A Valentine for Kayla

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

“Mr. Holder said to meet him in his office. Sixth floor.”

  Derek almost stopped but forced his feet to move. Why would the president of the company want to meet with him? Sure, he was a big name for the label, but Holder had never requested a meeting before. He pressed the up arrow and stepped onto the elevator. The doors slid closed and he was whisked up to the sixth floor without a single stop.

  He stepped out and spotted another young receptionist. She raised a finger to him without even looking up. He stood quietly and waited. She flipped a magazine page, then looked at him. Her eyes widened. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know it was you. Mr. Holder is waiting for you.” She bounded up. “Follow me, please. You should have told me it was you.”

  “I thought you might be on the phone or doing something important, but I guess reading Rolling Stone magazine is important around here.”

  Her face reddened. At least she had the grace to look embarrassed. He didn’t mind her rudeness. It had given him a couple of minutes to calm himself.

  She knocked and entered. “Mr. Holder, Mr. Parker is here to see you.”

  “Thank you, Lila. Please close the door on your way out.” Mr. Holder rose and offered a fist. “Thanks for coming.”

  Derek bumped the man’s knuckles. “Of course.”

  “Have a seat.” The plump man in somewhat conservative attire motioned to the plush leather chair facing the desk. He sat behind his desk and steepled his fingers in front of his face, resting his pointer finger on his crooked nose. “I’ve been hearing a lot about this new album you’ve been working on. In fact, I listened to the album.”

  “And?”

  “It’s your best ever. The songs are fresh with a new vibe. I want to go big with this. The top publicist in the area is on call, ready to create so much buzz this album will rocket to number one the day it releases. I want to do a six-month tour beginning in New York, and I’m calling in a favor to get you on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve special.” He slid a packet of papers across the desk. “It’s your time. You are going to be bigger than ever, DJ. Every household in America will know the name DJ Parker. All you need to do is sign.”

  Derek’s heart hammered. Something wasn’t right. “I’ll pass this on to my manager. Let him take a look.”

  Holder narrowed his eyes. “About Jerry—the man is on his way out. Everyone but you seems to know it. Cut him loose.”

  Derek forced a cocky grin. “Yeah, I’ve heard rumors, but you know how it is—he was there for me in the beginning. I’ll get back to you.”

  “Loyalty to deadweight won’t get you very far, DJ. Don’t wait too long. That offer expires in forty-eight hours.”

  Derek stood and snagged the contract. “I’ll get back to you. Thanks.” He had only one question, and Special Agent Price had better have a good answer. Who had paid for this album to be produced? He’d assumed the label had worked out a deal with Jerry, but it now appeared otherwise. Could the FBI have pulled this off?

  He passed by the receptionist’s desk. She quickly ended a call when she spotted him. She stood, all smiles, with her hands clutched behind her back. “That was fast.”

  “Yep. See you.” He sauntered toward the elevator. What was he supposed to do with the contract? One thing was certain: Jerry could never see it.

  His cell buzzed in his pocket. He checked the caller ID—Kayla. His shoulders slumped, and he stuffed the phone away. This wasn’t fair to her, but she knew what he was doing. If only he could have warned her about not being able to communicate. He looked around to see if anyone was watching him and spotted a camera mounted near the ceiling. If Price was right, everything he said could be being recorded, and he didn’t want to jeopardize the operation.

  The elevator doors slid open, and he stepped in. He rode it to the lobby. Maybe he could get Price to call Kayla? When the doors slid open, a camera flashed, and a microphone was pushed in his face.

  “When will your album release, DJ?”

  “No comment.” He pushed past the reporter.

  “Why so secretive?”

  He kept walking without looking back. Clearly that had been a setup, and he suspected he knew by whom. Once in his rental car, he speed-dialed the secure number for Special Agent Price with a burner phone he’d been given in case of an emergency. “I have a situation.” He explained what had gone down.

  “You did great. Continue to evade their questions. Sign the contract or not. I don’t care, but since it was imperative to this operation, your studio time was paid for by the bureau. You are under no obligation to sign a contract with the label.”

