The music cuts through my sleep and I open my eyes slightly, adjusting to the darkened room. I recognise the song and smile softly. I close my eyes and see my dad sitting beside me in the darkness, humming the song.
"It’s late in the evening she’s wondering what clothes to wear
She puts on her make up and brushes her long blonde hair
And then she asks me “do I look alright?”
And I say “yes, you look wonderful tonight”..."
I realise it’s not my dad who’s playing the song and quickly sit up. I look around the room to find where the music is coming from and locate a small stereo by the door.
"We go to a party and everyone turns to see
This beautiful lady that’s walking around with me
And then she asks me “do you feel alright?”
And I say “yes, I feel wonderful tonight”
I feel wonderful because I see the love light in your eyes
And the wonder of it all is that you just don’t realise
How much I love you..."
I climb out of bed and walk over to it. There’s a card on top of it. I pick it up and carry it back to the bed, slipping under the covers again as I read it.
"It’s time to go home now and I’ve got an aching head
So I give her the car keys, she helps me to bed
And then I tell her as I turn out the light
I say “my darling, you were wonderful tonight”
Oh my darling, you were wonderful tonight..."
The card and the song are from Nick. The note is pretty brief. “Starr, hope you feel better soon. Figured this song might help you. Nick.” I sigh and slip the card underneath my pillow. It isn’t much but at least he remembered the song. That makes me feel better. Dumb as it may sound.
A day later, I’m feeling a lot better. Twenty-four hours drifting in and out of sleep had done wonders for my flu. I still feel kinda weak but nowhere near as bad as before. I rejoin the group plus Brian’s wife Leighanne, who has joined the tour for a week, in the hotel restaurant. They’re all sat around the table eating. They surround me when I walk in, giving me hugs and asking how I feel. AJ pulls out a chair for me and Nick hands me a glass of juice.
I smile at him and murmur so that no one else hears, “Thanks for the song.”
“No problem,” he smiles.
Before I can say anything else, Clare and Faye, another dancer, walk in. They grab pieces of fruit and pull chairs up to the table. Clare manoeuvres herself in-between Nick and I. Faye sits between Howie and AJ.
“What’re you doin’ tonight Nick?” asks Clare touching his arm.
He shrugs. “Uh, I dunno. Chillin’ I guess.”
“Come out with me then!” she smiles happily at him. “Me and Faye are goin’ to a club nearby. It’s supposed to be wicked.”
“Yeah?” Nick carries on eating.
“So? Will you come?”
“Uh…” Nick glances at me and I busy myself in examining my glass. “Sure. Thanks Clare.”
“Great! We’ll have the BEST time,” she giggles.
I turn to Leighanne and Brian as Nick, Clare and Faye start discussing their night. “It’s good to meet you Leighanne. I’m Starr.”
She smiles. “Hi Starr. I’ve heard lots of good things ‘bout you already. My fellow Atlantan!”
I laugh. “From beneath…”
“The sea!” we both finish off my sentence and start laughing while Brian and Kevin look totally bemused.
“Atlantis? The city under the sea?” Leighanne tries to explain but fails miserably. “Ah it’s a local joke.”
“Ok…” says Kevin slowly.
“I gave up a while back,” says Brian with a grin.
“My old math teacher used to use Atlantis in our equations,” I tell them. “Mr Ryan would always go on and on ‘bout that damn movie.”
“Mr Ryan?!” Leighanne sounds excited. “Did you go to St Patrick’s?”
“Yeah!” I stare at her. “Did you?”
“Yeah! Oh wow! Small world!” She grabs Brian’s arm excitedly. “Starr went to my high school!”
“Really? Wow,” he grins. “Were you guys ever there together?”
“How old are you Starr?”
“I’m 22.”
“Oh, I guess I left before you came then cos I’m 30.” Leighanne starts giggling, “Did you ever have Miss Turner for drama?”
“Oh yeah, I sure did,” I laugh. “I hated her so bad!”
“Me too! Did she do the whole improv thing with you?”
“Yup,” I nod. “I’ll never forget having to push a grocery cart along a mountain top…”
“She made me pretend to shower in a grocery store!”
“She was WEIRD!” I say with a giggle and Leighanne agrees.
“She sounds it,” says Kevin. “Wow, I can’t get over you guys goin’ to the same school.”
“It’s great,” Leighanne grins at me. “Do you like shopping at all Starr?”
“Uh, yeah…” I laugh. “Dumb question!”
“Sorry,” she laughs. “Shall we go someplace tomorrow while the guys are doin’ promo stuff?”
“That would be cool. Thanks Leighanne.”
“Oh call me Leigh please. Leighanne’s quite a mouthful.”
“Ok, Leigh it is,” I grin as Clare and Faye stand up.
“So, you’ll be in the lobby at 8?” Clare asks Nick and he nods. “See you then babes.” She smiles at everyone and the two girls disappear.
“Somebody’s on a promise tonight…” AJ teases Nick who blushes.
“Shut up man.”
“Maybe even a threesome huh?” AJ nudges Nick with a cackle.
“Shut up AJ,” Nick glances at me and I look away. But I hear his whispered words to AJ, “Get off that topic dude, I don’t want to upset Starr. I mean we only split up a month ago…”
“Oops, forgot. Sorry man,” is AJ’s reply.
The thought of Nick trying to spare my feelings cos he thinks I’m in love with him or something makes me real angry. How dare he be so arrogant and patronising? Ok, so I probably DO love him but I’m not gonna let him know that. As far as Nick is concerned I am SO over him.
I smile sweetly at Nick. “Well, I sure hope ya get lucky tonight.”
“Starr…” he stares at me. “It’s not like that. They’re just friends. Not even that I guess.”
“Hey,” I shrug. “No need to get defensive with me. Remember I don’t care.”
A hurt look flits across his face to be replaced by a cold stare. “Sorry, I forgot. I’ll try not to in the future.” He stands up. “Well, I better go pretty myself up for them two ladies,” he drawls making everyone but me laugh. He disappears.
“I better head off myself if I wanna be on time for Polly’s gig,” Howie stands up. “Anyone wanna join?”
“I will. Haven’t heard any of her new stuff yet,” AJ downs his drink and stands up as the rest of us decline Howie’s invitation. The two guys head off.
“I guess I’m gonna go get some sleep,” I yawn. “I still feel pretty tired.”
“That’s what the flu does to ya,” Kevin remarks.
“Sure?” asks Leighanne. “I was about to ask ya to come see Moulin Rouge with us. You too Kev.”
“Cool, I’m on for that,” says Kevin.
“Aw, thanks Leigh but I really AM tired,” I smile at her and we all stand up.
“Ok,” Brian squeezes my hand. “Sleep well.”
“Thanks. Enjoy the film.” I head off to the elevator and my room.