“Billy Bob, don’t let this jerk buffalo you.” The smaller man glared at his companion. “Hit him.”
Billy Bob stiffened, flexing his fingers.
“You always take orders from him?” Wade asked casually, preparing to ward off a blow.
“I don’t take orders from nobody.”
“Then why don’t you act more intelligently than your friend here and leave Miss Carson alone? You aren’t going to make a good impression with the lady by starting a fight and embarrassing her. You’ll make more points by being considerate of her health and her feelings.”
“We had tickets to her concert in Fort Worth,” Billy Bob complained.
“It will probably be rescheduled when she is completely well. Upsetting her will only delay her recovery.” Wade shifted slightly, so the man had a clear view of Andi. “Does she look tired to you?”
“Yeah, she’s kinda droopin’.” He scratched the back of his head.
“Billy Bob!” the short man whined.
“Shut up, Jinx.” Billy Bob spun around and grabbed his friend by the shoulder, shoving him into motion. “Let’s go. I ain’t being disrespectful to the lady ’cause you got your nose out of joint.”
Wade watched them move away down the mall before turning back toward Andi. She was standing by the table observing the confrontation. Several people, both men and women, stood protectively around her, but they moved aside as he hurried toward her. “Thanks, folks. Come on, honey, let’s get out of here before that little banty rooster talks those big dumb clucks into doing something else stupid.” He heard a few chuckles and caught a few speculative glances as he put his arm around her and propelled her toward the side exit.
“I thought the Blazer was at the other end.” She peeked back over her shoulder. “Where is our stuff?”
“Nicki and her friends took care of it. She’s bringing the Blazer around here.” He looked down at her, relief pouring through him. “I was afraid we might have trouble.”
“Are they behind us?”
Wade glanced back. “No.”
“Then slow down. My legs aren’t as long as yours.” She slid her arm around his waist as he eased the pace. “Have I told you lately that you’re wonderful?”
He looked down at her and almost tripped over his own feet. Her face glowed, and pure, undisguised adoration shone in her eyes. His chest swelled with such pride that he was surprised he didn’t pop open the snaps on his shirt. “Not that I recall.”
“Well, you are. You’re the best looking, most wonderful man on earth.”
He grinned and tugged on an imaginary hat. “Now you’ve done it. I can feel my hat gettin’ tight already.”
“I’ll buy you another one.”
He pushed open the outside door to find Nicki and her friends huddled beside the Blazer, which she had parked right by the curb in a No Parking area. He was relieved that no one from mall security was in sight.
“Did you have to fight them?”
“No. They protested a little, but decided to be nice.”
“Only because Wade convinced them to.” Andi winked at the girls. “You missed quite a show. This guy was really something. Thank you, too. Our get-away might not have gone as smoothly without your help.”
“Anytime,” said one of the girls. “Although I am sorry we missed the man in action.” She shot Wade a flirtatious grin.
He felt Andi’s fingers dig into his side. She’s jealous, he thought in amazement. “Aw, it weren’t nuthin’,” he said playfully. He smiled at the girl, careful not to flirt back, and opened the Blazer door for Andi, assisting her inside. He shut the door and turned to the girls, his expression serious. “I appreciate your help. We’re going out to dinner, now, but I expect she’ll call you later tonight, Nicki, and set up a time to get together.”
“Is she staying here in town?”
“Let’s just say she is staying with another friend and let it go at that.” He pulled out all the stops and gave them a smile that had proven in the past to completely distract women from whatever they had on their minds. If their dewy-eyed expressions were any indication, it worked.
CHAPTER 10
Andi was surprised when Wade pulled up in front of a small Italian restaurant. “I had you pegged as a steak and potatoes man.”
“I am, but we eat a lot of that at home, so I usually get something else when I go out. Is this all right? Dawn said you liked Italian food.”
“About the only kind of food I don’t like is anything with curry in it. And I love Italian food.”
