Kassidy's Crescendo

by Marianne Evans

  Confused, Kassidy shot back a small stream of question marks.

  Drew’s reply came back fast and featured a solitary graphic. The icon for a heart.

  ****

  The next morning, Kassidy spied Drew in the wings of the Westerville Theater. Her grin took off on a push of expectation—and love. She was early and the facility was almost empty. She walked slowly across the length of the stage, eyes trained on Drew alone. Expectant tingles lit her nerve endings. He hadn’t seen her yet; he stood next to the stage tech, at a podium where they reviewed onion skin plans detailing a subtle tweak to the set layout. Conversational details engrossed him. Perfect. That gave her an opportunity to enjoy the view.

  Hands stuffed into the pockets of his pants, posture relaxed, Drew finally slid a glance her way along with a lazy, appreciative smile. She returned the gesture automatically and in full. He spoke a few concluding words to the tech who then slipped away to work on stage modifications. Drew met her halfway, catching her hand and pulling her in slightly.

  “I’ve been behind schedule all day today.” His murmured words tickled her skin with goose flesh.

  “Hmm…I wonder why.” She dipped her hand into the pocket of her sweats and extracted his watch, dangling it from her fingertips. Drew’s chuckle rumbled through his chest, vibrating through the air and stirring a delicious ache in her tummy.

  He gave her neck a quick nuzzle. “It seems I was somewhat distracted last night.”

  “Makes two of us. Plus, I had trouble sleeping.” He leaned back, looking at her in question. She smiled into his eyes and caressed his chin with the back of her fingertips. “I wore it last night. It felt nice to have a connection.”

  Drew paused from sliding his watch into place. “You did?”

  Intensity glittered in his eyes. His reaction stunned Kassidy, because never had she seen such raw emotion in a man’s gaze. “Yeah. I hope that’s OK.”

  Drew snapped the piece closed, and his smile spoke with far greater impact than words ever could.

  ****

  After rehearsal, Kassidy and the girls opted to linger at the theater. They claimed a trio of seats toward the midsection of the facility. In unison, they studied the fully dressed stage that awaited their evening performance.

  “It feels so weird to be back here, where it all began.” That came from Aileen.

  Maeve nodded. “So much has changed, in so short a time.”

  “A God thing, to be sure.” After last night’s interlude with Drew, Kassidy would never question the fact.

  “No doubt of that,” Siobhan added. “Two of us are now engaged, and unless I miss my mark, Kassidy here seems to be teetering on the edge.”

  “Whoa there, chica. Let’s not get too carried away.”

  “Oh. OK.” Siobhan arched a brow and paid Kassidy a knowing smirk. “Tell me again about soap smells, bike rides in the rain, and powder kegs.”

  Siobhan had her there, the crafty minx. Kassidy’s cheeks fired with a full-on blush. “Oh, my word, ladies. He is such a great kisser, and what a romantic.”

  Aileen snickered. “We’ve seen the dancing, remember?”

  Kassidy whapped her arm. “Stop it.” They bumped shoulders and shared a smile. “Guys, I’ve been attracted to men before, but I’ve held on to the promises we made. The temptation was there, but it wasn’t overwhelming. What I feel for Drew is entirely different. I love the way it feels when he touches me and holds me, the way my whole body wakes up when he smiles. My pulse goes crazy when I’m near him, and my heart jumps. But beyond all of that is the way he lives in my mind. The way we’ve shared things. It’s like he already seems to know every crack and crevice of my heart.”

  Her friends sighed with delight.

  “He’s trying to figure out his beliefs, and you know Drew. He’s not going to be pushed. When he showed up for church, when he sat next to me in the pew, I was taken in by something a lot stronger than physicality. It was mental. Emotional. Now he’s said he wants to come to Holy Spirit Church with me this Sunday. That means so much—and it’s increasingly hard to refuse everything my heart and body begs for.”

  Maeve expelled a puff of air that ruffled wispy curls of red hair and set them dancing against her cheeks. “I admire you, KC. You have strength and powerful conviction. Stick to it.”