  For the first time since he’d been told Holder wanted to see him, he breathed easy. “Thanks.”

  “Don’t call again, Derek. I’ll be in touch.”

  “What do you mean? I’m not allowed to contact the FBI again?”

  “Exactly. This number is for emergency purposes only.”

  The background noise from Price’s end silenced. The man had hung up! And he hadn’t even had a chance to ask him to contact Kayla. He flicked the phone onto the passenger seat. “I can’t wait for this to end.” He shoved the car into gear and peeled out. Sign the contract or not played over and over in his mind as he drove. He didn’t want to sign. Did he? It was the opportunity of a lifetime, and he’d be nuts to turn it down. But he’d left all of that behind. A part of him was exhilarated by the offer, but his stomach was in a knot. And what about Mom and Kayla?

  No question, he had a lot to consider. He’d happened to notice the terms of the contract, and it was generous. It would take only six months or maybe even less to promote the album, and then he’d be free to walk—and his finances would be set for life and then some, especially if he continued to live in Oak Knoll.

  * * *

  Kayla sat on her living room couch with a bowl of popcorn and the remote control watching the evening news. A commercial came on for a gossip program, and a picture of Derek flashed across the screen. She leaned forward and raised the volume.

  “DJ Parker is rumored to have signed with Holly Records.”

  Kayla switched off the TV and stared at the black screen. What were they talking about? This had to be part of the FBI sting. But what if Derek changed his mind and the deal they offered was too sweet to pass on? The last time they’d spoken, he’d mentioned that he wanted to start a new chapter in his life. She’d assumed he was talking about finishing up his obligation to the FBI and then coming home. But what if he meant signing with a new record label?

  No, she didn’t believe it. The FBI must have arranged the news so Jerry would play into their hand. But just to be certain, she’d ask Derek. He hadn’t picked up earlier when she’d called to ask about the parade float, but hopefully, he’d pick up this time. She grabbed her cell phone and called. After seven rings his voice mail kicked on. “Hi, Derek, it’s me, Kayla. I need to talk with you about the float, and I saw a teaser on TV tonight saying you’d signed with a new label. What’s that all about? Well…I guess that’s all. Please call me. Bye.”

  She set the phone on the cushion beside her, doing her best to stay calm and rational. But she wasn’t very good at either when her heart was involved. She hopped up, wishing for a hobby like jogging or bicycling—something that would help her calm down. The keyboard in the corner of the room drew her. She might not be ultraphysical, but playing the keyboard had always been able to soothe her.

  The front door slammed. “Oops. Sorry!” Mom strolled into the room. “It’s windy this evening.”

  Kayla nodded and moved to her keyboard. “Will it bother you if I play for a while?”

  “Not at all. I enjoy hearing you play. It’s been a while.”

  Kayla powered on the instrument and sat. She started with a few scales to get her fingers moving, then jumped into Schumann’s “The Wild Horseman.” The energy in the song mirrored her mood. Next, Bach’s “Solfeggietto” flowed off her fingers, her emotions once again matching the music. After several more aggressive pieces, s
he calmed and moved into worship songs. Peace finally washed through her. She closed her eyes and started singing “The Heart of Worship” by Matt Redman. At the end of the song she slowly lifted her hands from the keys and opened her eyes.

  “I haven’t heard you play and sing like that in a long time.”

  Mom’s quiet voice startled her. Caught up in the music, she’d forgotten she was there. “It’s been a while since I needed to.”

  Her mom nodded. “I hope I wasn’t the cause of whatever is bothering you. If my getting married upsets you—”

  “No.” Kayla stood and hurried to the couch where her mom sat. “I’m very happy for you and relieved that Stan’s kids accepted you. Their attitude was my only hesitation, and clearly my fears were unfounded.” She didn’t want to talk about Derek. Some things were best left unsaid. “When you set a date, let me know. I’d like to be there.”

  “Really? We were planning to marry in Vegas.”

  Kayla’s mouth opened, and she snapped it shut. “For real?”

