Under the Spotlight

by Angie Stanton

  “I heard that Grant Park is nice,” he said.

  “Sounds perfect.”

  Walking close, their hands brushed together as Riley and Garrett came across a free concert at the pavilion in Grant Park. They chose not to fight the crowds to watch when people recognized Garrett and snapped his picture. Instead they opted for pizza at a concession stand and watched the Buckingham Fountain light show.

  Garrett teased her and made her laugh. Riley lost herself in his eyes as they turned a beautiful shade of slate gray in the fading light. He snuck in a tender kiss. Later they found a secluded spot of grass, lay on their backs, and stargazed.

  “Oh, I forgot to mention that you have a photo shoot tomorrow.” Garrett turned his head toward her.

  She sat up. “You forgot?”

  “It slipped my mind,” he said, which was a lame excuse as far as she was concerned.

  Riley leaned over him, linking her fingers with his and pinning his hands next to his head, enjoying the rush of power she held over him. “Could you try a little harder not to have things that involve me slip your mind? I’d like to rate a little higher than an afterthought.”

  “Trust me, you are no afterthought. In fact, you have been the first thing I think of when I wake up in the morning and the last thing I think of at night,” he said softly, gazing into her eyes.

  “You’re just saying that.” There was no way he could really feel that way. Garrett could have whoever he wanted.

  “Nope. It’s the truth.” Garrett flipped her onto her back, taking up the position she’d had on him. “What do you have to say now?” he asked, his face inches from hers.

  “Um,” she whispered, at a loss for words, her heart racing and her brain suffering a delicious break in transmission.

  “Well, that’s got to be a first.” He captured her mouth and rewarded her with long, lingering kisses.

  Riley must be dreaming, because never in her life would she have imagined she’d spend a warm summer evening in the park, kissing Garrett Jamieson.

  But it was no dream.

  The next day Riley woke to a text from Garrett wishing her good morning and giving her the details for the photo shoot.

  She grinned and did a little happy dance as she lay in bed. Last night they had walked arm in arm to her door. Riley hadn’t wanted to part, but they had a busy day ahead. Garrett gave her the sweetest good night kisses that left her longing for him and unable to sleep.

  Riley burst into Erika’s room and jumped onto her bed, causing her roommate to shriek, “Are you crazy, woman?”

  Riley plopped her head on the pillow next to Erika’s. “You’ll never guess who I went out with last night.”

  “And I won’t care for at least another hour,” Erika mumbled, her eyes closed.

  Riley rolled closer and faced her. “Garrett.”

  Erika’s eyes sprung open. “What?”

  “Yup.” Riley grinned.

  “Oh my God. Last I heard, you hated him.”

  “Hate is a strong word. He and I have been starting to get along the past week or so.”

  “What happened?” Erika slipped a hand under her cheek.

  “Remember how you brought Bennett to the studio, and Garrett went all alpha dog and decided he needed to mark his territory, so he kissed me.”

  “Yeah, that was two days ago.”

  “Yesterday we were basically fighting over what I should wear for the concert and he kissed me again. After that he bought me lunch, and then we went out last night.”

  “That is so wild!”

  “I know! Right?”

  “So now the two of you are dating?”

  “Pretty much. We aren’t telling anyone at work because they might all think I’m a slutty whore throwing myself at him.”

  “Please tell me he didn’t say that.”

  “Of course not. But I don’t want people thinking the wrong thing.”

  “Bennett is going to be so disappointed,” Erika said. “There’s no way he can compete with Garrett Jamieson.”

  “Nope. There pretty much isn’t. I’ve gotta get going. I’m meeting Garrett.”

  “I’m happy you’re happy,” Erika called as Riley rushed out the bedroom door.

  “Thanks!”

  Riley showered and dressed, counting the minutes until she’d see Garrett. And like clockwork, he met her outside of the downtown photo studio with a delicious kiss that left her wishing for more.

  Garrett met with the photographer while a makeup artist and stylist applied their skills to her.

