Kayleigh
Chapter 1

"I hate the holiday season." She lit her cigarette and then exhaled a cloud of bluish smoke, not expecting a response.

She got one anyway. "Why? Did your father try to climb down the chimney one year and break his neck?"

She cracked a smile, barely. "Not quite."

"So. . . why do you hate Christmas?"

"It's not Christmas, it's the entire holiday season."

He shrugged patiently. "Okay. What happened to make you hate the entire holiday season?"

"Did I say anything happened?"

He pressed his advantage. "No, but obviously something of monumental importance must have happened to you to make you hate the entire holiday season or you wouldn't be so defensive when asked."

"What's your point?" She stubbed out the cigarette, gazing at him with calm eyes.

"Jesus Christ."

"Leave him out of it."

"Okay," he muttered disgustedly, "Obviously you want to talk about whatever significant event destroyed Christmas for you, or you wouldn't have made the original comment about hating the holidays."

"Well, you were the one that brought up Christmas. I only made the comment so you'd see we didn't have a common frame of reference and would change the subject."

He stared at her incredulously, took a large swig of his beer and stared some more. "What color is the sky on your planet?"

"Paisley." She replied serenely.

"I see." But he didn't. Marty moved his eyes away from the girl opposite him and let his gaze drift around the room, taking comfort in the familiarity of the scene. He started to take a casual inventory of the cast of characters milling about. There were Jed and Mary, sitting together and chatting cheerfully. They had never been anything other than platonic friends, so Marty imagined that their conversation was probably about music, art, philosophy or the pair's mutually nonexistent love lives. Marty's eyes continued their journey around the room, coming to rest on three women, all dressed in leather miniskirts and fishnets. Marie, Annette and Skye were called the terrible trio- and with good reason! The three of them were in a huddle and giggling occasionally- another sign that they were in predatory mode. Marty followed the direction of their gazes and determined that their intended victim was Richard.

Marty shook his head in amusement and stared at Richard. With his long blond hair, good looks and flattering clothing, it was not surprising he'd gotten female notice. Richard's smooth charm had already drawn a crowd. The circle around him listened with interest to stories of his recent travels in Europe. Richard gestured widely to illustrate some point, and his audience laughed at whatever he'd said. Marty grinned hugely, realizing that Richard was entirely clueless to the fact that he was being stalked.

Marty continued to glance around, enjoying himself immensely. The rest of the room was occupied by assorted chattering people in either groups or couples. The only noteworthy exceptions were Marilyn, Russell, Terence and Katrina. Marilyn was having a breakdown, probably because Bobby, who had recently dumped her, was at the party. Russell, clad all in black was stretched out alone in perfect gothic elegance. Terence was getting himself quietly blitzed in a corner, and Katrina was sitting by herself with a black look on her face that Marty couldn't fathom. None of the situations seemed to require immediate attention, with the possible exception of Katrina. Cindy, having spotted Marilyn's woe, was ready with tissues and sympathy; since going gothic, Russell was always antisocial and Terence would most likely drink himself into an amiable stupor and be used as a coatrack after he passed out somewhere. Katrina, however, might need to be defused, as she had a really nasty temper.

Marty finished his mental tally and returned his attention to the girl in front of him. She was the enigma, the one who didn't quite fit the surroundings. He remembered vaguely that she was an old friend of Sarah's; they'd gone to high school together or something like that. Marty struggled to remember her name- Katya? No, something weirder. Kay. . . Kayleigh. That was it. Marty turned to look at her and found that she was staring at him with a faint smile on her face. "Fascinating, Huh?" She asked.

"What?"

"Social dynamics." Kayleigh warmed to her subject. "Parties are kind of neat that way. With the correct mix of people and stimuli, you've got a great party. Misjudge and you've got social anarchy."

Marty was once again completely taken aback by her. "You sure do have an interesting way of looking at things."

"So I've been told." There was a faint sparkle in Kayleigh's deep blue eyes and Marty had the distinct impression that she was playing some game with him.

