by JM Dragon
“I’m sorry about the vase, Thea.”
“No problem. Leave it. I’ll clear it away.” Thea knelt and began picking up the pieces.
“I had a business meeting.” Jo knew her words were lame but Thea didn’t seem to notice as she picked up the carnations now out of their normal environment. “I’m sorry I’m late and didn’t call.”
Jo knew she was out of order and that it was nothing but an afterthought to be apologizing for being late. It hadn’t occurred to her when she had agreed to having dinner with Lee or throughout the dinner. Only now looking at her friend cleaning up did it permeate her brain that maybe she should have.
“You didn’t wait dinner for me, did you?”
This time Thea looked up at the expectant face of her friend, “No. If we’d had a dog I’d say your dinner was in the dog…” Thea stood and left for the kitchen.
Jo was bemusedly watching Thea walk away. “In the dog, what?” She tottered when she stood and realized that she’d had too much to drink. She wouldn’t call herself drunk but she had enough that bed was a good place to be right now. Tomorrow she and Thea would talk. She’d come home early tomorrow night and they could go have a beer and play pool and float the manager problem with Thea.
At the kitchen, she dropped her head around the door. “I’ll catch you in the morning, Thea. I’m tired and I have an early start. See you at breakfast. Goodnight.” When Thea didn’t turn or acknowledge her words Jo shrugged and left for her room.
†
Thea gripped the sink and closed her eyes unable to prevent the tears that now trickled slowly down her cheeks. Bottom line as she saw it was that Joanna didn’t care about her. It hurt so much she wished she didn’t have to live under the same roof with Joanna. She shook her head because in her heart she knew that was the last thing she wanted. She’d take any morsel Joanna threw her way. Any at all.
She picked up the dustpan and broom and started back to the doorway to clean up Joanna’s mess. As she did, she switched off the stove. Joanna’s favorite dinner was ruined.
†
Calum watched Thea. She had said little since they arrived at the theater. The movie didn’t start until seven but they had settled in their seats earlier than usual since it had rained heavily. He’d been pleasantly surprised when she had called him that morning to see if he still wanted to take in a movie. He jumped at the chance since he liked her. She was the first woman, other than his mother, that he’d taken seriously and wanted to get to know her better.
“How about I go buy our popcorn now?” He saw her give him a preoccupied smile. It was obvious she wasn’t there with him but elsewhere.
“Thanks.”
“See you in five.”
†
Thea was pensive. The night before she had cleaned up after Joanna and cried herself silently to sleep. That caused her to be late waking and when she did, Joanna had already left for the studio.
Her anger with Joanna increased and before she knew it, she was dialing Calum’s number and agreeing to go to the movie with him. She hadn’t made any dinner for Joanna and insisted that Calum came to pick her up a few hours before the movie started. She didn’t want to see Joanna if she bothered to come home at a reasonable time.
This attitude was out of her normal character. She hadn’t even left a message. Joanna probably wouldn’t even know she was gone. The new businessperson she had dinner with would no doubt want to take her out again and by the time she got home, Thea would be back and in the apartment. Thea knew she was behaving like a petulant, jealous child but she couldn’t help herself. Then again, she wasn’t a child was she? Bottom line, she was a jealous woman who was in love and she didn’t have a clue what to do about it.
What was she doing with Calum? He was a nice guy and she knew she was using him. What would he think or say if he knew that her thoughts were all full of someone else and that someone was a woman. Damn. How had her life become so complicated? Daisy told her to follow her heart and she had. She was crazy to do that because it was hurting her more than her problems with George ever did.
“Hi, did you miss me?” Calum vaulted back into the chair beside her and handed her a large tub of popcorn.
Thea took it gratefully and began eating it in earnest. She was starving since all the emotional drama she was putting herself through had left her unable to eat anything all day. She could easily eat the tub of popcorn herself.
“What took you so long?” she asked around a mouthful.