  The clothes they had bought the day before hung on a rack. She pulled on a pair of black, faded jeans, a stone-washed T-shirt, and an awesome cropped leather jacket. The price had been obscene, but Garrett didn’t bat an eye. The outfit boasted casual rocker, but with a little edge.

  The photo shoot went fast. She remembered several she’d done back on Chart Toppers and appreciated that she had experience in so much of this business.

  The next days were a whirlwind of rehearsals for the House of Blues gig, working the next songs to record, sharing knowing looks with Garrett, and sneaking into the recording booth for stolen kisses.

  They succeeded in keeping their new relationship a secret, which made it even more exciting. Still, Riley worried what everyone at work would think if they found out she’d fallen for Garrett like any other groupie, but that’s not how it happened.

  It had taken weeks to get to know him and most of that time she didn’t especially like him, but Garrett changed and she saw a new side to him now, a side she liked. He let down his guard and allowed her in. That was the Garrett Jamieson she’d fallen for.

  They wrapped up a little earlier than usual and went to Garrett’s apartment for dinner. They stopped at the tiny market at the base of Marina Towers for a few groceries.

  With Brad on tour, they had the place to themselves. Together, they made spaghetti and a small salad, and ate dinner on the balcony with a spectacular view of the city as a backdrop.

  Riley sighed with contentment at the new direction her life had taken. As the evening air cooled, she shivered.

  “Are you cold? We can go in,” Garrett suggested.

  They carried their dishes inside, leaving them on the kitchen counter.

  “Want to watch a movie?” Garrett asked.

  Riley needed to get home and catch up on sleep. She’d been so busy the past couple of weeks, and it had caught up with her, but the idea of cuddling on the couch with Garrett overruled.

  “That sounds great,” she said.

  He brought them fresh drinks and a bowl of microwave popcorn. As they snuggled onto the couch, Garrett scrolled through the list of available online movies. They settled on an adventure flick set on the high seas.

  The movie became a backdrop as Garrett trailed kisses down her neck, transporting her to a place of pure bliss. Their hands traveled over each other, and their bodies pressed close, creating a cocoon of passion.

  But Garrett didn’t push for anything more. Riley wasn’t sure if she was relieved or disappointed. She had to concede that he was actually a gentleman.

  She yawned. “I’m sorry. I feel so tired all of a sudden.”

  “You’ve been working really hard. Close your eyes and relax,” he suggested.

  “It’s like I’ve been hit by a truck or something. I better not be getting sick.”

  He put his hand on her cheek and forehead. “You feel a little warm. Why don’t you stay? I promise to behave like a Boy Scout. On my honor.” He raised his hand in the Boy Scout sign.

  She laughed. “I have known some rather naughty Boy Scouts, so I don’t think that line holds much water. But now that you mention it, I think I’ll close my eyes for a few minutes.”

  44

  Garrett woke to the annoying buzz of the apartment intercom. He opened his eyes. Riley slept soundly in his arms, so sweet and vulnerable with her mass of red hair splayed across his arm like a beautiful blanket. The buzzer sounded again. Riley
stirred.

  “Shh,” he whispered and climbed over her and off the couch to the voice box near the apartment door. He pressed the TALK button. “Yes,” he said, his voice groggy from sleep.

  “There is a Mr. Jamieson on his way up to see you,” the doorman said.

  “Which Mr. Jamieson?” he asked, because none of them should be within a thousand miles of Chicago.

  “A middle-aged gentleman,” he replied.

  Shit. He looked at Riley sleeping under a tousled blanket, her hair strewn across the pillow. He pressed the TALK button. “Thank you.”

  How much time did he have? “Riley.” He brushed a lock of hair from her warm cheek.

  “Um-hmm,” she murmured.

  “Riley, you need to wake up. Now,” he said with urgency.

  She slowly opened her eyes and blinked a couple of times. “What’s going on?” she said in a scratchy voice.

