Colin hated this. Hated having all the shots called. It felt too much like what had happened when his father was in charge of his career. Staring into Josie’s eyes, Colin weighed his options. What if he walked away from it all? What if he did what his grandmother had suggested when he’d called her last night, and he told Josie that he was falling in love with her and wanted to make a go of their relationship? Even after he’d explained the whole thing to his grandmother, she had read between the lines and knew he wasn’t pretending.
Colin swallowed hard, ready to confess his feelings when reality hit him. First, he had no way to provide for a wife and family. Second, no matter what his grandmother believed, he wasn’t good enough for someone as sweet and kind as Josie. He was a recovering alcoholic. A demon that would always be hovering around him like the Dementors in Harry Potter, ready to swoop in when given the opportunity.
“You can do this, Colin,” Josie said with a soft smile. “You’re amazing and have so much to offer.”
Emotion burned against the back of Colin’s eyes. Josie believed in him. The way she was looking at him kindled hope that she genuinely cared for him. The words to his song flooded his mind, reminding him that she saw him. The real him, and it might be enough.
“Alright,” he said. “I’ll do it.” For us, he wanted to say out loud but decided to keep that part to himself. He needed a record deal first. Then maybe he’d be worthy of someone like Josie.
Chapter 21
Josie
Josie stared at the clothing options sprawled across the bed, wishing she’d packed for more than just a few days. She had nothing to wear to the charity concert and didn’t have time to go shopping.
“Josie?” Charlotte said, knocking on her door. “May I come in?”
With only one ally in the house, Josie had confided in Charlotte about not having anything to wear. The other outfit she was going to wear for the interview this morning had somehow disappeared. Just like in Cinderella, Josie had no doubt that her evil stepmother had taken the clothing.
“Sure,” Josie said, cinching the belt on her robe before opening the door.
“Look what I found in the trashcan,” Charlotte said, holding up a white dress bag stained with marinara sauce. “Good thing trash pickup isn’t until tomorrow.”
Josie had quit being surprised by anything that happened in Hillside Mania. Still, knowing her stepmother had purposely disposed of Josie’s clothing was a whole new level of Southern crazy. “Thank you so much,” she said, taking the bag from Charlotte. “What about the shoes?”
“They were there too.” Charlotte wrinkled her nose. “They weren’t protected by a bag, so I had to clean them. They’re downstairs drying out.”
“I’d like to say that I’m shocked,” Josie said. “But something similar happened to my prom dress my senior year.”
“That’s terrible.”
Josie shrugged. “It is what it is.”
Charlotte gave her a sad smile. “I’m not staying here,” she said. “This place is toxic, and I’m not exposing my little girl to any more of this.”
“How do you feel about living in Savannah?” Josie asked. She hadn’t spoken to Shelby yet, but she was sure her employer would find something for Charlotte to do.
“I’m ready to move anywhere as long as I’m out from under Monica’s rule.”
Josie considered offering Charlotte and her daughter the apartment she lived in but decided she better wait and see if Colin was interested in sharing an apartment with her after they were married. First, she needed to tell him she loved him. Something she’d decided to do once the concert was all over.
“I think I have an idea about a job,” Josie said. She glanced at her watch. “But I need to get to Gracie’s for the charity concert.”
“I’ll have to drive you when you’re ready,” Charlotte said with a grimace. “Your car has four flat tires.”
“How do they think of these things?” Josie said. “Seriously, I’m kind of impressed with their diabolical skills.”
“Maybe I should check my car too,” Charlotte said. “I’ll let you know.”
Josie pushed thoughts of her family out of her mind as she pulled on the designer jeans. A couple of hours ago, her dad texted to tell her he was called out of town for an emergency. He’d apologized for not saying goodbye in person. It shouldn’t hurt anymore, but it did. Especially since he never tried protecting her from his crazy wife and her daughter.