“Long? You say I was long. Well, how would you like a giant chili dog with the popcorn?” He handed her a chilidog.
Thea smiled gratefully before biting into the chilidog relishing the taste. If nothing else, Calum was going to be good for her waistline. Or not. The feature began and Thea settled into her seat. She was going to enjoy the movie, regardless of her woes, for the reviews had been great.
†
“Okay fair’s fair. I was late, and now Thea is making me pay for not calling. I can understand that but she’s not like that. She’s too polite and hasn’t a spiteful bone in her body.”
Jo deposited an empty can of beer in the trashcan and noticed a congealing meal inside. It was one of her favorites. Not that she had a particular favorite with Thea’s culinary skills, for everything she made was wonderful tasting.
“Shit.” Her mind remembered the brief conversation they’d had the night before. Thea said she hadn’t kept dinner and if she had, it was in the dog. Well, now she knew who the dog was.
The hands on the wall clock inched toward six and Jo was worried. She’d called Alice but no one answered. Maybe they were together. Thea liked the younger woman and although she was a little too sensible for Jo, she would be okay for Thea as a friend. A safe one. Right?
With another beer in hand, she settled on the sofa pondering the problem of a manager. She’d never had a manager, so why change now. Then again, she wasn’t up for all this negotiation stuff. All she wanted to do was make music and make people happy with her music. That had been the driving force that kept her on the road for so long. She’d been on the road for ten years without a break. Did she really like the break she was having now?
As she chewed that, the phone rang. It was probably Thea. In her rush to get the call, she kicked the can of beer, cursing as she looked at the mess. Thea won’t be happy with my messes two days in a row. The machine kicked in and she heard a quick mumble before the phone went dead. Damn.
Jo was wriggling her toes in her socks that were soaked from beer but went to listen to the message. She selected play. “Hi, it’s Thea. I’ve gone to the movies with a friend.”
“That’s it? What friend?”
As she considered that question, she was annoyed at how much she was hurt that Thea wasn’t home. It was early and the movies usually meant people were home by ten. She’d go to the bar have a couple of beers, play a little pool, and would see Thea later. She had the day off tomorrow and maybe she and Thea would do something together.
†
“Who was that?”
Thea was astonished at the attack as soon as she stepped into the apartment. What business was it of Joanna’s? “I don’t know what you mean?”
“Yeah, you do. The leather clad boy you hitched a ride home with,” Jo said in an agitated tone. “Where’d you pick him up?”
“Oh? Are you spying on me now? I never mentioned the guy you played lip sync with last night, did I?” Thea retaliated with the only information she had. What happened next she didn’t expect.
Joanna laughed a loud and cheery sound that reverberated around the apartment. “Touché, my friend, touché. Does this mean we have secrets we want to share or not?”
Thea looked up into Joanna’s dazzling blue eyes that shone with merriment and grinned. “Depends.”
Joanna placed a friendly arm across Thea’s shoulders. “I’ll tell you about mine if you do yours?”
All of Thea’s previous anger disappeared. “Okay, but I wan
t to make a sandwich first. I’m starving.”
“Oh. He couldn’t afford to feed the beast then?”
Thea turned and gave her friend a scathing glance. “Whatever do you mean?”
“Nothing, nothing. Hey, Thea, I need to talk about a problem I have or at least I think I have. Want to help me out?”
“Sure, want something to eat or have you eaten?” A dark head descended toward her and for one heart stopping moment Thea thought Joanna was going to kiss her. She merely tapped her on the nose.
“I’ve eaten but I’d love a club if you want to take pity on me.”
“You got it. So, what’s the problem,” Thea asked while pulling out the meat for the sandwiches.
“Apparently, I am in need of a manager.”
“Really? Do you think you need one?”
“I don’t know. Probably. I hate all the paperwork and stuff.” Joanna chewed on her lip. “I guess if I want to do this right I’ll have to take on a manager. Who in their right mind would work for pipe dreams? That’s all I have to offer. I certainly can’t afford to pay anyone.”
