Chapter 24 ~ Rhythm and Blues

This chapter follows South Beach Chapter 30: Objects in Motion

South Beach: Metro Area, Dreamscape Studio ~ Tuesday Afternoon

Beams from the late afternoon sun illuminated the small art studio as Peri absently studied a few pieces she had recently been commissioned to do. Her abstracts had grown in popularity and a local art gallery had approached her about a showing. It would certainly help pass the time with Heydon leaving and the kids starting school.

None of that seemed to matter right now as she contemplated her behavior at Slim's party. Heydon had been right of course; she always seemed to do something outrageous right before he left to tour. She didn't understand why she continually tested him or why she chose Daniel to taunt him. It had been an egregious error in judgment on her part, there was no doubt of that.
Peri knew she had gone too far and prayed that Heydon would forgive her this time. Catching sight of her reflection she studied her face with a seeming detachment. She was pretty, she knew that, but underneath the dazzle was a frightened, insecure girl. If it was reassurance that she needed, why had she chosen such a destructive way to get it, she wondered?
The soft jingling of the bell on the studio door brought her back to reality and sighing she turned to see who had entered. "What are you doing here?" Peri walked toward him purposefully.
"Thought I might commission a few pieces for my place; it could use your artistic touch," Daniel's smooth voice sent chills along her spine. After all this time, she was still affected by his charms, especially when he was sober. Stepping back, Peri answered, "That really isn't a good idea Danny; you shouldn't be here at all, not after the other day."

Laughing, Daniel admired a few paintings, "Oh come on Peri, and I'm not going to jump you. You made it clear at Slim's that you don't want me anymore." Turning once more his eyes filled with regret, "That doesn't mean we can't be friends, does it? We used to be real good friends."

Daniel approached her slowly. "Damn him," she thought, "why does he make me feel this way?" Barely able to speak, he was so close to her now, she whispered, "Danny please don't do this."

"Jesus, Peri do you have any idea how much I regret that day? Regret losing you?" Drawing her close, Daniel buried his face in her silky blonde hair inhaling the delicate essence he remembered as though it was yesterday. "I haven't been the same man since then Peri. I've tried, believe me, I've tried to go on like we were never together but I can't fill that void."

Her anger rising, Peri pushed him away, "No Daniel. I love Heydon. I made my choice a long time ago. Please, you have to move on! I deeply regret flirting with you at Slim's. I just may have ruined my marriage because of it!"

Turning away she begged him, "Just go Danny; leave me be."

Daniel stood there rocked to his core as though he lost her all over again. "After all this time, after everything I have done to show you I've changed, you still can't see it? I know you love me Peri," his voice was thick with emotion.

Wheeling around Peri threw him a scathing look, "You've changed? Don't be ridiculous! I will never forgive you and I will never forget Daniel!" She let out a short laugh, "Maybe I torment you to continually punish you, did you ever think of that?"

"That's not who you are Peri," his voice trailed off sadly. Unable to face her anymore, Daniel turned and headed toward the door, stopping only when she spoke once more, "Get some help with your drinking Danny. Find a decent girl; move on. It's no use looking back anymore."






Bay View:Market Street, Romero Apartment ~ Wednesday Morning

His last night before leaving was nothing like what he had hoped. Tyler spent a difficult night unable to sleep. Between the throbbing in his hand and the empty bed…maybe he would have time for a coffee at the airport at least.

Flexing his hand slightly, he winced. Still, it had been worth it for his own self satisfaction if nothing else, and he wouldn't need it at 100% for a few days. Tyler left his apartment building and stepped out into the bright morning.

The cab driver had already come for his bags. All that was left was for him to get in and take off. His future lay before him and yet it still felt lacking. Hesitating, he stared down the empty street. He hadn’t expected Amanda to show up, and he wasn't sure what he would have done if she had.

"Forget it," he grumbled to himself. "Don't look back, man, let it go." "You ready to go Mr. Romero?" the cab driver called from behind the wheel. Yeah, he was ready. Wanted this since he could remember.

Turning, Tyler stepped into the cab and easing into the seat, looked ahead.

