Real Vampires Know Size Matters

“You’re going to think I’m crazy.” Miguel looked away, pretending to examine the dance floor.

“No, I think you might be on to something. We do have the same superpowers.” I touched his hand. “Reading thoughts through blocks, paralyzing people. With time we could probably figure out some more. I remember you can dematerialize too. I just learned that one.”

“Right.” He gripped my hand. “So you’ll follow up on this for me?”

“Next time I see her, I’ll ask my mother to check on it for you.” I saw Jerry heading our way. “I don’t think my lover is too happy that we’re holding hands, Miguel. Listen, she never comes when I call. It’s a control thing with her. But I’ll be in touch as soon as I find out anything.”

“Thanks, I’ll owe you.”

“Good to know.” I got up and he dropped my hand just as Jerry reached my side.

“Ready to go, Gloriana?” Jerry didn’t acknowledge Miguel.

“Jerry, you know Miguel Cisneros, don’t you?” I wouldn’t let him play that game. “He and I might be working together so I hope you’ll be civil to each other.” I had noticed Miguel wasn’t bothering to get up or even pretend to care that Jerry had an attitude where he was concerned.

“Working together? On what?” Jerry narrowed his gaze. “I know what you do, Cisneros. Ugly business.”

“Loan sharking? Or murder? I’m planning to get out of both occupations. Gloriana and I won’t be involved in either, I can assure you.” He tipped his glass and then finished his drink. “Excuse me. I have an appointment.” He got up, dropped cash on the bar and walked away.

“Tell me that was a joke of some kind.” Jerry frowned at me.

“No joke. But let’s go on upstairs. I’ll tell you later.” I pulled him toward the stairs.

“You certainly will. The man is bad news.” Jerry dropped my hand. “Don’t drag me, Gloriana.”

“Sorry.” I looked at his set face. I was pretty sure just being here after last night wasn’t exactly a treat for him. We were silent as we headed up to the practice room.

Inside, Ray, Nate and Sienna were sitting at a table with a couple of men I didn’t recognize. Ray jumped up immediately with a smile.

“Here she is. Glory, this is Steve Jessup, producer from our label. He was very impressed with your performance last night. Sit down and listen to what he has to say.”

I shook hands with him and was introduced to Steve’s assistant who was taking notes on a tablet computer. “What is this, Ray? I told you that was a one-shot deal.”

“Now, Ms. St. Clair, or may I call you Glory?” Steve was determined to start the ball rolling.

“Glory is fine.” I gave Ray a look that meant I’d talk to him later.

“Glory, Ray here didn’t do a thing. I was here to make sure Sienna was feeling well. And weren’t we thrilled with the work she and Ray did last night.” He and his assistant were beaming and high-fiving all around.

Sienna’s smile looked strained. She knew now that I hadn’t been bluffing about her career being in jeopardy with her vamp announcement. Seems some publicity was bad publicity. At least at her label.

“Anyway, then you get up there and just knock my socks off. I mean, look!” He actually pulled up his pants and showed me he didn’t have on socks with his loafers. Oh, big laugh for that one.

“Thanks, Steve, but—”

“Now, hear me out. I’m telling you this is a fresh sound. I know, I know, the songs have been around for a while. More than a while. But look at what singing standards has done for Rod Stewart. Tony Bennett is still crooning just like he did back in the fifties. There’s a hot market for that retro sound.” He beamed at Sienna. “I know Sienna spotted the potential right away, didn’t you?”

Sienna smiled at me and started talking about how we’d come up with the songs and costume. She was in her element, eager to produce a record and eager to smooth things over with the record execs. I really hated to burst her bubble but I’d already made my decision.

“I’m sorry.” I stood and looked around at the group. “You are very kind. I’m flattered. But I have a business to run. One that I love. I’m not interested in a singing career. It’s not for me. Aggie, the backup singer, is eager to make a name for herself. Please consider working with her. She’s beautiful and has a wonderful voice.” I started to say more, but bit my tongue. Hey, she could get it or not on her own.

“Now, don’t be hasty. Did you know you were taped last night by at least three cell phones? You’re up on YouTube already. Over ten thousand hits and climbing hourly. You looked good, sounded good. Ours won’t be the only offer you receive, but remember we were first. And you’d have your friends here to work with.” Steve was serious now. “Think it over. We’ll be in town for a few days. Contract talks with Sienna and Ray. Here’s my card. You can call me anytime.”

I took it. It would have been rude not to. “Thanks, now good night.” I turned and almost ran out of the room, Jerry right behind me. He hadn’t said a word the entire time.

“That sounded like a great opportunity.” He caught me at the bottom of the stairs.

“I don’t want it.” I kept going. “I enjoy my shop. I want to spend more time making it a success. Maybe you can help me draw up a business plan.”

“Really?” He stayed next to me as we walked down the street toward the shop. “And all this talent you have? The singing? It will just go to waste?”

“I can sing to you, if you like. ‘Loch Lomond.’ And now I won’t drive you to earplugs. How’s that?” I stopped in front of the shop. I noticed Megan was taking down the Halloween decorations. Good. Time for turkeys and then Christmas. I loved the holidays. We usually did a good business.

“It sounds great. I’d much rather you sing a duet with me than with Caine, any night.” Jerry pulled me close for a long kiss.

“Jerry, we’re in public. But I’m not complaining.” I laughed and kissed him this time. “Mel’s gone and I got an e-mail tonight confirming that the Dallas seminar is filling up. She also posted a list of even more dates in cities farther north—Kansas City, Chicago, then on to New York. I think we can take it as a sign that she’s moving on from her obsession with you.”

“Right. I sure haven’t heard from her.” He kissed me again.

“There you go. I’m as happy as I’ve been in a long time.” I sighed and leaned against him.

“Me too. There’s just one thing that would make this night better. Perfect.” Jerry pulled away then dropped to one knee and dragged a Tiffany’s blue box out of his pocket. “This one was in a safe-deposit box.” He snapped it open and the streetlight hit it, dazzling me. “Gloriana St. Clair, will you marry me?”

I blinked, totally shocked that he’d do that here and now. Megan had dropped a fake pumpkin and stared out at us. She must have signaled Lacy because she was suddenly at the window too, pushing aside spiderwebs to gawk at us. People walking down the sidewalk stopped in their tracks. Everyone knew what the down-on-one-knee thing meant. Jerry had done this before. How many times? I’d lost count.

But this time it was different. I’d finally figured out what I wanted in my life. For my life. Forever.

“Yes.”