"I know, and I love you for it." She nodded toward the two women, who were still talking to the trombone player.
"I'm wondering who the lady in the blue sweater might be."
"Which one?" He stepped back to get a better look.
"The one with the shoulder length blonde hair. She kept her eye on me for some time and acted like she knew me. We must have crossed paths somewhere, but I can't recall when."
"Maybe she's sizing you up," Evan said jokingly. "But don't worry. I can handle her if she tries to make trouble."
"Thanks, Evan. I know I can always count on you."
As if on cue, the woman walked up to Tonya and extended her hand. "I wanted to stop by and introduce myself. My name is Melissa Atkins. I'm here tonight with a friend whose nephew is also in the band."
"Nice to meet you"
"Likewise, and at the risk of sounding too forward, I'm also with the Angela Carson Modeling Agency. The reason I was watching you so closely is because you have the perfect look to be a model. You're tall and thin and your hair is gorgeous. I snapped a few photos of you with my phone, and you're certainly photogenic. So, have you ever thought about modeling?"
Tonya brushed a strand of her long, dark hair away from her face. "Well, I'm certainly flattered, but to be honest, I've never really thought about it. I'm more focused on my music."
"I see." Melissa looked disappointed as she handed Tonya one of her business cards. "Well, you're certainly a talented musician, and you're going to a top-notch school, but we do a lot of print modeling here in Dallas, and it pays really well. If you think this is something you might be interested in doing to help with school, then please give me a call."
"Thanks. I appreciate the offer, so I'll think about it. We students can always use the extra money." Another audience member walked up to Tonya and Melissa stepped aside. Her friend soon joined her, and she gave Tonya a farewell nod as they left.
"Ready to go?" asked Evan.
"Yep. Let me get my things, and I'll tell my music director goodnight." Tonya returned a few minutes later with her gig bag, along with her coat and purse. The late winter air felt icy when they stepped outside.
"Are you hungry?" asked Evan as they walked up to an older model gray sedan. "I know you didn't eat before the show."
"No, I didn't, and I'm starving."
"Me too. We're also too overdressed for fast-food, so I'll take you somewhere a little nicer."
"Thanks, I'd love it. I overheard some of the other musicians saying there's an Applebee's close by."
"Sounds perfect." Evan unlocked the passenger door and Tonya slipped inside. She looked up the directions while they waited for the car to warm up, and they spotted several of her fellow musicians when they came inside the restaurant. She gave them a nod as the hostess walked them to their table, and once they were seated, she asked for a club soda with lime.
"So, what did you think of the concert?" she asked.
"It was great. I know I wasn't into jazz when I first met you, and I had no idea there was such a thing as jazz guitar, or classical guitar, but the more I hear it, the more I like it."
"Then I'm happy to know I'm making you more cultured."
After enjoying a leisurely meal together, Tonya pushed her empty plate aside. "It's been a long day," she said, "and we have a long drive back to Denton."
Evan responded with a playful look. "And here I thought you musicians were all party people and played all night long."
"Some do. However, I'm still a musician in training, and it really has been a long day. I'm ready to call it a night."
Evan dropped his credit card into the check tray, and before long they were on the freeway. Tonya took Melissa's card from her purse as she relaxed in the passenger seat.
"So, do you think this Melissa was on the level? asked Evan.
"Yep. Nothing in her body language suggested she was lying."
"You and your knack for reading people like books."
"It comes in handy. I'd be happy to teach you how to do it sometime."
"I know, but you do it naturally. Have you ever been wrong?"
"A few times, but not very often."
"I see," said Evan. "So, back to Melissa. Do you think modeling is something you'd want to do?"
"I don't know, but it's certainly something to think about."
"Really?" Evan sounded surprised.
"Yep. She said it pays well and I can always use the extra cash, so I think I'll sleep on it." Tonya stifled a yawn as she dropped Melissa's card back into her purse.
"In the meantime, my focus is on my music. And graduating. And trying to get into grad school." She leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes as Evan turned up the radio. Once they arrived in Denton, he drove to a small apartment complex near the campus and walked Tonya to her door.
"Here we are, home sweet home." Tonya flipped on the lights as they stepped inside her one-room apartment. The modest furnishings included a floor lamp, a chocolate-colored sleeper sofa, a desk, and a bistro table with two chairs. She parked her guitar in the corner while Evan took off his jacket and plopped down on the sofa.
"So, are you up for spending the night?" he asked.
"No, not tonight. I really am beat."
"Aw, c'mon. I'll be a good boy. I promise."
"Yeah, right," she said as she sat down next to him. "Tell you what. Let me get my beauty sleep tonight, and we'll hang out tomorrow night, right after I'm done practicing with my guitar group."
"But tomorrow's Sunday, and we have class Monday morning."
"Then we'll make it an early night. I should be home by five, so why don't you drop by, say around five-thirty, and you can bring a pizza"
"Of course," he said, "and I'll bring a six-pack of beer as well."
"Tsk, tsk," she said with a playful grin.
"Hey, I turned twenty-one, and so will you. Very soon."
"No doubt your roommate is relieved to no longer buy your liquor for you."
"He is." Evan smoothed a strand of hair off her face as he talked. "And then, after the pizza, we'll hang out for a while." He gave her a long kiss.
"Down boy," said Tonya once they came up for air. "But hold that thought, okay?"
"Say what?" He gave her a pouty look and Tonya burst out laughing.
"Oh c'mon. It's not the end of the world."
"I know," he said, grudgingly. Grabbing his jacket, he gave her another affectionate kiss.
"Goodnight, Evan." Her voice was firm as they walked to the door. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Goodnight, love." After one last kiss, Evan stepped outside, and Tonya closed the door behind him.
