Made in Nashville: HarperImpulse Contemporary Romance

by Mandy Baggot

  ‘He rocks it, doesn’t he?’ Mia called to her.

  ‘Yes he does,’ she answered.

  ‘I want to thank y’all so much for comin’ to hang out with me tonight. I’ve had such a blast, so thank you for making me feel so welcome.’

  The crowd responded with whoops and yells. He couldn’t see any of them. They were a black mass of shadows, stretching out in front of him and ending who knew where. But he could feel them. They’d clapped and shouted their appreciation, joined in with all the songs and made the gig one of his best performances of the year. This was why he did what he did. When he found out he could be so admired for just bringing the style of music he loved playing to the stage, it was a dream come true. He loved, lived and breathed what he did and every day he praised the Lord for giving him the chance to do it.

  ‘Now, this last song I’m gonna play is a brand new one. It’s gonna be on my new album and I wrote it for my girl.’ He whirled his hand in the air and a spotlight moved, falling over the VIP pit, lighting it up.

  ‘She’s down there somewhere, Miss Honor Blackwood. Let’s hear some appreciation for her y’all, because she’s one talented lady.’ He saw Mia had grabbed up Honor’s arm and was waving it in the air as Honor looked embarrassed from the attention.

  The crowd responded straight away, clapping and screaming their acknowledgement as he knew they would.

  ‘So, being in love an’ all.’ He paused. ‘It brings out all these sorts of feelings I barely knew existed.’ He stopped and the crowd whistled. ‘So, Honor, this one’s for you. This is All For You.’

  Here I am, and God I think I’m fallin’

  Can’t hold on, you’ve got me floored

  Can’t forget, Lord I think I’m drowning

  Going down without a care

  You didn’t even know how much you reached me

  You didn’t even know that you could teach me

  But it’s all for you

  Everything I do

  Cos now you’re here with me, baby it’s all true

  Yes, it’s all for you

  Every single day

  And baby now I’ve found you, there’s no other way

  She knew Mia was staring at her but she couldn’t stop. The tears were leaking from her eyes as she watched him and his favorite acoustic guitar work magic on a song he’d written for her. It was perfect. He was perfect.

  ‘Oh! I might just orgasm. This is the best corn dog I’ve ever had.’ Mia was stuffing it into her mouth as they waited in the holding area for Jared and Byron to finish up and join them.

  ‘I thought we were going to eat someplace,’ Honor remarked as the rest of the corn dog got pushed down Mia’s throat.

  ‘We are. I mean, this is a good corn dog an’ all but it’s basically just a snack. D’you know how long I’ve been here? D’you know how much more it costs me to have someone else take care of the store instead of you? I deserve this.’

  ‘I slept with Jared last night,’ Honor informed.

  ‘Holy fuck! For real? For a minute I thought you were gonna hang on till the wedding night.’

  Honor took a swig from her water bottle.

  ‘Well? You can’t just lay that on me and not give me details. What’s he like?’

  ‘I’m not giving you details. We’ve never given each other details.’

  ‘You’re kidding me? I’ve given you a blow by blow account – literally - of all of my conquests.’ Mia looked affronted.

  ‘It was special … really special and that’s all I’m saying,’ Honor stated.

  ‘I saw the two of you on You Tube in his new video and I swear the screen misted over. I’ll hedge my bets that he was damn good.’

  ‘And Byron?’ Honor asked quickly.

  ‘Oh he’s got a body to die for. You have to be fit for all this touring they do. He’s the most sought-after guitarist in Nashville you know. Everybody wants him, Lindy Mason, Jared, Vince Gill, you name them, they want him. I call him Deacon Claybourne but he doesn’t really get it.’

  Honor laughed.

  ‘Miss Blackwood.’ The middle-aged roadie she’d seen the day before approached them, something in his hands.

  ‘Hey … it was Corbin wasn’t it?’ she replied, frowning as she tried to remember.

  ‘Yes, that’s right. You remembered.’ He smiled.

  ‘I really appreciated the water yesterday.’

  ‘I’m Mia, Byron Starks’ girlfriend and Honor here’s my very best friend. You are … ?’

