CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
“I keep trying to get my girl here to come back to class, but she’d rather sit in front of her computer all day and night, working on her next promotion. If you haven’t noticed by now, work is Katie’s first love.”
Katie rolled her eyes as she sat across the table from her best friend and Stacey’s new-old boyfriend, Brent. Clay had his arm stretched out across the back of Katie’s chair and was slowly making circles with his thumb across her bare shoulder.
“I just don’t care for yoga, Stace. It’s not my first choice in exercise. You know that. And yes, I love my job. I like to work. Work is my exercise.”
“Oh, yeah,” she replied, laughing. “If you call walking down the hallway to get a cup of coffee at the office exercise!” It was apparent Stacey was tipsy from their pre-dinner drinks at the bar.
They were interrupted by a couple of waiters bringing out beautiful plates of food. The foursome had decided to experience their first double-date at the upscale steakhouse, Flemings. Even though Stacey was adamant about not eating red meat, the fine-dining establishment offered delectable seafood options, which made her happy.
Katie smiled as a waiter placed a petite-filet in front of her looking like a picture out ofBon-AppetitMagazine. Clay refilled her glass with the 2013 French Bordeaux he had chosen for the table, offering her a comforting smile.
“Thanks,” she said softly, looking over her shoulder demurely at him. His warm lips grazed the skin of her shoulder with a kiss.
Stacey went on and on about the truffle-poached lobster she had ordered, pausing to feed Brent a bite, his expression displaying pleasure before he dove back into his steak.
The food was delectable, the conversation flowing. Katie was surprised that Clay chimed in on more than one occasion, answering questions about the music business. Brent became wide-eyed and in awe, blown away when he realized that Clay had penned his all-time-favorite country song.
“Do you have any idea how many times I’ve listened to that song? I can’t believe that you’re the one that wrote it! Can you believe it, Stacey? Out of all the songwriters in the entire world, I’m sitting across from the one who wrote the best song of all time!”
Clay shook his head as if embarrassed by Brent’s enthusiastic outburst. “I’m happy you like it. It’s a special song about enjoying life to the fullest. Tim McGraw did a great job recording it.”
Brent’s face was animated as he lifted his amber beer bottle up into the air. “Cheers to Tim McGraw and Georgia Clay, man!”
The rest of the table followed suit clinking their glasses with Brent’s. “Cheers!” they said in unison. Katie was about to burst with pride.
“So, what’s next for you? You got any new songs coming out I should know about?”
“Yeah,” Stacey chimed in. “How often do you release a song? Is there any special time-table involved?”
Clay licked his lips after taking a sip of the expensive wine. “I never really know until a record label contacts my publisher. They usually give me a call to let me know one of my songs has been picked up by an artist for an upcoming album. It’s always a surprise.”
“God, that’s so cool,” Brent said, nodding.
“And why don’t you record your own songs?” Stacey asked making Katie suddenly bristle.
Clay averted his eyes, Katie realizing how much he hated the question people always asked him. It didn’t matter that he was one of the most successful songwriters in country music. People always wanted to know why he didn’t record his own songs and assumed he couldn’t sing.
“He does sing his own songs, Stacey. I saw him perform last weekend at the Bluebird. He’s incredible.” She squeezed his thigh under the white tablecloth making him smile slightly at her.
Clay cleared his throat before explaining. “Here’s the thing. I’m a writer first and foremost. I didn’t expect any of my songs to be huge hits. No one can anticipate something like that. When it does happen, it makes you re-think a lot of things. I’ve been in talks with a couple of labels over the years that want to put me on the road as a recording artist.”
“That’s huge! What’s stopping you?” Brent asked leaning in with intensity.
Clay looked down at his plate and shook his head. “It’s a big decision. I’m just taking my time.”
“Well, I say it’s time for dessert,” Katie interceded, changing the subject and rescuing her boyfriend. She knew how hard this decision was and wanted to protect him from the conversation.
“Mmmm, dessert! Something chocolate, for sure!” Stacey grabbed the small dessert menu and leaned into Brent, chatting about their choices.
Clay turned to Katie and whispered in her ear. “Thanks for stopping that runaway train for me.”
She nodded and felt his lips graze her earlobe, her heart surging with want. “I’ve always got your back. You know that,” she replied in a hushed tone, biting her lip as their eyes met. His face softened, and he nodded. When he purposefully kissed her on the mouth, she palmed his cheek and pulled him closer, their kiss intensifying, unaware that Stacey and Brent were watching the whole time.
“Isn’t that sweet,” Stacey muttered. “My best friend knows how to French kiss.”
***
