“So I’m guessing playing at City Lights on Saturday nights is a step toward your goal?”
I nodded. “A lot of Broadway professionals hang out there after shows. It’s a chance for someone to see and hear me. It’s also a chance to network and find out who I can talk to, which musical directors are looking for a pianist or keyboard player, even if it’s just to sub.”
Tony smirked. “I didn’t know you were into that.”
I stared at him in confusion until his meaning hit me. I rolled my eyes. “Ha-ha.”
He chuckled. “Sorry. It was low-hanging fruit.” He took a sip of his coffee, a frown creasing his brow when his gaze shifted to the service counter.
I looked behind me and saw what he was staring at. “Poor Brendan,” I said. “That asshole won’t leave him alone.”
“You know Brendan?” Tony asked in surprise.
I waggled my hand. “Not well. I’ve only been coming here since January. I talk to him when the place isn’t busy and the asshole’s not around. He’s an art student, and he works here to help pay for school.”
“So he’s there trying to make it through school, and that prick, Mark, is making his life miserable,” Tony growled.
“That’s about the size of it,” I said. “A few people have said something to Mark, and he stops for a little while. But then he starts back up again when he thinks no one is looking.”
Tony clenched his jaw. “Yeah, well, that’s gonna stop today.”
I was taken aback by the change in Tony’s voice. It sounded deeper, rougher. I looked at the dwindling line of customers and then back at the man across from me. “Is that the favor?” My mouth went dry and heat pooled in my gut. “You’re going to warn Mark off Brendan?”
He focused his attention back on me, his dark eyes glittering with intensity. “I am.”
There was an unspoken question:Is that a problem? “That’s great,” I said. “Hopefully it sticks this time.” I was not about to tell him it was turning me on.
“Oh, it’ll stick,” he replied. “He might even decide to get another job.”
My stomach took that moment to rumble in discontent. I patted my noisy belly. “Sorry. I haven’t eaten much today.”
He grinned. “You should get yourself something to eat. The line’s a lot shorter now.”
I couldn’t even argue as my stomach once again protested at being empty. I rose and got behind the three people left in line, closely observing the two baristas. Mark was being more subtle about his bullying, but it was clear Brendan was uncomfortable. I ordered a sandwich and coffee and stood back to wait.
Mark handed an order to a customer, then took off his apron and said, “I’m taking a break.”
Brendan didn’t even have a chance to reply before Mark was around the counter and out the front door. I turned in time to see Tony get up and follow him out. I really, really wished I could hear what Tony was saying to him.
I heard Brendan say, “Hey, Greg. Here’s your order.”
I smiled at the younger man. “Thanks, Brendan. How’s school going?”
“Good,” he said with a bright smile. “I really like my courses this semester. My portfolio has gotten so much better.”
“That’s awesome. I hope I get to see your work someday.”
He smiled shyly. “There’s an exhibition at the end of the semester if you want to come.”
“I’d like that,” I replied. “Just let me know when it gets closer. I’m sure I’ll be here a lot before the end of your semester.”
I took my order back to the table I’d been sharing with Tony, wondering if he would return after he was done talking to Mark. Like my thoughts had summoned them, Mark came hurrying through the door and practically ran back behind the counter. Tony strolled in a minute later, a contented smile on his face.
He sat across from me and took a sip of his coffee. I was practically vibrating with curiosity. “So, how did it go?”
He took another sip before slowly setting his cup down. “Brendan won’t have any problems with him anymore.”
A shiver ran down my spine. Damn. Why did I find that so sexy? I smirked and asked playfully, “Did you make him an offer he couldn’t refuse?”