  ‘Corbin Severs, ma'am, pleased to meet you.’ He held out his hand to Mia and she took it.

  ‘We’re just about to head off so … ’ Honor started.

  ‘Sure. I just found these backstage. They’re picks,’ he stated, handing her a tiny plastic box not more than a couple of inches across.

  ‘Oh,’ she took them, her brow furrowing in confusion. She didn’t recognize the box at all. ‘Are you sure they’re mine? I mean, there are so many artists here and … ’

  ‘They’re personalized.’ He took the box back from her hand and opened it up.

  There were maybe a dozen guitar picks all with her photo or cover art from her first albums, the logo of her name in gold or pink, one was sequined, with HB engraved into it.

  ‘Wow, they’re awesome! I need to get some of those for the store. Would you sign some?’ Mia asked, looking past Honor into the box.

  ‘I’ve not seen these before,’ Honor stated, lifting her eyes to look up at Corbin.

  ‘They were just backstage … you know maybe your new record company had them done and they kind of got lost en route?’ he suggested.

  ‘Whoa, hang on, maybe it’s that stalker guy. Flowers, owls, chocolates and now personalized picks,’ Mia blurted out.

  ‘I don’t think … well I don’t know but … well I was just passing these on. I mean if you don’t want them I can unfind them again for you,’ Corbin suggested.

  ‘No, it’s fine. They’re pretty.’ She took the box back. ‘I expect you’re right. They’re probably something Gear arranged. Jared has some with skulls and stuff on,’ Honor said, smiling at the roadie.

  ‘Right, well, have a good night,’ he said, waving a hand and turning away.

  ‘Weird,’ Mia said, staring at the glittering picks.

  ‘Yeah but no freaky note and look at this one - neon blue,’ Honor said, taking it out the box and holding it up.

  ‘What you got there?’

  Jared’s voice startled her and she closed the box up. If she showed him or told him where they came from he’d worry. He’d think it was another gift from her anonymous admirer or Dan Steele. He’d been through so much in the last twenty-four hours she didn’t want to add to his plate. Things were going so well between them and she didn’t want anything getting in the way.

  ‘Someone’s made her some real cute picks,’ Mia stated, snatching the box and opening it up.

  ‘Probably Gear. They were left backstage,’ Honor said hurriedly.

  ‘I want some like that,’ Byron said, admiring them.

  She could see in Jared’s expression that something was coming.

  ‘Any note?’ he said, his eyes questioning.

  ‘No note. It’s nothing. They’re not from … whoever it is,’ Honor insisted.

  ‘Maybe we should … ’

  She silenced him with a kiss, grabbing him by his leather jacket and holding him hard against her.

  ‘Are you seeing this?’ Mia said loudly to Byron.

  ‘Damn, stop it, or you’ll be all over tomorrow’s papers,’ Byron remarked.

  Chapter Thirty Seven

  ‘Does this one say “sexy” or “slutty”?’ Mia held up a black dress with a slit from armpit to waist and another from thigh to floor.

  ‘What do you want it to say?’ Honor hadn’t even looked up. She was lying on her bed, desperately scratching down lyrics while they were in her head. The last day of the Marlon Festival had been a blast but she’d been struck by inspiration so
many times, she needed to write down the songs before they evaporated.

  ‘Argh! You’re not even listening, you’re doodling! Come on, doll, this is important! This is a huge night for me. This is my first official Nashville engagement as Byron Starks’ girlfriend. I have to get the look right. All the press will be there and if I choose the right dress I might make it into Countrywire magazine.’

  She was right. It was the Marlon Awards and despite recent events Jared was still up for Best Male Vocalist. All the nominees were performing and she knew he was nervous about it. The Ryman Auditorium was a special place. There was a magical ambience about it. She’d performed there once, when she was invited as a new face. She remembered it like yesterday. It was a reasonably sized venue but it somehow retained an intimacy that enchanted both the audience and the performer. Tonight she was looking forward to being in the seats, watching her guy do what he did best - rock out and entertain.

  She closed up the book, rolled over onto her stomach on her bed and propped her head up with her hands, elbows on a cushion. ‘What are the choices?’

