Maggie's Refrain

by Marcia Ware

  Sissy cleared her throat. “Well, I…I um, wanted to say that I was sorry for all of the trouble I caused.”

  “Okay,” Joe said. “But giving back the house key? That’s a bit extreme.”

  “Maybe. But I think I need to be. I just wanted you to know that I wouldn’t be stopping by anymore.”

  “Sis, let’s find a happy medium here. Come, sit.”

  Taking a seat at the kitchen table, she refused when Joe offered her something to drink. “I just wanted to say…um…I need to tell you something.” She gave a nervous laugh as she said, “Maybe I will have a glass of water.”

  Joe poured the glass and brought it to her as he joined her at the kitchen table. He leaned forward and braced himself for whatever Sissy had to say. As a tear rested just above her lower lash, she took a sip of water, and made her confession.

  “The morning, after…um, the um….” She began, unable to define her embarrassing encounter in Joe’s bedroom that night.

  “Let’s just call it, the incident,” Joe broke in.

  “Fine. The morning after the incident, when we were here in the kitchen…”

  Joe’s brow furrowed in concentration. “Yeah…”

  “Maggie was at the door. Your back was to her, so you couldn’t see her…but I did.”

  Joe leaned back in his chair, mortified. “You were in my robe,” he said quietly.

  “Yes,” Sissy replied. “And then…I…I borrowed…um, I mean I took…a shirt from your closet. The green one.”

  “Yeah, I wondered where that went. My mom bought me that shirt.”

  “I know. It’s why I took it. Anyway, I wore it to Maggie’s session later that day. On purpose.”

  The revelation left Joe completely thrown. “Sissy,” he whispered. “How could you?”

  He began to rise from the table. He had no idea who this woman was that was before him and wasn’t sure if he wanted to be anywhere near her. Sissy reached out in an attempt to persuade him not to bolt from the room. “Joe, please,” she pleaded. “Hear me out. I know I was wrong, and I want to make amends.”

  Joe did not return to his seat; instead, he chose to lean against the counter to hear what she had to say.

  “I am the reason that Maggie never called. I made it my purpose to keep you two as far away as possible: The radio tour, getting her on any and every conceivable opening slot for every artist we had out there. I wasn’t doing it just to be kind or to give her career a boost…”

  “Then why?”

  “You know why,” she said wearily. “I’ve been in love with you from the day Grace brought you home. And Maggie, to my way of thinking, was always in the way.”

  Joe tilted his head back and squeezed his eyes shut. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he said, “I don’t know what to say.”

  “There is nothing for you to say, Joe. This is me. This is all on me. I’ve been completely deluding myself into thinking that this was something that was meant to be. So when I heard about Blake and Maggie’s little rendezvous at the studio…”

  Joe had hoisted himself onto the counter and placed his forearms on his knees. “Ah, you heard about that, huh?”

  “Oh, everybody did. How did you hear about it?”

  “I went to the studio to see Maggie and take her out to celebrate her last day of recording.”

  “And you actually saw them there.”

  “Yep.”

  “I guess my telling you what kind of a womanizer he was didn’t help.”

  “No, not really.”

  Sissy twisted a tissue in her hands as she continued. “So, anyway, when I heard about that little interlude they shared, I felt like it was all coming together. Blake would take Maggie away, and it would be clear for you and me. But there was one thing I didn’t count on.”

  “What was that?”

  Sissy moved a hand through her hair to pull it away from her face. The strawberry blonde tresses swept back into place almost immediately.

  “The truth,” she said through slow-falling tears. “The truth of it all is that, no matter what I tried to say, or do, I didn’t fit. Not the way Maggie does. She makes your heart happy. She brings joy to the children.”

  “They really miss her. She calls Gwennie all the time, even chats with the twins. I’m told she asks about me, but I’ve not spoken to her since…”

  “Since the day I made her think…”Sissy broke in.

  “Yeah,” Joe said.

  “Joe I am so sorry. If I could take it all back, I promise you, I would.”

  “I believe that. Thank you.”

