Читать книгу The Wedding March - Tara Randel - Страница 11
ОглавлениеTHE NEXT MORNING, Cassie sat at her sister’s kitchen table, feet hooked over the lower rung of the chair, her elbows bent while she balanced a pencil on her fingers. A half-empty cup of coffee, her third so far, sat within reaching distance, while she stared at a blank yellow legal pad.
She’d been up since dawn, still dressed in a tank top, sleeping shorts and a threadbare long sleeve denim shirt. Her guitar, which she’d named Ginger for its deep red wood, still inside the case, sat beside her feet. Normally she’d take Ginger out and strum until a melody caught her fancy. Normally. But with her head in a bad place, she didn’t dare touch the instrument.
So far, nothing had come to her. Oh, some random notes. A few words here and there drifted through her brain, words she tried to link together, but she couldn’t make them stick. The words lingered, then escaped as if wisps in the wind.
She gathered her long hair and twisted, then tossed it over her shoulder, hating this surge of frustration. Her sister walked into the kitchen, dressed in a flirty dress, ready to go out to Sunday brunch.
“Sure you don’t want to come?” Lauren asked. “My friends loved meeting meet you last time you were in town.”
“Thanks, but I need to work.”
“How long have you been sitting there?”
“What time is it?” she asked. If she didn’t get it together soon, she was in big trouble.
“You look terrible.” Her sister stated the obvious.
“That’s the look I was going for.” Okay, stop. No point in taking her situation out on Lauren when her sister had absolutely no idea what was going on with Cassie in the first place.
Lauren poured herself a cup of coffee and leaned a hip against the counter, her narrowed eyes trained on Cassie. Uh-oh. Trouble. Her sister hadn’t become a successful financial advisor without being perceptive.
Cassie wiggled in her seat.
“So when are you going to tell me what’s going on?”
“If I have my way, never.”
Lauren sipped her coffee. Cassie could almost picture the wheels turning in her sister’s mind.
“So there is something going on. The wedding?”
“No, it’s not about the wedding.”
“Whatever it is, I’ll listen. I’m told it’s one of my best qualities.”
“As much as I’d love to, you can’t help with this problem.”
“Music?”
“Of course. What else drives me?”
“If you’re having trouble, talk to Dad.”
“Yeah, that’s not going to happen.” She held up her hand as Lauren opened her mouth to argue. Her father had shown her the wonderful world of music, and yes, she’d wanted to please him, but after too many years spent trying to earn her father’s love and never measuring up, she’d stopped trying. Excluding him from her life had helped her to focus as she tried to succeed in the business, finding passion in her talent, without his criticism. “Not because we don’t talk to each other. He can’t help me figure this out.”
A knowing gleam shone in her sister’s eyes. “But Luke Hastings can?”
Her breath caught. “Why would you ask me about him?”
“Because I heard you humming that song of his again.” She snapped her fingers. “You know, something about love.”
“‘Won’t You Love Me Always.’”
“Right. I can never keep all the titles straight. It’s like that one of yours, ‘Pretty Inside.’ I love the message of that song.”
Cassie smiled, remembering the story behind the lyrics. She’d gone to a fancy sorority party in college and while her friends were all dressed up in the latest fashion, she’d worn a casual outfit. Big no-no. She’d brushed off the sideway glances and snickers by pretending to be amused, hiding her hurt feelings. Later on, she’d used the experience to compose a song about beauty coming from inside, not the trendy clothes or shoes that a person wore. It had been one of her most popular singles.
“That was a great time for me. I was away from home for the first time. Mom and Bud were strong so we didn’t have to worry about her like we did when the three of us were making ends meet. It was like the clamoring inside my head finally calmed down and I could take the lyrics I’d been jotting down forever and put them to music.”
“Mom wasn’t happy when you dropped out your senior year.”
“What can I say? When the opportunity to perform full-time arose, I jumped at the chance. Actually made some money.”
“Until LA.”
