Falling Stars

by Tanya Stowe

  "Thanks. I have a great team."

  Bodine nodded. "That's the secret, isn't it? A great team. I like to think we have that here on Rising Stars."

  At last, the real purpose for Bodine's visit. Jackson had watched enough of the program to know Bodine was the leading star of the show. Confident. Quick thinking. Bodine had instantly become the fan favorite among the judges. His presence here today meant he intended to keep it that way. Bodine was here to mark his territory.

  Jackson folded his arms across his chest. Fine with him. He had no intention of staying long enough to engage in a popularity contest. His agent suggested a season on the show to keep Jackson's name in the public eye while he worked on his second album. Hopefully, by the end of the program’s summer shooting schedule, his album would be wrapped and on its way to a release. And Jackson would be on the first plane back to Tennessee.

  Bodine was welcome to his little fiefdom of tweens and teens on the Rising Stars’ circuit.

  Truth be told, if it hadn't been for one blonde with pretty green eyes, no amount of suggestions from Jackson's agent could have convinced him to spend six months in Los Angeles. But Sunny had intrigued him with her fresh face and honest approach. He was curious to see if she was genuine, a rare commodity when one had four hundred thousand followers on social media and received women's underwear in the mail on a daily basis.

  "Well, shall we head down to the conference room? The press is in for a real treat with two of our star judges here."

  Was it Jackson's imagination, or did Sunny's tone sound tight? Were they in for a difficult session? If so, Jackson needed to keep his mind off one willowy blonde and focus on his partner on the judging panel. A poor press conference would set the tone for the whole season. Jackson didn’t want his time here to be miserable and, therefore, wasted.

  Jackson slicked back his hair and tugged his Stetson into place before following Sunny out the door. They took the elevator to the second floor and stood outside a room full of reporters while the network spokesperson prepared the audience.

  Sunny slipped on a headset as another crew member handed her a clipboard. "Ready to answer questions?" she asked, turning that green-eyed gaze full blast on Jackson.

  He nodded. "Ready as I'll ever be." He wished he'd been a bit more positive when he saw the look of concern flash over Sunny's features. He might not like the fact that he needed to be here in L.A. or on the show, but he was a professional. Apparently, he still had to prove that to Sunny.

  She turned to Bodine. "Give Jackson a few minutes. Then I'll announce you, Brody. They'll go crazy with two of you in there."

  Bodine nodded.

  Jackson barely had time to take a breath before Sunny signaled him to move through the door. Instantly, cameras flashed and a buzz covered the room. Jackson smiled, waved, then headed straight for the podium. He'd barely made it there when the spokesperson announced Bodine's name. More flashes and another buzz.

  The first fifteen minutes of the conference, Jackson answered the questions. What did he have to offer the talent of Rising Stars? Could his millions of fans count on seeing him perform something from his new album? What did he think of his fellow judges?

  "I'm excited to be a part of the team and look forward to working with all of them."

  Bodine stood slightly back and silent, which Jackson greatly appreciated. But now the press turned to him.

  "Brody, how do you feel about Jackson's addition to the panel?"

  He stepped forward to the podium and bent toward the mic with his trademark smile in place. Bodine had conquered many hearts with that winning grin.

  "I'm looking forward to a great season. As a relative newcomer to the industry, I'm certain Jackson has a lot in common with our contestants. He'll be welcome support for our newbies."

  Jackson frowned. Newbie support? That's the best Bodine thought he had to offer? So that's how it's going to be. Nice in private but when the cameras are on, Bodine's gloves are off. Jackson tamped down on his irritation and softened his frown with a twist to his lips that he hoped resembled a smile.

  "I do have to say, though," Bodine continued, "I'm looking forward to Jackson enlightening me about country music. From what I know, it only has three topics, breakups, trucks, and honky-tonks."

  Jackson waited two beats for the twittering laughter to die away. It was one thing for Bodine to poke at him, but no way would he tolerate an insult to his music. "At least you can understand country lyrics, Brody. I have yet to decipher the words of a rock song. Perhaps you can give us a lesson as well."

