Fool That I Am Read online

  Taking a sip of her drink, Lana replied, “Well, I can think of one thing, but this is definitely a close second!”

  Billie laughed lightly at the younger woman’s wiggling eyebrows. “You must have had better luck than I have, then. I can’t remember ever having sex that was better than that massage earlier.”

  Lana goggled at her comically. “Oh, Valerie! I don’t know if I should feel sorry for you, or book your masseuse! What about Daniel?”

  Billie could have slapped herself upside the head for opening her big mouth. However, Lana had proven to be honest and refreshingly open about her life with Billie the last two days, so she decided to return the favor. “Daniel and I are taking things slowly, so I can’t use him as a comparison. Even at this stage in my life, I have very little experience in that area. I met my ex-husband when we were still in high school, so he was my first and only up until our divorce three years ago. In that time, there have been a few others, but nothing I would call earth-shattering.”

  Lana cast pitying eyes on her. “I’m so sorry to hear that, Val. Now I kind of feel like a slut, because I’m already in the double digits and I’m just twenty-three years old. Maybe Daniel will be the one to finally show you what all the fuss is about! I know plenty of women that would love to find out for sure,” she said with a saucy wink.

  Billie didn’t take any offense at the perky woman’s words. Actually, she kind of hoped that the younger girl was right. The only thing that scared her was that she had only felt that all-consuming passion once in her life: when she had been pulled into Sam’s arms that fateful night all those weeks ago. No matter how many kisses and embraces she shared with Daniel, it never came close to making her feel like she had that one time with Sam. Oh, her heart beat faster and she enjoyed his caresses, but they didn’t set her on fire. That was just fine with Billie, though. That kind of emotion couldn’t be controlled or predicted. What she had with Daniel was reliable and steadfast. At least she wouldn’t be left devastated if things didn’t work out between them. She could make it out relatively unscathed.

  Somehow that thought didn’t sit as well with her as it should have as she spent another quiet evening in Daniel’s company, this time sitting in a jazz club sipping wine and meeting new people. She really liked him as a person and could tell he liked her, too. That could be enough, couldn’t it? She didn’t have to have the fireworks and chemistry, did she? No, she didn’t need that in her life. She’d had enough drama and heartache to last her three lifetimes. This was better. Daniel was steady and reliable. He was safe. Yet even that thought brought her little comfort as she lay in her bed that night and thought of someone else.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  “Dude, I still can’t believe you scored us two tickets to get into The Silver Knight!” Chad exclaimed for what seemed like the millionth time.

  Derrick nodded absently, not caring to reply again as he pulled his black Dodge pickup into the valet parking. After handing off the keys to a young, liveried employee wearing black and silver, Sam and Chad made their way into the club and followed the well-dressed crowd toward the double doors marked “The Platinum King.” Both men were dressed to the nines with Chad sporting a rented tux, paid for by Sam, of course, and Sam wearing a tailored, designer suit that he purchased just for this occasion. He had even allowed his mother to give him a proper haircut, too, so that he would blend better with the wealthy crowd. Chad, always hyper-aware of his appearance, was already flashing his charming smile at any woman who looked his way.

  When they reached the doors of the club, he gave his name to the beautiful blonde-haired woman with a list and she directed them to their table. He couldn’t help but be impressed by the sheer elegant atmosphere of the place. With the round tables set up on a tiered decline toward the stage, it reminded him of all the Rat Pack movies he had watched as a kid. The staff had done a wonderful job decorating the room with festive greenery, red poinsettias, twinkling lights, and centerpieces of holly wreaths with a large, red pillar candles flickering with soft light. The crowded room held a definite air of festivity as the rich and powerful talked, laughed, drank, and ate.

  Sam and Chad found themselves sitting at a large round table with several other people that greeted them with friendly encouragement to introduce themselves. It wasn’t long before Sam was deep in conversation with another man at the table who owned a large architectural firm in Louisville. They discussed the state of construction since the recession and how Worthington Construction was a growing firm until Sam ended up with a business card and a promise from the man to contact him the next time a bid was on the table. Chad, meanwhile, had managed to charm his way into the good graces of one of the cougars at the table who had diamonds dripping from her throat, wrist, and fingers. Sam tried not to roll his eyes at his friend’s obvious ploy to butter up a rich, older woman.