“It wasn’t easy, but I was living my dream.” She laughed. “I was all about ramen noodle meals, sleeping on friends’ couches and pinching pennies to get by while I knocked on one record label door after another.”
“And now,” her sister asked, “you’re interested in Luke?”
She’d been humming Luke’s love song, a number infused with such deep longing that the singer didn’t know how he’d make it through another day without a commitment from the woman he loved. It was so much a part of her subconscious, taking her back to the painful breakup with Chris around the time of the single’s release. As long as she could remember, humming, singing and playing were natural responses for her, but that song? After hearing it, she’d taken out her journal and begun writing snippets about her feelings, which eventually became lyrics to her own songs.
“The guy is a legend. Look at his reputation. Multiple hits recorded by famous artists. Four Grammy awards. If I could just convince him I don’t want anything tangible from him, just a bit of his time...”
“From what I’ve heard, he doesn’t talk about his old career.”
“I remember reading something about a messy divorce, but I was busy with my career then so I didn’t pay attention.”
“Some people don’t like to dwell in the past. Luke is one of them.”
“It’s a shame. He really made his mark on the music world.”
“And now his mark is Kids’ Klub. When Luke came to town and started teaching, he saw a need for at-risk teens to put their energy into something constructive. He started with music, but soon the concept grew into sports teams and other creative stuff. It still focuses on troubled youth, but the teams and clubs and lessons caught on and developed into an awesome outlet for kids from any background. Not only do the teens in Cypress Pointe take advantage of the Klub, but surrounding towns, as well. And now, local businesses have joined in and will help train kids in their areas of interest. It’s quite a success.”
“I’m impressed.”
“They operated out of the basement of a small community center, but recently Luke moved to an empty warehouse just north of town. He’s hoping to buy the property but funds are tight. He runs the program from donations, including whatever he makes with his wedding band.”
Cassie pictured his face, his dark blond hair and those deep brown eyes. How he’d smiled during a raucous number his band performed at her dad’s reception, or the faraway look that came over him when he sang a love song.
“You certainly have your finger on the pulse of the town, especially this Kids’ Klub,” she said, shaking off the vision.
“I helped Luke draw up a business plan when he first came up with the concept. Guided him through the nonprofit maze, set up the organization books and so on. He recently called me for advice on buying the property and warehouse.”
Cassie tilted her head. “Last night you acted as thought you barely know him.”
Lauren shrugged. “I don’t know him, other than as a client. He doesn’t talk about himself or his life, only the Klub. So essentially he is kind of a stranger, at least about his personal life.”
“Hmm.”
“I recognize that look,” Lauren said. “You’re still determined to get him on board to help you with...whatever.”
Did she dare confess her darkest fear? Speak aloud the words that kept her awake at night, drenched in a cold sweat, worrying about her future?
Cassie paused, staring out the window. A cardinal landed on the birdfeeder in the backyard. Sitting atop the structure, tall and proud, the beautiful scarlet creature surveyed its surroundings, its stature speaking of control in the world. So unlike Cassie’s state of mind at this very moment.
She finally glanced at her sister, took a bracing breath before saying, “I’m having trouble coming up with new material. That’s why I’m so interested in Luke.”
“Since when?”
“Since Living in Paradise tanked. The label wants a repeat of my first album and I can’t put together words or melodies.”
“I remember when we were growing up you were always scribbling in your journal. No wonder you’re worried.”
“I’m hoping this is temporary, so please keep this between us. At least until I can sort this out.”
“I will.” Lauren finished her coffee and placed her mug on the counter. “I may not be able to help you with this, but from the look on your face, I hope you come up with a solution, and soon.” That said, she walked out of the room, leaving behind troubled silence.
Cassie stared at the blank paper again. Was this it? The end? What happened to the ease of jotting down words over the years? All the times growing up when her dad disappointed her or her mother struggled to make ends meet? Yeah, her life made for good lyrics, even though it wasn’t always easy. But still, she had experiences to draw on. Why wouldn’t the words come now?