  Sissy drew in a deep breath in relief. “If it means anything, I really don’t believe Maggie is lost to you. That dinner between the two of them? It was just that - a dinner.”

  Joe nodded, but said nothing.

  So,” she said, placing her hand on the key. “Giving you guys a much needed break from me, is my attempt to make it up to you.”

  Joe hopped down from the counter and picked up the key. Opening up her hand, he placed the key on her palm.

  “Sissy,” he said as he took the seat next to her. “You don’t have go away completely. You’re my sis…”

  He stopped short, not wanting to compound her hurt with that word. “We’re family. And family is always supposed to stay connected.” He wrapped her fingers around the key and closed her hand in both of his.

  “With boundaries.” He said with a grin. They laughed.

  Joe finally acknowledged the envelope. “Oh, yeah, what’s this?”

  Sissy dabbed at her eyes with the tissue and said cheerfully, “Open it. It’s for you.”

  The business sized envelope was thicker than just a plain piece of paper. Inside there was a ticket and a laminated pass on a lanyard. Both had the same beautifully shot photo of Maggie prominently featured on the front, with information about the showcase printed on the back.

  “The show’s in two hours,” she said.

  Joe was surprised. “Sis…are you sure?”

  “Absolutely.” She gestured towards the stairs. “So, you’d better get going. Your hair alone takes an hour.”

  Joe beamed. “Gwennie,” he called. He knew she was in the living room, but she didn’t answer.

  He found her on the couch listening to music on her cell while working on a book report. Joe shook his head in irritation as he removed her headphones. “We’re not even going to get into how this little scenario isn’t helping you get your school work done effectively.” Gwen returned his look of annoyance, but said nothing. “How old are you now? Eighteen? Nineteen?” he asked.

  She rolled her eyes. “I’m fourteen Dad, you know that.”

  “Okay, fourteen. Ready for your first babysitting gig?”

  Gwen closed her laptop and bounded onto the sofa with excitement. “Really? Am I gonna get paid?”

  “Off the couch, Tom Cruise,” he said. “Yeah, I’ll pay ya. Five bucks an hour.”

  “Awesome!”

  “One rule,” Matty and M&M are in eternal time out. They’re not allowed out of their rooms tonight except to go to the bathroom.”

  Gwen dramatically clasped her hands together and feigned swooning. “Oh, Thank you Lord!” she cried. “It’s a freakin’ miracle! A dream come true!”

  “Okay, whatever, but you’re dealing with children who know how to break into things, so be on your guard, got it?”

  Gwen stood at attention and gave him a salute. “Got it. Where are you going anyway?”

  “To see Aunt Maggie.”

  Gwen’s face took on a radiance as she smiled. “Well alright,” she said, nodding.

  Joe made his way over to Sissy. “Thanks again, Sis.”

  “No problem,” she said with a genuine smile.

  “Hey, are you gonna go? This is a big night for everyone involved, and that would include you, right?”

  “I think I’ll sit tonight out, but you need to get going. Have a great time.”

  “Aunt Sissy,” Gwen called from the couch
. “You wanna hang out and have some pizza?”

  Sissy looked at Joe, who heard the question and stopped on the landing of the stairs. He smiled, nodded, and mouthed the words, “Go ahead.”

  “Sure, Gwennie,” Sissy said. “I’ll get the menu.”

  Chapter 16

  It was Lanie’s idea to hold Maggie’s showcase at The Factory. The historic site on the north end of Franklin had long been not only a premier collection of art galleries, fine dining and high-end shopping boutiques; it had also expanded its reputation as a top entertainment venue.

  She was painstakingly thorough in her attempt to transform one of facility’s many halls into a chic, intimate setting. Gauzy white drapery was hung from floor to ceiling around the perimeter of the room. Hundreds of string lights were placed behind the fabric to give the room a warm glow. Antique chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and there were flowers and greenery throughout the room.

  Onstage, there were Persian-style rugs on the floor as well as the backdrop behind the band. Candelabras decorated the landscape; barstools were covered with black velvet to give the seats a lux look. In the center of the stage was black baby grand piano with Maggie’s logo beautifully etched on the side.

