Midnight Diamonds

by Cynthia Hampton

  Not entirely accurate about being happy, Silver thought, but that wasn't her main concern at the moment. “Mother, I can’t imagine anything more demeaning to either Jeffrey or me. How dare you do such a thing!”

  Jeffrey stood and straightened his suit jacket. “I believe I should catch up on some work at home tonight. Thank you for the invitation, Mrs. Madison. Have a good evening.” He started to the door then stopped and turned. “By the way, I won’t be offering my services to you as an image consultant any longer. Silver knows exactly who she is.” With a slight bow, he was out the door.

  Silver admired the man. He had style and wasn’t afraid of Amelia.

  Well, neither was she. Not anymore.

  Anger creased her mother’s face. “That young man will never work with anyone in my circle of friends again,” she declared in a harsh tone. “He’ll have to leave this part of the country before I’m through with him.”

  “Mother, don’t you ever get tired of the iron corset and stiff upper lip? You’re angry because he defied you. Guess what? Make that two for the evening, because I’m not staying either.” Silver stood to leave, but her mother rose and walked in front of her.

  “Stop right there. You will not leave until you tell me what these oh-so-important plans are for this weekend. And don’t bother with the sarcasm again.”

  Silver nearly cringed under the Madison Stare, but she lifted her chin and held on to her inner strength. She’d decided to not attend Connie’s watch party after last night, but she reversed that decision again.

  “I’ll be at Connie Rivers’ house to watch the Thanksgiving program in Nashville. Since Justin is part of the show, she’s having some friends over for a party.” She braced herself for Hurricane Amelia to blow in and was not disappointed.

  “You cannot be serious about going back into that woman’s house after what happened. Are you trying to irrevocably destroy what little standing we have in the community?” Amelia put a hand over her heart and, with a dramatic moan, sank down onto the loveseat. “It’s too much to bear. Simply too much.”

  Silver shook her head with sadness. “I’ve always been an unwanted reminder of Dad, something to ignore as much as possible.”

  Amelia gasped and shook her head. “That’s not true. Thanks to the grandmother you’ve never met—and if all goes right, you never will—I didn’t know how to be the mother you needed. I still don’t. You have so much intelligence and compassion for people, something I never had. You reach out to others when they have a need, and you’re dedicated to your teaching. I’ve always been proud of you.”

  Stunned, Silver wiped away the tears that spilled out of her eyes. “Proud? You’re constantly correcting me, criticizing everything I do, and telling me I’m an embarrassment. You never miss a chance to say how much Dad is disappointed in me even though he denies it when we talk. How does that show you’re proud?”

  “You know that old saying that the things we find fault with in others are the things we dislike about ourselves? It’s easier to criticize and find fault in you than to admit my own shortcomings. I wanted the perfect image that society demanded of me, Silver, so I expected you to be perfect, too.”

  “All I ever wanted was a mom,” Silver confided in a strained voice. “I didn’t care if you were perfect or not. I wanted you to be there for me.”

  “I didn’t know how to be there for your father or you. I couldn’t even be there for myself. All I’ve done for years is survive each day, trying to maintain my status and to be in control of my life. Unfinished business caught up with me and I couldn’t run anymore.”

  “You mean Connie Rivers.”

  Silver rubbed her hands over her face when her mother nodded. This was the kind of emotional confrontation she’d wanted to avoid tonight, but maybe some good could come out of it. “I don’t even know what to say.”

  Amelia drew in a shaky breath. “I’m sorry, Silver. Sorry for not being the mother you needed. Sorry for being so critical of the one thing in my life that made me proud every day.” Amelia let out a ragged laugh. “I despise weepy emotions. It must be the cosmopolitan.”

  Silver reached over and took her mother’s hand, taken aback by Amelia’s words. Her mother never apologized for anything.

  “I’ve listened to you, so now it’s my turn.”

  Amelia gently squeezed her hand. “Fire away.”

