Jax's eagerness made her smile. He really did have a love-hate relationship with music.
"Right over here," Ella said, leading them to a nearby shelf. She pulled out two old 45s and said, "These are for sale because we have multiple copies. And if you're really interested, I have an old record player you can play them on."
"I'll take them and the player," Jax said quickly. "I'd love to hear her voice."
"The player is in the back. I'll get it for you and meet you at the front."
As Ella went into the back room, she said, "Do you think she's going to call Reina? She didn't really say."
"I think so," he replied. "I can't wait to hear these records."
His enthusiasm surprised her. "I can't believe you're buying an old record player."
"How else are we going to hear them?" he asked as they walked back to the front of the store.
"It will be nice to hear her voice," she said.
A moment later, Ella brought the player out and put it on the counter.
"How much do I owe you?" Jax asked.
"Twenty dollars should do it," Ella replied. "And I will take your phone number," she added, turning to Kaia. "I have no idea what my aunt will say about all this, or even if she'll remember your friend. A lot of men fancied themselves in love with my mother and probably my aunt as well. My mom used to tell me how many men would be waiting to buy her a drink when she got off the stage, but she said they were in love with the fantasy, not with her."
"That makes sense," she said. "And whatever happens, I appreciate your offer to help. I think it would mean a lot to Walter to speak to Reina, and if your aunt feels the same way, then maybe we can make that happen."
"We'll see," Ella said. "I'll let you know what she decides."
"Thanks."
Jax paid for his purchase, then grabbed the record player while Kaia picked up the 45s, and they left the store.
"I think this is going to work," she said, feeling optimistic.
"Unless Reina doesn't remember Walter and thinks he was just another guy who wanted to buy her drinks."
"She wouldn't have left him a love song if that was how she felt."
"That's true."
As she flipped the locks on her car, he opened the back door and put the record player on the seat. Then he gave her a smile. "I hope this story has the happy ending you're looking for, Kaia."
"The happy ending is for Walter."
"Maybe for you, too," he said with a smile.
"Maybe," she conceded.
"Do you want to get something to eat before we head back?" he asked, surprising her with the invitation.
"I was just about to ask you the same thing," she said.
He leaned forward and gave her an impulsive kiss, and a tingle immediately ran down her spine. She didn't know why it felt so easy to be with him now when only a week ago, he'd felt cold and distant. But she decided to just enjoy it. She slipped her hand in his, happy when his fingers closed around hers. A long look passed between them, but this moment didn't need any words. Then they headed down the street together.
Chapter Fifteen
Over lunch at a nearby café, Kaia wanted to rehash every word Ella had said, and Jax couldn't bring himself to even try to tamp down her enthusiasm. She was completely caught up in Walter and Reina's love story, and he was starting to worry that she would be the one most disappointed if Reina didn't want to connect.
"Sorry," Kaia said with an apologetic smile as she finally ran out of steam.
