Caught in the moment, she grinned, took the drum sticks to the set again in one last finish. She couldn't wipe the smile off her face. Avery bobbed her head to the beat.
“The next singer will be up after the break. Enjoy the concert! Thank you to Kyra for putting this whole thing together and letting us be a part of it!” Avery thrust her fist in the air, taking a stand between her lead guitarist and the back up singer. The audience roared with approval. Everyone scrambled off stage. As the lights dimmed, Taryn took her cue and wheeled off stage. Kyra met her on the edge. “Wow!”
Trying to catch her breath, Taryn grinned. “Good wow?”
“Duh! Come with me. I've got an idea to run by you. We still have about an hour and a half before your solo, if you're still up for it. By the way, I think Baby Stetson is impressed with you.” Kyra gestured for her to follow. They darted around several crew and stage members, security, and musicians until they were secluded in a cramped back stage room. Kyra handed Taryn a bottle of water, which she eagerly accepted.
“So what's this you want to talk about?” Taryn asked after replenishing her parched throat with liquid. Then it dawned on her. “You didn't get the drummer of the band to leave so I could fill in, did you? Tell me this wasn't on purpose!” She glared at Kyra.
“No, I didn't. But Taryn-”
“I know, you think I should join the band. I know you're in with them and all, but what makes you think we'd all work together? I'm not the person I was six years ago, Kyra. I'm not the same.”
“I'm not either,” Kyra said softly with a tinge of sadness in her voice. “But you lit up the stage tonight. You could play a few more shows with them before making a decision. I know you still have your job and apartment. I'd take you on tour with me, but I'm not sure either of us are ready for that.”
“You have me at my weakness. I love playing, and you know this. I just- what if the big times aren't for me any more?” Taryn's vulnerability showed.
“Then at least you'll have given it a shot,” Kyra nearly whispered.
How much of this was guilt over six years ago? Was that why Kyra hoped she'd have something set up? Taryn understood, especially after the hostile way she'd treated Kyra ever since.
Would they ever be the same? Would anything feel the way it used to?
“I won't push any longer, but give it some serious consideration,” Kyra pleaded. “Nice thing is, if it works out, I'm taking the band on tour with me this summer as my opening act. You could always ride on my tour bus with me. It would be like old times. And that was the idea I wanted to run by you.”
Nostalgia continued to spread throughout her, almost forcing Taryn to cry. Hell no. She didn't want to do the crying thing again. “Are you doing this out of guilt?” she blurted.
“No!” Kyra jumped to her feet, her voice shrill, obviously very much upset. “I'm doing it because tonight, I saw the same passion in your eyes and in your playing that led me to take you on as my drummer all those years ago in the first place. You still have it in you. Baby Stetson needs a permanent drummer. I just thought-” She turned away.
Taryn reached out for her. “I'm sorry. That was insensitive. I just don't know, Kyra. I don't.”
“At least think about it.” Kyra finally turned around.
“I'll think about it,” Taryn promised. She hadn't stopped thinking about it in a while as it was.
*****
Chris Roland stood off stage, transfixed on the drummer up there at the moment. He didn't know much about the woman by the name of Taryn McAllister, but he could tell she loved playing. He'd only heard about her through his sister, and even she hadn't known much about Taryn. Baby Stetson knew he only wanted to play for them temporarily, and they were doing all they could to find a permanent drummer.
The first time he saw her, Chris did a double take. Taryn was in a wheelchair. Whoa. Talk about determination. Yeah, he hated to admit how much it shocked him. Not that he had anything against someone in a wheelchair, by any means. When asked if it would be all right for Taryn to play drums with the band for a few songs, he figured why not?
Well, he didn't expect Taryn to blow him away.
“Can you believe we're here, right now, living this life?”
Chris turned around at the sound of his sister's excited voice. He hid his true feelings and plastered on a smile for Melody. “Pretty great.” At least with the loud music, she wouldn't pick up on his mood. “You were great up there, by the way. It's still weird to see my little sister out on that stage, doing what you do.”