  “My dad’s here.”

  “Where?” She bolted upright, her eyes darting around the room in panic.

  “In the elevator on his way up.”

  “Oh my God!” She stood up and smoothed down her clothes. “What do I do? Hide?”

  “No, it’s not like we were doing anything wrong, and he was bound to meet you sooner or later.”

  “I wish it were later.” She collected their drinking glasses and carried them to the kitchen in an effort to tidy up.

  A knock sounded at the door. Riley popped back around the corner, fear in her eyes. He grimaced. “That was fast.”

  “Smooth your hair,” she said, running a hand through her own tangles.

  Garrett pushed back his hair and ran his hands over his wrinkled T-shirt. Having his dad find him with the girl he was working with first thing in the morning was not the best scenario. “Here goes nothing.”

  He opened the door. “Hi, Dad. This sure is a surprise.”

  “I thought I’d spring a quick visit before your mother and I leave for Europe. Looks like you slept in your clothes. Did I wake you?”

  “Yeah, you did.” Garrett ran his hand through his hair again.

  “Sorry about that, but I took the six a.m. flight from Boston.”

  “Come on in.” Garrett stepped aside. His dad entered and stopped short at the sight of barefooted Riley with mussed hair and rumpled clothes.

  “Oh, you’re not alone,” his father said.

  “Dad, I’d like you to meet Riley Parks. She’s the girl I signed to record.” He grimaced, wishing desperately this could be going down differently.

  His dad frowned. “I see. Nice to meet you, Riley. I’ve heard a great deal about you. Your singing talent, that is.”

  “Hi, nice to meet you,” Riley said with a shell-shocked look on her face.

  Garrett intervened. “We were up late watching movies, and fell asleep on the couch.”

  His father nodded but refrained from sharing his opinion. “I can’t be here to celebrate the gig at House of Blues tomorrow night, so I flew in for the day to observe your rehearsal.”

  “That’s great. I’d love for you to hear Riley sing,” Garrett said. He did want his dad to hear her, but it would have been nice if he called first.

  “Well, I should be going. It was nice to meet you, Mr. Jamieson. I guess I’ll see you this afternoon,” Riley said nervously.

  “I look forward to it, too,” he said.

  Riley slid into her sandals and collected her phone and purse.

  “Garrett, do you have a washroom I can use?” his father asked.

  “Right through there.” Garrett pointed toward the bathroom.

  “Until this afternoon, then,” his dad said to Riley and disappeared down the hall.

  “Oh my God!” Riley mouthed.

  “It’s fine. Don’t worry about it,” Garrett whispered.

  “He already hates me, I can tell.”

  “No, he doesn’t. It’ll be okay.”

  “Call me later if you can,” she said at the door.

  “I will.” He kissed her quickly and she slipped out the door.

  A minute later his dad reappeared. “You’ve been busy, I see,” he said, looking at the rumpled blanket on the couch.

  “It’s not like that, Dad.”

  “Isn’t it? I think we’d better have a talk.”

  “I’m not sleeping with her.”

  “Garrett, I wasn’t born yesterday. I saw the way you two looked at each other. A lot more is going on than recording music.”

  What could he say? He’d fallen for Riley. And the only reason he hadn’t slept with her yet was because he liked her so much, and he wanted it to be special. Feeling this way about someone was new territory for him.

  “Son. You’re going to do whatever you want. I know that. But as you begin this new venture, do you really want to start out as a cliché? She’s an attractive young girl, but if you want to be taken seriously, you need to keep your head in the game and not let your johnson call the shots.”

  “I’m not!”

  “Aren’t you? This is ridiculous. Tell me what happens when this little flame you’ve got going burns out? You’ve never had a history of longevity with women. In fact, have you ever been with any one girl for more than a week?”

  “This is different, Dad. Before, we were always on tour. Or working in different cities.”

  “All I’m saying is, what happens when this ends? How are you going to manage a long-term working relationship with Riley? You need to create a professional partnership that doesn’t include side benefits.”

