Last One to Know

by Sharon Coady

  “It went very well. They’re looking forward to the interview.”

  “Great! I’ll get everything set up. I’m so excited about this, and I can’t wait to hear them after all this hype.”

  “You’ll be amazed. They’re a great duo, and she has a voice like an angel.”

  “I heard. I’m very excited. This is going to be a fun interview.”

  “Do you have a few minutes? We need to discuss some topics that are off limits with them.”

  “Sure. Let me grab my tablet so I can make my list of what not to touch.” There was a brief silence on her end before she continued, “Okay, I’m ready.”

  “First, no questions about relationships. They’re both very private. Second, no questions about their families for the same reason. Leona is even more private than Alastair.”

  “Okay, usually people do like to have some background on the musicians. Any reason why these two are so secretive?”

  “They just aren’t big on sharing private information. Now, they know if things move forward for them that might change at some point. As of right now, they would prefer to hold on to that privacy. And I guess that would give us number three, the only thing anyone needs to know is they’re from Texas.”

  “All right, John. That’s not too much to ask.”

  “I’ll tell you what Rene, if they make it big, I’ll get you an exclusive since you are the first reporter to interview them. How does that sound?”

  “Sounds awesome. Okay, I’ll abide by your rules. And I’m going to hold you to that promise.”

  “Thanks, Rene. I’ll let them know everything has been arranged for tomorrow night right after the gig.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll see you there.”

  She hung up before he had to answer. John breathed a sigh of relief. He didn’t need to come up with a reason for why he wouldn’t be at the show. He headed to their room, his mind lost in thought. He found himself at their door and almost turned around and left. He just wanted to be by himself. But he’d already done enough running for a lifetime with that one little jaunt. John’s stomach growled when he opened the door to the room, the smell of bacon and biscuits wafted towards him.

  “Oh man, that smells great. My mouth is watering.”

  “Well, the coffee is ready and we’re almost done with the bacon and eggs. The biscuits have another minute to go.” Hope smiled. “I’m glad you’re hungry.”

  “Let me wash up and I’ll be right back. Sorry, the call took a little longer than I thought. Alastair everything is set up for right after the gig. I gave her some rules about what not to ask. She’s cool with it, especially since I told her when y’all hit it big, I’ll make sure she gets the first exclusive interview.”

  “Sounds good to me.” Alastair glanced his way. “How are you holding up?”

  “Crap Alastair, you saw and heard what happened. She turned her back to me. I don’t think there’s anything to fix. The way she talked to me, she’s done. I’m not even her friend anymore. I’m her lawyer.”

  “I don’t believe that, you didn’t see her face. I’m so pissed at both of you. Y’all are doing some of the dumbest stuff I’ve ever seen. You both need to grow the fuck up.”

  “Alastair!” Hope said, her brows raised in a look of shock.

  “Well, you know it’s the truth. I’m not tiptoeing around this crap anymore.”

  “I know you’re right, but there has to be a better way of saying it,” she retorted.

  “It’s okay, Hope. I deserved it. I just don’t know if I can fix this.”

  “John Montgomery. Are you really that stupid?” Hopes eyes narrowed as she pointed her finger at him and shook it. “Y’all finally found your way to each other, and you’re going to let a stupid misunderstanding keep you apart? Alastair is right. I shouldn’t have scolded. You both need to grow up and fix this. Now, let’s eat before everything gets cold.”

  John couldn’t believe Hope. He had never seen her lose her temper once in all the years they’d known each other. He turned towards Alastair and saw him standing there staring at her, his jaw slack.

  He nudged him and whispered, “I think we better sit down.”

  “I think you’re right.” He slid into the closest chair, watching her put the food in bowls and setting them rather loudly on the table. “I’ve never seen her this mad before.”

  “I can hear you both. Just eat and stop whispering to each other.” She sat down and put some food on her plate without looking at either of them.

  John coughed. Alastair started laughing.