He flashed her a smile and hopped out of the Blazer, going around the front to open her door. “I haven’t been here, but I’m told the food is good. You don’t have to dress up, and it’s small enough that we won’t be mobbed.”
“Sounds perfect.”
It was. Although the hostess recognized Andi when they stepped through the door, the young woman didn’t make a fuss. She simply showed them to a booth in the corner, away from both the kitchen and the other diners, and told her how happy she was to see her feeling better. A few minutes later, the owner, a large man with black hair, a handlebar mustache, and an accent that was a hybrid of Italian and Texas twang, came to thank them for choosing his restaurant and to personally take their order.
“I’ll have to take you out more often.” Wade plucked a bread stick from the basket in the middle of the table before leaning back against the well padded vinyl seat. “Basking in your shadow has its benefits.”
“Some men would feel threatened.”
“Because you’re rolling in dough? Or because half the country thinks the sun rises and sets when you tell it to?” he teased.
“Only half?”
“Well, maybe two-thirds. After all, Texas counts for half.” He leaned across the table and laid his hand over hers. “Andi, I’m proud of your success and glad people adore you—the well behaved ones anyway.” He leaned back again, grabbing another bread stick on the way. “Besides, I know you don’t have any control over the sun.” The sunshine in his heart was a different story, but he didn’t plan on mentioning that.
“And I thought I had you fooled.”
They told each other funny stories and laughed and enjoyed the crisp green salad and lasagna, with no worries about time or people or responsibilities. The waitress was attentive but not obtrusive, the lighting was low and romantic, and the muffled voices of the other diners provided a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere. They ate in peace and left in peace.
Wade glanced at her as he drove back through town. She was staring out the window, her expression thoughtful but with a hint of excitement. “You thinking about Nicki?”
She looked at him and smiled. “Yes. I should give her a call before we leave town. It was so strange when I met her today. Somehow I knew she could sing. She had a quality to her voice that suggested it, but there was something more. I can’t quite put my finger on it.”
“Sounds like the Lord.” He smiled gently at her startled expression. “He’s good at revealing things he wants us to know.”
She met his gaze briefly before leaning her head back against the seat and staring up at the starry sky. “I think you’re right,” she murmured, shaking her head in awe. “Now, I understand what Dawn was talking about. When I first got here, she was telling me how she knows when the Lord wants her to say something or do something for someone. She said often it’s a feeling, but sometimes it’s even clearer, like whispers in her heart.”
She turned toward him, shifting as much as the seatbelt would allow, oblivious to the buckle digging into her hip. “I didn’t hear words exactly, but I knew she could sing as surely as if I had heard her. And I felt a strong urge not only to ask her about it, but to do something.” She frowned. “But I’m not sure what.”
“Listening to her and giving her encouragement is where you have to start. If God wants you to do more, he’ll let you know.”
Excitement raced through her. “Would you mind going over to see her now?
”
“Aren’t you tired? You can’t push yourself too hard.”
“I’m not.” She glanced at the clock on the dash. It was only seven-thirty. “It’s early. Besides, I won’t ever get to sleep tonight if I don’t follow up on this.” She remembered how she had been after Kyle had first talked to her. “And poor Nicki will be a basket case. Probably worthless by tomorrow.”
“If you agree to leave when I say. I intend to keep your recovery on track whether you do or not.”
“Trying to get rid of me, Jamison?” she asked with a laugh as he stopped at a red light. When he looked at her, the laughter died in her throat.
For a heartbeat, deep, dark pain filled his countenance. Then he smiled, but the warmth did not reach his eyes, did not take away the sorrow lingering there. “Naw, I’ll let you hang around as long as you want.”
Even for a lifetime? Yearning flooded her heart, an ocean of need that made her desire to sing seem like a puddle. I love you. Her heart demanded she voice the words, but her head vetoed the idea. Perhaps she was only imagining the depth of his feelings, seeing what she wanted to see. Give him time. Don’t scare him off. She didn’t know if it was the Lord holding her back or her own fear. She glanced out the window, taking a minute to gather her composure.