  He feared his dad was right. If things didn’t work out with Riley, she’d hate him. If after a few weeks or months, one of them changed their mind, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to work together.

  “I get it,” he said with defeat.

  “Good. I only want you to succeed. She’ll thank you in the long run.”

  But how could he let her go, now that he had her?

  45

  Riley couldn’t shake her sore throat, and it had to happen on a day Garrett’s dad showed up to hear her sing. He must think she and Garrett had slept together. What a nightmare.

  She warmed up in the vocal booth. Garrett had been on the phone ever since she arrived, and when he finally glanced at her, it was with a smile that seemed off. It wasn’t forced, but it wasn’t natural either. She’d bet money that his dad had given him a hard time.

  Garrett finally hung up the phone. Riley was about to ask him how things went with his dad when Mr. Jamieson and Barry came in. She hung by her mic, pretending to be busy, but mostly scraping off the edge of her nail polish with her thumbnail.

  “Let’s get started,” Garrett said to the band from the front of the room. “My dad flew in just to hear you guys, so let’s make it good.”

  The guys in her makeshift band chuckled. Garrett’s eyes landed on Riley. She smiled, desperate to connect, but there was that odd, guarded look from him again.

  Fine, she could play aloof professional, too. She turned to their drummer, who clicked off the beat, and they began. Performing with the studio musicians was tricky because they weren’t used to playing as a group. They were pulled together for this one performance.

  Riley knew the recorded tracks that had been laid down, but singing live was always different. If only she had a few more days to work the kinks out.

  Garrett stopped them a couple times and offered suggestions. Only once did he approach her.

  “Is everything okay?” She covered the mic with her hand and tried to read the thoughts he masked behind his stoic expression.

  “It’s fine. I’m trying to make sure you’re ready. Your voice sounds strained, almost rough.”

  “I’ve had a sore throat ever since I woke up. I took something, but it’s getting worse.”

  “I never should have let you stay last night. I should have put you in a cab,” he said briskly.

  His tone sounded as if he wished she hadn’t been there, not because she was getting sick, but because he regretted havi
ng his dad find out.

  “Are you mad at me?” she asked softly.

  “Of course not. We’re here to rehearse,” he said, but his posture remained rigid.

  “I know that, but you’ve been acting strange this whole time. Did your dad say something?”

  He sighed and looked at her for a moment. Turmoil rolled in his eyes. “You and I need to talk, but this isn’t the time.”

  Without another word he walked away and rejoined his father.

  Was he going to break up with her? They’d only been together a few days; how could it already be over? She tried not to let her heartbreak show.

  “Try it again from the top, please,” Garrett said.

  After that, he never looked her in the eye. He consulted with his dad and Barry while she sang, and gave directions on entrances and sound mixing, but never approached her. Her heart ached at how easily he could turn off his interest.

  Rehearsal lingered with slow torture as Garrett remained distant and her throat tightened in pain. She wanted the whole thing over so she could get to the bottom of whatever bothered him.

  Finally he called a break. As she slid her mic back in the stand, his dad approached.

  “You are an enormously talented young lady. I see why Garrett was determined to work with you,” Mr. Jamieson said with genuine interest.

  Riley let out a breath of anxiety she’d been holding since rehearsal began. “Thank you. Garrett’s been really helpful.”

  “I have no doubt. When Garrett sets his mind on something, he always finds a way to succeed.” He smiled with pride.

  Riley found his comment a bit odd. What did he mean by it?

  Mr. Jamieson continued. “I wish I could stay longer, but I have a plane to catch. Best of luck tomorrow night. I’m sure it will go well.”

  “Thank you for coming, and have a nice vacation.”

  He smiled and turned to his son. “Garrett, would you walk me out?”

  “Sure thing, Dad.” The two disappeared.

  A few minutes later, Riley found Garrett at the curb, waving as his dad rode off in a town car to the airport.