“I know, baby,” I whisper. “But can you try? If not for me, then do it for yourself. I want youto have fun, too.”
Her throat moves on a rough swallow, none of that fear dimming, but after a moment, she gives me the tiniest nod.
I know the moment my smile brings out my dimple because a huff of laughter leaves her pretty lips.
“Good. Now. Art or music?”
There’s still a little bit of hesitation, and her voice is still quiet, but she says, “Music.”
My grin widens. “Amazing. I have the perfect spot.”
FIFTEEN
SCARLETT
Twenty minutes later, our taxi stops in front of a bar called the Cellar Dog Jazz Club.
“Have you ever been here?” Nico asks as we step out of the taxi.
I shake my head, taking in the lively bar in front of me. “I’m not super big on the party scene,” I admit.
He lets out a thoughtful hum as he takes my hand. “What sceneareyou big on?”
To my surprise, I feel an urge to be open with him. Maybe because I feel safe with him. Or maybe it’s because I know he took a risk asking me out.
“The academic one,” I admit quietly.
While I occasionally tell clients I’m in school if it fits with the persona I think they want, I’ve neverreallybroached the subject of school with a man. Not in a way I could be honest about it. I heardno one wants a know-it-all for a girlfriendso many times in my life that it’s practically engrained in me. Amara is the only one who knows I’m even enrolled in college. But…I think Nico might be understanding of it.
I’m holding my breath for his reaction, but he sounds excited when he asks, “Really? Does that mean you’re in school?”
I nod, my grip on his hand tightening.
He grins as he pulls me to sit on the stools at the bar. “Damn, Red, you’re holding out on me. Now I want to know everything.”
All tension releases from my shoulders with one relieved laugh. Of course, Nico wouldn’t think college was a turnoff. The man is the least judgmental person I’ve ever met.
“But first,” Nico says, waving the bartender down, “let’s get you something to drink. What would you like? Wine?”
When I glance at the drink menu behind the bartender, I realize…no, I don’t want wine. I want to be normal for once in my life and order whatIwant.
I want to order a beer without feeling like my mother is going to sneer at me for picking a “trashy” drink.
“Actually…” I start, looking to Nico for help. “Can you help me pick a beer? I’m not a big beer-drinker so I don’t know what to try.”
He looks surprised but turns to the bartender anyway. “Then let’s get you a flight. I’m sure they have something basic and light, yeah?”
The bartender nods and immediately walks off, leaving Nico and I to our conversation.
“So…academics. That’s a pretty broad answer. What are you studying?”
I have to tamp down on the giddiness that bubbles inside me at the question. I’ve never thought about how it would feel to tell somebody about this thing that I love so much that was never encouraged when I was growing up.
“Psychology,” I answer proudly. “I’m doing an online program for my undergrad right now.”
Nico nods at that. “Psychology makes total sense for you.”
I tilt my head. “Why do you say that?”