Marty lowered his eyes, both irritated and intrigued. Dropping his gaze had the effect of bringing other portions of her anatomy into view, which was not helpful. Marty quickly looked away and then met that unnerving gaze again. "So, Sarah knows you from High School?"

"Yes. We both suffered through private school together, which tends to make for a solid friendship." Kayleigh glanced around. "Sorry. I guess I'm being kind of punchy, but it's weird being at a party where the only person I know is the hostess."

"Ah. So you're not much on parties?"

"No, I like going to parties, I just have more of a tendency to observe than participate." Kayleigh corrected him.

"Ah. Fascinating, captain." Marty grinned and stood up. "I'm going to get another drink. Do you want anything?"

"Another gin and tonic, please." Kayleigh handed him her empty glass.

Marty headed for the makeshift bar that had been set up at one end of the room and mixed the drink, putting in a lot more gin than tonic. He had decided that getting Kayleigh drunk was definitely on the agenda for the night. She was odd enough sober, smashed she must be a pisser.

"Yo, Mart!" Bobby intercepted him. "Que pasa, amigo?"

"Nothing much."

"I saw you yakking to Sarah's old pal. She's a looker! Getting anywhere?"

"Bobby, you are a prince among men, but your mind is firmly on one track. We're talking, you know, conversing? Communicating? Discoursing on topics of mutual interest?"

Bobby leered cheerfully. "You are a smooth one. What's she like?"

"She's pretty bizarre. So- what's the word on the Marilyn situation?"

Bobby winced. "Oh, lord, don't remind me. Why did she have to show up?"

Marty smiled mercilessly. "She probably feels the same way about your presence."

"No doubt." Bobby shook his head. "Wimmen. Can't live with them-"

"Pass the beer!" Marty finished for him. They laughed, clinked their bottles together and moved off in separate directions. Marty made it back to the couch that Kayleigh was occupying and handed her the drink. Kayleigh sipped and then raised an eyebrow at him. "A bit strong, no?"

Marty shrugged innocently. "You didn't tell me how you like it."

Kayleigh nodded, with an amused smile that told him he wasn't fooling her. But she did keep sipping at her drink, so his purpose was served. "So who's your boisterous friend?"

"Bobby? Oh, I've known him for years. He's a good guy." Marty shook his head. "He's having one hell of a night."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, his ex is here, Marilyn, and she's still pretty bent out of shape over the whole thing." Marty explained.

"I see." Kayleigh grinned. "Social dynamics."

Marty groaned. "Is that how you see all of life?" He was intrigued in spite of himself.

Kayleigh shrugged. "I can't help noticing."

Marty nodded. "It's kind of unnerving, but I guess I'll get used to it. You're just so. . ." he struggled for the right word "so calculating."

Kayleigh's eyes were piercing. "Do I threaten you?"

Marty didn't look away. "Yes." They both held the gaze until a brewing confrontation across the room distracted them. Marty turned away with relief and saw that Bobby had made the mistake of talking to Marilyn.

Amid a slew of fresh tears, Marilyn was telling Bobby to go to hell. Cindy had her arm around Marilyn and was glaring at Bobby. Marty could clearly hear the ensuing argument as conversations hushed and people turned to stare. "Haven't you done enough damage?" Cindy snapped. "Get LOST!"

"But I just wanted to say-" Bobby began.

"Bobby, how could you?" Marilyn wailed, flinging herself at him.

"Oh, shit." Marty muttered, but he couldn't repress a surge of amusement at the pole-axed expression on Bobby's face.

Cindy managed to get Marilyn away from Bobby, who was hustled off in another direction by Mark and Hank. Katrina, whose scowl was by now etched in stone, exited the party without offering a single goodbye or word of explanation to anyone. In the confusion following the blow-up, the Terrible Trio made their move. Skye asked Richard to light her cigarette and then drew him into a conversation that the other two immediately joined. Marty chuckled to himself. One of the girls would undoubtedly leave with Richard. The amusing thing was that there would be no cat fight over him and no resentment over the outcome, no matter what it might be. The three girls remained good friends and had something of an amiable competition going. Whoever got Richard would win points in the game, but the others would accept the loss cheerfully and move on to other conquests. Marty had heard rumors that were even more interesting, about times when the girls had "shared men." In what context, no one was sure, but everyone agreed that the trio added spice to any party. Marty didn't understand the three-way friendship, but it seemed to work quite well.

