She snorted. “Right. Play me another one.”
“No, it’s true. I spoke with them before the check tonight. They’re fine.”
“Jack, fine is not the same as ‘looking forward to seeing.’ Please don’t lie. The night is too important to you, and to Carlos, to allow me to ruin. If the band is skeptical, I won’t come to Charlotte, and that’s that.”
Bullshit, if she thought she’d escape that easily. “Don’t play the semantics card, professor. Carlos and Abby want you to be with them. I want you, too. The arrangements have been made. Stop fighting this, already.”
“The die is cast,” she mumbled.
“What was that?” He’d heard her comment, and knew the reference, but the imp on his shoulder pushed him. “You want to play dice? I guess we could get up a craps game with the roadies.”
“Oh, for…never mind. I promised Abby I wouldn’t renege, though my spidey senses tell me this is a really bad idea.”
“How so? There are likely to be two hundred people backstage. No one will make a big deal out of you three.” Well, except for him.
“Will you guarantee that, Jack? Can you? Carlos is confident, but should he be forced to deal with a media onslaught after all these years? He looks too much like you to pass him off as a stranger.”
He inhaled sharply. Would all their sacrifices, his agreement to give Sally full custody, be blown in one night? He hadn’t thought his ego was in charge over this, but was he using the Charlotte date to show off for his son? Was he that self-involved?
His thoughts sped. He figured asking himself if he acted from ego reassured him that he wasn’t, though he owned a need to prove himself to Carlos.
No, he’d make sure nothing went wrong that night. He’d get with Mitch and ask him to limit media access. They’d done it before. The media would keep their special section at the front of the house, and he’d give pre-concert interviews. If he couldn’t use his status to make things right for his family now, why’d he walk away then?
“Jack? Are you still on the line?”
“Yeah, sorry, I was thinking. I’ll take care of everything.” He outlined his plan for limited press access backstage, including assigning them fake names at the security check-in point.
“I guess that’s workable,” she said.
“Is your intuition really sparking, or are you afraid to face the band?”
She gave a long exhale. “A bit of both, I guess. It’s just—”
He waited silently, wishing he could see her face, but she hated Skype. Said it interfered with her intuitive abilities. Abby said Sally couldn’t read auras over the small camera. He didn’t understand how she could read auras over the phone, either, but didn’t ask.
“We both gave up so much. Seeing you again…I’ve enjoyed our dinners and regular conversations. You get me in a way no other man ever has. It’s kind of scary but comfortable at the same time.”
“I know.” He gulped. Time to pony up. “You’ve had my back in ways I never knew. Raised my kid to manhood when I’d have done who knows what to him.” He reined in his speeding thoughts. “This second chance stuff is iffy. Kind of like déjà vu all over again. Sometimes I think we’ve got it beat, and other times I know it wouldn’t take much to send you running.”
He held his breath. Had he said too much, too soon?
“Exactly.”
She inhaled, and he sensed she was about to blow his world to bits.
“The thrill isn’t gone, Jack, not for me. It’s back and brighter than before.”
“Babe, that’s what—”
“Wait, let me finish.” She sighed. “I see the thrill but that doesn’t mean I’m going to hop on the roller coaster. Heights still scare the crap out of me.”
“So I won’t put you on a pedestal, even though you deserve a freaking throne in the clouds.”
“That’s not exactly the problem, Jack. I’ve worked hard, sweetie, and I’m finding it difficult to see how we’ll fit together on a daily basis.”
Desperation clawed at his heart. “Please, come to Charlotte, You’ll see. It’ll be good for us. And after this tour ends—”
“You’ll still be famous. Jack, we can’t meet in public the way normal people do.”
“I’d take you any place you wanted, any time, damn the consequences. You like privacy and I like being alone with you.”
“Right. Fine.”
“Besides, this is my last tour. Everything will calm down once I stop playing.”
“Don’t you dare stop playing music.”
