You must be a regular. You at least know the waitress.”