The tension in the room soon eased and everyone began to talk once again. Kayleigh nodded to herself, causing Marty to ask, "Comments from the peanut gallery?"

Kayleigh grinned back. "Social-"

"Dynamics!" Marty finished and they laughed together. That was how their hostess found them.

Sarah flopped onto the arm of the couch and leaned her head on Kayleigh's shoulder. "Just once, " she groaned, "just once, I would like to have a party entirely devoid of psychodrama."

"Good, luck in this crowd." Marty replied sardonically.

Sarah moaned again and Kayleigh gave her a hug. "It's okay. See- it's all blown over."

Sarah lifted her head. "Yeah, I know." She shook her head ruefully. "It's my own stupid fault for inviting both of them. I thought they could behave."

"Don't stress, it could have been a lot worse!" Marty pointed out.

"Yeah, you didn't get any blood on the carpet!" Kayleigh remarked merrily.

"I'm glad you both find this so amusing." Sarah gazed at both of them darkly, but they could tell she was only kidding.

"Aw, have another drink, you'll feel much better." Marty suggested.

"Yah, but who will keep the peace then?" Sarah replied with mock gloom. She wandered off to mingle, leaving the other two giggling on the couch. "Well, Kayleigh, it's been a pleasure, but I better get going." Marty rose to leave.

"Likewise. I'm sure we'll bump into each other somewhere." Kayleigh's firm handshake and smile seemed to be genuine.

"Okay, toodles." Marty left to say the rest of his goodbyes and locate his jacket. Kayleigh watched speculatively as he drifted out of sight. As soon as Marty walked out the door, someone else sat down next to her.

Kayleigh turned to face the newcomer. "Hi, I'm Bobby." Bobby grasped her hand and shook it, holding it longer than was really necessary.

"Oh yes, Marty's told me all about you." Kayleigh replied coolly, freeing her hand.

"Uh, oh."

* * * * * *

"So. . . where did you dig up that truly bizarre girl?" Marty asked.

Sarah laughed. "Kayleigh? I told you, we went to high school together. We both hated private school, so we'd get into as much trouble as possible to keep from dying of boredom." Sarah's voice acquired a teasing note. "You took to her, didn't you? I noticed you guys talking for ages."

Marty shifted the receiver into a more comfortable position against his ear and snorted. "You mean arguing."

"That's how it all begins."

Marty grinned. "Are you matchmaking, woman?"

"Who, me?" Sarah replied innocently.

"Very convincing." Marty wasn't fooled. "So- you two are pretty tight?"

"Oh, yeah." Sarah chuckled. "And she doesn't have a boyfriend right now."

"Quit it!"

"Do you want her phone number?"

Marty paused and then mentally shrugged. "What the hell. Fire away."

"Okay. . . " Sarah dictated the number.

"Thank you muchly."

"De nada. Let me know what happens."

"Yes, ma'am! Gotta go."

"Bye." Sarah hung up and smirked at the phone. She picked up the receiver and dialed the number she'd just given Marty.

"Mmmmph?" Kayleigh wasn't entirely coherent yet.

"Wake up, you lazy thing!"

"Sarah. What do you want? You know not to call me before 12:00 on the weekend."

Kayleigh grumbled, starting to wake up.

"It's 11:45, Kayleigh."

"Details, details. Why are you up? Shouldn't you be passed out after your party?"

"Feh. With drunkards draped all over my loft?" Sarah went straight for the subject she wanted to bring up. "Quit bitching and listen. You have made a conquest, my dear!"

"Huh?"

"Oh, good answer. You were evidently the life of my party! I saw Bobby pestering you and now Marty has expressed interest. I gave him your phone number, I hope you don't mind."

"Not really." Kayleigh was becoming less sluggish. "Are you setting us up?"

"Shamelessly. How long has it been since you had a date?"