  Before he knew it, dinner was being served and he devoured every bite of the succulent beef tenderloin, white cheddar scalloped potatoes, and fresh green beans with almond slivers. The conversation was engaging, the food delicious, and the drinks free-flowing and ice cold. In fact, Chad was well on his way to being soused as he polished off his third Jack and Coke. Since he knew he had to drive, Sam took it easy and sipped his drink slowly before switching to regular soda. Plus, he wanted to be sober enough to keep Chad from showing his ass if he got too drunk.

  Promptly at eight, the club lights were lowered even more, and a wave of anticipation went through the crowd as the spotlight shone on the old-fashioned microphone stand in the center of the stage. At this signal, a suave man that could have stepped off the pages of GQ squeezed through the curtains and approached the mic.

  With a wide grin and self-deprecating wave to the crowd when a few wolf-whistles and clapping broke out, the man addressed them, “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to The Platinum King for our first annual Christmas Gala benefiting St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital!”

  At this, the crowd broke into excited applause with more whistling and cheers. “For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Daniel Petrosky and I am the owner of this fine establishment. Tonight, we have some of your favorite club performers on the stage for a very special show. First, we’ll start the evening with the ethereal and haunting melodies sung by Lana St. John!” Daniel paused for more clapping and cheers. Pausing for another moment to build up the excitement, he continued, “Then prepare yourselves for our favorite crooner and lady-swooner, Johnny Bello!” After this announcement, many of the women in the crowd cheered loudly and clapped. “Finally, by popular demand, we will close our show with the newest performer, the sexy and soulful Valerie Jones!” he belted. Wild applause, cheers, hoots, and whistles split the air causing Sam and Chad to look around with consternation.

  When the noise had died down some, Daniel continued, “As usual, we have the hugely talented Marcus and the Move Kings in the house tonight to accompany our singers. We hope that everyone enjoys the show and please feel free to dance, sing along, and most importantly, have a wonderful time.”

  Applause thundered across the club as he exited the stage. The heavy red velvet curtains were pulled back to reveal a large stage with a full band including a baby grand piano, drum set, guitars, brass section, and even a few strings. The crowd grew hushed with an expectant feel as a petite, pixie of a woman wearing a strapless, green sequined gown stood frozen in the middle of the stage with her eyes closed. Very softly, one of the band members began to play on a violin while a percussionist gently set the chimes to dancing. Suddenly, her head lifted, her eyes opened to reveal pale blue irises surrounded with long lashes, and she began to sing, “Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright,” as her pure, clear voice cut through the last of the murmurs in the crowd. She held them spellbound for several moments as she slowly walked over to the piano and began to play along with the song. Sam had chills running up his spine and Chad’s eyes were riveted to where she sat at the piano. After that song, she pl
ayed more modern fare along the lines of Norah Jones, Sarah McLachlan, and Alicia Keys. Her voice and her performance gave the feeling of warmth, love, and innocence that drew people in and captured their attention. The younger crowd especially seemed to enjoy her since her music was more familiar to them. In between songs, she spoke eagerly and quickly with her eyes crinkling with her smile.

  After much applause and many different songs, she addressed the crowd. “I want to thank all of you so much for your support and efforts in contributing to the children’s hospital. It was my pleasure to entertain you this evening, but now we are down to my last song,” she said, smiling prettily when many of the audience members groaned audibly. “This is one of my very favorite Christmas songs,” she continued, her fingers stroking the keys reverently. “Please welcome our next performer, Johnny Bello, to the stage so he can sing with me!”

