Читать книгу The Love Triangle - Nic Tatano - Страница 11

Kyle was determined to make a good impression on the little redhead, as he was decked out in a dark blue windowpane three-piece suit. A haircut this morning, an old-fashioned shoe shine from a sidewalk guy. His red silk tie had a perfect dimple in the knot after three tries, and a matching pocket square. He looked at his watch as he leaned against his car. Ten till six.

He’d actually been there since five-thirty, having left extra time in case there was traffic. This was one date he didn’t want to miss, and he sensed she wasn’t kidding when she said she’d be gone if he was late.

Still, as he waited for his date, his mind wandered to the girl on the phone. Lexi Harlow was an amazing conversationalist, incredibly in tune with him, even though they’d never met. And with his crazy travel schedule he wondered when that would be possible.

The sight of the little redhead walking toward him knocked him back to reality.

The sweaty girl in a tee-shirt and shorts with her hair up didn’t remotely resemble the vision heading in his direction. Red tangles dusting the shoulders of her knee-length turquoise dress, her hair bouncing from the energy in her walk. Spectacular eyes done up like an Egyptian princess.

And a pair of platform heels that had to be at least five inches high. He wouldn’t be calling her Little Red.

The woman wasn’t kidding about wanting to be the dominant one in the relationship. He stood up to greet her, stretching as much as possible to his full height. Don’t say a word about her being taller.

She smiled as she moved toward him. “You’re off to a good start. I like a guy who’s on time. I really like a guy who’s early.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m here to pick up a sweaty girl from the gym.”

“Very funny. Though I thought I was glowing, not sweaty.”

“Sorry. But right now you look terrific. As my friend from the South would say, you clean up good.”

“Thank you.” She ran one finger under the lapel of his suit jacket. “And you look much better in a suit. I’m impressed.”

“Thanks. Oh, one more rule for tonight, along with the hundred-dollar limit. No shop talk. We’re not allowed to talk about work.”

“Why not?”

“Because if we do that we won’t really get to know each other. People are very different away from the office.”

She nodded. “Yeah, you’re right about that. Okay, we won’t even say what we do for a living.”

He opened the car door and gestured inside. “Right, off we go.”

She got in and looked up at him. “So where are we going?”

“A wedding.”

“Huh?”

“Trust me. It’s not just any wedding.”

“So who’s getting married?”

“Actually, no one.”

“You’re not making any sense.”

“All will become clear shortly, young lady.”

Lexi smiled as she saw the marquee above the dinner theater. Angelo and Antoinette’s Wedding. “Oh, I read about this. I’ve always wanted to go.”

“Me too. Dinner theater that’s an Italian wedding beats the hell out of some depressing Ibsen play on Broadway.”

“No kidding.” They crossed the street and headed toward the box office. Lexi noted the price on the little sign in the window. “Hey, it’s fifty-nine bucks each. Do the math. You’re already over the limit. Gotta stay under a hundred bucks, remember?”

He pulled a slip of paper out of his pocket and held it up. “Not a problem. Two-for-one coupon.”

She nodded. “Ah. Pretty slick.”

“I’ve got one of those books with all sorts of two-fers in New York. Really pays for itself in no time.”

“I admire a man who knows how to save a buck. Since I have to do it every day.”

“I admire a woman who doesn’t get pissed off that I use coupons.” He paid for the tickets and led her inside, looking at the slip of paper the ticket seller had given him. “Hey, assigned seats.”

“Yeah, I read they do that because they have actors at each table who are part of the show.”

They found their table already occupied by a couple, who looked right out of Mafia central casting. A burly guy with slick black hair, wearing a black pinstripe suit with a white tie, and a woman with raven hair teased out to eighties standards wearing a ridiculous amount of cheap jewelry while smacking a wad of gum. The guy stood up and greeted them with a wicked Noo Yawk accent. “How youse guys doin’? I’m Carmine and dis is my ball and chain, Carmella.”

The woman glared at him. “Real nice first impression, Carmine.” She turned to them. “Youse friends of da bride or groom?”

