I stared at the ceiling above me, which held up posters of my very favorite bands. Music was my passion, and it was something that could never be taken away from me. The Beatles "Abbey Road" poster hung right above my head, and it was one of my most prized possessions. Music was something that I had always loved, and something that I was good at. My mind shot back to Will Braxton. I couldn't believe I said yes to helping him. What the hell was I thinking. At least I didn't give him my phone number. But he knew I worked at Kings. So that was lovely. Closing my eyes, I reviewed our conversation over and over. At the same time, I analyzed him. His intellectual stability, his voice range (even though I didn't even know if he was involved in anything musical) and how could I forget those eyes? Those eyes were beautiful. Some of the best I've ever seen. Almost as if they'd seen everything, and still they weren't quite satisfied. Lara had finally come home, her headphone volume entirely too loud as she belted Sinatra. She was a music nerd, and loved anything with Jazz. Especially Jazz singers. Give Lara a swell looking Jazz singer, and she'd marry him in a heartbeat. I've told her that Jazz singers are no good, but she never listens. Although I've only ever met one of her "friends"
His name is Tony, and he truly is only her friend. He's a sweet guy, but a complete nerd. Asks her out constantly. Comes into Kings for breakfast almost every morning. Kings breakfast food is less than desirable, but Tony comes in just to see Lara. He's the genius type, and has been sweet on Lara before I knew her. He's been there for her through every break up, one night stand, or fling. It almost seems like it doesn't kill him to hear her talk about other men. He spends the holidays with us, and even buys me birthday gifts. He's protective of both of us. And that makes me happy. I just wish Lara could see what he really wants. If I was a bit older, I'd most definitely be sweet on Tony. Lara, still belting Sinatra, turned the shower on. I closed my eyes again and tried to fall asleep. Thinking of the biggest mistake I'd ever made only hours prior.
***
My alarm blared what seemed like only minutes later. I slammed it off, forgetting to turn it off the night before after I'd gotten home. Thank God it was the weekend. I didn't have to work at Kings until Sunday afternoon. Trying to fall back asleep, I heard Lara's laugh from inside the kitchen. Lifting myself out of bed, I threw on a crew neck and my glasses, in case of Lara's company. She was only on the phone.
"Really? No way!" She snorted into the phone, almost dropping her knife smeared with peanut butter. Peanut butter toast was her all time favorite breakast.
"I'll be down there soon, I'm having breakfast with Audrey now." She ended her call and smiled
"Morning sunshine!" She laughed
"Are you alright?" I asked, laughing in return
"Tony came into the restaurant this morning, asking for a job..."
"Isn't he...?"
"Apparently he needs a part time job."
"Maybe it's just to see you more Lara..." I teased
Her smile widened. But then she hesitated...
"Tony likes smart girls." She argued, pulling a strand of hair nervously.
"You don't know that." I reminded her
"But..."
"We're talking about Tony here, the guy who's never been on a date besides when he took his coworker to his prom."
"Right..." She whispered
She finished her toast and coffee, throwing up her hair into a bun for work. Lara was interested in owning Kings one day, so she always wanted to look semi presentable. But Lara was gorgeous. Long black hair, and grey eyes that sparkled when she was excited. She was selfless, and had taken me in the night Jason was found dead. She'd fought the state court system, along with CPS to get custody of me. It was not a pleasant battle, but she won.