Melody blushed as she fiddled with her hair. “I wish it didn't take what happened to get us here, but I can't imagine my life without Jameson and the band now.”
Guilt stabbed Chris in the heart. How could it not? He was the reason Melody left town and wound up in Harmony's Echo. And yeah, she loved her life- becoming the back up singer for Baby Stetson and engaged to lead guitarist Jameson Grant, but the past still tormented the both of them. Then again, if he hadn't pushed Melody to flee and be safe, she wouldn't have what she did now.
The guilt kept him in Harmony's Echo to watch over her. One day, she might wake up and realize she resented Chris.
He shook it off and focused on tonight. Taryn finished up her solo, and the crew around him worked fast to clear the stage. Taryn headed their way, and he wanted to talk to her, but he never even had a shot. The other band members circled her, along with Taryn's friend Kyra Sanders, the singer that got her to come play at the concert in the first place. Oh well. Maybe he'd get a chance later. Chris stood behind everyone, making an attempt to get involved in the excitement.
“We should probably get out of the way so the next act can get out to the stage,” one of the stage hands suggested.
Just as Chris thought he had a shot to talk to Taryn, he realized she'd already disappeared with Kyra somewhere.
“Wasn't she awesome?” Melody squealed, returning to Chris' side. Her eyes glittered with awe.
“She really was. Where'd Taryn go, anyway? I wanted to officially introduce myself.” Chris scanned the area, still not seeing Taryn or Kyra.
“Kyra wanted to talk to her about something. I think she's asking Taryn about stepping in as the drummer, since you don't want to be permanent.” For a second, Melody's lips turned down in a frown, but the expression quickly went away.
“You knew I wasn't going to do this full time, Mel,” Chris said softly, hating that he was letting her down.
“I know, but ever since you joined us, you've been out more. Don't you realize how much I worry about you? You moved here to be near me, but I know you aren't happy.”
Regret tugged on his heart. So she'd noticed. “I won't be happy anywhere I go. I mean ... well, you know what I mean.” His words wouldn't come out right. “I didn't want to stay in Colorado, not after everything, and coming here was the only logical step.”
“I know.” Melody tugged on his hand, leading him away from the area so they could go somewhere a little quieter and out of the way. “What are you going to do if Taryn does join? What about Nashville? I hate leaving you behind.”
“Mel, I'm a big boy. I can handle being alone. What matters to me is you go after your dream. The music thing- it isn't me.”
She pursed her lips. Chris expected a yell, and he deserved it for brushing off her concern. But the rest of the Baby Stetson band members, including Jameson, discovered the two of them standing there.
“Kyra said when she gets settled in her new house, she's having a housewarming party and inviting us all. She's talking to Taryn right now about possibly playing drums for us a few more times.” The lead singer of the band, Avery Bennett, met Chris' gaze. “Will a few more months be okay, if we alternate between you and Taryn? If she agrees, of course.”
Chris nodded, feeling the stares of everyone. “Yeah, I can do that.”
Relief filled Avery's eyes. The band couldn't keep a drummer, and they all worried that Chris would get fed up and walk away. As much as th
e music scene didn't suit him, he wouldn't do that to his sister, but he hoped for a replacement soon enough so that he could figure out the next move in his life.
“Thank you. We appreciate it so much.” Avery removed her signature Stetson hat and shook out her long blonde hair.
“Hey look, there's Kyra and Taryn!” Melody pointed. “They're heading this way.”
Great. He could introduce himself to Taryn.
“Hey, Chris! Great show tonight. I'd like you to officially meet my friend Taryn. Taryn, this is Chris. Now you've been formally introduced.” Kyra smiled.
Taryn peered up at him with curious eyes before she held out her hand to shake. “Good to meet you. Nice job tonight.”
“Same goes for you!” Chris replied with real enthusiasm. “I don't often watch other drummers play, but I couldn't stop with you!”
Taryn blushed. “Um, thanks.”
