Page 37 of Prelude of Love
“Morning, superstar,” I called out, watching as he startled at my voice. “You’re up early.”
“I, uh, couldn’t sleep,” he said, playing with the sleeve of his sweater, making him look even younger. “I hoped coffee would help.”
“Aww, someone’s nervous,” Brinley whispered, notquietly enough, earning herself a gentle elbow from Wolfie.
“Do you want what you had yesterday, or are you in the mood to try something different?” I asked.
“Whatever magic you gave me yesterday would be great.”
I grabbed a cup and wrote on it with a flourish. “One Early Special coming right up.”
The bell over the door rang as Red bounced in, his auburn hair catching the morning light. “Early! Save me from death by caffeine withdrawal.”
“Already on it,” I laughed, holding up his cup I’d prepped.
Red sidled up next to Chance, bumping shoulders with him. “Morning, handsome. You’re looking extra cozy today.”
“Thanks.” Chance tugged at his sweater sleeves again. “I figured comfort over style for rehearsal day might help.”
“Rehearsal?” Red’s eyes lit up. “That’s right! You’re filming at Hurly-burly today. Is that why you look like you’re about to jump out of your skin?”
Chance groaned. “Is it that obvious? Shit, if I can’t even act normal here, I’m never going to make it through this movie.”
“You’ll be fine,” Red reassured him, patting Chance’s back. “Why are you worked up? You perform in front of crowds of thousands all the time.”
“That’s different. I know how to be a musician.Acting? That’s unfamiliar territory. What if I mess up and make everyone else look bad?”
“Brinley,” I called over my shoulder, “emergency protocol activated.”
“On it!” She already was pulling out a chocolate chip muffin. “Extra whipped cream coming right up!”
I passed Chance’s and Red’s drinks to them before focusing on the singer. “Listen here, hon. I told you last time, and it’s still true. You got this role because you’re talented. I’ve seen you perform. You know how to command attention and tell a story through song. Acting isn’t so different.”
“But—”
“No buts,” I interrupted, watching Brinley add a mountain of whipped cream to the muffin. “You’re going to take this comfort food, drink your coffee, and remember that you’re Chance fucking Prince. You have more natural charisma in your pinky than most people have in their whole body. Then you’ll go to rehearsals and knock the socks off everyone.”
“It’s true,” Red chimed in, picking up his drink. “You charmed the pants off everyone at the bar, almost literally, sometimes.”
I grinned at the implication. “Duke was more interested than he’s letting on?”
Red’s grin was radiant. “Yeah, he got extra growly yesterday when he dismissed me for an early break to get me away from Chance’s considerable charms.”
That earned a laugh from Chance as Brinley slidthe muffin his way. “Doctor Brinley prescribes sugar and fluff for what ails you. Side effects may include excessive happiness and spontaneous dancing.”
“Your bedside manner is impeccable,” I praised her. I gestured for him to go take a seat with Red, then followed them to their table.
After sitting, Chance took a bite with a generous dollop of whipped cream and melted.
“That’ssodelicious,” he moaned through another taste. It gave my dick ideas about other ways to make him moan, but I shushed those thoughts before they could get out of hand.
“See? The Brewhaha cure-all never fails.”
Red took a long sip of his coffee and sighed contentedly. “You’re a lifesaver, Early. Duke would kill me if I showed up dragging today with all the filming prep.”
“Can’t have that. Who else would keep him entertained with your dating disasters?”
Red pretended to be offended. “Hey, my love life isn’tthatbad.”