  Mother and daughter sat hand in hand until both had spoken their words and cried their tears. Hours later a huge burden had been lifted from Silver’s shoulders. Amelia leaned over and hugged her, something she hadn’t done in a very long time.

  “You know, confession is good for the soul, and I certainly feel better. I wish we’d done this years ago.”

  “Does this mean you won’t try to control my life anymore?” Silver asked.

  With a self-deprecating smile, Amelia responded, “I have changes to make, but maybe this bissy old dog isn’t too ancient to learn.”

  While they were both laughing, a radical thought occurred to Silver. “Are you serious about wanting to make amends?”

  “To be honest, it scares the hell out of me to think about living differently. I’m not sure how to handle things without being in control. Or at least, thinking I am.”

  “Why don’t you come with me?” At Amelia’s obvious confusion, Silver clarified her words. “To Connie’s house for the watch party.”

  Her mother’s face reflected the same shock she’d felt when Hunter delivered the invitation. “Why in heaven’s name would I want to do that?”

  Silver had used nearly the same words when Hunter issued the invitation. “For the same reason I’m going. To take one more step toward healing the past. I refuse to live my life wallowing in self-pity over a cowboy who wanted his name in lights more than a life with me.” When her mother didn’t respond, she leaned over and nudged Amelia with her shoulder. “Oh, come on. Justin’s family isn’t so bad.” She nudged her mother with her elbow. “And being seen at a Rivers party is good for your image.”

  “I suppose I do owe Connie an apology. All right, I’ll go on one condition. No, make that two conditions.”

  Silver arched her eyebrow in question.

  “You will let me drive. And you won’t expect me to wear denim to the party.”

  She gave her mother a grin. “You’ve got a deal, Mom.”

  Amelia’s smiled. “You haven’t called me that since you were a little girl.”

  Silver leaned over and hugged her mother, glad that something in her life had finally gone right that week.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Justin stood on the stage of the Ryman Theater, almost afraid to breathe. Practicing for his performance of “Daddy’s Hat” had been incredible. Silver’s suggestion had become a reality. Well-known country stars told him they liked his music. Tim McGraw, Josh Turner, and even Dolly Parton said they loved his voice. Becky had picked up where Sam had left off, getting Justin signed to GramMer, the biggest talent agency in country music. His career was skyrocketing; the whole experience was like a dream, and he was enjoying every second of it.

  Moving to one of the floor seats, he watched in awe as Keith Urban rehearsed a special tribute number to Johnny Cash. Then Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton stopped by to talk about this year’s program. They congratulated him and wanted to know what he thought!

  Wow, this must be heaven. Nothing could be better than this.

  No, that wasn’t exactly true.

  Unbidden, his thoughts went to the same place they usually did: a blonde beauty in Tulsa. Justin wanted her to share this with him. It didn’t feel complete without her.

  It had taken being in the thick of rehearsals to make him realize how much he missed Silver. He’d tried to talk with her, but she wouldn’t answer her phone. He’d emailed her and texted, but she didn’t respond. He’d apologized, groveled, even fought tears the last time they were together. Now he dreamed about her smile and missed her gentleness.

  As insane as
it sounded, he wanted another chance with her. Could he help that it had taken this long for him to figure things out?

  Nothing mattered more than Silver Madison.

  His stomach hurt like he’d been sucker punched. He had to convince her to listen. But how? What would it take, for crying out loud? Sky writing? A full-page ad in a newspaper? Announce to the world that he loved her?

  Love?

  His breath froze in his chest. Tell the world he loved Silver.

  Frowning, he stood rooted in place, his heart pounding. No, he wasn’t ready for something that intense, that…permanent. His career had to be in place before he could even begin to think about…

  Love.

  Sometimes it’s easier when you have someone beside you…

  His hands trembled when he thought of never seeing her again. Never hearing her laugh. Never touching her. Never having those sparkling green eyes focused on him with so much…

  “Love,” he whispered.

  Pulling out his phone, he called Becky and began making plans.

