Free Playing With Fire by Deborah Fletcher Mello

“Your mama sure raised you right, boy.”
    â€œSo what happened? Why didn’t you marry him?”
    A wistful look crossed her face as she responded. “His heart was somewhere else and we both knew it.” She smiled, changing the subject. “So, what’s going on with you? Are you still chasing after some no good woman?”
    Romeo paused for a moment. Women had never been a problem for him. They fell into his path the way the leaves fell from the trees during the autumn, and Romeo, true to his name, had played like most boys who find a pile of leaves at their feet. But things were changing. Romeo no longer had any interest in the one-night relationships that once fueled his spirit. But if pressed, he didn’t know if he could tell anyone what it was he did want.
    Romeo suddenly thought again about the woman whose phone call he had spent half the day hoping for. He hadn’t bothered to ask for her number, just in case, and he was still kicking himself. He’d thought about calling Roberta for the information but had changed his mind, not wanting his old friend in his business like that. But the prospect of knowing more about Taryn Williams intrigued him. As he pondered the possibilities, the longings of loneliness pulled at the muscles in his chest. He inhaled deeply, then smiled as a little white lie fell past his full lips. “No, ma’am. I’m not chasing after any woman. I don’t have the time or the energy.”
    Aleta gave him a long look, studying him intently. There was no missing the expression that crossed his face. “It’s your lie, baby, tell it anyway you want,” she said with a soft chuckle.
    Romeo shook his head from side to side, his grin wide and full. “Honest, Aunt Aleta. I’ve changed my wanton ways!”
    Aleta nodded. “Then whoever she is, she must be very special.”
    Romeo’s gaze locked with hers and held. He blew a heavy breath as he shrugged. He didn’t bother to respond.
    Aleta rose from her seat, one of her staff calling for her attention. “Well, you enjoy yourself and I’ll catch up with you before you leave.”
    Romeo rose to his feet, leaning to kiss her cheek one last time. “Yes, ma’am. I know I’ll have a good time. This is my second home, remember?”
    They both chuckled. “Well, come see me more often then,” Aleta said as she sauntered away, adding, “I’ve missed you.”
    Romeo finally gave in to the music and the drink. It had been a long day and he was exhausted, his body worn. He watched as Piano Man pushed his own overtired bones past the point of no return. The man’s fingers had been parading up and down the ivory steps for hours, and Romeo marveled at his ability to still be able to play as brilliantly as he did.
    When the band finally rested, packing up their instruments one last time, Romeo was relieved for them, knowing that Piano Man needed the break whether he wanted to admit it or not. He watched as Piano Man strolled over to Aleta’s side, wrapping his arms around her in a large bear hug. They whispered together only briefly before she filled a tall glass with ice and water, pressing it into his hands.
    Sitting up straight as the elderly figure made his way to the table, Romeo said, “Nice set. You guys play well together.”
    Piano Man nodded his gray head. “Thank you.” He lifted the tall glass to his lips and drank, draining the glass dry. “Ahhh . . . playing makes me thirsty.”
    â€œI’m surprised you’re not drinking scotch.”
    Piano Man nodded in Aleta’s direction. “She won’t let me drink here. Says I’m an alcoholic. Says she won’t be contributing to my disease.”
    â€œAre you an alcoholic?”
    â€œAren’t you?”
    Romeo paused, not sure if he should respond. When no words fell from his mouth, he figured it best not to answer at all. They sat in