The record label had expectations. So did her manager and fans. She didn’t want to disappoint any of them.
The yellow legal pad, still as pristine as when she’d bought it, mocked her. She grabbed the pencil and wrote in big, block letters, WRITE.
Not much in terms of inspiration, but right now, it was all she had.
Tapping her pencil against the paper, she closed her eyes. She thought about her conversation with Lauren, which made her think of Luke and his great club for kids. She should really volunteer there to get her mind off her troubles. She’d given music lessons in college to make money, why not do some good while waiting for inspiration to strike?
The more she thought about it, the more she liked the idea. But would Luke accept her assistance? Only one way to find out.
With her mind whirling, Cassie hurried to the guest room. Even though it was Sunday, she’d go to the Klub and see if Luke was available. If he was as dedicated as Lauren said, she suspected he’d be on site. She chose an outfit, showered and dressed in record time, braided her hair and slipped on chunky ankle boots. Enough worrying. She needed action. Time to make a positive impression like her life depended on it.
After calling Lauren for directions, she drove her rented red convertible, complete with all the bells and whistles, to the Klub’s address. The sporty two-seater was similar to her car back home, her one splurge after the first album. As she entered the spacious warehouse, walking into a gymnasium setup, butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She noticed teens hanging out, some playing hoops, others working on some type of project, a good indication Luke was indeed here.
She stopped a young man with glasses. “Can you tell me where I can find Luke Hastings?”
“In his office.” The boy pointed to an opening on the far side of the gym. “Down the hallway.”
“Thanks.”
Hand on her stomach, Cassie ventured to the door clearly marked Mr. Hastings. She lifted her hand to knock on the partially open door when she heard the sudden peal of bells.
Bells? She blinked, realizing the disruption came from her cell phone. Grabbing it from her jacket pocket, she read her manager’s name on the screen. She swiped the screen and said hello.
“Hey, stranger,” said Travis. “You don’t write, you don’t call.”
Did he suspect her dilemma? He couldn’t. She’d only told Lauren about her predicament. See, she was so off balance she was transferring her fears to everything.
“Sorry. Been busy with wedding stuff.”
“Not too busy to work on new material, right? I gotta say, I’m a bit concerned I haven’t heard from you.”
Travis Bailey had taken Cassie under his wing when she’d first made a splash in the club scene around LA. Without his guidance, there’s no telling how she would have navigated the murky waters of the recording industry. The man had a heart of gold, for his clients, anyway. Otherwise his instincts resembled an attack dog, brokering deals and keeping those he managed away from bad contracts and shady characters making false promises. A middle-aged hipster with thinning hair, he had plenty of lines on his boyish face, attesting to years of smiles. He’d become something of a substitute dad to her over the years. Letting him down would break her heart.
“Sorry, Travis. I’m trying to get some work done while I’m here.” She bit her lower lip. Not a lie, exactly. She was trying.
“Great. We have to hit this thing with everything we’ve got. I’ve spoken to Ron and they’re looking for a stellar product.”
Cassie swallowed hard. Ron Harding, an executive at the label and the idiot, er, mastermind, in proposing the changes in her sound, was a hard man to please. He’d dropped other artists for less of a flop than Cassie’s last album.
She’d always wondered why Travis had let the producer tweak her sound. Travis had been gung ho and she’d been so caught up in the whirlwind excitement of cutting another album, she didn’t dare ask. Didn’t dare voice her opinion after only one album with people who’d had years of experience. Well, she’d learned. The bad album fell squarely on her shoulders for not expressing her true self. She wouldn’t make the same mistake again.
“In the meantime, what about a few touring dates before you go into the studio? You know, for momentum. Any thoughts?”
How on earth could she make any appearances when she was most likely going to get kicked out of said studio? All without her manager realizing any of her concerns.
“Um, why don’t you hold off. Or better yet, start looking at the calendar after I finish the album. Don’t want too much on my plate. This project is so important.”
And she needed to stay in Cypress Pointe where she had access to Luke.