  The words came with a smile, but Kassidy was confused by the layer of sadness that covered Maeve’s words. Vaguely aware of the way her friend firmed her lips and squeezed them tight, sensing the way she slid within herself, Kassidy had no chance to explore the reaction because Aileen gave Kassidy’s arm a gentle squeeze.

  “The rings we wear, the resolutions we made to hold on to something sacred and beautiful—the gift we’ll give our husbands—is totally worth the struggle. You girls know me better than anyone else. You know I’ve loved Liam since I was a girl. The miracle of being held in his arms, the idea of giving myself to him in every way once we were married is something that’s completely worth waiting for, but it’s far from easy. There are times when all I want to do is make love with him. What makes the immediate sacrifice so precious is the knowledge that we’ll give ourselves that honor after we stand in church, side by side, and pledge our love and our lives to one another in the way God deems best.” Aileen wrapped an arm around Kassidy’s shoulders and gave her a side hug. “Maeve’s right. You’ve relied on your faith with such power, KC. Don’t worry about being tempted. We’re all tempted. Just hang on to God. He’ll help you resist temptation and that natural ache and desire. You’ll be rewarded by a relationship that’s amazing.”

  “Aileen’s absolutely right.” Maeve stretched then moved past. A smile was fixed in place, but Kassidy registered Maeve’s taut posture, noting that the brief smile in no way reached her eyes, like usual.

  “I’m parched.” Maeve’s tone was bright and breezy. Kassidy’s brows furrowed, for she wasn’t one bit fooled by the charade. “I’ll be right back after a water break.”

  Kassidy tracked Maeve’s exit but continued their conversation. “I don’t care how fantastic he is. I’m going to do what God says. I’m going to trust Him to bring my life to a place where I’m happy and fulfilled. If Drew opts away from belief, and faith, I’ll walk away and hope for better things.”

  Still, her heart twisted.

  “I think Drew’s a similar spirit—good to the core, but with lots of intriguing layers.” For a moment, Siobhan studied Kassidy. “You recognize that in him and respond to it. There’s nothing wrong with that. He’s moving forward. He’s taking steps. He’s in the process of discovering what faith in Christ is all about. Don’t doubt God’s hand. Whether he ends up being ‘the one’ or not, you’re his guidepost right now. Don’t let him down. He’s seeking. Be his light.”

  Kassidy pondered Siobhan’s words and found she liked the idea—very much. From the deepest flow of her heart, she wanted him to be the love of her lifetime. Until she knew for sure, though, she needed to shine for the Savior she had always cherished.

  When Maeve didn’t return right away, Kassidy lifted to her feet and arched her back. “I’ll be right back.” She strode toward the exit of the theater and found her friend in the lobby. “Hey, Maeve, you OK?”

  Maeve brushed her fingertips beneath water-glossed lips and lifted away from the drinking fountain. “Sure. Why?”

  “You seemed a little…” Kassidy didn’t quite know how to polish the thought. “Were you OK with me talking about Drew?”

  Maeve relaxed at once. “Of course, sweet thing. The two of you make an incredible couple.” A betraying tremble worked against Maeve’s lips. “Looks like you’ll be next, huh?”

  Though light of heart, Maeve’s declaration pierced Kassidy’s heart. She didn’t want Maeve to feel alone. Kassidy couldn’t cope with the idea of this gorgeous, generous soul feeling like the last one standing. Besides, nothing with Drew had been etched in stone. Not by a long shot.

  “Time will tell. For now, I’m nothing but confused.
” Kassidy propped against the wall, studying her statuesque, fair-skinned friend who possessed a personality of pure radiance that captivated their audiences.

  “Do you want me to be honest?”

  Kassidy nodded at once. “Always, and nothing else.”

  “It gives me a swift pull, right here”—Maeve pressed a hand against her chest—”to know Ailee’s planning her wedding, that Siobhan’s engaged and making her own plans. Now, you and Drew have connected in a big way. I find myself wondering what’ll happen next. To us. And to me.” Maeve’s lips trembled once more. With characteristic strength, she lifted her chin and forced a deep breath, a smile.

  Kassidy grabbed Maeve’s hand and squeezed. “You won’t be single for long. Sometimes God saves His best for last.”