“Well, that’s good, ’cause I’m not in any particular hurry to leave.” She tried to make her voice sound light and playful. His sharp glance told her she had almost succeeded. “I’m beginning to enjoy the slower paced life.”
“It will wear off.” Wade unsnapped his shirt pocket and withdrew the paper with Nicki’s phone number. Handing it to her, he pointed to the cell phone in a pocket on the console. “Help yourself.”
“Thanks, but I’ll use mine.” She unfastened the side pouch on her purse.
“Sure you want to give her your number this soon?”
Andi hesitated and closed the flap. “That’s a point. Maybe I’d better wait until I know her a little better.” And she was sure of God’s leading.
She picked up his phone and punched in the numbers. When Nicki answered on the first ring, Andi smiled at Wade and told the girl what they had in mind. Nicki promptly invited them over, giving her directions. They arrived at the house less than ten minutes later. It was a modest home, but in good condition.
Nicki opened the door before they had a chance to knock and led them into the living room to meet her parents. Mr. Alexander approached Andi cautiously, carefully inspecting her features. She waited a minute, then gave him a big smile. “Hello, Mr. Alexander. I’m Andi Carson.”
His solemn face broke into an astonished smile. “Mama, it is her! Look at those dimples.” He shook his head. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but when Nicki told us about meeting you and said you were coming over, we were scared somebody was trying to play a cruel joke.”
“You’re wise to be cautious, sir.” She pulled out her wallet and flipped it open to reveal her driver’s license. “This might help.”
Wade peeked over her shoulder. “Wouldn’t you know it? Even her driver’s license picture looks good.” He held out his hand to Nicki’s father. “Wade Jamison. I’m a friend of Andi’s.”
“You a musician, too?” the older man asked as he shook Wade’s hand.
“Strictly amateur. I’m a rancher. Have a place south of Buckley.”
“Please sit down.” Mrs. Alexander motioned toward a brown love seat placed at a right angle to the matching sofa. “Can I get you some coffee or anything?”
“No thanks. We just finished dinner.” Andi glanced across the room and laughed. Five faces of various ages peeked around the edge of a doorway. From her angle, it looked as if they were stacked one on top of the other. “This must be the rest of the family.”
“Y’all come on in,” said Nicki. “But behave.”
The other children trooped in. They appeared to range in age from six to about sixteen. “Did you really come to our house to hear Nicki sing?” asked the youngest, a little boy.
“Yes, I did.”
“How come?”
Andi glanced at Wade. He didn’t say anything, but she saw encouragement in his eyes. She took a deep breath to allay a flutter of nervousness. She had promised the Lord she wouldn’t hide her faith and her love for him, but this would be the first time in many years that she let her light shine before strangers.
“Because I think God wants me to,” she said, looking at the youngster.
“Oh.” The little boy tipped his head to one side. “Did you read that in the Bible somewhere? Does it say you’re supposed to go listen to people sing?”
Andi looked quickly at Nicki and her parents. They appeared mildly amused at the question but also curious as to what Andi was going to say. At least they didn’t seem upset. “No, it was just a feeling I got today when I talked to your sister.”
“Oh.” The child seemed to accept the answer without question. “Is she gonna be a star like you?”
“I don’t know. We’ll just have to wait and see.”
“Grownups say that a lot.”
She laughed softly. “Yes, I suppose we do.”
“Okay, kids, you’ve met Miss Carson. Now run on back to the family room and watch your video.” Mr. Alexander’s voice was quiet but firm. “We don’t want to waste her time.” As the children reluctantly left the room, he had a kind word or smile for each of them. He looked back at Andi. “Will my wife and I be in the way?”
“No, by all means, please stay. I’m sure Nicki will be more comfortable with you here.” Andi looked at Nicki and smiled warmly, trying to ease the girl’s tension. “I know you’re nervous, but try to relax. This is not a make-it-or-lose-it moment. If things don’t come together right now, we’ll try another time. How long have you taken piano?”