Travis went silent for a few beats. “You okay? You sound weird. Pressure isn’t gettin’ to you, is it?”
“We both know this is make or break, Travis. I’d be unrealistic not to be concerned.”
“Now, calm down,” he tsked in the soothing voice that had pulled her from the edge multiple times. “You’ve got this.”
“And if I don’t?”
“We’ll figure it out. Like we always do.”
His words should have made her feel better, but created the opposite effect.
“You’ll keep me in the loop?”
“Yes, sir,” she answered, adding a little sass to her tone.
He chuckled. “That’s more like it, although I still think you should consider touring.”
She winced. “I’ll get back to you on the concert idea.”
“That’s my girl. Talk to you soon.”
Hitting the end button, she stared at the dark screen. She couldn’t tour, not now or in the future. Planning a concert was on the bottom of her to-do list. If, and when, the album was made, she’d consider going on the road. Until then...
Her manager had faith in her, but did she? “What were you thinking, Travis?”
The sound of a throat being cleared made her jump. She looked up into amused brown eyes. “Talk to yourself much?”
Good grief. So much for a positive impression.
* * *
LUKE HELD BACK a grin at Cassie’s mortified expression.
He’d been in his office, fingers stalled over the calculator as the same numbers kept appearing on the screen. A sharp ache took residence in his temple. No matter how many times he went over the accounting, there was still a big gap in his operating capital. Contributions came in regularly, but since the move to the warehouse, cash was tight.
A shout came from the gymnasium. Every Sunday, a bunch of the boys gathered for a game of basketball. Luke didn’t mind opening up, especially when he discovered how many kids wanted to hang out. To him, the sound of voices meant he was doing something right, justifying his decision to move into this larger building.
He’d been about to abandon his depressing act of going over the finances when a feminine voice floated in from outside his office door. He recognized Cassie’s sweet cadence. What was she doing here? Intrigued, he went to investigate.
He certainly hadn’t expected to see her any time soon, if at all. Since the wedding events were over, he figured she’d leave town before they had a chance to reconnect. Yet here she stood, her hair in her signature braid, dressed in a stylish outfit. No wonder he hadn’t recognized her at the wedding.
“Sorry to bother you.” She held up her phone. “My manager.”
He hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but heard enough of the conversation to know she was all about her career.
“Can you spare a minute of your time?”
“Sure. C’mon in.”
He gathered the paperwork littering his desk and stuffed it into a file. “I’m actually happy for a distraction.” He took a chair from the corner and placed it beside his desk. “Have a seat.”
She sat, her gaze taking in his office. Pictures of kids he’d worked with adorned one wall. Another displayed framed certificates of appreciation from local businesses. When she met his eyes, he glimpsed the uncertainty there. Guessed he’d be the one to break the ice.
“So, what brings you by today?”
“I’m hoping to talk to you about volunteering here.”
His brow rose. “In what capacity?”
“I was talking to my sister this morning and she told me about Kids’ Klub and all the great things you do for the community.”
“Lauren helped me in the beginning.”
“She said. Thankfully, my sister and I never got into too much trouble, but I have to say, starting a program for at-risk kids is really honorable.” She spread her arms. “So here I am.”
Interesting.
“While it would be easy to simply write a check, I’d like to propose a more personal touch.” A nostalgic expression softened her face. “I used to give music lessons as a way of earning money through college. Piano. Guitar. I love seeing kids get excited when they begin to learn to play a new instrument. So, I’d like to volunteer.”
“Volunteer? Don’t you have a career you’re busy with?”
“Yes, but while I’m here in Cypress Pointe I’d like to be part of your program. You know, something bigger than myself.”
“Cassie, I’ll be honest. I overheard some of your conversation just now. Won’t a concert schedule keep you too busy to be involved here?”
“Oh, I didn’t realize...” She stopped. Composed herself. “It might have sounded like that, but I’m staying in Cypress Pointe for a while.”
“So no running off to concerts just as you start to bond with the kids? They need consistency. People who stick around.”