  “Yep. Since I may never get to Paris, I asked Stan if we could stay at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel after we’re married. He loved the idea.”

  “I don’t want to crash your honeymoon. I’ll wait for your reception.”

  “You are more than welcome to come to our wedding. It will be fun. I think Stan’s kids may be there. It’d be a good opportunity to meet them.”

  Kayla hesitated for only a moment. If her mom wanted her there, she wouldn’t say no. “Okay, count me in.”

  Mom’s face split into a smile that reached her sparkling eyes. “Thanks. I feel like a young bride. I’m so excited.”

  “What will you wear?”

  “I have a style in mind. Maybe you and I could go shopping together.”

  “I’d like that. But after the festival.”

  “You got it.” Mom stood and left the room.

  Kayla checked her phone in case Derek had called and she’d missed it—nothing. Unease threatened to hold her in its clutches once more, but she refused to succumb.

  Mom poked her head around the corner. “By the way, who is riding on your float?”

  “Oh no! I completely forgot about finding someone after all the drawing entries we had at the shop were destroyed. I don’t know what to do.”

  Mom pressed her lips together. “What about talking to the high school? Maybe they can run a little competition and the winner gets to ride on the float.”

  “That could work. I’ll call the school first thing tomorrow. Thanks!”

  “That’s what I’m here for. Is the float finished?”

  “All except for some fresh flowers and plants that Jill and I will add the night before.”

  “Wonderful. And here you thought it couldn’t be done. Look at all you’ve accomplished.”

  “Well, if I’d been working in the store for the past two weeks, it wouldn’t have been done, but since I’ve been able to focus on festival stuff, it wasn’t too big of a project.”

  Mom grinned. “Isn’t it nice how everything has worked out?” She slipped around the corner.

  How her mom managed to find the good in all situations escaped her, but she was right. The timing had actually worked to her advantage and thanks to her exceptional landlord, the flower shop would open in time for the festival. Yes, everything was falling into place perfectly. Well, almost everything. There still was the matter of Derek. What if he wasn’t back in time? What would they do? There was no backup plan for the concert. He was the backup plan.

  Chapter 18

  Kayla knocked on Helen’s door, her heart hammering in her chest. Derek not only missed their Skype session this week, but he wasn’t answering any of her calls.

  Derek’s mom pulled the door open. A smile lit her eyes, and she motioned for Kayla to come in.

  She followed Helen into the kitchen, where she pulled out a chair. “Sit. I was getting ready to have tea. Would you like some?” Kayla nodded and sat in the chair. She stilled her fidgeting fingers by folding them in her lap.

  Helen poured hot water into two cups and placed a basket filled with tea bags on the table.

  “Thank you, Helen.” She hadn’t planned to stay but didn’t have the heart to leave her alone when she so clearly wanted company. “Have you heard from Derek this week?”

  She shook her head as she sat.

  “It’s being reported on TV that he signed a music deal with Holly Records. Did he say anything to you about it?”

  She cradled a teacup in her hands. “Derek will do the right thing. I trust my boy and you should, too.”

  “I do trust him, but I’m confused. Everything was going so well, and now he won’t even return my calls.”

  Helen smiled. “Kayla, I like you. You’re a nice young woman and I like that my son cares for you.”

  Kayla bit her bottom lip to keep from interrupting as Helen struggled to spit out the rest of what was on her mind.

  “I learned a long time ago to stop worrying about Derek and put my trust in the Lord. You should, too.

  “He’s in control and no matter how much you worry, it won’t change anything.”

  “You’re right, but I’m concerned. The parade is tomorrow morning, and he promised he’d be here, but he’s not.”

  Helen nodded. “Charlie stopped by earlier. He’ll drive Derek’s truck and pull the float.”

  Well, at least the float was covered. “I guess I should have checked with Jill or Charlie before bothering you. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. I enjoy the company.”

  “Jill will be here soon with the flowers and foliage for the finishing touches on the float. Feel free to come out to the barn and keep us company.”

  Helen grinned. “Thanks, but I think I’ll stay inside.”