  ‘OK, we have “sexy and slutty dress”, we have “demure dress”.’ Mia held up a grey body con dress with a beaded neckline. ‘And we have “star-spangled dress”.’

  Star-spangled dress caught the spotlights in the ceiling with its thousands of sequins and diamantes and Honor put her hands over her eyes. ‘Put it down. You can’t wear that, Byron will need sunglasses just to look at you.’

  Mia pouted. ‘This one’s my favorite. I thought it was real Dolly Parton.’

  ‘Is that the look you’re going for?’

  Mia slumped down on the bed and positioned herself prostrate opposite Honor.

  ‘It’s alright for you. Gear probably got a dozen dresses from top designers for you to wear tonight.’

  They had but she had turned them down. She’d done all that before and she didn’t want a replica re-run, she wanted something different. She wanted to be able to make new choices, her choices, her decisions. Not having an advisor was refreshing. She was in charge for the very first time.

  ‘I’m wearing something I picked up in T J Maxx,’ she replied. ‘And it was on sale.’

  ‘Why?’

  ‘Why not?’ Honor challenged.

  ‘Because I happen to know Byron’s booked a room for the two of us at the Vanderbilt. Surely Jed must have plans for the two of you that warrants more than something from T J Maxx.’

  ‘Wow, no wonder you’re going all out with star-spangled dress.’

  ‘Soooo?’ Mia continued.

  ‘We’re heading to Alabama tomorrow. I’m going to meet his family,’ Honor informed.

  ‘What? Holy crap, are you serious? Meeting the family already? I mean I know you talked about it, but jeez!’

  ‘Don’t! I’m nervous enough already and now you’ve given me a “holy crap” and a “jeez”. Is it a mistake? Is it really too soon?’

  ‘All I know is the longest relationship I’ve ever had was nine months and I never went near his folks.’

  ‘His family’s really important to him.’

  ‘And so are you by the sound of things.’

  ‘I just don’t know what to expect. I mean, I know nothing about family. Are they going to like me? Am I going to feel a bit of an outsider? Am I really going to have to wear the dance dress?’

  ‘The dance dress? What the hell is that?’

  Honor let out a sigh and put her hands into her hair, scrunching it into a bunch and turning to look at her reflection in the mirror. Could she wear her hair up tonight? Did she dare show her face that much? She wasn’t going to be on stage but there would be cameras there, flashlights keen to snap all the musicians’ imperfections.

  ‘Do you want me to do your hair?’ Mia offered.

  Honor shook her head and grabbed up her brush. ‘No. This is your big night, Byron Starks' girlfriend. I’m going to do yours.’

  His palms were sweating. He wasn’t sure how he was going to play later if his hands stayed damp. Buzz was talking at him, going through the schedule and he couldn’t really hear him. There was too much running around in his mind. Tonight was so important for so many reasons. He was performing in one of his favorite venues, he was up for an award and tonight he was going to give Honor his ring.

  He put his hand to the collar of his shirt as the thought of her bare body filled his head and rode over his senses. Her beautiful cream skin, the curves he’d caressed, those full lips moving against his, nipping at the skin …

  ‘Jared? Are you listening up?’

  ‘Sorry, man, I was just thinkin’ about stuff.’ He put his hand to his cap and pulled it lower.

  ‘Are you nervous?’ Buzz made a big deal about saying the ‘n’ word. It wasn’t usually something he ever had to utter. He never suffered with anxiety before a show but it wasn’t just about the show. In fact the performance and even the award were the least important things about the night. He’d never given a ring to anyone.

  ‘I don’t know that word. What does it mean?’ he answered.

  ‘That’s what I like to hear.’

  Jared nodded and picked up his guitar. ‘I’m on second, the award for Best Male Vocalist is halfway through the night and I try not to look too pissed when I lose out to Blake Shelton.’

  Buzz looked up from his iPad. ‘Is that what you think is going to happen?’

  ‘I know I’m not the favorite and after the arrest and everything, chances are Blake’s got it.’

  ‘I wouldn’t underestimate the power of your fan base.’