South Beach:Hillside, Whitney Residence ~ Wednesday Morning

Daniel paced back and forth, restless and edgy until he finally stopped in front of an oil painting he had purchased from Peri's gallery. Squeezing his eyes shut he ran through their encounter from the previous afternoon. No matter how he tried to spin it, the outcome was always the same. She didn't believe he had changed or ever would.

And it was the truth. He had done nothing to rectify the hurt he caused her all those years ago. Maybe it didn't matter anymore. Maybe she would never see past the folly his life has been since she left him. Reaching toward the cell phone that lay on his bed, he began to dial.

Sucking in a deep breath, he began to speak, "Hello Shana; it's Danny. Yeah, a long time…listen, we're going to be in your area in a few weeks. I'd like to meet…I'll call you when we're close."



A light rain was still falling from the few remaining clouds while the sun began to slowly and relentlessly burst through. As he made his way to the limo parked in front of his home, Daniel felt hopeful for the first time in years.

South Beach:Central Loop, O'Malley Residence ~ Wednesday Morning

Smiling gently, Lakin stood quietly in the archway and watched as Aidan's reflection smiled back at her. "I didn't want to wake you until I was just about ready to leave," he softly spoke.

Out of all the band members, Aidan was the quiet one, gentle and sweet but that was what appealed most to Lakin. What you saw was what you got with Aidan. Carefully slipping his hands around her waist, Aidan pulled her in close as Lakin's hand slid slowly down the length of his silky ponytail. Chuckling softly he teased, "I might just cut it off while we're on the road…what do you think?"

"I think you could shave your head and I would still think you were the hottest guy out there." Moving her hand along his arm she whispered, I'm going to miss you like crazy Aidan." Drawing her in close he responded by lightly kissing her nose, "When we get to a venue where there's downtime in between shows, I thought you could fly out." Lakin's face lit up, "I'd like that a lot."

As Aidan's bass guitar knocked against his back, he made his way down to the limo, mentally running through their itinerary hoping that opportunity would present itself soon.


South Beach:North Peninsula, Mitchell Residence ~ Wednesday Morning

Peri smoothed the shoulder of Heydon's silk vest as she asked what time his flight was again. "How many times are you going to ask me that Peri?" he responded in a flat tone. "I just thought maybe we could spend some time together before you leave, like we always do," she cooed. "But this isn't like the other times Peri. I can't just pretend things are fine anymore."

Bouncing almost breathlessly into her parents' room, Cadence smiled at her father, her eyes dancing with excitement, "Daddy, the limousine is here!" As Heydon returned his daughter's smile, Peri gasped slightly, wanting more time to make things right before her husband left.

Taking Cadence's delicate hands in his, Heydon spoke, his voice a soothing, deep bass, "You behave for your mom sweetheart and remember our deal about the car. I'm a phone call or an email away if you need me and I want to hear from you often." Cadence studied her father for a long moment. His face was drawn, weary; she had never realized how hard it was for him to leave them until now. She didn't understand why, but her heart felt a little like it was breaking.

Reaching for her, Heydon smiled reassuringly, "Now come here and give your old man a big squeeze. I'll miss you pumpkin."

As Cadence ran back down the stairs, Heydon turned once more to his wife and, taking her hand, said, "I'll call you baby. I gotta go."


Bay View:Southern Coast, Holloway Residence ~ Wednesday Morning

Shaun had been walking on clouds since Stevie had proposed to him. Chuckling at the thought, he murmured softly, "Are you ready gorgeous?"

The cabbie had taken their bags already. One last look around and they headed for the car.









Shaun reached for the door and then hesitated, turned toward Stevie and smiled. Pulling her close he wrapped his hands in her thick hair as Stevie allowed her hands to roam the broad expanse of Shaun's back and shoulders.

"I love you Stevie; I've always loved you," Shaun's eyes were lit with joy a reflection of the feelings in his heart.