“I won’t. It’s that…I want time with you, Carlos and Abby. You’ve heard life is a highway, right? Wanna hitch a ride with me?”
“W-what are you saying?”
“Come to Charlotte with no reservations. Let me show you how good life with me can be. After the tour we can travel to see all those woo-woo places, Stonehenge and the Pyramids. Anywhere in the world you want to go. I’ll shave my head and grow a beard. No one will bother us.”
His heart pounded as he waited for her answer. A reply that took a bit too long. “Sally?”
“I’ve always liked the bald look on men, but don’t change for me, Jack. Don’t promise me what you may not be able to deliver.”
“Carlos’s and my interaction has opened a world I never expected or thought I deserved,” he said. “Let me do the same for you.”
“I’ll see you next week, even though I’m afraid of what could happen,” Sally said.
“Have you ever had the same feeling about disaster and nothing went wrong?”
“I guess, but I’ve learned to listen to my intuition. The basic difference between us is that you think life is a highway and I think it’s a journey.”
He snorted. “Oh, so we’re going for bumper sticker slogans to explain our differences?”
“You never believed in the unseen. I can’t allow my beliefs to be discounted or ignored.” She paused. “That thrill, Jack? I’ve lived without it for years. Respect is non-negotiable.”
“Respect goes both ways. So does trust.” A sharp pain hit his chest that he knew was no heart attack. Would they never find peace together? “Can you rely on me?”
“I know you’re capable. It’s a feeling I have that won’t quit. I wish you’d listen.”
“I am listening but believe nothing bad will happen.”
“Jack, our son looks so much like you at the same age. How will you explain that?”
“You mean this has never come up in the past? No one has ever commented on the resemblance?” He tsked. “Really? So what did you say to those folks?”
“Doppelganger.”
“There you go. Good enough for me.” He snapped his fingers. “I’ve got it—we can tell people he’s a tribute artist doing research.”
“Really?” She copied his tone and phrase. “My—our—son is an original not a copycat.”
“Geez, you are wound up. Usually you get my jokes.” He rubbed the nape of his neck. “Look, I understand the risk but having you at the concert is a dream come true. I think you’re worrying about nothing. But if something does go down, we can face whatever it is together.”
Even as he voiced his reply, Jack felt the stirrings of fear cramp his gut. He hoped he hadn’t lied.
Chapter Thirteen
Sally sat with her phone in her lap. What in the world had possessed her to tell Jack that she still cared for him? She rubbed her forehead. Nope, she’d said more than that. Holy Baloney.
Besides the media, they needed to deal with Margaret, and explain why they were leaving her behind. Cripes. Nothing about being around Jack was easy.
Of course, that’s what made him so attractive.
Their interaction since he’d arrived had drawn them together on more than a social level. They’d met for coffee in Stratton multiple times, had dinner, spoke on the phone daily. They still disagreed on spiritual matters, but Jack had revealed a mind open to many possibilities that made their discussions lively. The way
they’d dropped back into being partners, intuiting what the other thought or wanted left her feeling uneasy.
She curled her feet under her on the couch. Stronger, more assured now than at twenty-four, she wasn’t afraid to face Jack and demand respect. His raising the trust issue proved to her that he had grown, also. But conflicting, long-held beliefs were difficult to overcome.
Sally had been totally honest with Jack on the phone, and she knew he’d been truthful with her, in return. The problem was that he really didn’t believe in her intuition. Nope. Because if he had, he’d have listened to her fears and stopped insisting that they come to Charlotte. Maybe insist was too strong a word. Not really. Jack had always known how to convince her.
His persuasion methods sent her thoughts in a different direction. She shivered with remembered pleasure and then forced concentration on the circumstances they faced.
She dealt with problems through introspection, and suspected he solved issues by throwing cash at a situation. Giving her the world? She had no doubt he’d do so.
Question was, what did she really want?