"Oh, piss off." Kayleigh's tone showed that she wasn't really offended.

"I mean, you've got to get over Gideon sometime."

"This is not a Gideon issue, Sarah." Kayleigh explained patiently. "I just haven't met anyone that interested me recently."

"Until now." Sarah persisted.

"Okay, fine." Kayleigh's was amused by Sarah's insistence. "Yes, Marty seems like a cool guy. Have you known him long?"

"A couple of years. He was one of Ron's friends and we actually kept in touch after Ron and I broke up. It's kind of funny actually, neither Marty or I is speaking to Ron, but we managed to stay friends, somehow."

"Common bond of irritation with Ron?" Kayleigh suggested.

"Something like that." Sarah agreed.

"Well, I'm going to roll over and catch a little more sleep. Do you think Marty will call soon?"

"No, you know how guys are. He'll probably play it cool and call in a couple of days. They never want you to think they might actually like you!" Sarah laughed.

"Yup. Goodnight."

"Slugabed."

"Goodnight." Kayleigh hung up and rolled over in bed. Cassandra, her large grey tabby jumped up and butted at her arm, purring loudly. Kayleigh scratched her behind the ears, which raised the volume of the purr still louder. "I guess you want food, huh? Where's your better half?"

"Meow?" Jones came trotting into the room as though she'd called him. He was a truly beautiful animal, with long orange fur and an extremely sweet disposition. "Come here, baby." Kayleigh sat up in bed and patted her lap. Jones needed no further invitation. He curled into her lap, nuzzling at her and Cassandra and purring all the while. Kayleigh smiled down at the pair affectionately. "Who needs a boyfriend? I've got you guys!" Soon, Kayleigh dislodged the furballs and went out to the kitchen to give them food. She'd realized that sleep would probably be impossible now, so she put on a pot of coffee, as well.

The phone rang just as she was settling into a chair with her first cup. Kayleigh grabbed for the cordless. "Hello?"

"Good morning, Kay." It was Sean, one of her bandmates.

"Good morning." Kayleigh settled back with a smile. The barely repressed excitement in the guitarist's voice probably meant good news. "What's up?"

"I think I got us a gig at the Limelight." Sean told her without preamble.

"You sly dog! What did you do, bribe the owner?"

"Close." Sean chuckled. "I got Lynch's assistant stoned."

Kayleigh howled with laughter, but then sobered, becoming more businesslike. "So how definite is this?"

"Oh, fairly." Sean assured her. "You know I've been cozying up to Bethany for a while now."

"Oh, good show, Sean! We can sure use the exposure." Kayleigh sat back in her chair, pleased. "That would be our biggest gig yet. Did you talk dates yet?"

"Yup. She's thinking late January, maybe." Sean informed her.

"Perfect." Kayleigh was very pleased. "That gives us plenty of time to make flyers and rehearse our butts off."

"Not that we don't anyway, you slavedriver." Sean replied sardonically.

"Do you want this band to go places?" Kayleigh asked. "Besides, it was you guys that elected me band leader."

"Because you're good at it. I wasn't really bitching."

"I know." Kayleigh's voice was warm. "I'm going to grab a shower. Keep up the good work."

"Okay, boss. Band practice tomorrow?"

"2:00 PM sharp."

"Yes, ma'am. Later."

"Later." Kayleigh hung up, grinning. That was very good news. Charon's Boat had been angling for a show at one of the big clubs for a while. It was great that all the legwork and schmoozing had finally paid off. If they could start playing at big clubs, they would get more of a following, which would hopefully attract the record labels. No label was even going to find them if they were only playing dive bars in the metro area.

Kayleigh took a quick shower and then got into jeans and a t-shirt. It was time for her daily work-out. She pulled a bottle of mineral water out of the refrigerator and went into the living room. After a few stretches to loosen her muscles, she started her vocal warm-up exercises. When she was ready, she stepped over to the piano and began practicing scales. Once her fingers were also limbered up, she picked a song at random and began to work on it. The first one was one of her favorites, her retelling of the celtic myth of Tristan and Isolde.