Josie still couldn’t believe the strings Monica and Ford had pulled to make sure Scarlet was the shining star. They’d finagled a deal with the event’s coordinator over the charity tonight to have the concert televised on Nashville Informed as well as a surprise performance and a brand new song by Colin Wilde and Scarlet Graham. The only caveat was getting approval by the Phillip-Chase team, which required a demo of the song.
Colin and Scarlet had been holed up in the state-of-the-art recording studio located at the house all afternoon recording the song. Josie had insisted on being present while they practiced. It had been both torture and a gift. Colin was incredible. Unfortunately, so was Scarlet. The two voices blended so beautifully, making the song even better as a duet. Phillip Jacobs and Chase Nichols agreed with her. After receiving the demo, Chase had personally called to say how much they loved the song. While he knew Scarlet was vying for a chance to be on The New Voice of Country Music, he and Phillip were ready to talk contracts with Colin and Scarlet as a duo.
Josie knew that wasn’t the direction Colin wanted to go. He had started to refuse, but she’d reasoned with him that they could work on his solo career once he had a foot in the door. Somehow, Josie had gone from his fake fiancée to his agent and manager. They were both in survival mode right now, but once she had a chance, she was going to tell him how she felt about him.
At least, she’d made sure Colin got full credit for writing the song in writing and immediately asked Mr. Dalton for help in filing the copyright. James had promised to get his team of lawyers on it.
Glancing at the clock, Josie saw she had less than an hour to get to Gracie’s Haven. Checking her appearance in the mirror a final time, she added a pair of gold earrings and spritzed on some perfume before grabbing her phone and heading downstairs.
“I can’t find my keys,” Charlotte said as soon as Josie descended the stairs. “I’ve got an Uber coming to get you, and it should be here in ten minutes.”
“Are you sure we aren’t locked inside?” Josie said, wondering if Monica had a Pinterest board filled to the brim with revenge ideas.
“It wasn’t locked thirty minutes ago when I walked Bethany outside to get a ride with her friend to dance class.” She wrinkled her brow and glanced at the door. “That’s when I found the dress bag and noticed the flat tires on your car.”
They both startled when the doorbell sounded. “Is that my Uber?” Josie asked.
Charlotte studied the app on her phone and shook her head. “It’s still six minutes out.” She slipped the phone in her back pocket and opened the door.
A beautiful older woman stood there, her silver hair styled in an elegant chignon. She smiled, making her eyes sparkle with amusement. “Pardon my intrusion without an invitation,” she said in a cultured British accent. “But I’m looking for my grandson and hope I have the correct address?”
“Gran?” Josie asked with a gasp. “Sorry, I mean…um, I don’t know your name.”
“Violet Thompson, but please call me Gran,” she said, her smile widening. “After all, I believe you’re the lovely girl engaged to my grandson.”
“We’re not really engaged,” Josie said, still trying to understand how Colin’s grandmother was in Georgia.
“Wait, what?” Charlotte asked.
Josie shot Charlotte an apologetic look. “Long story, but I don’t have time to tell you about it right now.” She looked into Violet’s kind face. “I thought Colin called you and told you we aren’t really engaged?”
“We spoke.
” Colin’s grandmother studied Josie closely. “And you’re just as beautiful as he described.”
“Colin said I’m beautiful?” Josie asked in a soft voice.
“Multiple times,” Violet said with a lilting laugh. “He also said a lot of rubbish about not really being engaged to you and that the pair of you only pretended to be in love to help each other.” The older woman touched Josie’s hand, her skin warm and soft. “My dear, I don’t know how you feel about my grandson, but it was quite apparent he’s very much in love with you.”
Colin loved her? Josie blinked back the sudden rush of emotion. “I love him too,” she blurted out.
“Brilliant,” Violet said. “All that’s left is to convince that stubborn lad he’s a good man and plan a wedding.”
Josie laughed. “Colin said I would like you.” She leaned in and gave the older woman an impulsive hug. “And he’s right,” Josie said, inhaling the faint scent of perfume that had a hint of spice to it.