She hoped her trip to Charlotte would help her decide.
****
A week later, Abby, Carlos, and Sally waited in her living room for the car service Jack had insisted on providing. Earlier today, Bunny and Henry had left for their doggy overnight with friends who owned a small farm and a friendly pack of canines.
“Good thing Margaret had to go back for a condo association meeting,” she said. “Otherwise, I had no idea what we’d tell her about leaving her behind.”
“I’m sure you’d have thought of something,” Abby said. “How you’ve kept your temper with her has given me hope for world peace.”
“Brat.”
“I’m serious. You should consider a new career in diplomacy.”
“Yes, well, if your mother hadn’t gone back to St. Louis, I was about to declare war.” She slipped an arm around Abby. “Sweetie, I have no clue how you survived.”
“Me, either,” Carlos added, lacing his hand with Abby’s. “But you’re mine, now. Your mother has lightened up since she moved into my house, but I’m watching. One more thoughtless jibe from her and I’ll set her straight. I’ve held back because you insisted, but I won’t allow her abuse.”
“She’s not deliberately abusive, she’s—”
“Angry and bitter and needs a life outside you.” Sally squeezed her shoulders. “She wants love but she won’t allow any to touch her. That’s easy to see. I’ll keep sending her positive vibes and hope for the best. But I’m with Carlos. One more crack and she’ll hear from me.”
A quick rap sounded at the door.
Sally jumped. “The driver. Come on, you two.”
She felt light-headed, a problem that may have been avoided had she been able to eat. She’d hoped for a quick meditation before leaving, but Carlos and Abby had walked over early. Perhaps the two plus hour drive would give her time to relax her jumpy nerves.
But the journey seemed to take less time than she’d expected or hoped. They pulled up behind the auditorium, and the driver escorted them to the door. She panicked. What name was she supposed to use?
Carlos glanced at her, stepped up and gave their names to the bulked-up security guard blocking the entrance.
The guard checked his board. He looked them over, eyed the driver who accompanied them, and opened the door. “Give your name at the table and you’ll get passes. Have a nice night.”
She fumbled with her purse, looking for the tip she’d meant to give the driver. When she turned with the cash, he held up his hand. “All handled, but thanks for thinking of me.”
“Wait.” Her pulse had sped up the closer they’d gotten to the concert site. “Will you be driving us back tomorrow? What time should we be ready?”
“I’m at your disposal.” He tipped his hat, and walked to the car, whistling.
Did that mean she could jump in the car and return to Blue Peak right now? Because that’s what she wanted. Her desire to see Jack play again warred with the unknown reception the rest of the Rough Cuts would give her.
She inhaled a deep breath. Too late now. She turned and walked into the building.
Two people stood before a table staffed by a man with another clipboard. When she heard the young woman identify herself, her wish to escape intensified. Cristal Shaw. Jack and that groupie’s child. What had been the groupie’s name?
“Glynnis McKinney.” The woman’s voice was low, sexually-charged. The guard blinked then handed them each a pass.
Crap. What game did Jack play?
Sally signed the roster, unsure whether she used the pseudonym or her real name. Her writing was little more than a scrawl, so she doubted it would matter. The guard was too busy watching Glynnis walk away to check closely.
Not that she blamed him. The woman’s strawberry blonde hair curled in long waves down her back, almost reaching her waist. She wore tight leather pants, a cropped multi-colored silk top, and what looked like designer heels. Her over-sized handbag bumped against her hip, emphasizing her runway model movements. Birthing a child twenty-two years ago hadn’t slowed her down. Not as it had Sally.
She glanced down at the short black dress, spangled jacket and glittery scarf she’d chosen. Her feet were cramped in the matching stilettos she’d worn. She’d wished now that she’d kept to her normal flowing garb. At least she’d be comfortable in an already difficult situation.