“Uh, both,” said Lexi. “We’re Kasey and Alexandra.”

“Nice to meetcha,” said Carmine as he sat down. “Still don’t believe these two are gettin’ married. Madonne, tawk about a couple with nuthin’ in common.”

Carmella rolled her eyes. “Yeah, like we’re a match made in heaven.” She turned to Lexi. “We’re like Bill and Hillary without the money or the politics.”

Lexi sat down next to her date and lightly took his arm. “This is gonna be a hoot.”

“No kidding.”

The lights dimmed and a spotlight shone on the door as the bandleader on stage moved to the microphone. “And now, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome for the very first time… Mister and Mrs. Angelo Goombatz!”

Lexi patted her belly after her last bite of chocolate wedding cake. The food was actually excellent, unlike many dinner theater meals. She leaned back and watched the newlyweds finish their first dance together with a hilarious argument on the dance floor.

“Didn’t take long,” said Carmine.

His “wife” slapped the back of his head, mussing up his hair. “Ah, shaddup, Carmine. At least let them get to the honeymoon.”

“Yeah, it’ll be the undercard on the next pay-per-view heavyweight fight.”

The song finished and the lead singer watched the newlyweds storm off the dance floor toward the kitchen, continuing their argument along the way. “Uh-oh, I think we need some damage control here. Why don’t the rest of you dance while we put away all the breakables?” The sound of plates breaking filled the room. “Too late. Anyway, please enjoy the music. Ladies, please drag your dates to the dance floor since you know damn well they’re not going to make the first move. Let’s go back to the seventies with some classic disco!”

Carmella got up, grabbed Carmine by the ear and yanked him out of his seat. “Let’s go, Fred Astaire.”

Lexi laughed, then held out her hand toward her date. “This girl wants to dance. I mean, if you know how.”

He stood up and took her hand. “I can do a box step.”

She rolled her eyes. “Oh geez.”

“Personally, I’m just hoping you’ll let me lead.”

“Very funny.”

He led her to the dance floor and staked out an open space as the band played a Bee Gees’ tune. He took her hands. “Relax your arms.”

“Huh?”

“Let your arms go limp.”

“Okay.” She relaxed and within seconds he was whisking her around the floor like someone from Dancing with the Stars. The guy was incredible, even managing to twirl her despite the five-inch platforms that made him get on his toes and stretch. The other people on the floor backed up to give them more room and they suddenly found themselves bathed in a spotlight. He expertly led her through a series of slick moves, then dipped her as the song ended. The crowd cheered and applauded as he helped her up.

She was out of breath but amazed. “Sonofabitch! How the hell did you learn to dance like that?”

“My older sister. Prom queen who insisted on practicing every day after school before the big night.”

Lexi nodded. “Well, I’m impressed. Box step, ha!”

The music started again, this time a slow dance. He gave her a look that seemed to be asking permission. “Care to go again?”

She smiled. “Absolutely. I wanna see what else you’ve got in your repertoire.”

“Then we’ll be dancing all night.”

“Fine with me.” He moved closer, taking one hand while placing his other lightly on her waist. He locked eyes with her and she felt a shiver as he began to lead her in a waltz.

An hour later the singer asked for all the single women to come to the dance floor as the bride was about to throw the bouquet.

Lexi didn’t move.

Carmella looked at her hand. “Youse two aint married?”

Lexi shook her head. “First date.”

“Well, youse look like a couple. Anyway, you’re single, so getcha ass out there.”

Her date patted her on the hand. “Go ahead, be part of the show.”

She got up and headed to the dance floor, finding herself and a few other guests surrounded by all the “bridesmaids”, who were busy shoving one another to get in position. The bride stood on the stage and turned her back to the group, as the singer started the countdown. “One, two, three!” The bridesmaids practically tackled one another as the bouquet flew on a line right into Lexi’s arms. One of the bridesmaids got up and glared at her. “Look at that hair! She ain’t even Italian!”

Lexi headed back to the table, laughing hysterically as she carried the bouquet.

“Nice catch,” said her date.