“I realize that. I remember those angsty teenage years, so I would never intentionally hurt anyone.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “I’ll admit, the Klub has lots of needs, including volunteers in time and money. I need you to be sure about a commitment, not thinking about concerts or PR gimmicks.”
“PR? I wasn’t even considering that far in advance. I can do some good and—” A slow smile bloomed over her lips. “You’re a genius.”
“Come again?”
“You just gave me an excellent idea.”
“Which is?”
“How about I give a benefit concert with all the proceeds going to Kids’ Klub?”
Surprised twice in the time span of five minutes. A new record.
“Your offer comes out of the blue.”
“That’s because I just thought of it.” Her expression turned serious. “It would be a great opportunity to raise funds and the kids would have fun, as well. Plus, I’d get some musical time with you.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Say yes. The idea is win-win for Cypress Pointe and the Klub.”
He propped his elbows on the desk and steepled his hands under his chin, quickly doing the math. One concert with Cassie could set the Klub up for at least a year if he was wise with his spending. Or it could be enough for a down payment on the property. His mind went over all scenarios, returning to his initial gut reaction.
Cassie had a career and he knew how consumed some artists could be in that business. He remembered that she’d shown promise on her first album, then appeared to change her style to chase the charts with her second. Would a benefit concert for Kids’ Klub just be a media event for her? A chance to grab the spotlight in the guise of helping a good cause? He didn’t want that type of tabloid exposure if it was only meant to advance her career.
“I see the benefits for the Klub. What do you get out of the deal?”
A puzzled frown marred her forehead. “Who says I need anything from it?”
“Because I’ve been in that world, Cassie. I know how the PR machine works.”
She avoided his gaze for a second too long before scooting forward in her chair. “Luke, I love to perform live. It’s how I made my way before the studio work.” Her eyes sparkled. “I also love Cypress Pointe. My sister, mom and her husband live and work here. It’s the place I return to when I need a break from the craziness of this business. I’m sure you understand.”
He did. All too well. “What about your schedule? Can you make the time?”
Pain flashed in her eyes before going flat. Pain? Where had that come from? She’d been downright excited moments before.
“I don’t have to be back to LA for a few weeks.”
“Planning a concert is a big undertaking.”
“I know, but it won’t take much to figure out the logistics. Since it’ll be a local event, we can pull it together in no time. The only hitch is that the guys I usually play with will probably be busy, but I’m hoping Sandy Palms can fill in.”
Had he heard her right? “You want my band to play with you?”
“Sure. You sounded great at the reception. It may take a couple practice sessions for us to mesh, but they’re your friends. I can’t imagine them turning you down since it’s for a good cause.”
“You’d really do this for us?”
“Why not?”
Why not indeed? As much as Luke tried, the cynical part of him kept wondering if after all was said and done, she’d let them down. Last night she’d tried to engage him in conversation that was definitely headed to a place he didn’t think he’d like. His past career. Eons and miles from the present.
He looked at her now, with that earnest expression and the hopeful curve of her pink lips. Not wanting to believe this was some sort of trap, he tried to push past the reservations hindering his decision. He’d hate to see Cassie, or anyone, for that matter, use Kids’ Klub for their personal agenda. That’s how much the program meant to him.
Before he could give Cassie an answer, a knock interrupted them. Denny, one of the teen volunteers, bounded in, his dark hair spilling over his forehead, his glasses slightly askew. Tall and lanky, his sneakers skidded on the tile floor as he came to an abrupt stop. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t know you were busy.”
“What have I said about knocking?”
“We need to respect each other’s space,” he replied in mock exasperation. “I get it, Mr. H., but I need the key to the art room. Lizzy forgot her paints and needs them for art class tomorrow.”
Luke opened the top drawer to his desk, removed a key ring and tossed it to Denny.
Denny caught it midair. “Thanks. And sorry, again.” He took a step, stopped and twirled around. “Hey, do I know you?”
Cassie smiled. “I’m a musician.”