Abby touched her shoulder. “Are you okay? You should have eaten more than a few crackers today.” She handed her a laminated card attached to a lanyard sporting the Rough Cuts’ logo. The card, printed in color with a complicated background read “BAND.”
Sally shook her head. “What? Yes, I’m fine. Does Carlos know how to find Jack?” She had a few choice words for him. Waiting to deliver them was not an option.
“I’m not sure, but the Green Room is ahead to the left. The guard mentioned something about a sound check starting in a minute. These passes give us full access.” She tilted her head. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yep.” Her smile stretched tight lips.
“You look gorgeous, classy. Wearing your hair up with a few curls around your face really emphasizes your eyes. Jack will have a freaking heart attack.”
“I hope not, for Carlos’s sake. Let’s move on.” She ignored Abby’s smirk, waved Carlos over, and headed for the Green Room.
They were directed to the stage wings. Jack’s gaze caught hers and tangled. He smiled and played the opening chords to the hit from their first album. It was a song he’d written while they were married, one he’d said she inspired. The band hadn’t played “Eyes of Love” in public since that first tour.
Her knees weakened. She felt Carlos put his arm around her shoulder while Abby took her hand. The melody and lyrics wrapped themselves around her. No wonder no other man had ever made a dent in her heart. She’d never stopped loving Jack. Even with her anger piqued, she was willing to listen. And he had a lot of explaining to do tonight.
The stage lights kicked in, making it impossible to read auras, not that her skill had returned with any consistency. She had to rely on Tony’s friendly nod to know that she was welcomed by at least one band member. Mitch hadn’t shown, but he had to be close.
They completed the song. She could tell the band was charged Jack had pulled out the old number.
“What say we add that to tonight’s play list,” Tony called. “I always liked that song.”
She felt her muscles loosen when the rest of the band agreed and they moved on to another tune. Perhaps tonight wasn’t a total mistake. Or maybe she shouldn’t let down her guard.
Jack ambled to the wings, drew her close and planted a long, hot kiss on her lips.
Abby held her hand out to Carlos. “I was right. Pay up.”
Her son sent her an accusing glare. “You two are getting it on?”
Her face heated. “No. We’re not involved in anything
but a friendship.”
Carlos narrowed his eyes at her.
Simultaneously, Jack said, “You don’t mind if I date your mother, do you?”
Abby wiggled her fingers in front of Carlos’s face. “It’s only a matter of time. Jack knows what he wants. You may as well pay up.”
A tech rushed past with extra cords dangling from his hands.
“This is not the best place for a private conversation,” Sally said.
“Yeah, right.” Jack took her arm. “Let’s go to my dressing room. I thought you’d like a private meeting with the guys.”
Her shoulders were up around her ears when he opened the door. Only the band waited. She felt like Yoko must have facing the Beatles.
Jack’s hand was at the small of her back, nudging her inside. She took a deep breath and smiled. Tony approached and drew her into a bear hug. Before long, everyone was pulling out pictures and sharing information about their wives, children, and grandchildren.
A knock sounded and Mitch stuck his head in the room. You guys ready? I’ve got the press waiting down the hall. Jack gave her a smoldering look followed with a heated kiss, then left. Her legs were shaky but she hadn’t messed up. Thank Goddess. She sat, removed her shoes and wiggled her toes.
“The caterer finished setting up in the Green Room,” Carlos said. “Abby and I are going to get something to eat. Do you want us to bring you something back?”
Now that the first meeting was over, she felt ready to eat. “Sure. Anything. Thanks.”
Mitch entered as they left. They eyed each other over the gulf of bad memories.
“So? Are you going to stick with Jack this time?”
She ignored his barely veiled aggressive tone. “We’re working things out at Carlos’s request. We’re friends, and that’s all the further we’ve gotten.” She shifted to look Mitch full in the face. “Besides, I’d like to get things straight with Jack first if you don’t mind.”
“The moves he put on you just now sure looked like you’ve already gotten straight with him.”
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