  Laughter rocked the room, and cameras flashed like strobes.

  2

  Sunny closed her eyes. Great. Just great. Her highly paid and publicized stars had declared war. Trying to control her panic, she opened her eyes.

  The execs were standing off to the right. Not one of their faces showed a reaction or an emotion of any kind. They remained poised—watching, waiting, to see the response of the press.

  Jenny Paulsen, head of public relations, turned and walked off the stage, leaving the podium to Brody and Jackson. As she passed, she rolled her eyes in a frustrated gesture meant just for Sunny. At least Jenny felt secure enough in her position to share her concern with Sunny.

  After a few moments, Brody announced that the press conference was for Jackson…a very nice statement considering he’d just stolen the other man’s thunder. With his trademark grin, Brody waved and left the podium to the new judge. He headed straight for Sunny, slid his arm around her, and grasped her shoulders in a sideways hug. “How’s my best girl today?” he murmured, still smiling for the cameras turned in their direction.

  Sunny smiled, too. “I’m fine, considering you just sabotaged my new season and probably destroyed my show.”

  “Aww, Sunny girl, relax.” He gave her shoulder another squeeze. “If there’s one thing I know, it’s public relations. If anything, I just made your show.”

  “Are you serious?” Her whisper came out harsher than she intended.

  Heads turned in their direction.

  Brody chucked her under the chin. “Smile, baby. The suits are watching. You need to look as confident as I am.”

  Taking a deep breath, she forced her lips into the semblance of a grin. “How did you just make my show?”

  “Are you kidding? Didn’t you see those cameras go wild? There’ll be so much news about the battle between me and your new boy, people will tune in just to see us fight.”

  Sunny blinked. “That’s just what I’m afraid of. Fighting.”

  Brody leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Only for the cameras, baby,” he whispered close to her ear. “It’s all for the show. Off camera, we’re professionals, and Jackson and I will both act it.”

  What was Brody up to? He’d made a play for her when the show first started, but Sunny quickly shut down his ideas. She’d made a purity vow and had no desire to be another notch on his belt. Her whole life was about avoiding the vices of her industry. She prayed continually to stand strong.

  Brody Bodine was the perfect example of how easy it would be to slip, but Sunny kept her boundaries firmly in place. He’d seemed to accept her attitude, and they’d settled into a friendly relationship—with a bit of flirting thrown in for fun. So what had changed? She leaned back to study his face.

  “Unless, of course, you think your boy can’t take the heat. Maybe he’s too new to all this to keep it on a professional level.”

  Jackson seemed so up front. So real. He didn’t seem the type for games.

  “I can see you’re concerned about that.” Brody chucked her chin again. “Don’t worry. I’ll take it easy on him.”

  With another quick peck on her cheek, Brody waved to the crowd and sauntered toward the door.

  Sunny‘s thoughts churned. She faced the podium and Jackson—the unknown ingredient. Right now, the press was laughing at some comment he’d made. He smiled too…not the bright, winning smile Brody used to such effect, but one just as pot
ent, maybe even more so since Jackson’s smile had to be earned.

  Jenny hurried past Sunny, took over the mic, thanked the press, and reminded them to pick up their packets.

  Jackson walked toward Sunny, a slight frown creasing his forehead.

  She cringed. “Jackson,” she murmured. “I’m sorry.”

  “Why? Did you expect Bodine to give up his number one position without a fight?”

  Sunny’s lips parted, but no words came out for a long stalled moment. “No, but I talked to him…we discussed it. He thought it was a great idea to add you to the show.”

  “It was. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t. A little competition on the judging panel won’t be a bad thing either. The only thing I don’t agree with is being the fall guy for Bodine’s jokes.”

  She finally managed to close her lips. “No, of course not. I just…well, I don’t want the barbs and bickering to be carried off stage, that’s all. I promised you a positive experience.”

  Jackson gave his lips a smile and tipped his fingers to the brim of his hat. “Much obliged, ma’am. I’ll hold you to that. So how about we start with lunch before we visit those sites your team picked out for me.”

