Chapter 39

Brad was in the middle of a set when Wendy arrived at the Cove. There were no seats available, and as she stood off to the side of the piano bar, she recognized how much she liked the sound of the guitar. At that moment she decided to learn guitar. She pulled out of her vision when a woman she didn’t know stood next to her. Wendy and the woman exchanged smiles.

During his break Wendy spent the entire time talking to the woman next to her named Sue. Sue’s speech was sophisticated, and her clothes elegant. She wore a beautiful cut crystal necklace with matching earrings. She reeked of wealth. They visited on Brad’s next break too and they seemed to have some similar beliefs about politics and the movies out. Sue invited Wendy to join her for dinner the next night. Pleasantly surprised Wendy agreed. She welcomed what could be a new friendship. At Brad’s next break Wendy excused herself from Sue. She was anxious to tell Brad about her decision about guitar lessons.

She waited for him to finish a conversation then asked if she could talk to him. They stepped away from the crowd.

“What’s up?”

“I just wanted to tell you I’m going to take guitar lessons.”

Brad sounded surprised. “Really?”

“Yeah, I thought it might be fun and a challenge. Do you have any advice for me?”

“Just that it will take a lot of practicing.”

“I’ll keep it in mind.”

“But have fun with it,” he emphasized as he went back for his next set.

Wendy mentioned her idea of guitar lessons to Sue. Sue nodded but didn’t have time to say anything as two bar stools opened up and they moved to them as Brad began his next set.

Halfway through the set Wendy left in an upbeat mood. For the first time in a long time Wendy made a new friend and looked forward to dinner with Sue.

The women met at Francisco’s, an Italian restaurant. Red velvet fabric acted as dividers between the booths. Black candle holders with red candles stood out on the red and black plaid tablecloths. They were escorted to a corner booth, great for quiet conversations.

Wendy read through the menu. Sue seemed to already know what she wanted. The prices were exorbitant, which wasn’t a surprise to Wendy. They ordered their drinks and dinners.

“I like this place,” Wendy said as she admired the restaurant from her corner of the booth.

“Yeah, I like it a lot. So, how long have you known Brad?”

“It’s been. . .” Wendy had to think back, “almost two years. I first heard him when my friend and I went to Hoffman’s at the Goodman Canal in Venice.”

“I heard he was there a long time.”

“Three years, I believe.”

“You two seeing each other?”

Not a question Wendy hadn’t heard before. She laughed. “No, I just enjoy his music.”

“He does have a lot of women hanging around him, at least from my perspective.”

“You’re right.” Wendy wasn’t sure how to handle this. “However, some women just come to hear him sing and to meet up with friends.” She was curious if Sue’s dinner plan was really to build a friendship or for her to learn about Brad and his women. Wendy looked down admiring her artistically folded napkin.

“Can’t blame them.”