She saw the groom take his place on the stage. “Hey, fair’s fair, you gotta get out there and try for the garter.”

“Well, okay.” He got up and headed to the dance floor, was surrounded by the groomsmen and caught the garter with a leaping grab.

“Okay,” said the singer. “Now this lucky guy gets to put the garter on the young lady who caught the bouquet. And I believe they’re already together.” Someone placed a chair in the middle of the dance floor and Carmella shoved Lexi out of her seat. She walked to the chair and sat while Kasey got down on one knee holding the garter.

Then the band played the old classic, The Stripper.

She widened her eyes at him as he slid the garter over her ankle, never breaking eye contact with her.

Okay, how far is he going with this?

She saw him blush while beads of sweat blossomed on his forehead. He gently slipped the garter up her calf and just over her knee, then stopped, got up, and extended his hand.

Hmmm. Gentleman.

“Last dance everyone, thank you all for coming on this very special day.”

Just as the lead singer finished the announcement, the bride chased the groom across the dance floor, screaming all the way. “I saw you checkin’ out the rack on my maid of honor! You shoulda married her!”

The crowd laughed as Lexi finished her glass of wine just as her date extended his hand. “One for the road?”

“Sure.”

She followed him to the already-crowded dance floor as the band played a romantic oldie she recognized. He reached for her hands but she moved forward and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. He leaned back and smiled, looking up at her as he slid his arms around her waist, locking his fingers on the small of her back.

“This is that song from Ghost, right? The one when Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore are doing pottery.”

He nodded. “Yep.”

“What’s it called?”

“Unchained Melody.”

“That’s an odd name for a song.”

“That’s because it’s from the movie Unchained.”

“How the hell did you know that?”

“I read a lot. And I never miss Jeopardy.”

The wine and the music relaxed her. She pulled him a little closer, breathed in his earthy cologne as they swayed to the music. She rested her head on his shoulder.

Wearing ridiculous heels did have its benefits.

They stepped out into the cool night air. “I have to admit, that was a great experience,” said Lexi. “I am willing to concede you’re very good at planning a date.”

“Oh, we’re not done yet. It’s only nine and I’ve got forty-one dollars left.”

“There’s more?”

“It’s not even close to being over. One more stop. Right around the corner.”

“If it’s that cheesecake place I’m stuffed and couldn’t eat another bite.”

“It’s a restaurant, but we’re not going to eat anything.”

“I don’t understand. If we’re not—”

“Patience, young lady. We’ll be there shortly.”

They turned the corner and she saw bright lights coming from inside the restaurant, so bright they lit up the sidewalk. “What’s going on in there?”

He opened the door and ushered her inside. “Movie set. My buddy is an assistant director and he needed some well-dressed extras. You’re about to be in a major motion picture.”

She saw a tall man moving toward them she recognized as Jimbo from the basketball game. “Hey, buddy, I appreciate you coming by.” He turned to her. “This can’t be Little Red.”

“It’s me. My workout clothes are in the wash, so I threw on this old outfit.”

“Well, you sure clean up good.”

She couldn’t help but laugh. “Second time I’ve heard that tonight. Thank you.”

“You guys look perfect for this scene. Follow me.” He led them over to a desk filled with a bunch of papers manned by a young woman. “If you’ll each fill out one of these and then I’ll get you situated.”

“What’s this for?” asked Lexi.

“Union rules for extras.”

“Okay.”

They filled out the forms, then followed Jimbo over to an empty table. The restaurant was filled with well-dressed couples while one table stood empty in the middle of the room. A woman with a light meter wandered around checking things. Jimbo gave a loud whistle. “Okay, everyone, listen up. In this scene our stars will be seated at this table. While they’re talking I want you all focused on one another. Don’t look at the actors or the camera. Remember, don’t actually talk, just pretend by mouthing words. As soon as the actor gets down on one knee to propose, I want you all to turn and watch. It would be nice if all the women got a dreamy-eyed look. Then when the actress accepts and he puts the ring on her finger, I want everyone to cheer and applaud. Got it?”

