Chasing the Sun Read online

  Trey set a frothy pint in front of him with a wink.

  This was the first time he’d been in since his performance. It had gone well, but he was still surprised when so many people approached him, complimenting the set and asking if he was going to play again. The answer to that was no, but he appreciated the accolades. Several women came up and slipped him their numbers. What was it with chicks and musicians?

  Trey grabbed one number clad napkin in particular and torched it with a lighter, right in front of him.

  “Hey!”

  “She has smelly cat,” she said flatly.

  He laughed. “Oh, really?”

  “Yeah, trust me. I can tell an unsavory bush from twenty paces.”

  This time he choked on his beer.

  “Trey, that sounds like a super power.”

  “It is and you’re welcome,” she said and walked off.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Ian walked behind a group of suits, their shoes making a collective clack on the cement floor. He glanced down and wished he’d given his own wingtips a polish. The museum build was finished save for a few final landscaping items being planted. The curator and her team were busy hanging and re-hanging paintings and photographs stretched across canvases. Today they were doing a preview, a dog and pony show for the investors and board of directors.

  The owner of his architecture firm was toward the front of the pack as well as the VP of the construction company. Ian was in the back with the project engineer and project manager. As usual, the day to day guys were relegated to the flunky section trailing behind the guys with the check books and the fancy titles.

  No skin off his nose.

  He hated this part, but the invitation only opening was being held in a few days—he was excited for that. He was allotted four invitations each with a plus one, so he was able to include his mom and dad, Lucas and Viv, Trey, and Rory. He was taking Rory. Trey was going to meet him there. Neither his sister Tessa nor Maddie could make it. Maddie had called him that morning sounding like she was on death’s doorstep.

  “I can make it, I should feel fine by Friday.” It was more of a prolonged groan than actual speech.

  “Mads, you’ve been throwing up for 24 hrs and you still have a fever. I don’t think you will be up for driving down here by tomorrow.”

  “Pffft. I’ll be fine. Don’t worry…oh shit—hold on a sec…bwuuuahhhh!” More vomiting noises and some spitting, then her struggling to pick up the phone. “Okay, that was wrong on soooo many levels. Really, I just re-enacted a scene from The Exorcist aaaand there may have been some of my lower intestine in that one.”

  He laughed, but at the same time it made his stomach hurt. He leaned towards sympathetic vomiting.

  “Maddie, you sound awful. Go back to bed.”

  “Okay, getting in now…Ahhh fuck, that’s better…sorry I’m missing your big day. Take lots of pics…but I think I may be dead before I can see them.”

  “You’re not gonna die, but I hope you have someone to take care of you. Is your sister in town?”

  Huh. Mentioning Katrine, Maddie’s heartbreaking sister, didn’t make him want to punch a wall…progress.

  “Yeah, she’s coming by later. She’s making me soup…always makes me feel better.” Her voice was starting to slur from exhaustion most likely brought on by projectile vomiting.

  “Well, get some rest. I’ll call you in a few days.”

  “K.”

  He was pretty sure she just threw the phone on the floor without hitting the end button.

  Ian leaned back in his desk chair, twirling a pencil. The two squirrels that inhabited the tree on the other side of the glass had been entertaining him daily since he arrived. They chased each other, their chirps becoming more maniacal as they rounded the trunk. He imagined they were married and the one that just got bit and bitch slapped by a little paw was most likely the husband. Meerkat Manor had nothin’ on these two. Yes, he watched Animal Planet—though no one knew it. Well, Trey busted him when she saw an episode of Dogs 101 on his DVR.

  What? He liked animals.

  The furry couple had disappeared into the canopy of leaves, so Ian was forced to do some actual work. Elevations, cross sections, 3-D renderings, blah, blah, blah…No focus—lines started to blend and blur. He decided to pack it up and head to the site one last time. Speaking of packing it up, he had yet to decide when he was leaving. Theoretically, he could stay and work from this office as long as he wanted, so he had time to pack his things and say his goodbyes without a deadline. The thought of leaving this city and the people he’d met made him a little depressed, but he had to get back to his life. It was going to be strange going back without Ruby. It wouldn’t feel quite like home without her.