  Despite the rich, captivating surroundings, it was that final feature that fascinated Joe the most. He stared entranced at her name and raised his hand to the side of the instrument, brushing his fingertips against it.

  “Don’t touch that, please,” came a voice from behind him. Startled, he whipped around quickly and apologized to a facility staff member. It was then that he noticed the stage, light and television crews, testing their cameras, microphones and various cables. Joe knew he was in the way.

  “Could you direct me to the green room,” he asked the staff member, flashing his laminate.

  Winding his way through the makeshift backstage area, a familiar tension found its way to Joe’s chest. He was nervous. The tension was dispelled, however, at the sight of Lenore West.

  “Joe honey, is that you?” she said, making her way toward him.

  “Lenore, so good to see you,” he replied.

  As they embraced, she pushed him out at arms’ length to look at him. Beaming, she said, “I am so happy you’re here.”

  Joe returned her smile with one of his own. “You too. But will she be?”

  “Yes. Yes she will,” Lenore said definitively. “She’s in her dressing room right now. Her dad couldn’t come because of a trial he’s presiding over; so when I stepped out, she was on the phone with him.”

  “Oh, sorry the Judge couldn’t make it,” he said.

  “I know. He was heartbroken, but Maggie understood. Actually, I’ve gotta scoot. They’ve forgotten her club sodas, so I’ve been sent on an errand.”

  “Ah, well, I’m just going to pace back and forth out here out of sheer terror, if it’s all the same to you.”

  Lenore gave him a playful slap on the arm as the two of them laughed. “Seriously, I think I’ll wait to talk to her. I don’t want to mess up her pre-game,” said Joe.

  “Suit yourself,” she said. “But I have it on good authority, she’ll be happy to see you.”

  “Thank you, mom.” Joe kissed her gently on the cheek.

  “Mom. I like the sound of that. Keep that up.” She smiled at him and began to turn to complete her assignment. Her way, however, was momentarily blocked by a tall blonde man who had been striding confidently toward them.

  “G’day,” Blake said; his Aussie magnetism on full throttle as he took her hand. “You must be Maggie West’s sister.” It took everything within Joe not to roll his eyes.

  “Ha!” Lenore exclaimed, fully aware of the fact that this young man was attempting to charm her. “No, I’m her mother,” she said with skeptically raised eyebrow.

  Blake kissed her hand as he introduced himself. “Blake Fabian, at your service, Mrs. West. I like to think of myself as the architect of The Maggie West Sound.”

  Lenore’s eyes completely betrayed the smile that was fixed on her face. She was nobody’s fool, and she knew a snow job when she encountered one.

  “I’ve always been of the understanding that God Himself was the architect of The Maggie West Sound,” she said icily as she slowly pulled her hand out of Blake’s.

  Joe shielded his expression by turning away and running his hand through his hair. “Wow,” he mouthed in amazement.

  “Yes ma’am,” Blake said quickly and respectfully. “Can’t argue with that.” Nervously, he cleared his throat and nodded in her direction. “It was indeed an honor.”

  “Yes, nice to meet you as well. Thank you for helping my daughter realize her dream,” she said with a bit more kindness. “If you gentlemen will excuse me, I need to see about something for Maggie. Young man?” she said, directing her attention to Joe.

  “Ma’am?”

  Her response was simply a wink and a smile as she walked away.

  Joe smiled after her as Blake quietly said, “You’re gonna have to give me your secret.”

  “I’m sorry?”

  “How to charm a woman in the West family,” Blake said with jocularity. “She’s as tough as her daughter.”

  “The one thing I’ve learned about the women in the West family,” Joe said as he backed his way toward a coffee machine, “is that they are women of a singular devotion. They know who they love, and they don’t stray from it.”

  “Well, that certainly seems to be true.” Just then, Blake’s face took on a look of recognition. “You’re Joe, right?”

  It was at that moment that Joe realized for all the times he’d been in the studio to see Maggie work, this was the first time her producer actually acknowledged his presence. “I’m Blake,” he went on. “How ya goin’ mate?”

