The Christmas Singer

by Cheryl Wright

  He released a huge sigh before he could stop it. Oh yeah, this was good. Maybe too good.

  Derek closed his eyes and enjoyed the moment. He could definitely get used to this. He took a deep breath and was rewarded with the wonderful fragrance that was Felicity. His moments of self-indulgence suddenly had a rude awakening.

  “Ooooooooooh!” It a very delighted Joe.

  “It’s not what you think,” Derek quickly said, pushing Felicity away. What the heck was he thinking? This was becoming far from a professional relationship and had to stop. Except he didn’t want it to stop.

  “Yes it is,” Felicity said, clearly annoyed at Joe’s inference. “I was giving Derek a thank you hug. And I’ll thank you not to make a mountain out of a molehill.” With that she stormed off to the other end of the warehouse, dropping her bags on one of the comfortable chairs Derek had purchased.

  Joe shrugged, then grinned. “Okay, Sweets,” he called after her. Then rubbing his hands together said to Derek. “Where is the sheet music, and where is Mr. Music? We can’t start without him.”

  Oh no. Derek gave himself a metaphorical head slap. He’d forgotten the piano player. Reading his thoughts, Joe pulled out his phone and made a call. “On his way,” he said after a few minutes.

  “Coffee’s here!” It was Maurice this time, totting several cups of steaming coffee. “Can’t start the day without it.” These guys thought of everything, and they were worth every cent, Derek realised.

  The three men sat together drinking their coffee, discussing their plans. But Felicity chose to sit away from them as she wanted to absorb the words of the songs Derek had chosen for her.

  Today was not about costumes, it was all about the quality of the performance. For the next few weeks they’d work on the words, getting the feel for the songs, learning how to pull at the heart strings of the audience, and getting it right.

  The rest would come later. Much later.

  * * *

  Derek demanded a very high standard, and sometimes it was hard work, but Felicity was up to the task. She’d worked hard for her father all her life, nothing would change now.

  But keeping her relationship with Derek professional was much harder.

  Terrified Hector would find out she’d defected, Felicity kept conversations with him to a minimum. She still needed to attend rehearsals with him to avoid suspicion, which meant she was doing two different sets of rehearsals each week; for Derek, and for Hector.

  It was exhausting.

  But it was worth the added pressure and the effort. After all, this was her career at stake. Her dream, her life-long dream. To be the next Billie Holiday.

  “Okay, Sweets,” Joe called from across the room. “Show time!” He was exaggerating. Felicity had on her workout leotard – the one she used for rehearsals.

  When he clapped his hands together impatiently, Felicity was startled, and quickly jumped from the chair. “Keep your pants on,” she told him. “I’m coming!”

  “Darling, do I have to?” Joe asked, a sly grin on his face. Felicity could feel her mood lifting. Joe knew how to get her up and functioning again, and in the mood for work.

  “From the top please, Mr Music.” Joe was so old fashioned, but Felicity didn’t care. They’d worked together since she was a tot, and Joe understood her. He could read her without Felicity having to mutter so much as one word. And she could do the same with him.

  Joe was like a male version of her fairy godmother. He looked out for her, and kept her on the straight and narrow. Protected her from her over-zealous parents on many occasions, when they’d pushed her too far.

  As the music began, Felicity readied herself, doing some light stretches while she waited for her cue.

  As she began to sing, Joe stood with a satisfied expression on his face, his finger on his chin. This was one of his favourites, Felicity knew it, and Derek knew it too. But it wasn’t the opening song that Derek wanted. Open with a bang, he’d said.

  With all the props in place, Felicity moved about the stage, rehearsing the moves Joe had choreographed, the routine almost down pat by now.

  The words faded, and Felicity stood momentarily silent. She bowed as she would at the end of a performance. The slow clapping brought her attention to the back of the warehouse.

  Her heart began to thunder in her chest as Derek walked slowly toward her. She gave herself a mental shake. Since when did she allow herself to react this way?

  Since Derek St James stormed into your life, she answered silently. She didn’t want to feel this way, didn’t need the distraction.

  Her life was complicated enough right now without the added challenge of a relationship. Especially a relationship with her agent. The man who could and probably would change her life forever.

  “Excellent! Bravo!” he said, almost to the stage area by now.

  “Thank you,” Felicity said quietly, not sure if he really meant what he said.

  “Ditto,” Joe added, grinning broadly. “She’s got the goods, all right.” Embarrassed, Felicity turned away, heading toward her makeshift dressing room.

  * * *

  Rehearsing for both Derek and Hector was exhausting, and Felicity decided it couldn’t continue any longer.

  At her rehearsal with Hector that day, she pulled him aside. “Father. Hector,” she said, determination in her voice. “We need to talk.”

  He stared into her face, no doubt trying to read it. But she kept her expression as blank as she possibly could.

  “We’ve had our differences over the years,” she said. “And I know you’ve always tried to do what’s best for me…” It was a lie. Hector only thought about Hector, it was never about her. Never had been, and probably never would be.

  His feet shifted from one to the other, as though he had an inkling of what was to come. “Just say it, Felicity,” he growled. “What’s going on?”