He noted she didn’t call herself star. Props for her.
Denny pushed his glasses more securely on to his nose. “Cassie Branford, right? My friend Erin listens to your music.”
“You’re correct.”
“I heard some of the kids say your family lives in town.” He frowned. “I’m not real familiar with your songs. I’m more of an opera fan.”
Cassie blinked and glanced at Luke.
“I know, most kids his age don’t have a clue.”
“It’s my grandma’s fault,” Denny explained. “She raised me on the stuff.”
“There’s nothing wrong with opera,” Cassie rushed to assure him. “It’s an acquired taste.”
“Which usually skips teenagers,” Luke deadpanned.
“Yeah, my friends think it’s odd, but before long I’ve got them listening. Some of ’em actually like it.”
“Good for you,” Cassie said.
Denny gripped the keys in his hand. “I’ll bring these back when we’re finished.”
Luke nodded as Denny hustled out the door.
“Interesting young man.”
“He is. I’ve known him since he was a freshman. He was one of the first students to try out the program.”
“Troubled home life?”
“If you call having a family who loves you trouble.” He chuckled. “No, it might have been because he was bullied when he was younger. He’s never admitted it, but I can see the signs. Once he heard about the concept for the Klub, he tagged along and has been an integral part ever since.”
“He must be an amazing young man.”
“He’s getting there. Now, back to the subject at hand.”
“I can see you’re not convinced,” Cassie said.
“I got the distinct impression you were trying to ask me something the other night. Does this offer have anything to do with that?”
“Busted.” She sighed. “Yes. I might as well be honest. I do want to volunteer here, no matter what your answer to my next question is, so keep that in mind.”
“I know I’m going to regret it, but, what do you need to be honest about?”
As she bit her lower lip, Luke couldn’t ignore the rush of attraction. Cute and conflicted. Her hair shone under the fluorescent lighting, highlighting the bright pink streak. Her skin, so luminous, had him itching to trace his fingers over it. And those unforgettable eyes. His downfall so far.
“I have a deadline coming up,” she went on to say. “I have to be back in the studio in three months. Problem is, I have no new material.”
“That’s a problem.”
“No kidding.” She pulled her braid over her shoulder and tugged at it. “I can’t come up with any new songs. You might not know this, but my last album was a bomb.”
He’d heard.
“I have writer’s block. No matter what I do, I can’t come up with anything new. No sparks. No inspiration. Nothing.”
So here it was. The real reason behind her altruism.
In the music industry, Luke knew how devastating writer’s block could be. He’d never experienced it, but had friends who’d agonized because of it, usually after a big blow, like a bad album. He could sympathize, even though he didn’t live in that world any longer, but he found his back up at her request. He could agree to most anything but songwriting.
“So you want, what, help? Suggestions?”
“At this point all I know is that my career will definitely suffer if I can’t snap out of this—” she wiggled her hand in the air “—whatever it is.”
The music business could be fickle at times. One day you were a star, another a has-been.
“I’m hoping being around you and the Klub might kick-start my muse.” She lowered her eyes for a moment, then met his gaze, a captivating grin making his chest squeeze. “No pressure or anything.”
Cassie’s look got to him. He didn’t want to be the guy she pinned her hopes on and who let her down. Or have her get involved only to have her muse show up and then she’d leave him in the lurch. His focus was on troubled kids, not a pretty songwriter who’d lost her way. He glanced at her again. Those green eyes always managed to trip him up. She bit her lower lip again, anticipating his answer.
“If I said I can’t make any promises will you still do the concert?”
“Yes. Absolutely.”
He knew he was digging a hole for himself, but if this wasn’t a publicity stunt and truly a chance to aid his kids, then he might be willing to give her pointers. Still, he’d closely watch her actions after the concert. One sign that she was playing him and he’d sever ties between them. “Then what do you say we plan this concert and go from there?”
At her relived burst of breath, he cringed and forcefully told himself he was agreeing in order to keep the Klub going.
