Beautiful One (17 page)

I was thankful when we pulled into our neighborhood and the bike slowed. I wanted us to get back to our normal routine. When we approached the driveway, Spencer opened the garage door.
The
second
he shut the engine, I slipped my leg off and stumbled to the ground. Spencer forced the bike on its kickstand and hopped off to help me.

“You alright?” He pulled my arm and helped me to my feet.

“I'm fine.”

Embarrassed, I dusted off my behind before I removed my helmet and handed it to him. He removed his and placed them on the seat of the bike. We were both quiet as we walked into the house. I excused myself and made my way down the hallway to his guest bathroom.

After removing the hair band, I separated a few of the tangled strands with my fingers. My cheeks were flushed from the ride, but my hair actually looked decent. I removed his jacket, smelled it one last time, and exited the bathroom with it draped over my arm.

Spencer was staring out the front window when I returned. He turned to face me when my steps from the carpeted hallway hit the wood floor.

“Ready to start?” he asked, while walking toward the piano.

I nodded, and Spencer slid across the bench.

I placed his jacket over the loveseat and joined him. His mood was hard for me to judge now. It was almost like he was upset but trying not to be. He began tapping out a song that was familiar. He started to sing and nodded when I should start.

When we sang through the song for the third time, I felt a surge of relief. Spencer seemed to be in better spirits, and I was happy he'd chosen a song I already knew. When he seemed satisfied with our performance, he stopped playing and shifted his body to look at me. I could tell he wanted to say something, but he didn't. He exhaled and patted my thigh twice.

“Solo time. You know the song “All I Need Is You,” right?”

“Yes.”

Once again I was relieved I already knew the song. I moved from the piano bench and stood in my usual spot. Spencer picked up his guitar that was leaning against the wall and began to play. We ran through the song twice.

“I think that's enough for today,” he said.

“Oh, okay.”

I walked toward the front door. Spencer reached for the doorknob and opened it for me.

Our walk to my house was quieter than usual. We both seemed to be lost in our thoughts. When we arrived at my driveway, I glanced at Spencer.

“Wait here a sec. I'll be right back.”

“Okay.” He answered.

I quickly walked into my house. When I got inside, I ran up the stairs to my room, grabbed my wallet from my purse, and pulled out a ten-dollar bill. I hurried back downstairs and out the door. When I reached Spencer, I held out the money.

“Here,” I said, clutching the folded bill in my hand.

Spencer shook his head back and forth.

“Did you think I'd take your money?”

He started backing up, but I followed. I was able to grab his front pocket and stuff the money in it before he could get away. With a smirk and a few steps toward me, Spencer was at my side. He wrapped his arms around me, stuffing the money in my back pocket. We were both laughing, caught up in the moment. I tried to squirm out of his grasp, but realized a part of me didn't want to. We both stopped laughing as our friendly struggle turned into something more.

His eyes were locked on mine. I knew I should back away from him, but I couldn't.

He closed his eyes, exhaled, and took a step back, breaking our connection. His voice trailed off as he said, “It was my treat. Goodnight, Elizabeth.”

Spencer turned around and walked away, leaving me with my scattered thoughts and ten dollars in my pocket.

Mason held the back door for me as we entered the church together.

“Thanks, Mason.”

We walked down the long hallway toward the music room. I opened the door and stopped so suddenly Mason bumped into me, causing me to stumble to the ground.

“Hey, klutz… what'd ya stop for?” Mason chuckled and helped me up.

Unable to answer, I rose to my feet. My eyes were fixed on what I saw before me.

Spencer was leaning against the table, chatting with an attractive blonde. My gawky entrance caught the attention of them both.

“You alright, Elizabeth?” Spencer asked.

All I could do was nod. When I realized my mouth was hanging open, I immediately closed it. My eyes shifted from Spencer to his friend and then back to Spencer.

“We'll do a quick run-through before the service starts. Just give me a minute.” Spencer smiled back at the pretty girl, emphasizing his prominent dimples, and glanced toward us. “Mason, can you and Elizabeth take this stuff to the stage?” He motioned to the mic stand and a few electrical cords. “I'll be right out.”

“Sure, Spence.” Mason answered him, but I was at a loss for words.

They didn't even notice me when I placed my purse down on the small wooden table. I didn't want to stare, but I couldn't drag my eyes away from them.

“Liz!” Mason's tone made me jump.

“What?” I snapped, as I tore my eyes away from the attractive couple.

“Didn't you hear me? I called your name twice already.” Mason handed me the mic stand. “Take this to the stage.”

I picked up the mic and walked out of the room, glancing back one more time. In a daze I made my way to the stage and put the mic down. I vaguely remember Jake and Matt saying hi to me while I slid in behind the piano. My mind was so absorbed in what I'd just seen I wasn't sure if I'd even answered them. Mindlessly I tapped on the piano keys, joining them in their practicing.

Why does it matter to me if Spencer is talking to a pretty girl? I should be happy for him. He deserves to be happy.

About the time I was coming to terms with my internal struggle, Spencer and his blond friend came into the church.

“Hey guys, this is a friend of mine, Kara.”

Kara smiled a perfect smile and tossed her head to one side, her long blond hair fell midway down her back. She followed Spencer up the steps and reached out and shook hands with Matt and Jake. When Kara turned her back, Matt raised an eyebrow to Jake and smiled. Mason made his way across the stage to greet her. Mason smiled, said hello and introduced himself.

When she approached me, I rose to meet her. I had to tilt my head up to meet her gaze. She was attractive with her tanned skin and deep brown eyes.