  She saw the ferocious look on his face and nearly backed down but was determined to hold her ground. “I’m sorry, but your services are no longer required.” The words spewed out much faster than she’d intended, but at least now they were out. “I have an agent now, he’s looking after me.” It was hard, but not as hard as she’d expected. Perhaps because it was something she should have done years ago.

  “You ungrateful cow! I’ve worked hard all my life for you, got you where you are today!” He almost screamed the words at her, getting closer to her face with each word.

  Then he paced the floor, arms flying all over the place, ranting and raving as he stomped around. Felicity tuned out and almost laughed out loud watching his crazy antics. She was determined not to cringe or let him see her fear, and just stood back with her arms crossed. She saw Joe peek out from behind the stage curtains, but apparently Hector hadn’t as he said nothing about it.

  About four minutes later she’d had enough.

  “Goodbye Father,” she said, thrusting an envelope toward him. “Here’s a small severance to see you through.”

  Hector grabbed the envelope and stormed out. Felicity knew he would never knock back a chance at free money, no matter how small.

  Maurice and Joe came out from behind the curtains. She didn’t want to be alone with Hector when she told him and was very grateful for the back-up.

  “It’s over now, Sweets,” Joe said, putting his arms around her. “You don’t have to worry about him any more.”

  Felicity let out a huge sigh as she felt tears of relief trickle down her face.

  * * *

  Derek wondered if Felicity felt the same way he did. If her heart fluttered when he walked in the room?

  It was crazy, this feeling he got when she was around. He couldn’t allow it to continue; he simply couldn’t afford to fall in love with a client.

  Joe tossed him a towel and he followed Felicity into her dressing room, grabbing a cold bottle of water from the refrigerator on his way.

  “Come in,” she called, as he knocked gently.

  His heart jumped a be
at or two when she smiled at him. What was that about?

  He loved the way her face shined after a performance. Sweat on anyone else was unbecoming, but on Felicity it was…sexy.

  He watched as she drank the water, the way it trickled down her neck, the way her muscles flickered as the cold water hit her skin.

  Then their eyes met. It was like they were on the exact same wave-length, as though their souls entwined. Felicity brought the water away from her mouth and licked her lips.

  It was almost his undoing. Derek stepped forward and took the water from her hands and moved in to her. As Felicity’s arms wrapped around him, it was as though something overtook him, as though he could no longer control what his body did. Derek felt himself move toward her mouth. His hands slowly slid up her neck, bringing her hair up too. He loved the silky feel of it, and the way it swung around her face when she danced.

  As they came together, Felicity sank into him.

  A tiny shiver went through his body, and as their lips met, he felt warmth, despite the cold water she’d been drinking. More than anything, he felt comfort. Love.

  He mentally shook himself.

  Not love, it was simply infatuation. That’s what happens when you work closely with an attractive woman.

  He reminded himself it wasn’t that way with Selena, his former client. It was strictly business with her.

  Felicity returned his kiss, and he could feel her heart beating wildly against his chest. It was then he realised she felt the same way he did. He was elated.

  But where did they go to from here?

  Chapter Four

  Leading a double life had been difficult.

  Felicity knew it would be, but she never for a moment dreamed it would be as hard as it was. Hiding her relationship with Derek, and more importantly, her hard work and efforts toward following in the footsteps of Billie Holiday was probably the hardest thing she’d done to date.

  She was so glad it was all out in the open with Hector now. All her other commitments were now fulfilled, and she could just commit herself to Derek’s rehearsals and plans for her.

  Her parents had begun to groom her from the time she could walk. Felicity now questioned their motives. Was it for her benefit, or was it more personal? After all, as a child star, they received all money she earned. Instead of putting it away in a trust fund for her as they were meant to do, they had lavished gifts on her. Bought luxury cars and a house, clothes and more – for themselves. All for her benefit, of course.

  Of course, she thought dryly. The taste of bitterness overwhelmed her.

  What did she see of all that money in her adulthood? Not one cent. There was nothing to show for all her years of hard work. Except that was, for her parent’s house, her parent’s cars, and the holidays her parents took her on. All funded by Felicity.

  She had every right to sue them for all the money they wasted, the houses, the cars and so-called gifts.

  She reminded herself she was a professional performer now. She had to give them that. Without her parent’s dedication, she wouldn’t be working with Derek now.

  They could keep it all. She didn’t need all those things.

  But it cut deep. If they’d done the right thing by her, she would be financially in a great position now. She wouldn’t have been working in skimpy clothing all these years. But finally, it was over. Her new life had begun.

  “A penny for them.” It was Joe, doing his usual rounds and checking up on her.

  Felicity sat in her dressing room, sweat pouring down her face from yet another rehearsal session, a towel wrapped around her shoulders.

  She blinked, trying hard to keep threatening tears at bay.

  “What’s this then,” Joe asked as he approached. He knew her too well; Felicity couldn’t hide anything from him.

  Her thoughts had taken her to a place she didn’t want to be. “I was just thinking about all that money I earned as a child,” she said quietly. “And how much my parents squandered.” She glanced up at Joe. “And stole.”