  “You closing up shop, man?” his co-worker Mark asked. Mark Banks was a few years younger than Ian. His red hair was thick and perpetually sticking up in odd places. He said his hereditary cowlick was to blame.

  “Yeah. I can’t concentrate for shit” Ian put his black computer bag on his shoulder. “See you guys at the opening, right?”

  “Free booze?” Ben asked. He held one of three coveted intern positions. Ben was short, very slender, and of mixed Asian descent. Smart, funny, great taste in music, and was always up for a good time. They’d had many a pint together.

  “Yes, Ben, open bar. But you can’t wear Converse.”

  “What? Ahhh, man. Not even my black ones? Bummer.”

  “I have got to see what all the fuss has been about, chief,” Mark said, cocking a thick eyebrow. “And I can’t wait to see what your date looks like.”

  “Is it that hot little bartender you’re always hanging out with? Man, she’s got some serious curves—those cans!” Ben added. Ian gave him a look. “Sorry, Ian…she does, though,” Ben said sheepishly, shrugging his shoulders.

  “Her name is Trey, and she will be there, but I’m bringing someone else.”

  “Whoa, you doublin’ up? Nice…ah, to be good looking,” Mark teased. His own face, although not exactly ugly, was what one might call an acquired taste. But he was married, so his wife’s taste must be portly gingers with unruly hair.

  “Trey’s just a friend.” The fact that they’d made each other moan was irrelevant.

  “So, can you put in a good word for me, then?” Ben asked.

  “Sure, man.” He hoped that didn’t sound as flat as it did in his head. Ben said yes under his breath, so he must not’ve picked up on Ian’s less than enthusiastic delivery. Mark rolled his eyes and threw a wad of paper at Ben’s head.

  “What?” Ben asked

  Ian shook his head and laughed. “Catch ya guys later.”

  Ben and Mark said their see ya’s and then started bickering as Ian walked off.

  He could add those two numb nuts to the list of people he’d miss.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Ian’s nerves were a little frayed. This was a big night for him, the pinnacle of his career thus far. It was high profile, but his firm would be getting the accolades in the press, not him personally. That was more than alright with him. Industry and company recognition was all he really cared about, and the bolstered portfolio.

  His parents had checked into their hotel, but were tired from their drive, so they were going to just meet him at the opening. Ian had a talk with his mother about Rory. She was just a girl he’d been seeing casually…and fucking frequently. He’d left off the second part. He didn’t want his mom getting any ideas, but it was probably a lost cause.

  “She’s a singer, you say?”

  “Yes, Mom.”

  “Opera?”

  “No, Mom. She sings at local bars and such.”

  “Like lounge, ohhh.” The way she said oh was like, ew.

  He sighed. “Anyway, she’s cool and it’s nothing serious.” He wasn’t sure what the status was, but downplaying for mom was a good idea. The events at hand had forced a meeting of the parents. Rory hadn’t seemed bothered by the fact, so he wasn’t s
ure why he was.

  “Don’t get your boxers in a bunch, Ian Matthew. I was just asking.”

  “Oh, okay, cuz it sure sounded a little on the judgmental side.”

  “Me? Never…Your father wants to talk to you.”

  “Hey, son. You nervous about your big night?”

  “Hi, Dad. Nope, I’m okay. Just anxious I guess. Thanks for coming down for this.”

  “Wouldn’t miss it, son, not for the world.”

  Ian smiled. The sound of his dad’s rich tenor made the knot in his stomach ease, he always had a calming affect on him. When he needed advice, his father was his first stop. Ian loved his mom, she was his biggest fan, but she could be a bit overbearing at times. All in all he’d really lucked out in the parental unit department.

  “Thanks, Dad. Are you sure you don’t want me to swing by and pick you up?”

  “Your mom doesn’t want to ride in your Jeep. Something about her silk dress and hair-do.”

  “I can put the top on and the seats are covered in fabric, not velcro.”

