But I don’t reply. In fact, I disconnect the call, without saying goodbye. And when I see Tony’s eyes in the rearview mirror again, I quickly look out the window at a car in the adjacent lane of the expressway.
What the hell am I doing? Georgina is way too young to want the fairytale. I’m sure she wouldn’t even want an engagement ring, if I offered her one. Not at her age. I kiss the top of Georgina’s head and pull her into me. For fuck’s sake, I admitted this woman is the “great love of my life” today. If that’s notenough, then I don’t know what is.
86
GEORGINA
When Reed and I enter the packed coffee house, Alessandra is getting herself situated on a tiny stage. When she sees us, she waves enthusiastically, and Reed and I return the gesture, before joining the back of the line for the counter. Normally, upon seeing my stepsister, I’d rush to her and hug her. But since the three of us spent hours together today, enjoying my magnificent birthday lunch and walking The Freedom Trail, an enthusiastic wave from afar seems natural and appropriate.
After several minutes of waiting, Reed and I finally reach the counter, and when our cashier lays eyes on Reed, her face ignites. “You’re Reed Rivers!”
“Last time I checked. Hello”—he looks at her nametag—”Reena. How are you? We’ll have a mocha and a cappuccino, please.”
But the girl is too frazzled to take Reed’s order. “I’m such a huge fan of all your artists. Your label is amazing.You’reamazing.”
“You attend Berklee?”
She nods profusely. “I’m a singer-songwriter. Oh my God. Can I send you my demo? Or will you check out my Instagram?”
She scrambles for her phone, but Reed puts up his palm, making me brace myself for whatever harsh and/or rude thing he’s about to say toher. Surely, it will be something along the lines of what he said to the blonde at Bernie’s Place.
“Sorry, Reena,” Reed says. “If I check out your Instagram, I’m going to be bombarded with similar requests all night. And that would make me cranky for two reasons. One, I’m here to scout tonight’s performer, Alessandra, and I want to give her my undivided attention.”
The cashier and I exchange a look of excitement for Alessandra.
“And, two...” Reed continues. He puts his arm around me. “I’m on a date, with my girlfriend, Georgina, here—the great love of my life—and I’d like to relax with her tonight without being interrupted.”
Predictably, the cashier looks disappointed she won’t be able to capitalize on this potentially life-changing chance meeting. But she manages to say, “I understand. Enjoy your night, Mr. Rivers.”
“Thanks.”
I’m thinking that’s that. Which, I must admit, is a bummer, simply because this girl is so darling and charismatic.
But when Reed’s gaze meets mine, whatever he sees on my face makes him exhale and return to the cashier. He leans over the counter. “Okay, kid, it’s your lucky day. Georgina here likes you and wants me to give you a shot, so...” He pulls out his phone. “Tell me your Instagram handle, and I’ll send it along to my music scout to take a look. If she likes you, and tells me to take a look at you, then I promise I will.”
“Oh, wow. Thank you, Reed! That’s amazing.”
The girl tells Reed her Instagram handle and he taps out a text onto his phone. And two seconds later, my phone vibrates in my hand with a text from Reed.
Look at this girl’s IG for me, Music Scout. Thanks.
“Okay, I just sent a text to my music scout,” Reed says to the girl, shoving his phone into his pocket.
“Thank you!”
“As a return favor, would you make an announcement that I don’t want to be bothered tonight?”
“Sure thing.”
“Aw, Reed,” I say. “I’m sure your music scout wouldn’t mind checking out a bunch of Instagram profiles for you. In fact, I’m sure she’d be happy to do it.”
“Whatever floats her boat.”
I address the cashier. “Why don’t you make an announcement you’ll be collecting Instagram handles and YouTube links for Reed’s music scout, to ensure Reed himself won’t be bombarded tonight.” I turn to Reed. “And in exchange for Reena being a doll and gathering all those links for your scout, maybe you could do something you hardly ever do and check out her Instagram account,personally, without using your scout as a middlewoman?”
“I can do that.”
“Oh my gosh! Thank you!”