“Kyra! We need you over here!” someone called out.
“Excuse me for a minute, Taryn. I'll be right back for you.” Kyra rushed away.
Chris didn't want to blatantly ask Taryn if she planned to join the band or not, so he wracked his mind to figure out the best thing to say. “So, do you play often?” Blah, now that one was lame! Man, he'd really lost his touch with talking to people, especially women.
“Not really. Well, I mean, I do open mic nights every once in a while. Tonight was my first big performance in … a long time. And you? You're a good drummer, but your heart isn't in it, huh?” Taryn met his gaze again. Her green eyes were still full of curiosity.
“No,” he admitted, shaking his head. “I'm doing it for my sister as a favor, but this isn't the life for me.”
“You know Kyra suggested I join the band.” Taryn watched him closely.
“I know.”
“Is that why you're here talking to me right now?” She didn't ask it in a rude way, but it still caught Chris off guard.
“No. I wanted to meet you because I really do love the way your passion shows. It's not often I meet a female drummer.”
“Let alone one-” Taryn stopped short and zipped her lips.
“One in a wheelchair?” Chris finished. “All right, so yes, it only aided in my curiosity about you.”
“Exactly what I was afraid of,” she muttered.
What was that supposed to mean? He never did get a chance to ask. Melody called out to him, saying something about some PR stuff to do for the band. Since he was still a part of it, especially at this benefit concert, he had no choice but to cooperate. Disappointment settled in his gut for various reasons. “ Sorry to cut it short, but it looks like I'm needed. I'll catch you around. Great to meet you.” Chris ran off toward his sister and the rest of the band, but not before glancing back at Taryn. She'd already turned around and went off with Kyra somewhere.
He wanted to know more about that woman, no doubt about it.
Chapter Three
Taryn tapped her pen on the desk at her work station while staring blankly at the computer. She didn't even know she'd been doing it until the new guy to her left scowled and asked her to stop.
“Sorry,” she muttered, cheeks heated.
“You must have been a drummer in another life.” He cracked a smile, then went back to work.
Yeah, something like that. Taryn bit back a retort. He probably didn't mean anything by it, at least, not in the way she took the comment. Not everyone knew her story, and she was okay with that. Up until a few months ago, Taryn's life consisted of work, home, and playing drums at several local Texas open mic nights.
The years on tour with Kyra had been the best of Taryn's life. For once, she'd had purpose. She'd idolized Kyra, which had been what prompted her to try to get her attention, never realizing how much it would change her life. Four amazing years on the road as Kyra's drummer, and she'd loved every damn moment of it.
Until the night of the accident.
And after six years of not speaking to Kyra, they were just starting to repair their relationship. Or were they? Would things ever be the same again? Doubtful. The strenuous last few months proved that it would be a long road before things were even close to what they used to be. But Taryn hoped. After resenting Kyra for things that turned out not to be her fault, Taryn longed for what used to be.
And damn it, that included playing in a band again, even though the prospect of going back to the big leagues scared her. The open invitation to join Baby Stetson haunted her. Kyra had suggested it a few times, but the night of the benefit concert really became an eye opener.
She thought about Chris, their current drummer. Had he come up to her just to see if she'd join the band? It wasn't often at all any more that a good looking guy approached her to make conversation.
Why did she have to go daydreaming again when work had to be done? She still had another hour until her shift ended. Then she'd wait for Kyra to come pick her up for the housewarming party tomorrow night.
“Taryn? Can I see you in my office for a minute, please?” Colton Atwell, her direct superior, stood beside her with a nervous twitch. Somehow, she didn't see this as good news. Did the guy complain about her pen drumming too much? Had she messed up on something?
“Sure,” she said, following behind him to his office. Was everyone staring at them right now? Why did she feel like all eyes were on her?
Colton closed the door once she was in the office. Taryn positioned her wheelchair right before his desk and rested her clasped hands in her lap. He took his time making his way behind his large, black desk. The shades were open on the huge windows behind him, allowing natural light. “You've been a valuable asset to the company since we hired you on,” he began, clearing his throat several times. Colton scratched his goatee, then ran a hand through his thinning brown hair.
