by Remy, Cate
“She would love to see you two. She won’t admit it, but her treatments have been getting her down lately.”
The baby’s crying grew louder. Tracy assumed her sister was walking into Anthony’s nursery. “We’re going to pick up this conversation about you and Deacon. Love you lots.”
“Love you, too.” Tracy got off the phone. Saved by the baby’s crying. Even so, she still had to answer to her sister eventually about Deacon. And her auntie. The thought of those conversations left her jittery.
She left the phone on the counter and went to her bed. After last night and this morning, she could use a long, long nap.
THINGS WERE LOW-KEY for the next week. Tracy handled edits for the album cover and followed Deacon and the band around the studio to take pictures for an upcoming magazine interview. On Friday afternoon, she received a text message from Deacon. Want to grab dinner?
She texted him back. What place did you have in mind?
La Mer, if you like seafood. I’ll pick you up at 8.
Tracy did a search on the internet for the restaurant and saw it was another fancy five-star place. She changed into a blue dress and found a pair of a ballet flats. At eight o’ clock sharp, someone knocked on her door.
Deacon. Tracy looked around at her studio apartment space. It looked even more cramped these days with her laptop on the couch and her bed unmade. She didn’t want him to see this mess. She grabbed her purse and went to the door. She opened it just enough to slip out. “Hi, Deacon.”
“You didn’t have to rush out. I could have waited.”
“I’m hungry.” She locked the door behind her. “Ready when you are.”
He wore a dark green shirt tonight. The color highlighted little gold and green flecks in his hazel eyes. He smelled good, too, fresh and masculine with a hint of woods. Did she notice his scent because she was standing too close? Tracy walked a little apart from him on the way to the car. She got in and put on her seatbelt. “How was your day?” she asked on the way to the restaurant.
He turned down the music playing on the radio. “Busy. Still trying to get these last couple songs out of my head.”
“Musicians always make it sound easier than what it is when you hear them talk on TV.”
“Sometimes the words come easy. Sometimes it’s hard work. At least for me.”
“Has writing lyrics always been the hardest part of the process for you?”
“It is because I like to draw from my own experiences. I could pay a songwriter, but then I feel the music wouldn’t be mine.”
“I understand. Have you always wanted to be a musician?” Tracy wondered why she was asking him all these questions. She really was curious to know, but she sounded like a job interviewer. She didn’t want to be corny.
“Pretty much all of my life I was into music. I used to be a band geek in junior high before my mom got me my first guitar.”
“That’s sweet. Your parents were supportive.”
Deacon looked over at her. “Parent. My father wasn’t so thrilled.” His voice went a bit monotone.
Tracy sensed the tension over his father and shifted things towards the positive. “I’m sure he feels different today with your success.”
“We’re almost at the restaurant.” Deacon turn the music back up.
She knew she had struck a nerve and got uncomfortable sitting in the car with him. He didn’t say anything more to her the rest of the way there. When they were just up the road from La Mer, she discovered cars were lined up on a side of the road.
“I had no idea it would be this packed tonight,” Deacon grumbled.
“Did you make reservations?”
“I did, but I’m not in the mood to deal with this tonight. I’d like to have some quiet for a change. It’s been a busy day.”
Tracy thought for a moment. “I know a place that sells seafood and crab legs. It’s a tiny place, but you can go right in and sit down and no one would bother you.”
“Tell me how to get there.” He parked and took out his phone. “I just need to cancel our reservation at La Mer first.”
“I meant to ask, what about your security? Didn’t you have a guard when you came to Jumpy Java?”
“I usually give my security the nights off unless I’m performing at a concert. I know it’s hard to believe, but I haven’t gone out much at night for the past couple years like I used to.”
“I’m not judging you. I’m a bit of a homebody myself.”
Tracy took him to Dino’s Crab Shack. Just as she had told him, there was no wait. She didn’t even suspect the owner, an elderly African-American woman, knew who he was. The woman gave them a kind smile, led them to a table, and took their orders right away. It wasn’t long before fish and crab legs were brought out, along with a bowl of hot melted butter.
Deacon visibly relaxed and settled in his seat. “You’re right. This place is much more toned down. How did you hear about it?”
“My aunt used to bring my sister and me here whenever we made good grades on our report cards.”
He dipped a crab leg in butter and tasted it. “I have to admit, the food here is much better than la Mer.”
“At a fraction of the price, too.”
“So you and your sister lived with your aunt growing up?”
“Our mother died when we were young and my aunt raised us.”
“I’m sorry. Your aunt sounds really sweet.”
“She is. I love to talk and visit with her any chance I can. She also lives in Atlanta.”
“Sounds like you have a good family.” That tone crept into Deacon’s voice again.
Tracy finished eating and wiped her mouth on a napkin. “My sister and I used to go to the arcade across the street after we ate here. Do you like vintage games like Pac-Man and Space Invaders?”
A smile played on his well-shaped lips. “I can’t remember the last time I played. We couldn’t have video games at home. My brother and I used to fight all the time over who got to spend the quarters at the arcade.”