“He’s been waiting his whole life to find you,” Violet said, returning the hug. “So have I.”
“Your ride is here,” Charlotte said, interrupting the sweet moment. “Y’all better hurry before they close the doors at the club and don’t let you inside.”
The short ride to Gracie’s wasn’t enough time for Josie to give Colin’s grandmother a lengthy explanation about everything that had happened. It was embarrassing telling this woman about her family, especially the part about her absentee father. At least she and Colin had that in common.
In turn, Colin’s grandmother explained that after she and Colin had talked, she’d read between the lines and wasn’t about to let him walk away from true happiness. “I immediately packed my bags and caught the first flight out of London to Atlanta, determined to make sure my grandson didn’t make a mistake he’d regret the rest of his life.” Violet squeezed Josie’s hand. “The way he talked about you…how happy you make him.” The older woman smiled softly. “I knew that you are the one meant just for him.”
Moisture filled Josie’s eyes as she recalled the final verse in Colin’s song. I found you. The real you. The one meant just for me. Was there a chance he was thinking of her when he’d written those lyrics?
“Thank you,” Josie said, brushing away a tear. “I want him to be happy.” Even if that meant sharing him with Scarlet. She didn’t like thinking of them together. Not when she knew Scarlet and that she’d never be satisfied until Josie was out of the picture.
The Uber pulled into the crowded parking lot to let them out, and Josie’s stomach twisted with renewed anxiety. Gracie’s Haven was packed, the lighted marquee declaring the private event for ticket holders only. The newly renovated music club had a brand new stage and was one of the hottest spots for entertainment. Josie had overheard Ford telling Scarlet that Chase Nichols and Jackson McCall had partnered with the current owner and financed the remodel. The men wanted a venue to feature up and coming singers and songwriters similar to some of the famous open mic places in Nashville like Tootsies or the Bluebird Café. The club had an entirely different vibe to it and was definitely higher class than when Josie had come a few years earlier.
Standing in line with Colin’s grandmother, Josie prayed Jackson McCall still had her name on the VIP guest list and would back her up and allow Violet to accompany her since Colin was now part of the entertainment. Josie wished she would’ve exchanged contact info with Jackson because Colin wasn’t answering his phone or responding to any of her texts.
“This is quite grand,” Colin’s grandmother said, smoothing her silver hair. “I do wish I could have changed out of my traveling clothes.”
Josie thought Violet looked elegant in the stylish navy blue pantsuit and not at all like a woman who had just flown over nine hours. “I think you look beautiful,” Josie told her. “And this isn’t a formal event.”
“Thank you, dear.” Violet made a quick perusal of Josie’s ensemble. “And you look absolutely stunning. That color makes your blue eyes stand out.”
“Thank you.” Josie placed a hand over her stomach. She was so nervous and hoped Colin was doing okay. Her phone pinged an incoming text message. She quickly checked her phone, disappointed to see it wasn’t from Colin, and only an alert for a flash sale from a boutique in Savannah that Shelby frequently shopped from.
Slipping the phone back inside her pocket, Josie and Violet moved forward after a large group was admitted inside. “Good evening, ladies,” a deep voice said before asking for their names.
Josie gave her name to Tuck, the name written on his name tag, and waited as he scanned the guest list on his iPad. “Mr. Jackson McCall may have put my name under Colin Wilde,” Josie said, worried there wouldn’t be enough time to track Jackson down. Besides, he was performing and was probably backstage.
“Ah, here you are,” Tuck said. He looked up at Violet and winked. “Are you Colin Wilde, ma’am?”
“Violet Thompson, Colin’s grandmother.” Violet beamed with pride. “Colin is performing tonight.”
“You’re a long way from home,” Tuck said with a chuckle. “And I saw the change on the program.” He picked up a cell phone. “Still gotta check with Jackson about letting you in.”
“Of course,” Violet said. “Do try not to tell Colin, please. He doesn’t know I’m here, and I want to surprise him.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Tuck winked at her and punched in a number. “Hopefully, he’ll answer his phone.”