Stevie lovingly gazed back and whispered, "I love you to Shaun. We should probably get moving. We'll be cutting it close…"

South Beach:Northern Shore, Stanfield Residence ~ Wednesday Morning

Cooper pulled Rayne close and closed his eyes as warm hands encircled his neck. He breathed her in; she smelled fresh, always fresh, like the damp air after a spring shower. His little Rayne Drop. Beth stood arms folded as myriad emotions rushed over her.
Memorizing every single thing about his daughter, Cooper sighed.
"Don’t you grow up before I get back, baby girl.” Rainie kicked her sandaled feet, giggling.

“Da!” she laughed again, clutching at Cooper’s t-shirt with one small hand. He held onto her, stroking her hair, so much like his own. “That’s right sweetie. And Daddy loves you.”

He set her gently on the floor, kissing the top of her head, while Rainie continued to babble. About the only clear word apart from Da was something that sounded like bug. And probably was bug. “Don’t eat any more bugs,” Cooper whispered.

“I love you,” he murmured. “I want you to come with me. Both of you. You know that.” Twining her fingers in his hair, so hard to keep from breaking down, crying, which she was not going to do to him, Beth whispered, “I love you back Coop.”

“Da!” Behind them, Rainie beat her feet on the floor insistently, demanding. “Da!”

“I’ll call you as soon as I get there. You’re going to be at the beach house?”

That whole unsettling experience at Ryan’s house came flooding back, along with a surge of emotion, overwhelming love, and anger – how had she ever thought about anyone but Cooper. “I’ll be there,” she assured him. “I’ll be waiting for you. Nobody else. Ever.”

Beth picked up Rainie, who protested, still trying to get to Cooper. It was so hard to watch him walk away. Fighting it, she bounced her daughter on her hip, telling her quietly, “He’ll be back, sugar. He will.”

South Beach:Coastside International Airport ~ Wednesday Late Morning

The limos delivered their passengers to the airport as the airport valets began the process of checking and loading the luggage. While the band members each waited, lost in their own thoughts, Slim approached Cooper. "It's going to seem a little strange staying behind. Who's going to scope out the best bars and keep your ass in line if I'm not there?" Slim joked.

Laughing, Cooper responded, "Don't worry I'll wait until you get there to raise hell. And I promise I can keep my own ass in line but it does seem a little strange. Anyway, you'll be there in a week with Rafe and Stevie's backup so it won't be that long."

In typical fashion, the rain clouds that had threatened to open up all day had finally let loose as a mild shower began to fall. As the others headed inside the terminal, Cooper and Slim turned to make sure the last bags were being managed when they saw Tyler exit his cab and stroll toward them. "I wonder where Shaun and Stevie are," Slim mused, "they're cutting it pretty close."

"Is everything all right?" Cooper asked him, remembering his first tour and the bundle of nerves he had been. Tyler directed his eyes at Cooper as he slid his hand slightly behind his muscular thigh. "It's fine; I just need a large cup of coffee. All my stuff is in storage and I didn't have time to get one," he answered. "Don't wander too far, Tyler; the plane will be leaving soon," Slim cautioned, "assuming your band mates get here in the next few minutes."

On cue, Shaun and Stevie arrived breathless and nearly giddy. "That was cutting it close," Slim grumbled, "where the hell have you two been?" Shaun was uncharacteristically animated as he blurted, "Sorry we had an important stop to make on the way to the airport! It couldn't be helped." Turning toward Cooper he announced, "Stevie and I got married!" Cooper's face lit up, "Congratulations man! That's great news!"

Two long strides and Cooper was enveloping Stevie in a warm embrace. "I'm really happy for you Stevie, for both of you," he spoke softly in her ear as he continued to hug her, "Shaun is a lucky guy." Smiling, Stevie choked back her emotions and responded, "I'm the lucky one Cooper, believe me." Interrupting, Slim urged them, "You've got to get on that plane before the rain gets any heavier Coop."



Hurrying out to the tarmac they approached the private jet quickly as the rain relentlessly pelted them. Tyler looked up at the plane that carried their gear as it flew overhead toward their first destination. This was it, the realization of dreams, new beginnings, second chances, and difficult separations.








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NEXT CHAPTER: South Beach Chapter 31