  Wild cries rose from the crowd as a tall, older man dressed in a retro tuxedo strolled out onto the stage to join her by her piano. He waved gallantly, flashing his startlingly white teeth in a wide grin. When the crowd quieted, Lana continued to play as they jointly began to sing, “Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum, a newborn king to see, pa rum pum pum pum…” After the chorus, Johnny continued to softly sing the same words as Lana’s crystal voice rose above his to sing, “Peace on Earth, can it be, years from now, perhaps we’ll see…” Marcus and Move Kings played along until the melody swelled at the bridge. When they finished the song, the club erupted in wild applause as Lana approached the middle of the stage, curtsied, and blew kisses to the audience.

  After she had exited the stage, Johnny approached the mic and took several moments to speak to the crowd, flirt with the ladies, and toast the men before he gave Marcus the cue to begin. At the band director’s cue, they began to play a familiar tune. Sam smiled in anticipation as he began to sing, “How lucky can one guy be, I kissed her and she kissed me, like a fella once said, ain’t that a kick in the head…” The women went wild as he swaggered and crooned, winked and blew kisses, all while portraying every stereotype of Rat Pack Italian heartthrob from the tumbler of scotch in his hand to the fedora on his head. Sam had to admit that he was quite good and did all the old songs justice, especially when he filled the dance floor while crooning Strangers in the Night. Chad eagerly took advantage of the lovely “hostesses” that strolled around the room and had already partnered with three different women while swaying across the floor. Sam politely declined several offers from the women employed by the club, but did take a spin with an older woman from his table when her gray-haired husband nodded off during Volare.

  After about 45 minutes of hit songs, Johnny began to wind down. Sam was having a great time and Chad was now fully into his cups, but so far he had managed to not embarrass himself or Sam…yet. After another few moments flirting with the crowd, Johnny said, “Folks, it’s been pure magic being with you tonight. For my final number, I would like to sing a little Christmas song for you, but I think I may need some help. What do you say we bring Valerie Jones out to sing it with me?” Loud, thunderous applause, sharp whistles, and even a few shouts greeted his words. Laughing roguishly, Johnny winked and said, “I know just how you feel, fellas. Not only is she beautiful, but she sings like a dream, too. Please welcome to the stage, Miss Valerie Jones!”

  The band struck up a song as Sam’s pulse inexplicably began to speed up. The noise level increased as a stunning, curvaceous woman with long waves of shiny brunette hair sashayed onto the stage. She was wearing a form-hugging red halter dress with a plunging neckline studded with crystal-cut gems, a wide band of the same gems forming a band underneath her breasts, yet leaving most of her back, shoulders, and arms completely bare. The dress was long, trailing on the stage, but a slit traveled all the way up to mid-thigh giving stealthy glimpses of her long, tanned leg and sparkling silver heels. Her eyes were smoky dark and her lipstick and fingernails were a matching red to her dress and a fortune in diamonds dangled from her earlobes. She was sex on heels as she waved at the crowd, and she was also very familiar.

  As Valerie Jones began sing “I really can’t stay” and Johnny answered, “But baby, it’s cold outside”, Sam sat in stunned silence. Chad had no such problem. With slurred incredulity, he exclaimed, “What the fuck is Billie doing on the stage?”

  Burt Coomer, the architect at their table, leaned closer to Sam and said, “She’s amazing, isn’t she? This is the third time I’ve heard her perform and she still makes my jaw drop, too.”

  Sam snapped his mouth closed and watched in awe as the woman he’d loved for years became a different person on the stage. Valerie Jones was a sultry tease as her bedroom voice mixed naturally with that of the crooner. She cut her eyes at Johnny, ran her hand along his chest, and even leaned back against him to look up at him in invitation. Gazing around the audience, he took in the enraptured, lustful eyes of the male, and even a few female, audience members until his eyes landed on a familiar face. Across the room, he could see Connie Vasquez running her foot up the leg of some guy that looked like he just stepped out of the octagon. He should have known she would be here.

  The enthusiastic applause of the audience as Johnny made his exit finally seemed to snap him out of his shock. As “Valerie” began to sing (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, he turned to Chad who was downing the last of his drink without ever taking his eyes from the stage.