  “I know, son, I know. You know your mother. Her mind’s made up. You just pick up your lady friend and we’ll meet you there.”

  “Okay. Just call me if you change your mind.”

  “Will do. Love you, son.”

  “You too, Dad.”

  Rory opened the door and Ian stood in shock. She was wearing a long, fitted dress, somewhere between rust and dark orange. It looked like lace, the old fashioned kind, not underwear. Her hair was tamed into a low bun with a few curls framing her face.

  She laughed.

  “What? You thought I was going to wear a skirt made of burlap with a rope for a belt? I do own dresses.”

  He shook himself.

  “No, no…it’s not that. I’ve just never seen you so dressed up before…wow.”

  “Thank you.” She kissed him on the cheek. She was tall barefoot and in heels she was his height, statuesque.

  “By the way, Ian, you look wow, too. I’m not usually a suit kind of girl, but I may have been converted.”

  He smiled, dimple in full view.

  “Thanks.”

  He wore his light summer suit with a white shirt open at the collar. He didn’t think it was anything special, but he felt like he cleaned up pretty well. He had a nice tan going and he was having a good hair day which meant the dark wave that was forever in his eyes was swept to the side. The rest fell just below his ear in a light curl.

  “Shall we?”

  He offered her his arm. She took it and they made their way to his off-roading chariot.

  “Ian, it’s amazing,” Rory complimented, as they walked up to the museum. Well-dressed people milled about inside and out. Strategically placed lights illuminated the single floored structure and the shallow trough of water that spanned the length of the walkway that led to the entrance.

  “Did you design the outside, too?”

  “Yes, the sculpture garden is around back, as well as four more water features. The curator selected the actual sculptures that are on display, but it was my concept and spacial parameters. Usually there’s a landscape architect, but I happen to love that aspect, so I included that in my original pitch.”

  They’d made it to the entrance, two floor to ceiling glass doors that were now propped open so the guests could move inside and out freely. The entire front facade was glass, as a matter of fact.

  Ian and Rory made their way inside where she continued to be dazzled by the place.

  “Oh, there are my folks.”

  His parents were in front of a large painting, three thick black lines and a few streaks of primary colors. Both had glasses of chilled white wine in their hands.

  “Ian!” his mom called out. She looked lovely in a black sheath dress, her hair swept up in a twist. His dad wore a sharp suit in charcoal gray and his thin wire rimmed glasses.

  She embraced her son and kissed his cheek. His dad shook his hand and gave him a hearty pat on the back.

  “This place is absolutely gorgeous, Ian. I’m so proud of you!” his mom gushed.

  “It is truly remarkable, son.”

  Ian was struck bashful by the praise, but it was appreciated all the same.

  “You must be Rory,” his father said.

  “Oh, sorry. Yes, this is Rory. Rory, these are my parents, Elena and Max Radcliffe.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Rory said, shaking their hands. She was at ease, not that he was surprised. His parents smiled and returned the sentiment.

  “Can we get a tour? I’m dying to see the sculpture garden,” Ian’s mother said, taking a sip of wine.

  “Sure. Let me just grab a drink for Rory and as soon as the others get here I’ll take you around.” Just as he said that Lucas and Viv joined the group. Lucas knew his parents and they hugged. Everyone else became acquainted as well.

  “Lucas, let’s grab a drink,” Ian suggested.

  They took the girls’ orders and hit the bar, which was set up in the corner behind a ten foot sculpture, of what was anyone’s guess. It was bronze and swirled, that may have been a face at the top end. Lucas and Ian threw out a couple of guesses, both perverted.

  “Ian, this is really impressive. I’m really proud of you, brother. It’s been so nice having you around. I hope you come visit more.”

  “Thanks, man. You can count on it.”

  “So, where did you meet Rory? I was a little surprised you didn’t bring Trey. Viv was excited to see her. I guess they bonded or synced cycles or some shit.”

  Ian laughed.

  “I told you about her. She’s the one I played guitar for at the Royal. We’re just hanging out.”