  * * *

  When Silver and Amelia walked into the Rivers’ mansion on Friday night, she expected a cool, polite reception, not being hugged and welcomed as if she were an old friend. The entire house smelled of good food, and laughter punctuated every moment. People sat everywhere. In the living room, in the kitchen, on the floors—if a space opened up, a person occupied it. Silver and Kade sat at a small table set up inside the kitchen area. She was stunned to see the governor and her husband walk in, and even more surprised to see her mother hug them.

  “I didn’t realize your family was so well-connected,” she said, leaning close to Kade.

  “People like free meals,” he kidded, then shrugged. “Mom is good at this. When Dad died, she took over and expanded, nearly doubling the Rivers assets. She’s determined to make sure that her children and grandchildren are taken care of.”

  “It sounds like the perfect entrepreneurial family.”

  “No family is perfect, as you well know. We’re all growing up one day at a time.” When Becky sat down by Silver, he gave her a glance. “Speaking of which…”

  “Oh, do you need a copy of Growing Up For Dummies?” Becky asked with a cheesy smile.

  Laughing, he stood. “Do either of you lovely ladies need anything?” When both said no, he left.

  Becky bumped Silver with her shoulder. “Are you nervous?”

  “About being here? Not really. Everyone has been incredibly nice.”

  “No, silly, nervous about Justin and the show.”

  Silver gave her friend a smile, hoping the sadness didn’t show. “A little. We won’t have a chance to see what could be between us. I know it sounds selfish, but I still wanted things to be different.”

  Putting an arm around her, Becky nodded. “Don’t give up. Things could change.”

  “Wishful thinking. Where’s Hunter? I haven’t seen him tonight.”

  “He flew out to Nashville this morning to be with Justin at the show.”

  “Why aren’t you there?”

  “Justin said I needed to hold down the fort here, in case sponsors try to get in touch.”

  Silver nodded. “I’m glad Hunter is with him.”

  Connie sat down on the other side of Silver. “It should be you there with him, sweetie.”

  Silver shook her head. “Not with the way things ended between us, Connie.”

  Connie tipped her head to one side. “You know, Silver, my sons are each so different. Justin has always been the serious one. He overthinks things, analyzes them to death, and puts himself first because he thinks everything has to be in A-B-C order. He forgets that life can’t be perfectly scheduled, and he needs to let his heart lead once in a while.”

  “Letting the heart lead is a scary thing.”

  “If we don’t, then what do we have?” Connie stood up. “My son is in love with you, even if he doesn’t fully understand it yet.”

  Silver stood with her. “Do you really think so?”

  With a fierce hug, Connie reassured her. “Honey, there is no doubt in my mind that you’ve lassoed that cowboy’s heart, so don’t count Justin out yet. And thank you for bringing Amelia. Her apology means a lot to me. Now, let’s go watch Justin flash that beautiful smile.”

  The evening flew by with plenty of great barbecue and watching country stars on the awards show. When Dolly Parton sang, Becky stood and cheered. Kade promptly said she needed to improve her cultural tastes, and Becky responded by throwing a dinner roll at his head.

  Silver cheered so loudly when Justin walked into the theater that everyone around her laughed.

  Seeing the man she loved in the same place as The Band Perry, Lady Antebellum, and Carrie Underwood made her realize how unreal life had become. Not that she listened to their music, but she knew the names from her students. Justin appeared at ease when the cameras showed him talking with some of country music’s superstars. Depending on what happened tonight, it could very well be his new social set.

  Kade turned up the volume on the flat screen television. “OK, everyone, this is it.”

  The house became silent as everyone waited. When the music started, Justin strolled onstage the same way he did at the talent contest, head down until the spotlight hit him. It had become his signature entrance to every show. The song, “Daddy’s Hat,” showcased his rich voice and easy smile.

  If she’d never heard his voice, Silver would have been mesmerized all over again. And it made her smile to know he’d taken her advice about the song.