“I thought that was what a good manager did,” Thea said. “Hooked onto the potential and reaped the rewards later?”
“In your dreams, Thea. Everyone’s out to make a buck. Now, if it was you as a manager, yeah, I’d go for that because you would but—”
Thea turned from what she was doing. “That’s it,” she shouted.
“What? What’s it?”
“Me. I can be your manager. I believe in you and you pay me by letting me stay with you rent free and right now you pay for everything so it’s the least I can do.”
Joanna frowned. “I don’t—”
“No, please, Joanna, what have you got to lose? If I fail, heck, you sack me and get someone else. It’s easy and who knows, we might make a good team.”
†
Jo considered the suggestion seriously for a moment wondering if it might work. If she failed, what the hell did it matter? It would be a way she could keep an eye on Thea, especially if she was succumbing to the charms of the biker. After all, wasn’t she the protector here? “Okay, tomorrow we’ll discuss what I want and I’ll arrange a meeting for you with Jack.”
Thea smiled at her. “No, I’ll call Jack and arrange a meeting. You do your stuff and I’ll do mine.”
Grinning at the confidence that brimmed from the usually less than self-confident Thea, Jo nodded. “Okay, it’s all yours, manager. Just remember one thing.”
“Yeah, what’s that?” Thea asked.
“Please don’t give in to a sob story. Jack can be real persuasive when he sets his mind to it.”
Thea laughed and slapped Jo’s shoulder, “Yeah, and who else gets taken in by a sob story, hmm?”
Jo grinned at their banter. It was something she enjoyed and hoped would never disappear. “Come on, you can tell me more about biker boy and I’ll give you the low down on a Brit and what he’s like to kiss.”
“You can’t ask me that.”
“I just did, didn’t I?”
Thea looked away. “His name is Calum and there’s nothing going on between us. He’s a nice guy but he’s too young for me. Besides I’d rather be kissing Alice than him.”
Jo, shocked by the comment saw Thea’s cheeks turn scarlet. “Really? A woman?” Jo eyed her friend. “Are you and Alice?”
“No. God, no. I just used her as an example.”
For some reason that she didn’t quite understand, a sense of relief washed over Jo. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Maybe you wouldn’t have wanted me to come with you if you knew.”
“Nonsense. We’re friends and friends don’t judge.” She pointed to her chest. “Besides, look at the life I’ve lived. I’ve dallied with the odd woman or two in the past. I find them better kissers.”
Thea’s eyes went wide and Jo softly chuckled before pulling her into a tight hug.
Chapter Fourteen
Jack looked at the shadow of the young woman in the outer office that had arranged the appointment to see him. She was supposedly Jo Lackerly’s manager. He pressed the intercom. “Judy, send in Ms. Danvers.”
As the door opened, the blonde woman who walked into his office surprised him. She didn’t look like the confident bull-shitter that usually came into his business. No, she looked nervous as if this was the first time she had ever been in this position.
“Ms. Danvers, nice to meet you. Please, take a seat.” He held out his hand.
Thea took his hand and shook it.
Jack secretly smiled at the tremor he felt in the hand of the young woman. This should be interesting. Like leading a lamb to slaughter. Why did Jo send this child to do a job for her? Maybe it is some sort of ploy. “Do you want coffee or anything else to drink?”
“No. No, I’m fine. Thanks for asking.”
“Then I guess my next line is what can I do for you, Ms. Danvers?”
†
Thea tugged at the hem of her skirt. She had bought a skirt suit the day before to make an impression, or so she’d told Joanna, who had grinned while paying for the addition to her wardrobe. She considered that recollection before realizing that the man sitting before her had inadvertently paid for her clothes. What a strange world they lived in. For some reason that fact alone gave her the confidence that she had been lacking, sitting outside the office for the past fifteen minutes.
She knew she wasn’t good at asserting herself and took a calming breath. My friend’s, no, the woman I love’s, livelihood depends on my arriving at the best possible outcome.