  The man moved faster than lightning. She’d have to be on her toes to keep up. “All right. Let’s just check in with everyone before we head out.” She set off for the executive boardroom where everyone was gathering again. She opened the door for Jackson.

  He took it from her and motioned her inside. Always the gentleman. His action surprised Sunny. She was used to taking the lead, but she stifled her response and scooted inside.

  The executives were already there.

  Lee Stockard gave her a look she was sure meant trouble.

  She came to an abrupt stop.

  “Well, that was interesting.” One of his white eyebrows rose.

  Jackson came to a stand beside her. His hand settled on the small of her back, and somehow, his light touch reassured her.

  “I thought that was the point, Mr. Stockard…to generate interest.” Jackson’s flat statement silenced the room.

  Sunny inhaled and waited.

  Mr. Stockard’s lips quirked. “Yes, young man. I guess that was the point. I was well aware we had our hands full with Bodine. I guess he’s not the only one.” Stockard lifted his coffee mug. “Good luck to you. We’ll all be watching this very carefully.”

  Sunny knew a cue to exit when she heard it. “Thank you, Mr. Stockard. I’m sure it promises to be a lively season. If you’ll excuse us, I’m helping Jackson choose his temporary home.” She led the way out, with Jackson close behind, and didn’t release her breath until they were in the elevator.

  “Sorry if I stepped on your toes back there.” Jackson’s gaze never wavered. “It just seemed to me…well, I don’t like a bully. Stockard got my back up.”

  Sunny shook her head. “He did, did he?”

  “Yep.” No explanations. No answers. He dipped his head slightly so that the brim of his black cowboy hat shaded his eyes.

  It seemed an action more suited to a sullen teenager, not a multi-million-dollar country star. She shook her head, laughter lying low in her tone. “Your mother must have had her hands full when you were in school.”

  Now he tilted his head back and light scooted beneath the brim of the hat, warming his brown eyes like a sparkling sherry. They might have even twinkled. “Only one time. After that most folks knew it was best to leave me alone.”

  Laughter burst from Sunny. “Once was enough for me too. I’ve already learned my lesson.” She linked her arm through his. “Come on. I’ll feed you. Maybe that’ll set me on the path to your good side.”

  ~*~

  The limo waited where they’d left it on the curb. The driver hurried around to open the door for them.

  Sunny paused and placed a hand on Jackson’s arm.

  He took in the delicate, graceful fingers. No rings. Now why did that particular thought come to mind?

  “We need to let the driver know where we’d like to go. This time of day, it’ll be tough to find a seat at a good place, but I might be able to drop a few names and get us in. What would you like to eat? We can do Mediterranean, Italian, sushi. I even know a fabulous pho place.”

  Jackson frowned. “I don’t even know what pho is.”

  “Well, it’s a Vietnamese noodle dish with lots of spices, meat, and vegetables. It started as a street food in Viet Nam. The place I know serves the best, and it’s very upscale. We won’t be bothered by fans. But if that doesn’t interest you…” She trailed off with an uncertain look on her features.

  Jackson shook his head. “I’m not opposed to trying something new. But right now, I think I’d like to have a plain ol’ American burger. You know the one everyone raves about, where the workers wear those old-fashioned hats.”

  “You mean Fast and Fresh?”

  “That’s it. I hear they’re the best burgers around.”

  “They are,” Sunny said with a tilt of her head. “For fast food. But they’re also the busiest. There’s likely to be a crowd, and you’ll be recognized.”

  “Then we’ll use the drive-thru.”

  “In a limo?”

  “Why not? Live a little dangerously, Sunny Bates.”

  Laughter bubbled forth, light and sweet. Jackson liked it.

  She turned to the driver. “Dan, do you know the location of the closest Fast and Fresh?”

  So Sunny knew the first name of the limo driver. Most people in her position wouldn’t have a clue or take the time to find out. She was completely without airs…one of her better qualities, and one that had struck Jackson the first time they’d spoken on the phone.

  “Of course, Ms. Bates.” The driver nodded.

