Love Resolution

“You’ve been really quiet,” Bryan said as they settled into the backseat of the SUV for the drive back to the hotel. “You wanna clue me in what’s going on?”

“No.”

“It might help you to talk about it.”

“Doubtful.”

“Red, come on. I know things are messed up between you and Marcus. I saw how angry he was at the club. I wanted to come by and see you at the hospital.” He scrubbed a hand over his hair. “But I didn’t want to make things more difficult for you.”

“He broke things off with us,” she blurted out. “He thinks we moved too fast.”

“Why? Because of that one dance?” He made a disgusted noise. “He must keep a real tight leash on you, if that’s all it took to set him off.”

“The dance was only part of it.” She looked out the window evasively. “There were other things.”

“Uh-huh.” Bryan’s light eyes flashed with emotion. “Like his drinking.”

“How do you know about that?”

“Please. Everyone knows his history. If they didn’t before the accident, they certainly do now. It’s all over the news. He should never have gotten behind the wheel impaired like that, especially with you in the car.” He shifted to face her. “Do you agree with him? I mean about moving too fast?”

“No,” she replied instantly.

His grey green eyes searched hers. “How long had you known each other before he proposed?”

“Several weeks.”

“Seriously?” he laughed.

“It’s longer than some,” she said defensively, twisting the hem of her cotton t-shirt in her hands. “Bryan, I…I shouldn’t have danced with you…not like that. I was angry with him, but even so.” She blew out a breath. “I didn’t think. Everything I do now ends up on the internet, and he’s been burned publicly before.”

“Who hasn’t? It comes with the job. He knows that. You’d think that he would have developed a thicker skin by now.”

She stiffened. Marcus’ sensitivity was one of the qualities she loved most about him. Most people never got past his gruff exterior. “Can we change the subject, please? I probably shouldn’t be talking about this with you.”

“Ok, but you can trust me, Avery.”

“Can I?” She squinted at him. “Maybe, but I don’t even really know you.”

“Fair enough,” he replied. “I understand. I’ll prove it to you in time.” He paused thoughtfully. “You sure were good with the kids today.”

“Thanks. It wasn’t so long ago that I was in their shoes. I like encouraging them to tap into their creativity. The future is wide open in front of them, full of possibilities.”

“For a few of them, if they’re lucky and dedicated and talented. Like you.”

Her face heated with the compliment. “The kids seemed to like you a lot, too. I noticed that they all seemed really fascinated by your tattoos.”

“Hmm, really?” He glanced down at his arms and then looked back at her. “What about you, Red? Are you fascinated by them?”

“Yes. I mean, no. I mean, I’ve always wanted to get a tattoo.”

“Why haven’t you then?”

“I don’t know. Money at first. Now, I guess I’m just afraid I’ll get a disease from the needles.”

“Reputable artists don’t reuse their stuff, so that’s not likely. What kinda ink would you get?”

“Musical notes,” she said wistfully.

“Where?” His hands brushed the small of her back. “Here?”

“No.” She shifted away. “Around my right wrist like a bracelet. With my mom’s name written out along a musical staff.”

“That’d be beautiful.”

“Music means everything to me.”

“And your mom obviously,” he prompted. “You must be pretty close.”

She shifted uneasily in her seat. “She died when I was eight.”

“I’m sorry.” His eyes softened and he lightly touched her hand. “I didn’t know that.”

“It’s alright.” She moved her hand to her lap. “I mean it’s not really. I still miss her every single day, but it was a long time ago.” She gestured to his arm. “Tell me about your tats. I’ve never gotten a close look.”

He scooted closer, stretching one arm out in front of her. “Here’s my mom’s name in Japanese script.” He pointed to characters interwoven into the complex designs. “And here are my sisters’,” he said proudly.

“Are they coming to a show?” she asked, touched by the obvious affection he held for his family. “I’d love to meet them.”

“Yes. The second one in New York.”

“What about your dad, is he…”

“No,” he said abruptly. “He’s been out of the picture for a long, long time.” His gaze hardened. “I have a lot of unresolved issues with my old man.”

“So do I,” she said soberly. “So do I.”