“That’s a hell of a generalization.”
“We all make them, sweetie.”
“If she’s such a big-time writer, how come we’ve never heard of her?”
“She never said she was big. She went out of her way to say this is a first novel. But she’s been published, and she’s going to bring samples of her work tonight.”
“I’ll believe it when I see it.”
Teri sounds annoyed. “Why are you so down on her? This could be a big break.”
“That’s what worries me, that you’ve got your hopes up. There’s no reason she should pay you that kind of money in a hick town like this. I only get fifty bucks a night, and I’ve got to put on two shows.”
“You get tips as well, and you’ve got me to come home to.”
“That’s the only reason I’m playing this dump.”
Teri’s tone changes to worried. “Is it getting to you?”
“Kind of. American audiences aren’t as sophisticated as Europeans. You just like to hear covers of popular songs. I can hardly squeeze in any original material. That should be the only reason a guy like me plays this small a club.”
“You play here because I live here.” Teri pauses. “But if you want to move, I’ll understand. I’m not going to stop you.”
“Teri, please, don’t start that again. I’m here because I want to be here.”
“But you bitch about it all the time. Maybe you should head off to New York or LA, give yourself a real chance.”
“Like you would follow me there.”
“You can leave and come back. It doesn’t mean we have to break up.”
“Really? You know any long-distance relationship that works?”
“No.”
“That’s why I’m not leaving.”
Teri sighs. “Why do I hear a ‘yet’ in that remark?”
“Because you’re paranoid.”
“I’m not paranoid.”
“And you don’t know how much I love ya.”
I hear Teri smile. “Do you love me?” she asks.
I hear them kiss. Ah, to be young again. My vampiric brain has endowed me with perfect recall, and yet I can hardly remember the last time I was in love. There was Rama, five thousand years ago, and then Ray, fifteen years ago . . . but no golden moments in between. Maybe I’ve blocked out my sentimental memories because they all ended so painfully.
It sounds like my job is not finished. If I want Teri to stay in Truman, then I still have to win Matt over. However, if he rejects me, it might be a blessing in disguise. The truth is, I shouldn’t be getting involved in Teri’s life.
My motive is selfish. I’m feeling lonely, and Teri reminds me of myself when I was young. But no one knows better than me how dangerous I am to be around. Take for example the matter of the broken pot, and Jeff and Lisa’s visit this morning. Who knows where any of that might lead?
I sense a strong intuition in Matt. That quality alone might warn him against me. I tell myself that if he doesn’t welcome me willingly, then I won’t use any vampiric tricks to seduce them.
The club begins to fill up for the nine o’clock show, and fifteen minutes later Teri appears and waves to me. I stand when she reaches my table and squeeze her hand. She wears a white skirt and a yellow blouse and has a red rose tucked in her blond hair. I wear black slacks and a gray top and have a Glock—a nine-millimeter—tucked beneath the back of my belt. I gesture for Teri to sit and take the chair beside her.
“Did you have trouble finding the place?” Teri asks.
“Nothing in Truman is hard to find. You just have to stand in the town square and slowly spin. You see everything there is to see.”
“It’s kind of sad, isn’t it?”
“No. I like small towns.”
“Really? You seem like a big-city woman to me.”
“You don’t know me. I’m practically a recluse.”
“That must help with your writing.”
“It does, when I’m writing.”
“Do you suffer from writer’s block?”
“Procrastination. A close cousin.”
“Did you bring some of your short stories?”
“Just the few pieces I’ve published. Why don’t I show them to you after your boyfriend sings?”
“That’s cool. He should be out in a minute.”
“I’ve been listening to the audience. They like him.”
“Wherever he goes, he quickly collects a fan base. It’s not just me saying it—he’s the real thing.”
“You think he’s going to be big?”
Teri’s eyes shine. “I know he is.”
“I admire your faith in him.”
“Thanks. I just hope, you know, that I don’t stand in his way.”
“You won’t do that.”
“I might without intending to.” Teri gestures to the small club. “Look at this joint. It’s nice, but he’s not going to bump into a talent agent here. He needs to leave.”
“And you don’t want him to leave?”
“I’m torn. My scholarship’s here—I have to stay. But if I’m honest with myself, I know he’s just killing time here. He should say good-bye and not look back.”
“If he had one hit, he could send for you, and you could go to school anywhere.”
Teri looks doubtful. “Guys who get on the radio don’t often send for the girl back home.”
Our conversation stalls. I choose not to argue with Teri, because what she says is true. Most guys who become rock stars and hit the road find plenty of girls to keep them occupied. Yet, in the short time I listened to them talk, I felt Matt cared for her. He was definitely protective, which is always a good sign.
The lights dim and there’s applause, but still Matt doesn’t appear. I listen to the background chatter of the crowd and am not surprised to hear Danny Boy mentioned. Apparently his disappearance has been noticed. Teri nods to the audience.
“Can you hear what they’re talking about?” she asks.
“Some guy called Danny?”
“Daniel Boford. He’s on the track team with me, but he’s mainly known as a big football star. He didn’t show up at practice this morning or this afternoon, and no one can find him.”