  “I’m…goin’ fine, thanks,” Joe said cautiously, unfamiliar with Blake’s colloquialism. “Coffee?” he offered.

  “Yeah, thanks.”

  “Now Mag, that is a killer outfit.”

  Maggie had to agree. Tessa, her stylist, crafted a look that was fashion forward, while age appropriate. The caramel colored suede top gave her skin a fresh glow, and the beveled fringe that hung from the neckline to the bottom hem complemented her shape. Dark green khakis with high heeled brown suede boots complete the organic, bohemian ensemble. Her makeup was fresh and clean, her jewelry minimal, and her curls were soft, simple and uncomplicated.

  “You look like a rock star, lady,” Lanie said with pride.

  “She is a rock star,” Tessa added.

  Maggie looked at herself from every angle. “It does work, doesn’t it?”

  “Have I ever steered you wrong,” asked Tessa.

  “Not ever, my dear,” Maggie said sweetly. “Not ever.”

  Lenore entered the room, along with Darla and a woman carrying a tray with bottles of mineral water and glasses full of ice. The crescendo of noise from the hallway quickly abated as she shut the door.

  “My goodness,” Lenore said. “It’s turning into a real circus out there, honey!”

  “And it’s all for you,” Lanie said as she placed her hands on Maggie’s shoulders. “Are you ready? It’s just about show time.”

  Maggie nodded, her stomach in knots. Breaking away to accept the glass her mother poured, she sipped slowly, closed her eyes, and swallowed.

  “How you doin’ Sugar?” Darla asked. “Nervous?”

  In truth, Maggie was terrified. She could see the night at the arena with Deana, and remembered the intimidation her former boss had felt bringing her show back home. She chastised herself for her mocking of Deana and feeling as though her behavior was over the top and dramatic.

  Just then, her mind returned to Grace. Briefly, she remembered that the night of that same Arena concert was the night Grace had her accident, but her thoughts were more centered on how this moment just didn’t feel right without her. Or the kids. Or Joe.

  Suddenly, a wave rushed over her. For the time since this odyssey began, she was able to separate her de
sire for Joe from her loyalty to Grace. It fascinated her, and in a strange way, made her miss them both all the more.

  “She’d be proud of you honey,” Lenore said softly so that only she could hear. “In some small way, Grace is watching out for you. So you do your best for her too, okay?”

  Her mother’s insanely accurate intuition nearly brought Maggie to tears. Gripping her hand, Maggie’s eyes misted, but she didn’t cry. “Thanks mom.”

  “Okay,” Lanie began, shifting into business mode. “The camera crew is outside. We’re going to have you and your mom come out, we’ll get you to the stage, and boom…the magic will begin.”

  “No. Mom should get to her seat,” Maggie protested.

  “We’ll take care of your mother,” Lanie said with a motherly tone of her own. “It’ll be great for the start of the taping for everyone to see your number one fan walking with you by your side.”

  As the dressing room door opened, cameras flashed furiously. Lenore was briefly startled by all of the activity, and wished she’d been shown to her seat. She marveled at her daughter’s calm, and squeezed her hand.

  Shouts of congratulations, well wishes and general applause filled the air as the entourage made their way to the stage. Maggie was gracious, stopping periodically to shake hands and hug people; introducing her mother along the way.

  Joe shook Blake’s hand; a fitting benediction to what turned out to be an intriguing and informative conversation about the heart of Maggie West.

  Glancing at his cell phone, Blake said, “Well, it sounds like things are getting underway. It was great to meet you Joe. Good luck tonight.”

  “I should be wishing you luck,” Joe said. “You put a lot of work into this thing.”

  “Thanks. It was a pleasure. But I’m thinking the real music will be made after the show,” he said with a sly grin.

  Joe laughed. “From your mouth to God’s ears,” he said as he neared the doorway. Turning to exit, he found himself directly in Maggie’s path.

  For a moment, they both stood transfixed; neither of them saying a word. Camera shutters continued to click, flashes popped. The bewildered crowd quieted, and entertainment reporters craned their necks. Maggie West had yet to be linked romantically with anyone, and now everyone was wondering just who this mystery man might be.