“I challenge you to beat my score at Pac-Man. If you’re up for it, that is.”
He set his napkin down. “Are you sure you know what you’re about to get into?”
He paid for dinner and they walked across the street to the arcade. The place was a little more crowded than usual with teens and vintage arcade enthusiasts. Tracy and Deacon had to wait in line to get tokens for the machines.
“Oh my goodness, Becky, do you know who that is?” Tracy overheard a young woman behind them. “It’s him. I think it’s him. Becky, you have got to say something.”
“No way,” said another woman whom Tracy assumed was Becky. “You do it.”
“No, you. I’d die if I said something to him.”
Tracy nudged Deacon in the arm. “Sounds like you have a couple of fans behind us.”
He did a slow turn. The two women squealed so loudly everyone turned their way. A security guard came rushing from the door, thinking something happened.
“Deacon Westmore, I can’t believe you’re in here,” the one woman named Becky gushed. “I’ve been to some of your concerts, like, a really long time ago.”
“It’s so cool that you’re here,” said her friend.
“Thanks.” Deacon kept his voice low, but a crowd was already gathering around. “I’m just out for the evening with my girlfriend.”
Tracy felt someone push at her to get in closer. Deacon gave the guy who did it a warning look before he slipped his arm around her. “Would you all mind stepping back? You’re crowding.”
Becky actually got in closer. Tracy could smell her strawberry bubblegum. “Can we have your autograph?” In her effort to get to Deacon, she planted one of her heels in Tracy’s foot.
“Ow.” Tracy didn’t intend to yelp so loud, but it hurt.
“Excuse us.” Deacon kept his arm around Tracy and pushed through the crowd to get to the exit. The security guard made sure no one followed them outside. “Sorry about that,” he said
once they were on the sidewalk. “I’ll start having security follow me at night again. Are you okay?”
Tracy balanced on one foot. “I will be in a minute. That girl Becky stepped on my foot really good.”
“We have to be careful around fans. I just didn’t think they’d be out at the arcade tonight. That’s usually not where my fans would go.”
She regained some feeling in her foot. “Right, because they’re not old school videogame geeks like me.”
Her remark made him laugh. “Sometimes quirky is a good thing. It looks like I’m going to have to take you up on your Pac-Man challenge another day.”
“No worries. It was a nice evening, though.”
“I thought so too.” He stood between her and the arcade building a few paces behind them. “I don’t have to carry you back to the car, do I?”
“I’m not helpless. I can make it.” She started off hobbling towards the car, letting Deacon steady her with his arm. Within a few feet, she was walking normally. Deacon drove her to her apartment.
“Thanks for showing me a new restaurant. It took my mind off of some things.”
He really did seem concerned about a lot these days. Tracy didn’t think she knew him well enough to ask why. Still, something about him made her care. “Hope you finish the songs you wanted to write. And get a chance to rest.”
“You have a good night.”
“‘Night.” She went to her apartment and saw his car’s tail lights as he drove away.
She had seen a new side to him tonight. He talked about his family. Things seemed to be a little strained between him and his father. She felt bad for him. As far as she was concerned, everyone needed a relative like Auntie Olivia.
Deacon’s personal life was none of her business, though. As evidenced by their signed agreement, the only personal life she was supposed to worry about was the false one they were creating.
DEACON ENJOYED HIS evening with Tracy in spite of the fan encounter at the arcade that went bad. He was glad he was able to get her to safety. From now on, he’d make sure to have security following them in the background at night if they went to crowded places.
He saw he missed a call from his manager. Knowing Ash, he would want a call back right away. Deacon dialed his number.
“How did your date go with Tracy tonight?”
“Pretty good.”
“Did a lot of people see you together? We want to generate publicity.”
“You don’t have to remind me of our goal every time I talk to you. But yes, I did let people know we were dating.”
“Keep it up. On Monday, I need you to choose a cover for the album. All the prints are in. We also need to create more buzz about you and Tracy.”
“Why? I thought everything was going well.”
“We have to keep this machine running. I’ve got a concert scheduled for you in two days. It’s one of those impromptu things at a new venue in Savannah. I want Tracy there. Not just to take pictures, either. People need to see some chemistry between you two.”
A last minute concert. Great. Now Deacon needed to prep for it while he was still trying to put the album together. He hired Ash for his drive and ambition, but sometimes the man went too full steam ahead. “I better let Tracy know.”
“I already called her and left a message. She didn’t pick up her phone, so I assumed the two of you were having a great time. Bye.”
Deacon put the phone away. He did have fun tonight with Tracy. She was a sweet person, which was why he started to feel uncomfortable doing this fake relationship with her. He was unsure about the whole thing. But as Ash would tell him, the show had to go on.
Chapter Six
Tracy received an email from Deacon’s manager, letting her know that a concert would take place in two days at a soundstage pavilion in Savannah. When the time came, she gassed up her car to make the drive to the city.
She got to the venue before the band and showed her ID to the management. They provided her with a space close to the stage during the interim between the opening band and the headliner. While she waited, she passed the time by purchasing a Deacon Wonder t-shirt from one of the vendor stands.