  “Hanging out as in coffee, or hanging out as in copulation?”

  “Ha, none of your business.”

  “Copulation it is,” Lucas guessed.

  They grabbed their drinks.

  “Trey’s coming, in fact she should be here any…” Ian cursed under his breath.

  “Speaking of…” Lucas said.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Nude heels crossed the pale wood floor. The dress she wore clung to her curves like a crimson sheath, pooling at her ankles. The neckline tied around her neck and plunged deep in between her breasts. Her curls shined like onyx under the lights and were worn loose down her back. She looked beautiful.

  She paused and smiled at them both, but her eyes were on Ian. She looked over her shoulder and a sharply dressed man sidled up to her, offering his arm. Jealousy gripped Ian and his stomach rolled like a storm cloud. He felt Lucas elbow him and the sounds of the room came crashing back.

  “Dude, you all right?” Lucas asked.

  “Yeah, I’m fine.”

  “Well, Mr. I’m Fine, put a smile on, ‘cause you look like you want to rip that guy’s arm off.”

  Trey and her date reached them. She threw her arms around Ian’s neck.

  “It’s gorgeous, Ian.”

  “My thoughts exactly,” Ian replied.

  She pulled back and smiled. “I was talking about the museum, but thanks. You’re not so shabby yourself,” she teased. She stepped back and the unidentified dead man had placed his hand on her back, which Ian now knew to be bare.

  “Hi, I’m Lucas,” he said, putting his hand in front of Trey’s date.

  “Brandt Weiss,” he answered, shaking Lucas’s hand.

  “Where are my manners? This is Brandt. He’s a philosophy professor at the University. Brandt, this is Ian, and you just met Lucas.”

  “Nice to meet you, Ian. This place is spectacular.”

  Ian grasped his hand with all the warmth of a robot. Philosophy professor? He hated philosophy. This guys was obviously a total pussy.

  “Yeah, you too. How do you know Trey? Isn’t it against the rules to date students?” The second elbow from Lucas was a sign he might be acting like a dick. Ask him if he cared.

  Brandt smiled. “She was never my student. The law library is in the building next to mine. I noticed her, I mean w
ho wouldn’t notice her, last semester.” Ian didn’t like the way this guy was looking at Trey. And he sure as fuck didn’t like the way Trey was smiling up at him.

  “He never asked me out for some reason. I was on campus yesterday to buy books for fall and there he was on a bench. So, I asked him out.”

  “Imagine my surprise. I had no idea she was even interested or I would have, believe me.”

  Ian wanted to punch this guy in the face, repeatedly.

  “There you are. I’ve been wondering where my wine was,” Viv said, grabbing a drink out of her husband’s hand.

  “Trey!” Viv noticed her standing beside them. “Oh my god! You look amazing.”

  They hugged enthusiastically.

  “So do you, Viv. Yellow is definitely your color.” Trey introduced Viv to her douche, um date.

  “Ian, can we have our tour now? Your mom is grilling Rory.”

  Oh shit. He’d completely forgot about Rory…his date.

  “Oh, Rory’s here?” Trey asked. He couldn’t quite get a read on the tone of her voice.

  “Yeah, she’s with my parents.” He could have sworn her jaw twitched. Maybe he wasn’t the only one who was a bit jealous. Maybe Brandt was just a pawn. A pawn that was practically putting his hand on her ass.

  Ian started to walk and the group followed him until they reached his parents.

  “Sorry, guys,” Ian apologized to Rory and his folks.

  “No problem, sweetie. Rory here was just amusing us with stories of communal living,” his mom said. “Who is this lovely creature?”

  “Mom, Dad, this is my friend Trey. Oh, and her date, Brandy…”

  “Uh, it’s Brandt, actually,” Trey’s date amended.

  No one cares, asshole.

  “Oh Trey, it’s so nice to finally put a name with a face.” Ian’s mom gave her a hug and his father smiled shaking her hand.

  “So nice to finally meet you both,” Trey said, her smile wide and genuine.

  “Hey, Trey. You look great.”

  “Hey, Rory, you too.”