  When the music ended, an immediate standing ovation from the theater audience had everyone in Connie’s house cheering. Kade grabbed Becky and kissed her, to which she slapped his arm, then grinned and wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him back. Silver noticed that when Becky let go and turned to hug someone else, Kade kept his eyes on her.

  “He’s going to make a speech!” someone yelled over the cheers and laughter. The room became quiet as Justin began talking.

  “Wow, this is incredible. Since it’s Thanksgiving, I want to say I’m thankful for so many people in my life. My neighbor who encouraged me to make a demo CD; the guys in my first band who told me to keep singing; the fans…definitely the fans.” He paused and waved his hat as screams erupted from the balcony section full of adoring audience members, then he went on with his thanks.

  “Everyone who had anything at all to do with my success, as a person and as a musician. I need to thank my family. Dad,” he said, holding his hat up to the ceiling, “I know this wasn’t your idea of what to do with my life, but it sure feels good, so I hope you’re happy for me. Thanks for the hat.” He cleared his throat then continued. “My mother who put up with way too much from this country boy. My brother at home and the one who’s with me tonight.” The camera cut to Hunter, who waved.

  “Most importantly, I want to thank…

  Music began playing to signal Justin that his time was up. No one could hear what he said and the camera cut away from him to the host pitching a commercial.

  “No! Don’t cut him off!” Becky screamed.

  Cheers began again in the house. Silver and Amelia stood, ready to leave. She walked to Connie and hugged her. “I’m so happy for Justin. It’s pretty obvious he’s going to be a huge success.”

  Connie took hold of her hands. “Sweetie, I know your heart is hurting right now. Don’t give up. And Amelia, I’ll call you about lunch.”

  Silver didn’t reply. She couldn’t unless she wanted to burst into tears right there in the middle of the woman’s home. Managing a smile, she left the house. She was almost to Amelia’s car when she heard Becky calling her name.

  “Sil, wait up!” She turned to see her friend running toward her. “Hey, weren’t you going to say good-bye? I’m flying to Nashville tomorrow and I won’t be back for a few weeks.”

  “I couldn’t stay, Becky. But listen, you have a great time with your new job. I know you’ll be amazing.” Becky reached over t
o hug her, and tears welled up that she’d fought so hard to keep at bay. “Really, it’s fine. Call me when you get back.”

  Becky held her at arm’s length. “Don’t give up, Sil. It’s going to be better.”

  “Time heals all wounds. I know.” She got into the car and, as her mother drove away from the Rivers mansion, Silver finally let go of the tears. “Geez, I’ve cried more in the past six weeks than I have my whole life, I think.”

  “At least you’re still pretty when you cry,” Amelia offered.

  In spite of the heartache, she had to laugh.

  Just a little.

  * * *

  Justin stood backstage with his cell phone to his ear straining to hear Becky over all the background noise.

  “Great job, boss. I thought you’d be partying hearty right now.”

  He laughed. “It’s crazy, that’s for sure. When can you get here?”

  “Tomorrow morning, late. Any offers from a record company yet?”

  “Several, but I need help reviewing contracts. Since Robert is tied up, can you see if another lawyer from his office is available?”

  “I’ll call them tomorrow.”

  “Hey, is Silver close? I keep trying to call her, but her phone is turned off.”

  “She left. We couldn’t hear what you were saying because the music cut you off.”

  Damn this noise. He couldn’t hear a thing. “It’s getting way too loud, Becky. See you tomorrow.”

  The line went dead and he shook his head. Texting his manager, he asked, “What did she say?”

  “Hey, Justin, how about some pictures with Luke Bryan and Reba?”

  “Sure thing!” His phone chirped with Becky’s reply:

  “They cut you off with music. She didn’t hear it.”

  Disappointment weighed him down as he walked toward the photo area. OK, he’d have to come up with Plan B.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Silver kept up the pretense of being happy. Becky told her Justin signed a deal with a major record label and had scheduled a short tour in six states to test audience response. The cowboy had a superstar career on the horizon.