  “What are you laughing at, Alastair Wilson?”

  “Nothing. Nothing at all.”

  ~~~

  “Heather? Are you back?” Leona walked out of her room to find the cottage empty. Glancing at the clock, she saw it was almost three. “Where the heck are they?” She touched Heather’s number and waited for her to answer. It rang three times and went to voicemail. “Hey, it’s me. I was just wondering where y’all are. Will you be back for dinner? Okay, just let me know. If you aren’t, I’ll just cook for myself.” She disconnected and set her phone on the counter to fix a glass of lemonade.

  Leona hummed to herself. She had sent Alastair a copy of the sheet music for the lyrics she had finally finished. He didn’t need to know the words, just the music. Even though it would be more of a challenge, she hoped it would be fine without practicing. They had a gift for being able to just pick out a song and do it almost flawlessly when they played it the first time. She just hoped Johnny was there when they got to the last song of the night.

  She sent a text, letting Alistair know to check his email and practice the tune. A few minutes later, he sent one back with a simple, OK. If this worked, maybe everything could be saved, if not she would move on. She sighed and leaned back against the counter.

  Her phone rang, startling her. “Hello.”

  “Sorry Leona, I was talking to Hope when you called. We were figuring out what we were doing to get you ready for the gig tomorrow. We both think you should wear the boots, hat, and jacket, but we think you need a different pair of jeans and a cute top. She’s meeting me in town, so we can do some shopping for you.”

  “You guys don’t have to do that.”

  “Yes we do! You have absolutely nothing to wear. Remember, we went through what you brought. But don’t you worry. We’re going to get you a couple of things so you can change it up for each show. Hope said they have some really cute stuff at this shop in town. Don’t you worry about a thing.”

  “Thank you. So I guess that means you won’t be back for dinner?”

  “No, I won’t. Sebastian is meeting me for dinner in town. We won’t be back late. I’m sorry, I’m just rambling and didn’t even think to ask you how you’re doing.”

  “I’m fine Heather, so calm down. I have a plan and as long as Johnny is there tomorrow, I think it will work.”

  “Good girl! Did I talk some sense into you?”

  “More Sebastian than you.” Leona smiled, thinking of the look of shock crossing Heather’s face at that moment. “I’m going to give it a try, and if it doesn’t work then at least I know I went down fighting.”

  “Good. Let me get off here so we can finish up. I’ll see you later.”

  “Okay. Have fun and don’t spend a lot of money, please.”

  “This is my treat.”

  “No. I’ll pay you back.”

  “When you and Alastair hit it big, you can pay me back by letting me design your stage outfits!” She laughed. “Gotta run, Hope found something.”

  Leona smiled; at least with Hope in the mix, she knew Heather couldn’t get too outlandish with the outfits. She went and grabbed her notebook so she could go over the lyrics once again. Alastair would be so excited they were going to have one original song for this first gig. She hoped she would be able to get some more written before the second week.

  Her phone pinged. It was from Alastair.

  Hey, you wrote something finally?
Glad to see the new music. Like the tempo and the tune, guessing this is a love song? Do we need to practice?

  She quickly typed out, Yes to the love song. Glad you like it. No, I think we’ll be fine. I don’t want to share the lyrics until tomorrow. Johnny is going to be there, right? and hit send. A minute went by before she got a response.

  Not sure. I’m trying to talk him into it.

  It’s important. Please make sure he is.

  I’ll try my best, but I can’t promise anything.