Kayleigh lost track of time, which tended to happen when she sat down at a keyboard. The ringing phone brought her back to the mundane world. "Hello?"

"Hi, Kayleigh. It's Marty."

Kayleigh was silent in surprise for a moment before answering. "Well, hi, Marty! I didn't expect to hear from you so soon." She remembered then that she wasn't supposed to know that she would be hearing from him at all and smacked herself in the forehead.

Marty's voice was a little sheepish. "Well, I wasn't doing anything, so I figured I'd call and say hi."

"Ah. Well, hi." Kayleigh wasn't sure why this man brought out her devilish side, but he did seem to.

"Did you stay at the party much longer than I did?"

"No, only an hour or so. Your friend Bobby was being kind of persistent, so I decided to leave. I had to persuade him not to take me home."

Marty choked, thinking, I'm going to kill him. "That little-! How long did he wait after I left before swooping down on you?"

"Oh, all of thirty seconds." There was laughter in Kayleigh's voice.

"Sigh. Bobby's a good friend, but he's a little clueless sometimes. Listen, I really don't have any plans for the rest of this weekend, so do you want to get together?"

Kayleigh was surprised, but not displeased. "Well. . .sure. It would have to be tonight, though. I have band practice tomorrow."

"You have a band?" Marty was further intrigued. "What do you play?"

"Piano. And I'm our lead singer. Our band is called Charon's Boat."

"Sounds Gothic."

"Good guess. We're kind of eclectic, though, not standard goth. I mean, moaning about death and the agony of love gets kind of boring after a while."

Marty cracked up. "A gothic band with a sense of humor. I love it."

"`A gothic band with a sense of humor.' That's a good description of us. I should put it on our flyers." Kayleigh mused.

"You're really into this, aren't you?"

"Oh, yes." Kayleigh's tone was serious. "You have to be if you want it to go anywhere."

"That's cool. So- what do you want to do tonight?" Marty steered the conversation back towards the date.

"Whatever. Do you want to have dinner someplace and then play it by ear?" Kayleigh suggested.

"Okay. . . where?"

"I live on the upper west side, so I'd prefer someplace around here, but I'm flexible."

"Hmm. . . " Marty thought for a moment. "I know a couple of places in that area. Do you like Indian food?"

"Love it."

"Perfect. Is 6:00 too early to pick you up?"

"No, that's fine." Kayleigh hesitated for a moment. "Umm, I probably won't ask you in though, okay? I just met you, after all."

Marty was taken aback, but he kept his tone light. "My, my, aren't we proper. Or is your apartment just really messy?"

"There are reasons." Kayleigh replied darkly.

I'm not touching that one, Marty decided. "Okay, I understand. So- six o'clock."

"See you then." Kayleigh confirmed.

"Okay, bye." Mart rung off and stared at the phone. Curiouser and curiouser. He hadn't called up to ask her out, in fact, he wasn't sure why he'd called her. But they evidently had a date! Marty tilted back in his chair and grinned smugly. Bobby was going to be jealous as hell.

Kayleigh groaned and leaned back on the couch, feeling like an idiot. Why had she made that stupid remark about not asking him in? There had to have been a more graceful way to handle that. Why, for that matter, had she told him she'd go out with him in the first place? Kayleigh scooped up Jones and buried her face in his fur, taking comfort in his purr. "You're lucky you're a cat." Kayleigh told him. "Life is much simpler that way."

Jones purred on, oblivious.

* * * * * *

Marty was pleasantly surprised when Kayleigh opened her door. He hadn't expected her to dress up, but she'd put on a pretty, simple blue dress that matched her eyes. "You look lovely." Marty smiled warmly.

Kayleigh smiled back. "Thanks. Shall we?"

Marty waited for Kayleigh to lock the door and then took her arm. "Lets go." He turned to her in the elevator and remarked, "I wasn't expecting someone as young as you to live in such a ritzy building."

Kayleigh snorted. "I guess Riverside Drive addresses aren't the norm for twenty-one year olds."

"Definitely not."

