by Tara Randel
“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 t
he 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.”