  Thanks! I guess it’s all I can ask.

  Her heart stuttered as butterflies tumbled in her stomach. Please come, Johnny. You have to come.

  Chapter Twenty-six

  Leona startled awake. She lay perfectly still, wondering what had awakened her. She heard a giggle. Groaning, she glanced at her clock: midnight. Great, now she had to pee. She threw her covers off, turned on her light, and made her way to the bathroom. After she washed her hands, she heard a tapping on her door.

  “Leona, are you up?”

  “I am now.” Shaking her head, she opened her door. Yawning, she looked from Heather to Sebastian. “What’s up?”

  “I have the outfits if you want to look at them.” Sebastian held out four huge bags.

  “Thanks but it’s midnight. I’m going back to bed and try to get some sleep, if you don’t mind.”

  “Oh no, that’s fine. I just saw your light and thought maybe you were up.”

  “Nope, just had to go to the bathroom, and now I’m heading back to bed. I want to make sure I get the sleep you told me I needed.”

  “Sounds good. I don’t want to have to try to fix circles under your eyes. Night Leona. Sorry we woke you.”

  “No problem. Night y’all.” She closed her door and went back to bed. Sighing, she lay down on the bed and drifted off to sleep.

  She woke the next morning to voices in the kitchen and the smell of bacon wafting through her door. Climbing out of bed, she made her way down the hall and to the kitchen.

  “Hey, Leona. I’m so sorry we woke you last night. Are you hungry?” Heather flipped the bacon.

  “I slept fine after you left me alone.” She winked at her, showing Heather she was in no way upset about it. “Have you guys heard from Alastair this morning? I was hoping he might come over a little early. I’d like to run through the set one more time.”

  “Hope texted me about fifteen minutes ago and asked if you were up yet. So I think it would be safe for you to call him.”

  “Okay, I’ll be back.” She rushed to her room to get her phone. As she waited for Alastair to answer, she wondered what Johnny was doing and where he was.

  “Hey, I was wondering if you wanted to get together early so we can run through the set one more time. I want to hear your interpretation of the music for the song I sent you. I still don’t want anyone to hear the lyrics until I sing it tonight.”

  “I was just about to call you and ask the same thing. You must have read my mind,” he replied.

  “Heather said they’ll do my makeup again and get me ready. So maybe you could come a couple hours before that?”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  She cleared her throat. “Is Johnny coming tonight?” Alastair was so quiet, she pulled the phone away from her ear to make sure it was still on. “Are you there?”

  “Sorry. Yeah, I’m still here. Listen, I’m not sure he is. We both asked him about it, and he said he didn’t think he was up for it.”

  “Can you try to talk to him again? I really want him to be there.” She wanted to call Johnny and ask him herself, but she didn’t want to sound like she was begging. She wouldn’t do that. She had to prove she was strong if only to herself.

  “I’ll try but I can’t promise you.”

  “If he doesn’t show up then I guess we’ll both move on.”

  “This is what really ticks me off with you two. Y’all are the most mule-headed assholes I’ve ever known. You need to wise up and get it together before you move on and screw it up so badly, it won’t be fixable. Damn idiots.”

  “Thanks, Alastair. I can always count on you to be brutally honest with me. I hope you said the same to him.”

  “I did.”

  She thought about everything that had happened over the last few days. Alastair was right, they were both acting childish. She needed to put her pride aside. “You get Johnny there tonight ,and I think the rest will take care of itself.”

  “I’ll work on him. Still no promises though. See you soon.”