  Jared shook his head. ‘It don’t matter, Buzz. It’s never been about the awards for me.’ He strummed a chord and tapped his hand on the body of the acoustic.

  Buzz moved toward the mantle and Jared watched as he picked up the framed photo of his father. He swallowed, emotion already building up as his advisor studied the picture. He knew his momma couldn’t be here tonight but he’d see her tomorrow and introduce her to Honor. But, the reason his daddy wasn’t here, still haunted him. Such a waste, such a messed-up, fucked-up scenario he’d never get over. He bit his lip.

  ‘He’d be proud you know,’ Buzz stated.

  He didn’t need this now. It was going to be a night full of heightened feelings as it was without Buzz adding to it like this. Buzz knew his father was dead but that was all he knew. He couldn’t begin to understand how much more it was, nobody could. He carried around the hurt and the guilt and the pain every single day of his life.

  ‘So, how many interviews have I got before I can go in? Did you line up some for Honor?’ He had to change the subject and regroup.

  ‘You know she doesn’t need me. You heard her tell me that, right?’ Buzz put down the photo and turned to face Jared.

  He grinned. ‘I heard her. But that’s just how she is right now. Right now she thinks she can take on the whole damn world. I kinda like it because it’s the exact opposite from how she was when I first met her but … ’

  ‘But?’

  ‘She’ll need you. She’s tired already. We’ve got a tour comin’ up.’

  Buzz nodded. ‘Well, when she’s ready, I’ll be there.’

  Jared smiled. ‘Thanks, Buzz.’

  ‘What the hell? Is that the door?’ Mia looked to Honor with one foot dangling over the bed, as Honor painted her toenails with bright red varnish.

  ‘Yeah. It can’t be my car, it’s not due for another hour. Would it be Byron?’ Honor stood up, putting the lid back on the nail polish and the bottle on the nightstand.

  ‘No, that would be freaking weird.’

  ‘I’ll go find out,’ Honor said, heading for her bedroom door.

  ‘Don’t you open it until you’ve checked who it is, doll!’ Mia called after her.

  She hurried down the wooden stairs and dashed towards the front door. Checking the spy hole she saw a uniformed courier holding a package. Her heart dropped down into her boots. She didn’t want this, not again. Perhaps the picks hadn’t been
from Gear. She put her hand on the doorknob and tried to breathe. This was just a fan showing appreciation. This was not connected to Simeon Stewart in any way. She had to believe that. She did believe that. She blew out another breath and rubbed the palm of her free hand on her jeans. She opened the door and greeted the delivery guy with a smile.

  ‘Package for ya,’ he stated, lifting up a large box.

  ‘Whoa, it’s big.’ She took it from him and put it down against the wall inside.

  ‘I hear that all the time.’

  She looked at the man, slightly taken aback.

  ‘Still too much packaging despite the environmental reforms. Sign here.’ He thrust a handheld console toward her and she took it.

  ‘You don’t happen to know who sent it do you?’ She’d tried to keep her tone light, like it didn’t matter.

  ‘I just deliver ‘em, ma’am.’ He took back the console and turned away.

  ‘Sure, thanks.’ She watched him get to his van then closed the front door, eyeing the parcel with suspicion. The size of it said this was a step up from all the other gifts she’d received.

  ‘Are you still alive down there?’ Mia’s shout made her jolt.

  ‘Yes, I’m coming.’ She picked up the box and headed towards the stairs.

  ‘It’s a guitar! And it’s from my store. I can see the edge of our invoice under the plastic there. Take the invoice out and I can tell you who sold it and then I can find out who purchased it within minutes.’

  ‘You’re not heading to the store to check the computer.’

  ‘No, I’ll call whoever sold it and interrogate them. If your stalker’s been to the store then we’re going to find out who it is.’

  Honor took a breath. As usual Mia’s mind was working ten different angles all at the same time and they hadn’t even opened the box yet. She wasn’t sure she wanted to but with Mia here she doubted she’d be given a choice.

  ‘I actually want a stalker if he’s gonna buy me guitars.’

  Honor pulled at the cardboard tab to open the box. ‘You own a whole store of them.’