AJ pushed her gl
asses up onto her nose for the hundredth time that morning. She was stressing over her to do list. She had one item left to handle and it was intimidating her. Ever since KT had met Angela, she had been avoiding anything concerning HERO’s benefit. She couldn’t put it off any longer. She needed to get Angela’s approval for the entertainment. She had three bands to audition that evening. She had been putting it off, hoping that Angela would be too busy to attend the auditions. She groaned when she picked up the phone to call her.
“This is Angela.” She answered wearily.
“Hey, Angela. It’s AJ.” AJ found herself twirling the phone cord around her fingers. “It’s after five, why are you still at the office?”
“My work here never seems to be done. It’s a labor of love. And I’ve got something to prove.”
“You are so determined…” AJ felt herself getting sidetracked. “Listen, I know you have a lot going on already, but I’m auditioning 3 of the bands for the benefit. I understand if you don’t have time-“
“I’d be glad to help you.” Seven interrupted. “When and where?”
AJ gave her the particulars before they ended their phone call. “It’ll be nice to put a face to your voice, Angela.”
“You mean Seven.”
“No, I meant Angela.” She could hear Angela smiling as she hung up the phone.
AJ was seated at a small table in an empty club she had arranged to use for the auditions. She sat at a table in the back with a clear view of the stage.
When Angela entered the club, she immediately spotted AJ. She was bouncing her head to a drum solo, her brown hair was sliding around her head looking as shiny as glass. She was small, it was obvious even though she was seated. Angela had a thing for petite women. She gave herself a mental shake. Let’s keep this business, Angela thought.
AJ felt like someone was watching her. She looked up and saw Angela standing across the room. Their eyes met and despite herself, she blushed. It was Angela’s eyes that stayed with her, long after she lowered her gaze and pretended to be interested in her pink heels. They were the brightest shade of green she had every seen. KT had green eyes, but they didn’t seem as exotic as Angela’s. She knew when Angela had settled at the table across from her. The scent of vanilla floated under her nose.
She extended her hand, “You must be Angela.” Angela took her hand and held it a bit longer than was necessary. Her hands were warm and soft.
“Seven. Nice to meet you, AJ.” She turned around to look at the stage. “What do we have going on here?”
“The first band is just warming up.” She pointed to a bottle of Chardonnay that sat between them. She poured herself a glass and topped off AJ’s. When the first band took announced they were ready, Angela joined AJ on the other side of the table for a better view. There arms were barely touching, but Angela felt flames.
AJ kept stealing glances out of the corner of her eye. She could picture herself burying her hands through her brown hair. She wanted to count the freckles that seemed to disappear inside her cleavage.
Angela stood up after a few minutes ease the fire she felt burning. The band was playing something up tempo and she felt her body move with the beat. The combination of the music and the wine had Angela feeling loose and relaxed. Much more relaxed than she had felt in days. She executed a small spin and found AJ right next to her, arms up in the air and hips gyrating. I have to have her, her mind said. AJ reached out for Angela’s hand and they danced.
The band switched to playing something slow. Angela had images of lifting AJ off her feet and pressing her body against hers and grinding slow and easy. AJ dropped Angela’s hand quickly and averted her eyes.
Grinding…in public…even with the sexiest of women was not good business. This is your career you’re talking about, Seven, she spoke to herself. Cut this short before you lose your cool.
“I think I’ve seen enough. I’ve got a million things to do.” Angela began to gather her things as she prepared to leave. “I trust your taste. Just make sure you get the information to Kaycee so she can add that to the promotional items.”
“I’ll call her tonight and let her know who I’ve chosen. I’ll give her your best.”
“Don’t bother…” Angela said as she walked away from AJ.