  “I wish I could buy that theory.”

  For the first time, Kassidy sensed the depth of Maeve’s vulnerability.

  “When the time comes and the man comes, I suppose it’ll all work out.” Too fast, too bright, Maeve placed an end-stop to the topic. “Meanwhile, I hope you three won’t mind giving me a few extra hugs and some moral support as I bravely forge a life of solitude,”

  Kassidy laughed at the comedic, overdone delivery of Maeve’s last few words, only because that’s the reaction Maeve expected—the one she shot for to bring their conversation to a comfortable and non-alarming close.

  Although she let the topic rest, Kassidy detected the sadness that covered Maeve’s tease, and that sadness stemmed from something troubling—but what? Kassidy needed to pay closer attention to Maeve, maybe sound out Siobhan and Aileen about their friend. Why had the topic of relationships, sex, and marriage become so emotional?

  Drew—Maeve—the Sisters odyssey—physical and spiritual longings—the most important aspects of Kassidy’s life swirled into a mini-hurricane as she returned home to change and give Drew one last spin through her hometown.

  All the while, minutes ticked down to their next curtain call.

  11

  Following the concert series in Westerville, Drew reported to Ganneton headquarters. He needed to finalize tour schedules for a comedy team and an acoustic-style folk talent named Toby Glide. Toby had emerged fast and strong, attaining platinum status in only his second set of recordings.

  Chances looked good that Toby would be Drew’s next professional challenge, which filled him with a mix of sadness and dread rather than anticipation.

  He didn’t want the Sister’s tour to end. A while back, Kassidy had asked him what would claim his focus once the tour closed. He hated the idea and pushed it aside as best he could, focusing instead on the fact that he needed to get to his apartment, pack, and join the team in Detroit for a pair of shows at the Fox Theatre. His flight departed LaGuardia at way-too-early o’clock tomorrow morning, so he needed to call it a day.

  He was about to log off the network when an icon flashed to life at the bottom of his monitor, indicating the receipt of an instant message. Evidently a missive had come in from his boss, Cameron Franklin.

  Drew-–I need to see you in my office before you leave. Let me know when you can make it.

  Scooting his chair closer to his desk, tuning out the hubbub of folks who surrounded his space, Drew typed.

  I’ve got time right now. Are you available?

  Yes. Stop by.

  He didn’t waste time making his way to Cameron’s corner suite; an ill vibe stirred the hairs along the back of his neck. When he arrived, Cameron delivered a nod and a succinct, “Close the door, please.”

  Taken aback by the clip of his boss’s voice, Drew complied then decided to try and lighten the mood. “This sounds serious. Everything OK?”

  “I hope so.” Once a resounding click filled the air, Cameron frowned, and began. “I’ve asked you to close the door because I think we need to have a frank and open discussion.”

  Trickles of cold dread tracked against Drew’s nerve endings. Confused, he lowered to the chair across from Cameron’s desk and assumed a business-like posture and attitude. “What seems to be the issue?”

  “I need to know the answer to a somewhat indelicate question.”

  “Which is?”

  “Are you sleeping with Kassidy Cartwright?”

  Drew blanched then snapped his gaze upward until it was aligned with that of his boss. “What did you just ask me?” He spoke in a whisper and drew out each word.

  “You heard.”

  “Cam, I warn you right now. Don’t.” He fired off a warning shot with nothing more than the words he spoke and the ice in his voice.

  Unaffected, Cameron shook his head, his features brimming with disappointment. “Well, if this isn’t a piece of history repeating itself.” The snide comment reeked of exasperation, like the mood of a long-tolerant but disappointed parent. Drew struggled to maintain control. He forced back a powerful urge to upend Elliot’s gleaming desk—or send a tightly clenched fist into his jaw. What a smug excuse for a human being.

  “Come on, out with it.” Cameron continued. “This is a private meeting; you might as well come clean, especially given your background.”

  Drew’s astonishment reached critical mass. “I don’t even know how to respond to you, or if I even want to dignify your comment with a reply.”