“But you're letting me go, right?” Taryn guessed. What was she going to do? She lived alone, had no one, and this job covered the things she needed.
Colton nodded. “We have several rounds of lay-offs coming. I'm sorry, Taryn. I hate this. I did negotiate a much better severance package for you-”
“Because you feel sorry for me, right?” she snapped, immediately regretting it. What the hell am I supposed to do now?
“I have never once felt sorry for you, Taryn. You're one of the most impressive people I've ever met in my life. I hate doing this, but there's no way around it. To let you in on a secret, my position is also at risk. I can help you find something else, but this will hold you over in the meantime.” He slid some papers across the desk. “Look it over carefully before you sign. Call me if you need anything, okay? Stella and I will do what we can.”
Keeping her chin and pride up, Taryn reached for the papers. “I guess I'd better go clean out my desk and call my aide. Thanks for the last two years. It's been real.” Colton jumped up to open the door for her and Taryn whizzed by him. Good thing there weren't many things in her desk. It didn't take long to pack them all in a small bag. She stared at the empty space that she couldn't call hers any more. Okay, so day jobs sucked, but it didn't change the fact that she needed one. Staring at a computer screen every day when she used to tour the world … well, there was no comparison.
“Maybe you should go for the drumming. Seriously though, bummer,” her now former work station neighbor mumbled.
“You know, I just might do that,” she said seriously, sending him a small smile. “I used to play drums for Kyra Sanders. I'm sure you've heard of her?”
His jaw dropped. “She's like one of the hottest country stars ever!”
“She's also my best friend, and her boyfriend thinks she's plenty hot.” Taryn smirked, feeling a little better all of a sudden. She shouldn't have named dropped, but at the moment, a little pick-me-up did her some good. “Have fun in the office. I'm going to go pursue my dreams.”
After packing the rest of her desk, Taryn logged out of her computer for the last time ever and left the office. Whispers popped up all around the large room, but she didn't care. Just befor
e she left the building, Taryn spotted someone else being called into Colton's office. Who knows how many were pulled in when she'd been daydreaming. No more dreary brown carpet. No more fussing at the coffee maker. No more vending machines eating her damn dollars.
Who the hell was she kidding? She cared. Staring up at the dark skies, Taryn feared a storm coming. Great, just what she needed. Rain and her chair didn't mix. She wheeled back in the lobby and dialed her aide, hoping she'd be free to pick her up real quick.
No answer. The phone rang several times before the voice mail picked up. Taryn left a message in hopes she'd call back quick, then hung up.
She hoped the rain wouldn't come until she made it home. There wasn't much in the way of public transportation here, but she'd always been okay.
Until now.
But she'd had a place to live and a great job. Even when the office moved further away than her quick five minute ride home, she had made it work. The pay and benefits outweighed the distance. Taryn had scored big time in finding an aide to drive her when she needed it.
Her text notification went off. Kyra's name popped up. What time do you get off? Matt and I actually got here a little earlier. We'll chill at a diner or something until you get off work. We can even pick you up from the office.
Taryn kissed her screen before she called Kyra instead of texting her back.
“Hey! I didn't think you'd respond right away, let alone call me,” Kyra answered.
“I was sitting in the lobby, hoping my aide would get back to me. I...” Damn, she didn't want to have to get into this already. “I was laid off today.”
“Oh no. I'm sorry. What will you do now?”
“Get drunk off my ass and forget about it for a few hours?” Taryn muttered weakly. “I don't know, Kyra. I was given a decent severance package with good pay and continued benefits, but that won't last me forever. There aren't many decent jobs for me here.”
“Well, you're staying the entire weekend at my place, so we'll figure something out. By the way, you're welcome to get drunk, but I'm cutting you off at a certain point. I'm not going to let you get sick,” Kyra warned.
Offbeat (Love and Music In Texas Book 5) Page 3