  “Okay. I should head out now. If Derek calls, will you ask him to touch base with me?”

  She nodded.

  Kayla stood and took her half-empty teacup to the sink. Helen led her to the front door and pulled it open. “Come visit anytime.”

  “Thanks, Helen.” She spun around and marched to the barn. The shop’s delivery van was parked right outside the barn door and Jill stood beside it. “Hey there, I didn’t hear you drive up. Have you been here long?”

  “Five minutes tops.” Jill held a bucket filled with hot-pink carnations that popped against her newly tanned skin. Her friend had spent every day of her vacation lounging on the beach. Relaxing sounded wonderful. Only three more days and then life would go back to normal.

  “Are you excited about the grand opening tomorrow?” Jill asked as she led the way into the barn where the float was stored.

  “Yes, but I have so much going on—it’s stressful. At least all the volunteers I’m in charge of confirmed they will be at their shifts tomorrow.”

  “There’s something to be thankful for.” Jill hopped onto the float and went directly to the arbor. “I thought we could create a trellis of carnations, but now that I’m here, I don’t like the idea.”

  “I’d say don’t bother with any flowers, but since we are a florist, we should make sure there are plenty. Skip the arbor. I’m thinking Rose Parade–type float.”

  Jill laughed. “Not happening.”

  “Why?” It wasn’t like Jill to not even consider a good idea.

  “Do you have any idea how many man-hours it would take to pull that off? Not to mention all the flowers. No way, no how is this going to pass for a Rose Parade float, but it will look fantastic.”

  Kayla watched her friend work and jumped in once she figured out what Jill was doing. They created a flower garden all around the arbor where the winner from the contest the high school held would be seated. Jill was right—this was going to look great. It might even win an award.

  Kayla hopped off the float. “What we did looks fabulous, but now the rest looks bare.”

  “Have faith, my friend. We are only getting started. I hope you are rested up, because this may take most of the night.”
/>   “Shut up. Please tell me you are joking.”

  “I’m exaggerating a little, but I was serious. Don’t worry. My mom is coming over and bringing several of her friends to help. Actually, considering all the helping hands she’s bringing, we might be out of here in under an hour, now that I see what we accomplished in such a short time. Will you grab the vines from the van?”

  “Sure.” On her way back inside, she overheard Jill on the phone talking to someone about Derek. Curious, she couldn’t help listening in. When Jill spotted her, she ended the call. “What was that about?”

  Jill frowned. “I was hoping to spare you from Margie, but she is having a conniption because Derek hasn’t been seen in nearly three weeks. She’s afraid he’s going to be a no-show for the concert Sunday night.”

  “Oh.” She’d been fighting the same thoughts and didn’t fault Margie for worrying.

  Jill stilled. “What is it? Are you worried, too?”

  She shrugged. “It’s just that I haven’t heard from him all week. Then with all the rumors on TV about some new album…it’s hard not to think the worst.”

  Jill sat under the arbor on the bench. “I didn’t realize. I thought the two of you were seeing each other. He’s perfect for you. And correct me if I’m wrong, but he hits most of the markers on your list.”

  “Actually, he hits all of them. But I’m finally realizing that my stupid list doesn’t mean anything. It’s not going to guarantee the perfect man, because the perfect man doesn’t exist.”

  “That’s true. None of us is perfect. Do you love him?” Jill asked softly.

  Kayla pressed her lips together and nodded. “Yes, I do, and it hurts so much that’s he’s not returning my calls. I don’t know what’s going on with him. The last time we spoke, everything seemed normal, at least normal for him. Then all of a sudden I see him on television and he stops communicating. I don’t know what to do.”

  In the back of her mind she wondered if Derek’s silence had something to do with Estelle, but she trusted him, even if Estelle could have been faking her newfound faith in the Lord, which was unlikely. Estelle might be a great actress, but her heart said the woman had changed. Estelle couldn’t be the reason for Derek’s silence. However, the alternatives hurt even worse—either he was no longer interested in her, or he was really returning to his old life.