  “Great. Can you negotiate the drive-thru?”

  A daredevil grin that told Jackson Sunny was in for more of an adventure than she was planning lit the driver’s features. “It’ll be my pleasure, ma’am.”

  “All right then. I guess we’re off.” With that, Sunny slid into the back of the limo, leaving a light citrus scent behind. Clean and crisp. Like an orchard.

  Jackson liked that, too. He was beginning to wonder what he didn’t like about Ms. Sunny Bates.

  They pulled away from the network headquarters, but they didn’t get far. Traffic that had seemed heavy to Jackson when he’d arrived was even busier now. The limo sat through four lights before the driver was able to hit twenty miles an hour. Just as they picked up speed, Dan slowed the car, preparing to turn.

  The familiar Fast and Fresh sign was up ahead. Unlike most fast food drive-thru this one didn’t hook around the building. It looked like a straight shot, but the line was backed up almost to the far end of the strip mall parking lot.

  Dan dutifully pulled into place, with another car right behind them.

  “So what should I order?”

  “Well, are you a grilled onion man?” The dubious look on Sunny’s face made Jackson smile.

  “Is there any other kind?”

  Her features brightened. “I knew you’d be a grilled onion person like me. My favorite burger is the double-double with cheese, Killer Fries and of course, the old-fashioned chocolate shake.”

  “Killer Fries? Let me guess…tons of grilled onions?”

  She nodded. “And smothered in cheese.”

  “That’s your favorite, huh? No skinny salads for you.”

  “Not at Fast and Fresh. I’ll be good tomorrow.”

  “Why, Ms. Bates, is there a little Scarlett O’Hara in you?”

  “I hope not. Unless, of course, you mean I like good Southern cooking. That’s a definite yes. My mother was from Texas. I know good food.”

  “Me, too. I’ll sure miss my mom’s ham, black-eyed peas, and corn bread this Easter.”

  She was silent for a little while. “Maybe we can help. My mom’s black-eyed peas are always fresh, and her corn bread is homemade. I think she’d be delighted to have you for dinner.”

  “Your
mom lives here in L.A.?”

  She gave a slight shake of her head. “She and my stepdad live in Palm Springs. Bill’s retired now, and it’s a little less hectic for them there. But it’s an easy drive.”

  “Maybe you better hold off on the invite until you speak to her.”

  “My mom’s door is always open, especially to nice Southern boys.” She winked, and her mischievous grin hit Jackson like a cold wave of water. Everything stopped. Blood pounded in his ears like a bongo drum.

  Sunny turned away, leaving behind that hint of citrus.

  Jackson sat stunned. A wink and a smile and his world went upside down. What just happened? He wanted to see that look again. Again and again. Until he figured out exactly why it turned him inside out.

  “Wow.” Oblivious to his numb state, Sunny shook her head. “Our first appointment is at one thirty. We might not make it the way this line is going.”

  Jackson took a deep breath and gathered his senses like so many dropped pennies. A young man in a Fast and Fresh uniform walked down the long line of cars, taking orders. He approached Dan’s window. Desperate to cover his strange reaction, Jackson punched the window button. It lowered and the young man passed the driver and approached Jackson.

  “May I take your order, sir?” The boy looked up. His mouth dropped open and his eyes widened when he recognized Jackson.

  “We were wondering about the wait. How long will it be?”

  The young man rallied and glanced back down the line. “At least twenty minutes, Mr. Maise…sir.”

  Jackson looked at Sunny, who shrugged with a resigned movement.

  “I’m afraid that won’t work for us.” He leaned forward. “Dan, what kind of burger would you like?”

  “I can’t eat while I’m on duty.”

  “Then we can’t eat either. Tell me what you want, and you can chow down while we’re stopped.”

  Dan grinned into the rear-view mirror. “I’ll take a double-double.”

  “With Killer Fries?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “You got it.” Jackson pulled on the handle. The door spilled open, and the fascinated employee jumped out of the way. Reaching across the space, Jackson grasped Sunny’s hand and pulled her across the seat. “Let’s go.”