Lexi turned back to her date. “So who’s in this movie? Anyone famous?”

He pointed at the stunning couple heading toward the empty table. “You might recognize them.”

She turned and spotted two of Hollywood’s biggest stars. “Brad Fenwick and Jennie Dale? You gotta be kidding me!”

“We’re about to be in a blockbuster rom-com.”

She watched as the world-famous actors took their places and a man with a movie slate placed it between them and the camera. “Proposal of a Lifetime, scene thirty, take one.”

The director moved behind the camera. “Okay, extras, eyes off the stars and on each other. Nice, looking good. And… action!”

Lexi started mouthing words as Kasey did the same. Not actually speaking forced more eye contact than normal.

And she felt it again. A shiver of … something.

A few seconds later she caught movement in her peripheral vision and saw the star get down on one knee. All the extras turned to watch the proposal, then applauded as the woman accepted.

“And cut! That was terrific. Let’s do a few more takes.”

Jimbo thanked them as the production team wrapped for the night. “I appreciate you coming by. It’s not easy to get people to commit late on a Saturday night, even with the chance to be in a movie.”

“Oh, thank you,” said Lexi. “That was a really unique experience. And I guess we’ll be memorialized on film.”

“Yeah, this is one scene that absolutely won’t get cut and you two were both in the shot. Well, I gotta go and lock things up. You can pick up your pay at the check-in table.”

“We get paid?”

“Of course, this is a major production.” Jimbo disappeared as her date led her toward the table where a woman was handing out cash to the extras.

Lexi’s eyes went wide as the woman handed her a crisp hundred-dollar bill and did the same to her date. She turned to him. “So, we’re actually making a profit on this evening?”

He shrugged. “Hey, what can I say? It pays to date me.”

“You’re amazing. This has really been an incredible evening.”

“Oh, the date’s not over yet. One more stop.”

“You said that last time.”

“Maybe there’s more than one, maybe not. But there’s at least one.”

The full moon seemed to set her hair on fire as the boat moved through the water. They leaned against the rail and looked at the spectacular view of Manhattan. Kyle thought she looked like a little girl, wide-eyed with all the freckles. “So, you’ve never been on the Staten Island Ferry?”

“Nope. Never had any reason to go to Staten Island. This has to be the best free thing to do in New York. I mean, look at the view.”

“I grew up on the island and our house didn’t have air conditioning. So on really hot days we’d take the ferry to cool off.” He noticed her hunch up her shoulders a bit. “Speaking of cooling off, are you cold?”

“Just a little chilly, I’ll be fine.”

He took off his suit jacket and draped it around her shoulders. “Better?”

“Now you’ll be cold.”

“I’m wearing a vest, I’m very comfortable.”

“Well, thanks. Very chivalrous of you.”

“My sister trained me well.”

“Speaking of being comfortable, I wanted to ask you something. Are you shy around women?”

“Not really. Why?”

“You were very much a gentleman putting that garter on my leg. But you were blushing.”

He smiled and looked to the side for a moment. “Well, I barely know you and you don’t run your hands up a girl’s thigh on the first date.”

“Obviously you were raised right.”

“You can thank my older sister again. She’d smack the hell out of me if I treated a woman badly.”

“Sounds like I need to meet this sister of yours. By the way, what were you talking about during our movie scene? I couldn’t read your lips.”

“Ah, nuclear physics. And you?”

“Brain surgery. But that’s a discussion for another day. She patted his hand. “Now I can’t wait for the movie. Fifty years from now I can watch it and see myself. And you.”

He looked at his watch as the ferry pulled into the Manhattan dock. “Listen, I get that you’re being careful with someone you just met, but I’m not going to drop you off in front of the gym at this hour. It’s not safe.”

She smiled as she looked at him. “I think you’ve proven yourself enough to see where I live.”

Lexi stared at the moon through the windshield as he found a space about a block from her building. He opened the door for her and she stepped out onto the sidewalk, still fairly busy at this hour. They started walking toward her apartment, passing a sidewalk fruit and flower stand, which was still doing business.