  He opened his mouth to speak but didn’t say anything.

  “Joe?” She knew him well too. Whatever he wanted to tell her was on the tip of his tongue, but he hesitated. She wondered why.

  He looked straight into her eyes, rubbed his hand across his chin. Pondering. Deciding whether or not to tell her something?

  He shook his head, then straightened his shoulders. “Water under the bridge, Sweets,” he told her, but his expression told her much more than his words ever would. He was holding something back, she was convinced of it. “This is your big opportunity. Don’t let their selfishness spoil your big chance.”

  He was right of course. He always was. Still, Felicity wondered what it was he’d wanted to say but felt he couldn’t. Maybe he simply agreed with her.

  “Hugs.” He opened his arms to her, and she accepted the invitation. “I know I’m not Derek, but I’m here for you, Sweets. Don’t let your parents drag you down yet again.”

  Joe had been there for her forever. He understood her, always would. Felicity thanked her lucky stars for the day he’d come into her life.

  * * *

  It had been a hard day of rehearsing. Felicity was exhausted.

  “Enough.” Derek told her he was worried about her state of health. Long hours of rehearsing was taking its toll.

  She nodded enthusiastically. Felicity was beyond exhausted and was definitely ready to hit the road. She would indulge in a night of veg’ing out, followed by a wonderfully deep sleep. That was the plan anyway.

  She trudged toward her dressing room, towel around her shoulders.

  She checked her phone. Five messages. What could be so urgent? Deep down she knew. Nothing was urgent, it never was. It was him again. Or was it a her?

  As she listened to the playback, she felt dismayed. These anonymous messages were becoming menacing, more frightening. She had no idea who was ringing. Or what their intention was.

  They never spoke, never said so much as a single word, but heavy breathing in the background was intimidating.

  She heard a soft tap on the door. “Yes?” She hoped the distress she felt did not come across in her voice.

  “Need a lift…?” Joe began but stopped mid-sentence. “What’s wrong, Sweets?”

  Trust Joe, he didn’t miss a trick.

  Should she tell him about the phone calls? About the feeling of being followed? Of being watched?

  She shivered. No, it had to be her imagination. Okay, not the phone calls, but surely no one was following her, or watching her. Why would they?

  Felicity stared directly into Joe’s eyes. She hated lying to him, but she had to. He looked so worried right now.

  “I’m fine. Just tired,” she said, hating herself for deceiving her best friend.

  “Or maybe you just need a hug.” Joe wrapped his arms around her, not worrying about her sweaty body. Just wanting to wrap her up in his love.

  She leaned into him, soaking up the love and support he provided. She could always trust Joe. There was no two ways about it, he would protect her from whatever happened. Or might happen.

  But she didn’t want to worry him, and worry he would.

  “Thanks, Joe,” she whispered, holding back tears. “I needed that.”

  “I know, Sweets. I always know,” he whispered back. And that was exactly what Felicity was afraid of.

  * * *

  “We’re going to practice some new dance steps today.” Joe always looked for ways to enhance Felicity’s performances.

  It was really about the voice, but these days audiences expected more of an artist than just standing on the stage.

  She could do it, no doubt about it. Felicity had been performing since she was a tiny tot, and had grown up being choreographed by Joe.

  This was the least fun part of her act, but she knew it had to be done.

  “Imagine the props in the background,” Joe said. “There will be a staircase over there,” he said, pointing to stag
e right. “You will make your entrance from there.”

  Stairs were the bane of Felicity’s life. She always worried about slipping as she descended the steps. “Really? Stairs?” she asked in exasperation.

  “I know, Sweets. You hate stairs, but you need a grand entrance. You are a star!” Joe said with a flourish.

  Felicity pouted, hoping it would persuade him.

  “Not working, Sweets. Put on your happy face instead.” Joe smiled, and she laughed.

  There was once a time that Felicity could wrap him around her little finger, but not anymore. He wanted this for her as much as she wanted it. And he was determined she would get there.

  “Okay. Imaginary stairs. Look at them.” He again pointed to stage right. “They will be spiralling out across the stage, but they won’t be steep.”

  “So my costume won’t interfere,” she asked, already knowing the answer.

  Joe frowned. “Come on, Sweets. You know the drill. Beautiful long flowing dress, high heels.” He did a little spin wearing his imaginary full-flowing skirt. Felicity laughed out loud.

  “Okay. You win.”

  Joe rubbed his hands together. “Wonderful. Now hold my hand and we’ll practice the steps together.”

  Felicity and Joe had been practicing the new dance steps for most of the morning, but she needed to stop and catch her breath, so they took a break.

  She sat on a stool in the middle of the imaginary stage while Joe talked to her about some changes he wanted to make.

  Something caught her attention, and Felicity stared, trying to get a better glimpse.

  She stretched her back and turned her neck toward the window.

  “Felicity?” She barely registered he was talking to her. He turned his head and followed her line of view. “What’s out there?”

  She shook her head, trying to chase the vision away. “Not sure. I thought I saw someone at the window. Watching us.” She flung her hands across in front of her, hoping to brush Joe’s attention in another direction. “Obviously not. Never mind. What were you saying?”