want to congratulate you on your success. I look forward to attending your show tonight and, if you’re willing, can I convince you to share a song with us before we cut to break?”
The girls laughed softly and Maeve delivered a beguiling wink. “We were hoping you might ask. It would be a pleasure.”
Kaytlin remained on camera rattling off concert information and ticket prices while the girls moved to a marked spot in front of a shimmering, iridescent curtain. Seconds later, the studio came alive with music. The orchestration was pre-recorded, but the soaring blend of three voices, the artistry of Siobhan’s dance moves came straight from the moment and shot a heady dose of victory through Drew’s system.
Brand new to this level of the entertainment industry, these women acted, and reacted, like seasoned pros. He continued to monitor, satisfied and incredibly proud of them all.
Yet always—always—he was drawn to Kassidy.
****
“Boston is next, followed by Pennsylvania then Tennessee, Atlanta, Miami, Dallas, LA, and Denver.” Drew paused from his phone conversation; seated next to him in the limousine, Kassidy couldn’t help but listen in while she scrolled through the latest influx of e-mail to her personal account. Lots of sweet well-wishes flooded her in-box from family and friends, which made her smile. A couple notices informing her of all the money she had won during a random lottery drawing in Tangier caused her to snort quietly and hit the delete key.
Drew continued. “Yeah—Denver marks the midpoint. After that, we swing back east. We’ll hit Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, and a few other cities before we close the tour in New York City.” Following a pause, he laughed. “You’re as bad as Mom, I swear. There’s a week-long break after the shows in Denver. I’ll return to New York at that point and check in; I promise.”
He skated a glance Kassidy’s way then diverted his gaze quickly, shyly. Why did his boyish hesitance charm her so much?
“They’re a great group. I’m enjoying it. You’ll have to see the show when we hit New York City. It’s going to be amazing. The staging is top notch.”
Kassidy dipped her head, squelched a grin, and a sensory tingle.
“Yeah, yeah. I am. Believe me, I’m aware of being cautious.”
There was a touch of sharpness to his tone that surprised Kassidy, but she forced herself to not react, or make him uncomfortable. He couldn’t help having to make calls on the fly with other people around.
“Thanks. I know, I know. Your support means a lot, Joe—it’s just…the past is a touchy subject. This tour is shaping up to be incredible, though. Just what I need.” He paused. Kassidy registered his smile from the corner of her eye. “You bet I will. Give the folks my love, and I’ll check in again after the show tonight.”
Ending the call, Drew cleared his throat and relaxed against the leather seat. He tucked his phone into the breast pocket of his suit coat. Across from them, Aileen carried on a quiet phone conversation, her body angled slightly away. Her cheeks were appealingly pink. Her smile came frequently. Kassidy watched, and savored the vibration of love emanating from her friend. Most likely Aileen was talking to Liam who’d been forced to dash off for a quick meeting with an artist who lived in southwest Connecticut—a songwriter Liam wanted to recruit to the Zion’s Peak label.
Never the morning bird of their bunch, Maeve leaned against the door and dozed while Siobhan thumbed away at some text replies.
Curious, Kassidy cast a look toward Drew. “Connecting with family, huh?”
“Yeah. My younger brother, Joe.”
Kassidy waited for more. The eagerness to know him better never failed to catch her by surprise. They had spent considerable time together of late, prepping for the tour, rehearsing, making plans, designing the show. She knew on-and-off details about his life, but not much more. His favorite sports team
The girls laughed softly and Maeve delivered a beguiling wink. “We were hoping you might ask. It would be a pleasure.”
Kaytlin remained on camera rattling off concert information and ticket prices while the girls moved to a marked spot in front of a shimmering, iridescent curtain. Seconds later, the studio came alive with music. The orchestration was pre-recorded, but the soaring blend of three voices, the artistry of Siobhan’s dance moves came straight from the moment and shot a heady dose of victory through Drew’s system.
Brand new to this level of the entertainment industry, these women acted, and reacted, like seasoned pros. He continued to monitor, satisfied and incredibly proud of them all.
Yet always—always—he was drawn to Kassidy.
****
“Boston is next, followed by Pennsylvania then Tennessee, Atlanta, Miami, Dallas, LA, and Denver.” Drew paused from his phone conversation; seated next to him in the limousine, Kassidy couldn’t help but listen in while she scrolled through the latest influx of e-mail to her personal account. Lots of sweet well-wishes flooded her in-box from family and friends, which made her smile. A couple notices informing her of all the money she had won during a random lottery drawing in Tangier caused her to snort quietly and hit the delete key.
Drew continued. “Yeah—Denver marks the midpoint. After that, we swing back east. We’ll hit Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, and a few other cities before we close the tour in New York City.” Following a pause, he laughed. “You’re as bad as Mom, I swear. There’s a week-long break after the shows in Denver. I’ll return to New York at that point and check in; I promise.”
He skated a glance Kassidy’s way then diverted his gaze quickly, shyly. Why did his boyish hesitance charm her so much?
“They’re a great group. I’m enjoying it. You’ll have to see the show when we hit New York City. It’s going to be amazing. The staging is top notch.”
Kassidy dipped her head, squelched a grin, and a sensory tingle.
“Yeah, yeah. I am. Believe me, I’m aware of being cautious.”
There was a touch of sharpness to his tone that surprised Kassidy, but she forced herself to not react, or make him uncomfortable. He couldn’t help having to make calls on the fly with other people around.
“Thanks. I know, I know. Your support means a lot, Joe—it’s just…the past is a touchy subject. This tour is shaping up to be incredible, though. Just what I need.” He paused. Kassidy registered his smile from the corner of her eye. “You bet I will. Give the folks my love, and I’ll check in again after the show tonight.”
Ending the call, Drew cleared his throat and relaxed against the leather seat. He tucked his phone into the breast pocket of his suit coat. Across from them, Aileen carried on a quiet phone conversation, her body angled slightly away. Her cheeks were appealingly pink. Her smile came frequently. Kassidy watched, and savored the vibration of love emanating from her friend. Most likely Aileen was talking to Liam who’d been forced to dash off for a quick meeting with an artist who lived in southwest Connecticut—a songwriter Liam wanted to recruit to the Zion’s Peak label.
Never the morning bird of their bunch, Maeve leaned against the door and dozed while Siobhan thumbed away at some text replies.
Curious, Kassidy cast a look toward Drew. “Connecting with family, huh?”
“Yeah. My younger brother, Joe.”
Kassidy waited for more. The eagerness to know him better never failed to catch her by surprise. They had spent considerable time together of late, prepping for the tour, rehearsing, making plans, designing the show. She knew on-and-off details about his life, but not much more. His favorite sports team
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