  ~~~

  Johnny stood in the hallway, listening to Alastair’s side of the phone call. He didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but he wanted to let him finish his conversation with her. He hoped she would listen to what he was saying. He didn’t want to lose her. Somehow, he had to find a way to tell her.

  When he heard Alastair finish the call, he coughed as he walked into the living room. “Morning,” he mumbled.

  “Morning. How much of that did you hear?” Alastair crossed is arms and leaned on the back of the sofa, a smile on his face.

  “Enough to know you were talking to Leona, and you told her we needed to stop being stupid.” John shook his head. “What did she say?”

  “She wants me to ask you to come to the show tonight. She wants you there, but she doesn’t want to ask you herself. She’s being just as stubborn as you are. Told her I’d try but couldn’t promise anything. So, what’s it going to be John? What should I tell her?”

  “Tell her I don’t know what I’m doing yet.”

  “What the hell, John?”

  Before he could answer, Alastair left the room. Shaking his head, he grabbed a cup of coffee, dropped some bread in the toaster, and snagged the butter and strawberry jam from the fridge. He’d show up, but he didn’t want anyone telling her. He’d surprise her after the interview. That way she wouldn’t be nervous about him being in the audience. Plus, if she didn’t want anything to do with him, he could at least save face.

  “Alastair, I’ve got some things I need to take care of. I’ll talk to you later, okay? What time are you leaving?”

  Hope came out of their room. “Morning, John. He’s in the shower. I’m not sure what time we’re going, but I can have him call you.” Her cheeks turned pink, and she lowered her eyes.

  Crap, she’s lying to me. John knew Alastair was pissed when he walked away, but he didn’t think Alastair was mad enough to have Hope lie for him.

  “Yeah, tell him to do that.” He leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “I’ll see you guys later.” He grabbed his keys and headed out the door, his heart heavy. John wondered if his friendship with all of them was changed forever because of one screwed up mistake.

  He headed into town with his mind on two things: Leona and his mission. It might be the one last chance he had. He would wait and see what happened tonight when he approached her.

  The salesman was talking when John’s phone rang, interrupting the sales speech. “Excuse me.” He held up a finger. “I have to take this call.” John stepped out of the shop. “Hey, Alastair. I wanted to explain about this morning.”

  “John, you don’t owe me any explanation. Leona is the one you owe that to.”

  “I know, that’s what I was trying to tell you. I want to apologize and explain to her why I left like I did. I just don’t know if tonight is the right time or place to do that. Tonight is about her and you, not her and me.”

  “I just don’t want to see her disappointed again. I know how you two feel about each other, and the entire thing is pissing me off. I’m not just mad at you, I’m mad at her too. That being said, I hope you show up. It would mean a lot to both of us.”

  “I’ll try my best but can you do me a favor?”

  “Depends on what it is.”

  “Don’t tell her, okay?”

  He heard Alastair sigh. “Yeah, I’ll keep my mouth shut. Later, John.”

  He heard the phone go dead. First obstacle taken care of. Now, he had to make sure he positione
d himself at the club where none of them would see him. He honestly wanted the night to be about them. John went back into the shop to complete his purchase. After the salesman wrapped the box, he took the bag, and wearing a smile that he knew lit up his face, headed back to the hotel.

  Alastair and Hope were already gone, which worked out great for him. He showered and changed into a pair of jeans, T-shirt, and his cowboy boots. He stood looking at himself in the mirror and saw the man he used to be looking back at him. He placed the cowboy hat on his head and tilted it down just a little. A ghost of a smile hinted around his lips as he thought about the look on Leo’s face when she saw him.

  Chapter Twenty-seven

  Alastair and Leona stood backstage, peeking out at the audience.

  “Look at the crowd, Leona. We’ve packed the house.”

  “I see. I’m so nervous right now. Hark said they were at capacity within fifteen minutes of opening the doors. Do you think it’s because of that news report this morning?” Leona paced back and forth, wringing her hands. “Did you see Johnny anywhere?”

  He gently took her arm. “I didn’t look for him.”

  She nodded. “I was just hoping he would come, that’s all.”

  “He said tonight was about us, not about you and him. I think he wants you to concentrate on the show. He’s right you know, it is about us tonight. We need to go out there and knock their socks off.”

  “Let’s go out there and show them how Texas does it!” She fist bumped him and grabbed his hand as Hark took the stage to announce them.

  “It’s great to see all of you here tonight! If you were lucky enough to see this duo last weekend, you already know what a treat you are in for. If you haven’t, then sit back and prepare to have one of the greatest nights you’ve ever had. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you McCoy and Wilson!”

  Alastair slid his guitar in front of him as they moved quickly into place on stage. As soon as she took the mic, he started the first song of their set. The audience was going nuts by the third song, the energy only increased as they flawlessly moved through the music.