“I represent Ms. Lackerly and she tells me that you intend to send her on a three month tour. She does have certain requirements for such a tour.”
“Well, you have my attention, Ms. Danvers. Please tell me what requirements Ms. Lackerly needs?”
An hour later Thea had a satisfied look on her face. Jack conceded a two-person entourage, an increase in salary—doubled actually—a personal transport of her choice and that was just for the tour, along with smart phones for both Joanna and herself.
Jack motioned to the door. “How would it be if we saw our girl in action?”
Thea jumped up and smiled warmly. “I’d love that. Thanks.”
“Well, let’s go then.”
†
Thea had never been inside a recording studio and two guys who were doing something called mixing greeted her. However, her eyes were quickly pulled to the glass plate window. The sight of Joanna dressed casually in jeans and a pristine white, figure-hugging T-shirt talking animatedly with the piano player made the tempo of her heartbeat in triple time.
“How’s it going, Joe?” Jack asked.
“So, so, Jack. Jo’s attention span is nil today.”
“Really, there’s a surprise.” Jack turned to Thea. “Would you shed any light on that part for us?”
Thea shrugged. “Artists. You can never predict their moods.”
Jack laughed before bending over the mixing station and speaking into a mic. “Quit the bickering, Jo, and give us a song. Your manager wouldn’t thank you for going back to the table if you suddenly become difficult.”
Thea’s eyes sought Joanna who held her hands up in a gesture that indicated she wanted to know how things went. Smiling broadly, Thea gave her the thumbs up sign and watched as Jo jumped off the ground and shouted something indistinctly to the piano player.
Gentle strains sprang out and Jack pulled out a chair for Thea as Joanna strummed on her guitar and started to sing. “I know I needed you like the soil needs the rain.”
The piano tinkled out a few bars more and the session ended. As it did, the two guys in the mixing room shouted out. “It’s a wrap.”
“That’s my girl,” Thea whispered.
The song mesmerized her. It was as if Joanna was singing to her, relaying a message for only her. It was a plaintive love song and Thea didn’t know what to think, especially after her revelation two nights before.
Does it mean there’s something between us? No. Joanna clearly is into guys. I bet she only mentioned she’s been with women to make me relax.
†
Jack smiled. He suddenly appreciated something as he saw the look on Jo’s face as she sang. There was no mistaking that she was singing to her manager and he found that interesting. The chemistry between them was evident and as he thought back, he realized that he had never heard Jo sing with such passion. There was definitely more to their arrangement than he’d first thought. Once, when they first met, Jo had jokingly—he thought—alluded to liking women more than men. Could the young woman who was her manager be the reason? Not only was it an interesting revelation but also a possible dilemma.
†
“We did it, Joanna, we did it.” Thea was bouncing around the apartment like a kangaroo.
Jo chuckled as she watched. “You deserve all the credit, Thea. You might have thought you were a poor man’s excuse for a manager but not to me. You are doing a great job. Want to celebrate?”
The laconic sexy voice seemed to cover Thea like a blanket and she stopped dancing before smiling at Joanna. If only. “Aren’t you too tired?”
“No.” Joanna squared her shoulders. “Let’s go have…why don’t you choose?”
“Me? You want me to choose where we go?”
“Sure. Am I that bad?”
Thea laughed and shook her head. “No. No, not at all but there are places you really don’t like going to.”
“Yeah, so. I’ll get used to it.” Joanna shrugged. “This is your night, Thea. You were wonderful as my manager. Thanks to you, I have a sweet deal for the tour.”
The idea of going to a decent restaurant of her choosing was exciting but she’d rather spend the time alone with Joanna. “How about I send you out for a Chinese takeout and a bottle of wine?”
“Is that what you want, Thea?”
“Yeah, it’s what I want. Once we’ve eaten, you can go to bed and get some sleep. You look all in.”
“You got it.” She grinned. “When I get back, I’ll be all yours.”