as a performer. She often dropped in to surprise Scott Sanders with an impromptu jam session with his in-house band, led by vocalist Eli Waverly and drummer Shelton Innes. Still, the fact that Scottieâs was located less than ten minutes from her home, was Kiantiâs favorite thing about the club.
Having a close friendship with the drummer was a plus as well. Shelton Innes recognized her as part of theaudience one evening shortly after Kianti had started attending the groupâs performances several years earlier. He kept the spotlight on her until she had accepted his offer to join them on stage. The set was one of her fondest memories, and she and Shelton had been the best of friends ever since. It was Shelton who pulled Kianti onboard in the collaboration for the school that several other musicians hoped to open for musically gifted kids.
Kianti often made a point of stopping in to chat with the group after sheâd been out of town performing. She waited a few nights to make an appearance there following her return from Washington. Sheâd come prepared to perform and the group didnât hesitate to demand her presence on stage shortly after she arrived at Scottieâs that evening.
The group was in the midst of a mellow albeit affecting session when Therin arrived at the club. It wasnât hard finding her address. Heâd arrived only to find her on her way out. Thankfully, it hadnât been too difficult to follow her to the club that was only a short distance away. Now what? he asked himself while claiming a seat at the bar in hopes of keeping himself somewhat shielded from her line of sight. He took a seat near the end of the bar figuring Kianti wouldnât notice him there. He wondered whether sheâd even notice him at all. They really hadnât had all that much time together. Thinking on that, he couldnât ignore the question that had been plaguing him since he headed south instead of north to Canada upon leaving Washington State. Exactly what was he doing there?
He decided it was best not to seek an answer on thatyet. Therin only knew that Kianti Lawrence had him curious and he wanted to find out more.
Bringing fist to chin, he settled in to observe her behind the glossy black piano. The animated look on her rich cinnamon-toned face, as she talked with the members of the group, brought a smile to Therinâs face. No doubt she was a lovely thing to look at. He wondered how much of that played into her success, though no one could argue against her talent.
Therin recalled their breakfast conversation then and the relaxing mood heâd sensed surrounding her. He remembered the feel of her small foot when heâd held it and grinned on the memory. Heâd never enjoyed breakfast or a conversation more.
The set was nearing its end, tugging Therin from his reverie as he once again observed her with the bandâespecially the drummer. It was clear that they were close, which had him smiling but not in a completely amused way. He thought back to her entourageâthe four men whoâd given him the distinct impression that theyâd lay down their lives for her. How could they not feel that way? he queried silently as the muscle twitched along his jawbone when her drummer friend pulled her in for a hug.
Get the hell out of here, Therin, he warned himself. He should go before she had any idea he was near. An involvement like this would never work. He lived in Canada, for Peteâs sake! Watching her near the stage and chatting away, Therinâs grim expression vanished and a smile emerged.
âCould I bring you anything, sir?â
Therin looked up at the young woman whoâd approached the table. She held a pen poised over the small round tray she carried.
âIâd like to have a drink sent over to the pianist.â He nodded slowly toward the stage.
The waitress smiled while jotting down the instruction. âShall I tell Ms. Lawrence
Bret Witter, Luis Carlos Montalván