“Hey, Tuck,” someone called out. “They’re with me.”
Josie turned, relieved to see Jackson waving at them. She glanced back at Tuck. He ended the call and grinned. “Guess that’s why he wasn’t answering.” He dipped his chin. “You ladies have a lovely evening now.”
“Thank you so much,” Josie said to Jackson after introducing Violet to him. “Have you seen Colin?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Jackson said, leading them through a back door that wasn’t as crowded. “He’s one talented guy,” he said from over his shoulder. He had to speak in a loud voice to be heard over the din from the people talking and laughing.
Josie gave up on talking as they wound through the crowded establishment. Afraid Violet would get lost, Josie switched places with the woman, so she was ahead of her. Jackson was a popular man, many patrons trying to get him to stop and talk. He kept on going until he brought Josie and Violet to the tables set up directly in front of the stage. From the corner of her eye, Josie saw Monica and Ford seated at a table on the far right. It was odd that sitting with strangers made Josie feel more welcome than if she were sitting with her family.
A pretty woman with dark hair stood up and kissed Jackson on the mouth before turning her attention on Josie and Violet.
“This is my better half, Sydney,” Jackson said. “Y’all will be sharing a table with Syd and Chase’s family.”
“I’ll introduce them, honey,” Sydney said. “You’re wanted backstage.” She kissed her husband again and then made the introductions to the group at the table.
“This is Addie Nichols,” Sydney said, pointing out a pretty woman with auburn hair and natural curls Josie envied. “She’s married to Chase.”
Next, Sydney introduced Ashlee, a gorgeous blonde Josie recognized as one of Chase’s twin sisters. “It’s so nice to meet y’all,” Ashlee said, rubbing a hand over her very swollen belly. She looked like her due date wasn’t too far off.
“I think I remember you from school,” Josie said. “But you had long hair.”
Laughing, Ashlee touched her short choppy bob and nudged Addie with her elbow. “My niece decided to give me a haircut a couple of years ago, and I liked it too much to grow it out again.”
“It’s quite lovely,” Violet said after Ashlee explained that her husband, Beau Jacobson, was the drummer for Chasing Dreams, and they would meet him once their set was done.
“Here comes my twin sister,” Ashlee said as a blonde with long, wavy hair waddled back to the table. She looked even more pregnant than
her sister. “Taylin, this is Josie Sinclair and Violet Thompson, Colin’s grandmother.”
“Hi Josie,” Taylin said before taking Violet’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you, ma’am.” Taylin pointed to the other women at the table. “We’re all really big fans of Colin.”
“Really big fans,” a handsome guy said without a hint of a Southern accent. “Luke McKay,” he said, shaking Violet’s hand. “I’m married to this beautiful woman.” He indicated Taylin, who was struggling to fit her rounded abdomen against the table. “And you must be Colin’s Josie,” Luke said, holding out his hand. “He’ll be glad you’re here. He can’t find his phone and has been worried about you.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Josie said as the lights dimmed. She wanted to ask Luke why he referred to her as “Colin’s Josie,” but Phillip Jacobs and Chase Nichols came out on the stage, making the audience go wild with whistles and loud clapping.
After Phillip and Chase made an introduction about why they were here, the two men had several Gold Star families in attendance stand up who had lost a spouse or a parent while serving in the military.
Once the clapping died down, Chase had his best friend and brother-in-law come out on stage. Beau Jacobson, the drummer married to Ashlee, told about his service in the Army, and why this cause was so important to him.
“Thank you so much for your support,” Beau said. “All of the proceeds from tonight will go directly to these families.” He glanced over at Chase and Phillip and then back to the audience. “These guys don’t like to boast, but y’all need to know that not one penny of the money raised tonight was used to provide for any of the food or entertainment. So let’s give them a round of applause before we start this party.”
Moonlighting with the British Rock Star: A Georgia Moon Romance Page 17