“Uh, let’s just say my previous life isn’t one worth harping on. I just wanted a fresh start and Rose Haven seems to be doing just that.”
Duke nodded. I knew he wanted to know more, but he also didn’t want to ruin the night.
“I can accept that for now.”
“Thank you. When I’m ready to tell you more, trust me, I won’t miss a detail.”
I knew there was more.I wanted the truth, but if I was being real, who she was today mattered most. As long as whatever she was hiding didn’t put her or anyone else at risk, I could wait.
“Tell me why a bakery? Granted, I fuck with anything sweet and you’re damn good at your job. But I need to know what made you take the leap.”
Her smile was one I realized I needed to see at least once a day to make mine go right. I’d noticed any time someone complimented her on her baking, she got shy. It was cute.
“It’s the one thing I remember about my mom. We would bake together all the time. It just became my safety net when things felt unstable.”
I hummed in agreement.
“I like that.”
Before she could respond, the host at the bar stepped up to the microphone.
“What’s up y’all! I’m glad you made it to The Row tonight! If you know what tonight it is, then get ready to have the time of your lives. It’s karaoke night and first up is my man Duke! Don’t hurt em’ up here!”
Solana’s mouth dropped in shock. I knew she didn’t expect my name to be called or for me to be interested in doing something like this. I’d tried it out here one night and had been back on the regular ever since.
“Wait, you’re really going to go up there?” Solana asked, reaching out to grab my wrist as I stood.
I chuckled and nodded. “Yeah. Why not? We here for a good time, right?”
She released the hold on my wrist and lifted a brow with a smile. I could feel her eyes burning a hole in my back as I walked towards the stage. The bar wasn’t packed but a few more people had come inside and occupied the few tables near the stage.
The moment I walked on stage, a few women whistled. I smirked as I walked over to the Dj to tell him what song I planned to do. Then walked back over to the microphone.
“Y’all ready to have a good time tonight?” I asked.
A few of them shouted their excitement and curiosity at me. I smiled back at the crowd, then looked over at Solana, who was leaning forward against the tabletop. I winked in her direction as the beat to “Thank God I found You” by Mariah Carey, Nas, and Joe dropped.
I rapped Nas part, looking in Solana’s direction. Her cheeks reddened as I switched gears, singing Joe’s part. Her eyes widened. I knew it shocked her I could actually sing. I wasn’t Mario or nothing like that. But I could hold a tune.
I turned the microphone towards the crowd as they sang along to Mariah Carey’s part. Solana was dancing and singingalong in her seat. I could tell she was letting loose and enjoying herself. I took the few steps from the stage, bringing the microphone along with me.
Everyone’s eyes followed me as I held a hand out to Solana, who looked up with a soft smile. While allowing me to pull her to her feet, I wrapped her arms around my neck and slow danced with her before helping her back into her seat. Then walked back up on stage as the song ended.
The crowd erupted into applause as I placed the microphone back into the stand. I waved, then walked back over to our table. Solana had the biggest smile on her face as I took the seat across from her.
“I can’t believe you did that. You just keep surprising me.”
I grabbed my bottle of water, then leaned back with a smirk.
“I gotta hear this. What did you think you knew about me? First impression, go.”
She tucked a loose curl behind her ear, then looked down at her hands as they tangled together. Then returned her attention back to me.
“I don’t know. You know, the cliché biker bad boy thing. I would have never expected you to bring me to a karaoke bar and then sing. And when I say sing, I mean you’re really out here singing. Who taught you how to sing like that?”
I looked away and chuckled.
“Man, I’m alright. My grandma made me join the choir at her church when I was a kid. I wasn’t good enough to get a solo spot or nothing. But I could do a little something.”