by Tara Randel
“I... I’ll... Maybe.”
Recognizing the girl’s reluctance, Cassie reined in her excitement. “No pressure, okay? Let me know at the next meeting.”
Cassie pulled up in front of Erin’s house. No lights shone through the windows. No porch light greeted her. In the looming shadows of the tall oak trees, the house seemed deserted.
“Are your folks out?”
“No.” Erin opened the door to quickly exit. Concern swamped Cassie when she noticed Erin wouldn’t look her in the eyes.
“I bet they fell asleep and forgot to leave a light on. No biggy. There’s a key around back.”
Something was off here. As much as she wanted to pry, Erin effectively put up a barrier. “If you’re sure.”
“Yep. I gotta go. They’re expecting me by now.”
“Okay. If you need anything—”
“Nope. I don’t.” Erin jogged backward, sending an offhanded wave. “Thanks for the ride.” She turned and took off across the grass, disappearing around to the back of the house. Cassie waited, motor idling, until a dim light appeared through one of the windows. She still couldn’t shake the uneasiness, but finally put the car in gear and set course to Lauren’s place.
Once she arrived, she noticed a strange car in the driveway. Lauren hadn’t mentioned company. Of course, the two had only passed each other occasionally the past few days. Cassie hadn’t been privy to her sister’s calendar.
Grabbing her guitar case, she went inside, containing a groan when she found her sister entertaining her father and his new wife.
“Dad. Angelica.” She set the case down and walked into the living room. Her father rose, giving her a quick peck on the cheek while Angelica wrapped her in a floral perfume embrace. “I didn’t know you were going to be here.”
“It was a last-minute thing,” Lauren rushed to say. “I tried calling but your voice mail picked up.”
“Sorry I missed your call.”
“You’ve been a stranger since we got back from our honeymoon,” Angelica scolded as she resumed her seat on the sofa, smoothing the flowing skirt of her bright dress over her legs. Cassie nearly swooned over the designer shoes. Between her hair and makeup, the woman knew how to pull an outfit together.
“You know how it goes. Songs to write. Kids to mentor.”
“How is the writing going?” her father asked. As usual he sported a button-down dress shirt and slacks with a crisp crease. She half expected a tie, even for a family visit.
“It’s going.” She noticed the teacups on the coffee table. “You know, a cup of tea would be great right now.”
Lauren jumped up. “I’ll get it.”
Unsure how to proceed, she took a seat on the other side of the room from her father. His intense scrutiny made her uncomfortable. Was she in trouble for not visiting them? Or was he just in a mood?
“Where were you off to tonight?” Angelica asked conversationally. Bless her stepmother, she always missed the tension in the air.
“I was at Luke Hastings’s house. Some of the kids from the Klub stopped by so we were hanging out.”
Her father nodded in the direction of her guitar case. “I heard about the mayor’s upcoming news story. Any chance you were working on original material?”
Great. Not a discussion she wanted, but knowing her father, it was inevitable. “Yes. The mayor gave Luke a brief idea of what she wanted covered so we sat down to try a few sounds.”
“You should invite me to your next session. I’d be more than happy to lend my name to the process.”
And there it was. Cassie glanced at her watch. Less than ten minutes for his pitch.
“I’m not in charge, Dad. I can’t really say who gets invited.”
“Then put a word in for me with Luke.”
Talk about awkward. “I’ll mention it but I can’t promise anything.”
Angelica took a sip from her cup and placed it back on the saucer. “I don’t know why the mayor didn’t ask you first, Robert. Teaming up with Cassandra would draw more attention to Cypress Pointe.”
“I agree.” His face grew animated. “I should make an appointment with her. Mention the possibility.”
No. No. No. There would be no teaming up. “It’s about the town, Dad. Not us. It’s better if we stay on the sidelines.”
Her father looked at her like she’d lost her mind. “Cassandra, the mayor wants to draw attention to Cypress Pointe. We are the draw.”
Good grief. Did he even listen to himself?
“You really have no—”
Lauren bustled into the room. “Here you go.” She handed Cassie a cup and saucer.
“Thanks, sis.” Cassie took a bracing sip, actually glad for her sister’s interruption. The less said, the better, because the determined look on her father’s face told her he wasn’t going to stop until he secured a place in the mayor’s news story.
“Dad, how would you have time, anyway?” she asked. “Don’t you have a busy schedule?”
He shot his wife a quick glance before answering. “I have a concert scheduled next month. Since my time here is limited, I want to get involved with the project now.”
“Do you still want us to come out to visit?” Lauren asked. “I would love to spend a few days in LA.”
Their father stared at her for a second.
“You mentioned us all getting together in LA,” she prompted.
“Yes. Of course. We should set up a date.”
Had he forgotten the invitation already? Cassie hated the uncertainty in her sister’s eyes, brought on by their father’s carelessness. “I can’t make any promises. I’ll be in the studio soon.”