"Well," Kayleigh began, exiting the elevator. "I guess I'm not a normal twenty-one year old. My parents pay for the apartment." Her face darkened, this was evidently a sore spot. "I don't like that, but mother insisted. She wouldn't hear of me getting an apartment not suited to my status."

"Status?" Marty was bewildered.

Kayleigh flashed him a measuring glance. "Marty, forgive my bluntness, but do you come from old money or new money?"

Marty blinked. "Try none of the above."

"Oh." Kayleigh blushed and looked sheepish. "God, I'm such a fucking snob! I condemn my mother for her attitudes and then there I go! It's pervasive! Anyway, my mother is very wealthy. She's irish, from an old family that somehow managed to squirrel away lots of money. So, she fusses if she thinks I'm living beneath my class. Please change the subject, this is really embarrassing."

Marty grinned sympathetically. "Parents can be pretty awful no matter what social class you come from. Mine are middle class, and they drive me nuts sometimes." They had arrived at the restaurant, so they broke off the conversation until they were seated and had menus.

Kayleigh was feeling horribly self-conscious at the way things were going. It seemed she couldn't say anything right. She sighed irritably and glanced at the menu. The smells issuing from the kitchen assured her that this would be a good meal. Kayleigh looked up and smiled at Marty. "I can't believe I haven't been here! It's three blocks from me!"

Marty laughed. "Well, I guess you keep pretty busy."

"That's for sure!" Kayleigh agreed. The waiter came to take their order. Somehow, this got both of them past their awkwardness and they were soon chatting away.

"So, what happened to your father? Did your parents get divorced?" Marty asked.

Kayleigh smiled faintly. "My parents were never married to begin with."

"Oh, sorry."

Kayleigh shrugged. "Don't worry about it. It doesn't bother them and it doesn't bother me. My father is a musician, o he travels a lot. Along the way he met a man named Arthur Castle. They fell in love."

Marty blinked. "Your dad's gay?"

"He probably considers himself bisexual." Kayleigh corrected him. "Mom was already pregnant with me by this time. When she realized what was going on, she left him."

"But he did help with child support?"

"Oh, yes. Dad never wanted her to leave in the first place. He was still in love with her, he just loved Art as well. Mom couldn't handle that. Art has always been wonderful, it's like having two fathers. As far as he's concerned, I am his daughter!"

"That's cool. So there's no hostility between you and Art, but what about Art and your mother?"

Kayleigh made a face. "They can't stand each other. Mom is convinced that Art stole dad from her, and Art is convinced that dad should never have been with mom in the first place. For my sake, and dad's, they manage to be civil to one another on social occasions."

Marty nodded, fascinated by this glimpse he was getting of Kayleigh's family. "And your dad? What sort of a musician is he?"

"You probably won't believe me. He's pretty famous."

"Try me."

"Okay. Have you heard of Fighting Hawk?"

Marty gaped at her. "The Hawk? The lead singer of the Whirling Dervishes is your father?"

"Yep." Kayleigh's eyes were dancing at his reaction.

"Holy shit." Marty grinned. "That's wild. Your dad's native american, right?"

"Yes."

"That's why your features are so interesting. You've got those high cheekbones and almond shaped eyes."

"Uh, yeah." Kayleigh was a little embarrassed. "Dad's one half Sioux, so I'm one quarter. So my skin's pretty light, thanks to mom's irish genes, but I've got some of the other features." Their food arrived and the conversation lagged a little as they dug in with appetite.

"So, now what?" Marty asked as the waiter cleared the table.

Kayleigh shrugged. "What do you want to do?"

Marty smiled. "Anything. I just don't want to end the night."

Kayleigh blushed faintly and was promptly disgusted with herself for doing so.

"Lets take walk and play it by ear."

"Sounds good." Marty stood up, unsure of whether to pay for her or not. Some women got offended, but. . . he pulled out his VISA card and dropped it on the table.

Kayleigh smiled. "Thank you."

"Whew." Marty grinned, relieved. "I was afraid maybe you'd be one of those fem-nazi types who'd kill me for trying to pay."