The band arrived as she finished setting up. She looked around the side of the stage near the steps and caught sight of Deacon talking to the stage crew. He turned, saw her, and while the crew set up their sound equipment, he motioned for her to come backstage. She got through the modest crowd of people and slipped behind the stage partition.
“You could’ve ridden to Savannah with us,” he said, sipping a can of regular cola instead of his favorite high energy drink.
“Next time I will. I was trying to get here early so I could set up.”
Someone from the stage crew gave Deacon a signal. Tracy didn’t know how to interpret it, though he got the message. He caught the attention of the other band members. “Hey, we’re up.”
Tracy pointed to his drink. “You’re not going to ask me to hold that for you while you go onstage?”
One corner of his mouth lifted. “I learned my lesson the first time.” He finished the cola. “See you out there.”
She passed the stage crew and squeezed out of the small opening between the partition and the stage. She resumed her place with her camera. Soon, the lights dimmed and Deacon and the band vaulted from behind stage to greet the fans. Luka started on the drums while Nick played a riff from one of their hit songs on the guitar.
Tracy got different angles of each band member on her camera. They were playing well tonight. They played a song from their upcoming album. The speakers and acoustics in the soundstage brought out the best of their instruments and Deacon’s strong voice. She focused on him when the next song they played was lyric-heavy. His voice conveyed the right amount of emotion as he sang about life on the road. He had a way of interacting with the crowd. He touched the fan’s hands down in front and worked his way from one end of the stage to the other.
The beat to the song was catchy. Tracy caught herself keeping the beat with her foot while she zoomed in with her camera to get a picture of Deacon high-fiving a guy in front. He came her way next, the beat of the music influencing his steps and the motion of his hips. She kept the camera steady on him as he danced and sang.
Tray watched him. He had good rhythm. The music’s infectious tune took over and she found her own hips moving. What am I doing? She forced herself to stop. Deacon grinned at her from the other side of the camera lens before returning to the opposite side of the stage.
She studied his dance moves. A stray thought wandered in her head about what it would be like to dance with him. She shook it aside in order to take pictures.
After the band played two sets, they said goodnight to the crowd. Tracy waited for the band to exit offstage while the crowd roared with applause. She took her new purchase, the concert t-shirt, under her arm and slung the bag with the camera equipment over the other. She went to find the band backstage.
Minutes later, she met up with Deacon. His shirt was damp with sweat. It molded to his flat stomach. Tracy lifted her gaze from his torso to his face. “Good show tonight.”
His eyes shone bright. “Thanks, but you don’t have to be nice. We didn’t have much time to rehearse our new song.”
“You hear the crowd. It already sounds like your new single is a hit.”
The other band members slipped past them. Deacon handed his guitar to a stage crew manager. “We’re going out for a late dinner tonight. Let me change my shirt and meet you at the restaurant.” He went into the band’s dressing room.
Tracy put her camera bag away in her car. Then she pulled behind the band’s van and waited to follow them to the restaurant. Someone tapped on her window. Deacon had changed into a navy shirt. She rolled down the window. “Can I help you, sir? You look lost.”
“Mind if I talk to you for a bit? The crew is still loading our equipment into the van.”
Tracy shut off the car engine and got out. Deacon made room for her
to stand next to him. His leg brushed against hers. He looked at her shirt. “Is that a NASA tee you’re wearing?”
Tracy tugged the hem of the shirt beneath her yellow cardigan. “What gave it away, the acronym in big letters or the little space ship?”
“That’s so geeky in a cute way.”
“I don’t just help fund the space program.” She reached through the car window and pulled out the band t-shirt she bought. “I found this in purple so I had to snag it. What do you think?”
“Purple is your color. It’ll look great on you.” His words sounded like he meant them instead of merely pretending to be nice.
Tracy lowered her eyes and busied herself by folding the t-shirt. She stuffed it in a tote bag in the passenger seat. “I’ll wear it one day.”
“Soon, and with those Converse sneakers.”
“I thought you didn’t like my shoes.”
“It’s your style. You look sexy in heels too, but you can pull off those shoes, too.”
If Tracy had a nickel for every time somebody called her sexy, well, she’d have a nickel. She was silent for the space of time while she heard the van driver turn on the engine. “It’s almost time for you to board the van.”
“They can wait.” Deacon turned her face to his using two fingers on her chin. Before she could react to his touch, he planted a soft kiss on her mouth.
She got warm inside quick. Her own heartbeat drowned out the sound of the van’s engine. She put a hand on his arm. His muscles tensed beneath her fingers. Deacon made a brief pause. She felt his warm breath on her skin before he gave her another kiss. He stroked the side of her cheek. She opened her eyes to see his staring back at her.
“Good job.”
“What?” She was confused and a little breathless.
“The kiss. I think people are buying it.”
She still didn’t know what he meant until he pointed behind her. She discovered a growing crowd of fans and onlookers standing behind the gate of the back parking lot. A few even clapped and cheered. Mortified, she opened the door to her car and sank into the driver’s seat.