“Six years. I didn’t start until I was twelve. That’s when we got ours. But I’d been picking out songs on my grandma’s piano for a long time before that.”
“You play by ear?”
“Yes, ma’am. But my teacher always made me sight read the music before she would play it for me.” A smile flickered across Nicki’s face.
“Smart lady. I coasted through two years of music lessons before my teacher figured out I could barely read a note. She had a habit of playing each piece first, so I could hear how it was supposed to sound.” Andi smiled ruefully. “After I heard it, I didn’t need to read the music. Which do you like best, the guitar or piano?”
“I like them both. I guess it depends on my mood and the song.”
“Are you more relaxed with one of them?”
“Yes, the guitar.”
“Then let’s start with it.”
Nicki walked over beside the piano, picked up one of the two guitars leaning against the wall, and returned to the chair across from Andi and Wade.
“Play anything you like, something you’re comfortable with and that will help you warm up. I’m in no hurry, so take your time. Sing whenever you feel like it.”
Nicki strummed a few chords and adjusted the strings slightly. Once it was tuned to her satisfaction, she began to play. She missed a few notes at first, but soon she was lost in the music. The tempo was moderate, the melody intricate yet soothing. The song made Andi think of the creek where she and Wade had taken a walk. Bubbling, happy, yet peaceful. When Nicki lifted her fingers after the last chord, she paused, then slowly raised her gaze.
“Very nice. Is that one of yours?” asked Andi. When Nicki nodded, she continued, “I don’t think I ever asked what type of music you like to sing.”
“Mostly country and gospel. I guess I’m kinda like you. I like a variety.” Relaxing more, she flashed Andi a real smile and began playing a lively tune.
Andi recognized it immediately as one of the first songs she had recorded.
Nicki pursed her lips, frowning mildly. “Without the backup guitar, it doesn’t sound quite right.”
“Well, that’s easy to remedy.” Wade hopped up from the couch and walked over to the piano to
get the other guitar. He grinned at Andi when he dropped down beside her again. “Didn’t know I could play your songs, did you?”
She shook her head, watching in fascination as he nodded to Nicki. The girl started again, and he joined in with the second part, playing each note and chord perfectly. Nicki grinned and so did Wade. Laughing, Andi held up her hands. “All right, all right. I’m impressed with both of you. Can you sing that one?”
“I can’t do it as good as you can.”
“Everybody has their own style. Hit it, kid. Show me your stuff.”
“Okay.” Nicki took a deep breath and played the intro. Wade joined in as she belted out the bouncy song about a girl’s futile efforts to capture the attention of the boy next door. She had perfect pitch, and her voice was strong with a hint of vibrato. After the first line or two, she relaxed, giving the song a sassy nuance all her own.
A conflicting mix of emotions rushed through Andi—thrill at discovering a wonderfully talented performer, satisfaction and excitement because she would be able to make Nicki’s way easier than hers had been, and a twinge of rivalry. This girl was going to give them all strong competition.
The song ended, and Wade looked at Andi with a wide grin. “Is the lady good or what?”
Jealousy pricked her, but it had nothing to do with Nicki’s singing. She forced herself to ignore it, confident God wouldn’t have led her to Nicki if it meant losing Wade. “She’s better than good. She’s fantastic. And I’m glad I recorded that song before you had a chance at it, young lady.”
Nicki gasped and clamped her hand over her mouth. A tear slid down her cheek, followed quickly by several more as she looked at her parents. They were of no help. They sat rooted to the sofa, completely dumbfounded. Andi gave them a few minutes to get their bearings.
“Uh...” Mr. Alexander stopped and cleared his throat. “I don’t mean any offense, ma’am, but I don’t want my girl working in any honky-tonks.”
“She shouldn’t have to, not if we handle things right. I’m staying with my cousin in Buckley. Nicki, I’d like you to come over so we can record a tape. It won’t be anything fancy, not like something produced in a studio, but it will give my manager an idea of how great you are. Once Kyle hears you, he’ll probably have you on the next plane to Nashville.
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