“Hi,” I said.

“Hi, nice to meet you.” She smiled.

“You too,” I answered, hoping my reply sounded genuine.

I watched Spencer guide her to a seat, front and center, then I slid back into place behind my piano. When she stood next to him, they looked striking together. He whispered something in her ear, and she giggled. I hadn't noticed what Spencer was wearing until now. He usually dressed casually, but today he was dressed up. I felt a slight tinge of pain and wondered what his plans were after church.

Spencer made his way back to the stage and led us through our first three songs. Each time I looked at Kara, her eyes were always on Spencer.

“Elizabeth, it's solo time.” Spencer gave me an encouraging smile and motioned to the mic.

My eyes met his. I glanced at Kara and realized I couldn't do this today. Everyone was looking at me. My gaze went to the exit sign, and I seriously considered sprinting toward the door.

Spencer's soft, grey eyes met mine and saved me from the embarrassment of what could have been. He reached his hand to mine but I pulled it away. His fleeting expression went from concern to pain in an instant.

I took a few deep breaths and walked to the mic.

I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.

My emotions were all over the place. I needed to focus and get through this. The music began. I reached down from the depths of my soul and put every bit of what I was feeling into each note. I had never sung like this before. Something changed within me as I belted out the song.

When I finished, I opened my eyes to Kara fervently applauding, and I could see the look of awe in the faces of Jake and Matt. Spencer caught my eye, then I whispered into the mic.

“I'll be right back.”

Feeling overwhelmed with the need to escape, I made my way to the bathroom. I splashed some cool water on my face and heard a gentle tapping on the door. Gathering all the strength within me I answered, “I'll be right out.”

I patted my face dry and opened the door. To my disappointment, it was Mason.

“Hey, are you okay? Spencer asked me to check on you.”

“I'm fine.”

“Liz, that was amazing.”

Mason was proud of me, and in the haze of my mixed-up emotions, it felt good. I plastered on a fake smile as we walked back to the stage together.

“You've got some awesome pipes.” Mason nudged me, shoulder to shoulder.

“Thanks.” I smiled, but this time the smile was real.

****

I had no idea how I made it through the church service. Everything was a blur until I realized it was over. During the whole performance, I hadn't once looked at Spencer. He directed me, and I would obediently comply, but I never made eye contact.

When I exited the stage, my only thought was I wanted out as soon as possible. I dashed to the music room and grabbed my purse, pulled the keys from my bag, and quickly made my way down the long hallway. My beating heart and the jingling of my keys was all I could hear as my steps quickened. My eyes focused on the exit sign, knowing freedom was steps away. I was just about to push through the door when I heard Spencer call my name. Pretending not to hear him, I pushed myself through the door.

The
second my feet hit the pavement, I ran to my car. My trembling hand shoved the key in the ignition, and I made my way out of the parking lot toward the street. When I glanced in my rearview mirror, the last thing I saw was Spencer's confused face darting around the parking lot. I breathed a sigh of relief watching his image slip farther and farther away.

****

As soon as I walked in the door, I texted Aidan. I needed to see him, to reassure myself of the feelings I had for him. This infatuation for Spencer was foolish. I wanted to put it in a box, bury it, and not let it seep out.

Me:
What time are you off today?

Aidan:
1

Me:
Feel like going on a run? We can have lunch after?

Aidan:
Okay. Be there soon.

****

It was warm outside, so I decided to wear black yoga shorts and a white tank top. I tied up my laces
as
Maggie entered my room. She sniffed my shoes and started jumping around.

“Not today, girl.”

I gave her a few kisses and coaxed her to come up on my bed. She curled up next to me, and I cuddled in her soft fur as I thought about the last twenty-four hours.

Spencer… Kara… Aidan…

My eyes closed, and I felt myself drift off. It seemed like only a few minutes had passed when I was jolted awake by the feel of a warm chest and strong arms spooning around me. Maggie jumped off the bed and Aidan snuggled in close.

“This is my favorite place to be.” His sultry words whispered in my ear while he nuzzled my neck.

I stuffed down the visual of Spencer and Kara still lingering in my brain. “Hi,” I sleepily whispered.

“Are you sure you want to go for a run? We could just stay here all day.” Aidan grinned.

“I'm not sure my parents would approve.”

“Your mom loves me.”

“True, but I don't think my dad would like it. C'mon let's get moving.”

I gave him a quick kiss and sat up on the bed. Aidan sat up as Mason entered my room.

“Hey, Aidan.”

“Hi, Mason,” Aidan answered.

“Why'd you bolt out of church, Liz? Spencer wanted to talk to you.”

“About what?”

“He didn't say. He mentioned you sounded amazing. And Kara, she kept going on and on about how good you were.”

I glanced over to Aidan, and he had a quizzical look on his face.
“Liz, did you solo again?”

“Spencer's making me.”

“Making you?”

“I hate it, Aidan. I only do it because I have too.”

“Oh, he did mention Wednesday. He wanted to make sure you'd be there.” Mason said,
exiting
my room.

“Yeah, I'll be there.”

“What's Wednesday?” Aidan questioned.

“Oh, that's just the night we practice.” I shrugged it off, hoping he thought
we
meant everyone. I got up and changed the subject.

“We'd better get going. I forgot you guys were playing tonight.”

Aidan stood and glanced at my outfit. “Those are pretty short.”

I tried to make light of his comment.
“Well, enjoy the view because you'll be looking at it the whole time.”

“Oh?” He lifted an eyebrow.

I gave him a smile before I took off running down the stairs with Aidan trailing behind me.