“And we’ll be back at our place by then,” he rushed to say. “I could stop by the studio. Lend a hand.”
Okay, why was he pushing so hard? He’d been on a campaign since the wedding. “Dad, what’s up? You seem awfully interested in what I’m doing. Don’t you have enough appearances to preoccupy you?”
His shoulders tensed. “My schedule has some holes in it.”
Finally. Truth time.
“So being with me helps you...what? Get attention? A foot in with the studio?”
“You make it sound like I’m only interested in the industry, not you girls.”
“Suppose I can’t help you? Are Lauren and I still welcome to visit?”
“Of course,” Angelica interjected.
Cassie noticed her father remained silent. Deciding to forgive the man when she couldn’t get a handle on his intentions was extremely difficult. His air of desperation made her suspicious, but for the sake of the family, she really needed to coexist with him until she could deal with his insistence on being part of her life.
She glanced at her sister. “Then I guess you’d better book a flight. Looks like you’re coming to California.”
Lauren beamed. “We could plan some day trips. Go to the beach.”
“And shop,” Angelica added. “We must shop. I know the most darling boutique you girls will love.”
“If I’m not working, I’ll certainly make time.” She glanced across the room. “How about you, Dad?”
“Hmm. Yes. We’ll figure something out.”
The distracted air returned, like the wheels in his mind were turning. She’d love to know what he was up to.
Angelica stood. “Since our future visit is decided, Robert, we should be heading home. Lauren has to work tomorrow and Cassandra has been busy since she came to town.”
Lauren and Angelica gathered up the empty cups to carry into the kitchen, leaving Cassie alone with her father.
“Cassandra, I have a request.”
She winced. “What is it?”
“Could you put me in touch with your manager?”
Surprised, she asked, “Why? You know Travis.”
“I would like it done in a professional capacity.”
Interesting. “Are you saying you want him to represent you?”
“Yes.”
“I can put a word in, but I have no idea if Travis is taking on new artists.”
“That’s all I ask.”
Cassie glanced to the kitchen. The women were still chatting about shopping, so she decided to wade in deeper in the conversation. “Dad, what’s going on with you? Really.”
His brows rose. “What makes you think anything is going on?”
“First, you’ve been after me to include you in whatever I’m doing since I got to town, and second, you want to talk to Travis. I thought you had a full schedule of concerts?”
“I don’t like to admit this, but I have fewer and fewer dates booked. Ever since I took time off to write the movie score, the orchestras I work with have found other conductors.”
Now she got it. “So what’s your plan?”
“Find more movie opportunities. I enjoyed the creative energy of cinematic music.”
“So why push to perform with me?”
His grin, when it crept across his lips, turned sheepish. “Exposure. I want to make sure the movie people know I’m around.”
“And if that avenue doesn’t pan out?”
“Then maybe you can give your father a job playing piano when you go on tour.”
Yeah, that wasn’t gonna happen. “Hopefully, it won’t come to that.”
“Because you don’t want me around?”
Truthfully, yes, because Dad being around meant she’d have to face her feelings for the man. Instead, she answered, “I know how much you want to do movies so I’d like it to happen for you.”
He smiled, genuine for once. “Thank you. We’ve been at odds for a long time. Maybe this gap in my schedule will give us time to reconnect.”
Which implied they’d been connected to begin with, but she got the point. “You still have a name in music, Dad. I’m sure the right opportunity will open up for you.”
“In the meantime, I meant what I said. I’d like to help you and the Klub.”
“I’ll talk to Luke.”
“So we’re okay?”
She nodded. “For now.” She couldn’t promise the future.
Angelica walked into the room, putting an arm around Cassie’s shoulder. “I’m so happy to see you and your father getting along. He does miss you.”
Cassie bit her tongue. She’d always remember how he’d left them, the hurt, anger and uncertainty, but maybe they could move into a new phase as a family.
Once their parents left, Lauren flitted off to the kitchen. Cassie followed, leaned against the wall and crossed her arms over her chest.
“So, you and Dad?” Lauren said as she placed the cups in the dishwasher.
“I’m trying, but I’m not making any promises.”
“Why do you always doubt him?”
“Experience.”
“He’s changed.”
“So you’ve said.” She held up a hand when Lauren opened her mouth, ready to argue. “But we’re talking.”
“It’s a start.” She looked over her shoulder. “Are you really going to take them up on the offer to visit when you get back to LA?”
“Sure, but I’m staying at my own place.” She raised a brow. “I’ll leave my door open for you just in case.”
“Why do you do this?” Lauren slammed her hands on her hips. “He said we’re welcome.”
Cassie shrugged. “I hope he means it, I do, Lauren. For your sake.”
“I don’t need your pity.”
“That’s not what I’m giving. I’m being cautious. For both of us.”
“Dad loves us. He’s making an effort. Can’t you cut him some slack?”
“Actually, I have.” She pushed from the wall. “I had a long talk with Mom. She urged me to forgive Dad, so I’m going to give it a shot.”
