Page 87 of Sangre
“No worries. I was just making sure you’re good. Are the doors locked?”
“Yep. Terry Z always keeps them locked. He’s got millions of dollars in equipment.” She yawned and continued, “I can’t believe I fell asleep. I’m not sure how much longer I can be here. I’ll do one more song since we have the show this weekend, but I don’t want to blow out my voice, you know?”
“I’ll come over and hang with you. I’ve never been in a recording studio, so it should be interesting.”
She smiled. Just hearing his voice made her weak in the knees and breathless. “I’d love for you to see my world.”
“Leaving now. I’ll give you a buzz when I get there.”
She stared at the blank screen for a long time.How am I going to live without him?Putting her hands on the back of her neck, she kneaded the sore muscles.I don’t want to think about that. I’ll just enjoy the time I have before I have to leave.
By the time Sangre arrived, Isla had at least two energy drinks and was raring to go. She sang her heart out, happy that the man she loved was in the booth with Terry Z watching her. The lyrics she’d written about finding each other again and letting go of all the hurt from the past held special meaning now, and she sang them to him, knowing that each time she’d perform the song she’d think of him. He was engraved in her mind, her soul, and her heart.
By the time the recording session ended, the sun had risen and cars dotted the highway past the studio as people made their way into town. Isla jokingly called that time of day “Alina’s rush hour.” In LA, it took her over an hour just to go fifteen miles, and when she told Sangre that, he thought she was exaggerating.
“I’m going to have to drag you to LA for a visit, so you can judge for yourself. I also want to walk on the beach with you at sunset and feel the spray of the ocean air across my face as you hold me close.”How can I go?She shook her head in a vain attempt to rid any sad thoughts.
“That’d be nice,” he said, squeezing her close and kissing her deeply.
When they arrived at her house, bone-weary tiredness curled around all of her limbs, and she didn’t think she’d make it to the back door. The morning air was already warm, indicating that the day would be a scorcher. The whole neighborhood smelled of roses, and the sunlight brought back the greenish hues to all the leaves, plants, and grasses as it ushered in the new day.
“Hi, Isla!” Carly’s cheery voice sounded tinny amid the chirping birds, the shrill droning of cicadas, and the low hum of distant traffic.
“Hey.” She waved at her and the little girl skipped up the driveway. “Getting ready to set up your stand?”
“Daddy’s taking it out of the garage now. I put some more decals on it.” She gripped Isla’s wrist. “Come see.”
Isla turned to Sangre as Carly tugged her along. “Come and see it with me.” She laughed brightly when she saw his are-you-fucking-kidding-me face, but gestured him to follow her nevertheless. Stone-faced, he walked behind, stopping next to her as Colt came over with the folded booth.
“You’re up early,” he said, opening out the stand.
“I’m just coming back from a long recording session.”
“Hi, Isla,” Faith said, coming over to her with Letty in tow.
“Hi. You know Sangre, right?” Faith nodded. “I’ve been at the studio all night, and I’m pretty beat.” She turned to Colt. “Do you know Sangre?”
“Not really.” He glanced at him. “I’ve seen you on your Harley Davidson. Awesome bike.”
Sangre gave him a chin lift.
“Here are the new decals,” Carly said pointing to several lemons making funny faces.
“They’re so cute.” Isla turned to Sangre. “Don’t you think they’re adorable?” She laughed inwardly, knowing how much he hated every minute of mingling with the neighbors.
“We should get back.” He tugged at her upper arm.
“Okay.” As she started to say goodbye, she dug in her purse and took out two orange tickets. “I almost forgot. Here are two VIP vouchers for the band’s show this Saturday at The Rear End.” Carly and Letty giggled and clasped their small hands over their mouths.
“Thank you,” Faith said, her eyes shining. “It’s been forever since Colt and I went out alone.”
“The tickets get you in the door and give you a reserved table. It’ll be a good show. Iris Blue is headlining, but there’s an awesome band from Denver—Immortal Sÿnn—that is direct support, and a local band that’s opening. Oh, the food is pretty decent there too.”
“What do they have?” Colt said, taking the vouchers from his wife.
“Burgers, wings, nachos, soups, salads… stuff like that. The menu is fairly big.” She glanced at Sangre. “You’ve eaten there before and like the food, right?” Jutting out his jaw, he nodded.
“Sounds like a good time. I’ll call around and get a babysitter,” Faith said.