  “If she had ever looked like that while we were still married, I would have never cheated on her,” he slurred drunkenly.

  Before Sam could rebuke him or defend her in any way, the cougar that Chad had flirted with earlier leaned in closer to him and said, “Wait a minute. Did you just say that you used to be married to Valerie Jones?”

  “No,” Sam said at the same time Chad said, “Yes.” They glared at each other for several moments before Chad drunkenly scooted his chair closer to the woman’s. In a false whisper, he slurred, “But her name isn’t really Valerie Jones.”

  A bright gleam of fierce curiosity sparked in her eyes as she replied, “I don’t believe we were properly introduced. My name is Tanya Delaney and I would love to buy you another drink, Mr….?”

  Chad stifled a burp before replying, “Hardesty. Chad Hardesty, at your service, madam,” he grinned smarmily as she flagged down a waitress.

  Sam felt his blood pressure begin to climb as he stood up and stalked away from the table in search of answers.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  As Sam crossed the darkened room toward his goal, the sound of Billie’s silky voice filled his ears. “I am so honored to be here with you all this evening. This charity is near and dear to my heart and I urge each of you to continue to give after tonight.” She paused as the crowd applauded before continuing, “This next song I’m going to sing is one of my favorite Etta James songs. Everyone has had that one unrequited love in their life, am I right?” A wave of agreeable murmurs reached her on the stage and she smiled conspiratorially. “Well, nothing makes a greater fool of us all than love.”

  As the strings began to play a slow melody, Sam stopped at the table and leaned down to catch Connie’s eye. “May I have this dance?”

  Connie’s eyes widened comically as she recognized the towering man standing over her. “Ay Dios mío! What are you doing here, Samuel?” she exclaimed, automatically standing to face him.

  “More to the point, what is she doing here?” he growled, his thumb pointing at the goddess on stage crooning “Fool that I am, for falling in love with you...”

  Connie’s date stood up, too, and though he didn’t stand as tall as Sam, he was just as wide and meaner-looking. Wrapping his muscled arm around the Latina beauty, he addressed the newcomer. “We gonna have a problem here, Mr. Garrett?”

  That brought Sam up short. “How do you know my name? Who are you anyway?”

  “My name is Hank Nelson and I’m the chief of security for this club. I make it my business to know who our guests are,” he replied, his voice cold and th
reatening.

  Rolling her eyes, Connie placed her hand against her date’s bulging chest. “It’s okay, papi. Sam is my friend. I will give him a dance and come straight back to you, okay?” she cooed, giving him teasing kisses across his jawline.

  Hank nodded sharply, never breaking eye contact with Sam. Sam understood the unspoken threat and nodded back while taking Connie’s hand and leading her a short distance away to the dance floor. Leaving an acceptable amount of distance between their bodies, he held onto her waist as she draped her hands up and around his thick neck. Even though he had a thousand questions, he couldn’t seem to take his eyes off Billie and the maddening glimpse of her leg.

  Connie spoke first. “How come you are here, Samuel? Please tell me you did not bring that puta Renata with you,” she threatened him.

  His attention snapped back to her and his eyebrows lowered in annoyance. “Of course I didn’t bring her. We broke up months ago. I told Billie that. And my boss gave me these tickets, so I brought Chad.”

  Connie glared at him, shooting metaphorical daggers of fire out of her eyes at him. “You are so dense. Why do you keep choosing that loser over her? I see the way you look at her like you want to rip her clothes from her body, yet you keep pushing her away because of that bastardo? What is the matter with you?”

  Sam blinked as he tried to think of how to respond. “It’s complicated, alright, Connie? I’ve been friends with Chad forever and Billie is his ex-wife. That’s not a line I can just cross.”

  “Why not?” she demanded. “What does Chad do for you that’s so great? He mooches your money, uses you for everything, and throws you under the buses if he thinks it will save his neck. Now look on that stage and see what you are giving up for such devotion. She is a wonderful person who has been in love with you for years-“