"Nope." Kayleigh's eyes twinkled. "You can even hold the door for me, I don't mind a little chivalry."

As they were leaving, Marty opened the door for her with a flourish and they both laughed. They walked down Broadway for a ways before deciding it was really too cold for much of a walk and stopping off at a cafe for coffee and dessert. Kayleigh ordered a cappacino and a gooey italian thing called a Tiramisu. Marty had never heard of it, but it looked like it had plenty of sugar in it. "Come on, try a bite. I promise it won't kill you." Kayleigh coaxed.

Marty eyed the proffered fork warily, but gave in. It was surprisingly good, although he didn't think he could manage an entire one himself and was impressed by her courage. She had to be the only woman he'd taken out who would so blithely consume so many calories. Of course, Kayleigh didn't look as though she had to worry about that, he thought admiringly. Their conversation went on, but Marty only kept half of his mind on it. The rest of him was preoccupied by her face, the way she moved her hands, the way her deep blue eyes reflected the light. He pondered the important question: should he kiss her or not?She hadn't made an issue of his paying for dinner, but that didn't mean a damn thing these days.

Marty continued to wonder as they got their check (she paid this time), and set off back up Broadway. They arrived in front of her building and Marty looked at her hesitantly. "May I call again?"

Kayleigh smiled. "Yes."

He was enchanted by that smile. Marty stared into her eyes, working up his courage. She stared back, a half smile on her lips, giving him no clues. Aw, what the hell, Marty thought and leaned forward, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her deeply. They both enjoyed the moment and then Kayleigh gently detached herself and backed away, towards the building. "Goodnight, Marty."

"I'll call you." Marty was quietly jubilant.

"Okay." Kayleigh turned and entered the building.

* * * * * *

"So?" Somehow, Sara managed to put volumes of meaning into that one word.

"Hmm?" Kayleigh glanced up distractedly from the guitar she was tuning.

Sarah snorted. "So how was it? Marty was all but singing on the phone this morning."

Kayleigh shrugged. "It was fun."

"Are you gonna go out with him again?"

"Yeah, sure. He's a cool guy."

Sarah sat back in her chair, disappointed by Kayleigh's lack of enthusiasm. "But not the great romance of your life?"

Kayleigh sighed. "No, I don't think so. I like him, he's entertaining company, but he doesn't really stir any passion in me." Sarah looked so let down that Kayleigh had to laugh. "Really! What stake do you have in this anyway?"

"Well, I just want both of you to be happy." Sarah replied defensively.

"You have a romantic streak in you a mile wide." Kayleigh observed dryly.

Sarah nodded, but then regarded Kayleigh curiously. "Kayleigh, have you ever even been in love?"

Kayleigh looked thoughtful. "You know, I'm not sure. I don't think so. Not really, anyway."

"Not even Gideon?" Sarah asked.

"Well, I sure thought I was in love with Gideon, but I think it was really only puppy love. And any of my other involvements were all so fleeting that I never even had a chance to fall in love. There have been other times I thought I was in love, but I don't know if I actually was..."

Sarah's eyes sparkled with mischief. "I bet when the ice princess does fall, she falls hard."

Kayleigh smiled, searching for a ready quip, but for some reason Sarah's stray comment gave her a prickling of premonition. Kayleigh took refuge in her usual escape. The guitar was tuned, so she let her fingers wander over the strings, slipping into a popular folk song. "Oh- here. This is the finished guitar bridge for Tristan." Kayleigh's fingers picked out a series of cascading arpeggios that led to graceful chords.

Sarah listened and applauded at the end. "Very nice. I think that's my favorite of your ballads so far."

Kayleigh grinned and bowed gracefully. "Thank you, dear lady. I'm afraid I must kick you out now, it's about time for me to get off to band practice."

"Okay." Sarah rose. "When's your next gig?"

"Two weeks from yesterday. I'm gonna pretty much disappear until then, we're gonna be practicing a lot."

"Uh-oh. Marty's not going to be happy to hear that."

The look Kayleigh threw her was decidedly cold. "He'd better get used to it."

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