Lauren ran over and threw her arms around Cassie. “Thank you.”
“Whatever happens between us will take time.”
Lauren pulled back, her hands still gripping Cassie’s shoulders. “But it’s a start. You’ve been so adamant about not wanting Dad in your life. Just you wait and see, things will be better.”
Cassie hoped so.
“So, the special interest story?” Lauren asked as she returned to her task. “You and Luke?”
“Yes, we’ve teamed up. To write. Nothing more.” Maybe if she kept saying those words she’d believe them.
“And your other problem?”
“He helped me break the block by asking me to teach a songwriting workshop at the Klub. I got some ideas from the kids and then Luke pushed me creatively, so we’ll see.”
“You can do it, Cassie. I know you can.”
“Thanks.”
Her sister’s confidence in her ability meant a lot to her, but it didn’t write songs. She still needed to put in the hours.
Picking up her guitar case, she went to her room and closed the door. Lifted the guitar from the case. “Well, Ginger. It’s just you and me.”
Settling on the bed, she plucked a few chords. Closed her eyes. Recalled Luke’s kiss. She picked up her pencil and scribbled into the open songbook.
Moonlit night, his arms around me,
Dreaming again, afraid it will end.
He’s captured my heart,
there’s no running away,
When I wake up in the morning,
I hope he says he’ll stay.
Yep, that kiss was tattooed on her memory. And since she couldn’t shake it, went with the flow. She’d learned a long time ago to trust her instincts and this was one of those instances. She may have more questions than answers about her future with Luke, but it certainly made for a good song.
Three down. A dozen more to go.
CHAPTER TWELVE
THE NEXT MORNING Cassie sat in Cuppa Joe, sipping the most awesome coffee she’d had in weeks. Chatter abounded as locals caught up on daily events. The air was pungent with both the scent of Columbian beans and sugary-sweet treats.
How long had it been since she’d stopped and listened to people around her? Been curious about town happenings? Been involved? Probably not since she’d left Cypress Pointe. Her rise in the music world had been her main focus for years and once she reached the goal of signing with a label, recording and touring became the be-all and end-all of her life. Sitting here among neighbors and friends who knew and obviously liked each other, she discovered she was...lonely.
Most of the time she was surrounded by all sorts of people, except the ones who mattered most. She lived on the far side of the country, away from her family. How she missed spending time with her sister, even if they playfully bickered over some nonsense. Or dropping in on her mother just like the other day to glean her wisdom and love. Was it possible to be homesick but too busy to realize it?
Wow. The revelation shook her. While her career was important, she’d sacrificed much to attain her goal. And if she didn’t come up with new material soon, all she’d worked for could be gone with the snap of a finger. Then what would she do?
Suddenly her pleasant outing turned somber.
She’d been awake until the wee hours of the morning, putting the final touches on the new song. Only once before had she written a song she knew was destined to be a hit, and the Kiss song, as she’d come to think of it thanks to Luke, gave her the same vibe. Excitement finally started to well in her, but she wasn’t ready for the studio.
After another bracing swallow, she picked up her phone. Time to check in with Travis. He’d left her a few messages, but she’d been putting off returning his calls. Between the
slow success of actually creating a number of songs, and her father’s request to talk to her manager on his behalf, she needed to bite the bullet and touch base.
After dialing the number, Travis picked up.
“Hey. How’s my favorite gal?”
“I’m fairly certain you say that to all your female artists.”
“I’m an equal-opportunity manager. I love you all.”
She chuckled. “Yes, you do. So that’s why I’m checking in.”
“Listen, Cassie, you’ve got me worried. Why haven’t you been in touch?”
She bit her lower lip. “I haven’t been completely up front with you.”
A pause. “I don’t like the sound of that.”
“It’s nothing earth-shattering. At least not now.”
“Just tell me.”
Here goes. “When I came to Cypress Pointe, I told you I was going to work on new material. Problem is, I’ve been suffering from a bout of writer’s block.”
“How bad?”
Cassie smiled. How like Travis to get right to the bottom line.
“Bad enough that I only have three songs so far.”
She heard his breath exhaled over the airwaves. “Why didn’t you say something?”
“Because I was worried enough as it is. Talking about it makes it real, which in turn makes me more nervous.”
“We have to get you some help.”
“Already taken care of.”
“How?”
“I ran into a songwriter at my father’s wedding. We’ve been working together on my problem.”
“Would this songwriter be Luke Hastings?”
“How do you know?” she sputtered.
“Honey, I have my finger on the pulse of the music industry. When a major talent like Hastings disappears, I still keep tabs.”
“Now I just feel silly.”
“No, you made a good call. Enlisting Luke will get hits on this new record. So, you’ve made strides?”
“Some.”
“You know, writing a song with him will really boost your creds. He’s an icon and collaborating will make the label very happy.”
“I’m not certain he wants any credit.”