  “Reply or not, the evidence doesn’t lie. Paul Moreland, saw the two of you together at a morning rehearsal over the weekend. Says he saw Kassidy return your wristwatch. If that isn’t a clear message of indictment, what is? Then, he claims he saw you holding her.” Cameron stretched back in his leather chair. A brief series of squeaks sounded through the air like screeching fingernails across a chalk board. Drew felt sick to his stomach. “After what happened with Roxy Mitchell—”

  An explosion burst through Drew’s system. “I never, ever slept with Roxy, and our parting had nothing at all to do with—”

  “Drew, enough. Stop. I said then, and I say now, I found no blame, no cause to take matters beyond a simple change of course with regard to her tour. Neither of you made outright accusations of anything inappropriate, but the fact remains she excused you from her tour, citing personal differences and an inability for the two of you to work together. It happens. What’s important is something happened that remains unspoken yet keenly identified. How could it not revolve around sex?”

  Drew was struck momentarily speechless. Was this even his world any longer? By increasing degrees, his professional base at Ganneton felt as foreign as outer space.

  “Cam, we parted ways, no harm, and no foul. Leave it!” Hands clenched, Drew steadied his breathing, which had gone sharp and shallow.

  Cameron remained heedless of Drew’s continuing struggle to remain composed. “I thought the opportunity with Sisters in Spirit would be the perfect platform for you to reassert your talents. Liam Douglas has a moral compass that always points true north, and these women are Christian artists. Or so I thought.”

  Control lines snapped. Drew slammed a fist on Elliot’s desk. “Don’t ever—ever disparage any of those women. And as it pertains to Kassidy Cartwright, if you even think of demeaning her like that again, I’ll quit. Do not insult her or cast any kind of shadow on the life she’s led. Furthermore, not that it’s any of your business, I have not slept with her, nor do I intend to until and unless my wedding band is on her finger. That’s how much she’s to be revered and respected. Do I make myself clear?”

  Cameron reared back. Stared.

  “If you’ll excuse me, I need to get home and pack for my flight to Detroit.” Drew didn’t wait for permission. He wanted nothing but out. He strode to the door and exited the office. He burned to slam the door closed, but professionalism kept him in line. He closed the door behind him at an appropriate decibel though heat filled his face and an angry cloud followed him down the corridor leading to his desk.

  Paul Moreland. What a position-seeking snake in the grass. A level of professional jealousy toward Drew had always been evident in the man, but the entertainment industry was over
run with such people. Paul had never been more than a blip on the radar screen as far as Drew was concerned—until he went after Kassidy’s virtue.

  Drew cursed himself for not paying closer attention to his surroundings when he had greeted her the morning after their dinner date. Never had he needed to see her as much as he did at this moment. He couldn’t wait to hold her close and wrap himself in her light. If he didn’t, he was going to explode with anger. But she was already in Detroit, settling in at her hotel, most likely.

  That’s when a second, even more powerful call swept through his body, his mind, and his spirit.

  Come to Me, My son. Rest in Me.

  The call prompted him somewhere else entirely.

  ****

  Drew didn’t so much cross the threshold of Church of Our Saviour as storm its gates.

  He had passed the majestic, soaring edifice at Park Avenue and Thirty-seventh Street too many times to count on his travels through the city. Head spinning, he entered the sanctuary and, despite his turmoil, was instantly blanketed by silence, peace, and a stillness that ran soul-deep.

  Almost.

  An inner battle continued to brew; his pulse rocketed as he walked to the front of the church and sank onto a pew.

  OK, God. It’s You and me. Right here—right now. I need answers. I need to feel You. Do You want me? Do You love me like Kassidy says? If so, then I need to know it. This is more than I can handle, and I need things to be right. I can’t—I won’t—let Kassidy be hurt by the kind of innuendo that defined my downfall with Roxanne. Please protect her.

  Without even realizing it, he had folded his hands; he had slumped forward against the next pew, eyes closed, spirit sealed shut to everything except the longing of his heart.

  And that longing wasn’t just for Kassidy. He wanted the relationship. He wanted the grace, the absolute truth of God’s love. The world tossed injustice, tainted accusations, and unfounded gossip at his feet. Not once, but twice. What was the lesson here? What was the point?