“Steve,” Jared said, dryly.
“Yeah, man?”
“Drive!”
“Right!” Steve said, turning the car around and heading back on the Interstate. They drove in silence as they drank their Cokes and ate their snacks. Then Steve spoke again, excited this time. “Oh, I almost forgot. You got the schedule for the gig.”
Jared raised an eyebrow. “How do you know?”
“He kinda, sorta, opened the letter when he saw where it was from,” Carl said, ratting on Steve.
“You traitor. I had a good lie all lined up too!”
Jared’s attention was piqued. “So, what did it say?”
Steve opened the glove box and handed Jared an official looking, white envelope with the logo for the HMC on the face of it. Jared turned on the map light above him and Sara. He opened the letter and started glancing through it. “Shit!”
Sara looked worried. “What is it?”
“They want us to be there tomorrow morning to rehearse, and get the sound system setup.”
“What? Tomorrow morning! I’m not ready for that, Jared!” Sara protested profusely.
“Easy, Sara. They don’t want us there until eleven. We’ll still have a chance to work a while before we have to leave.”
Sara kept shaking her head. “No, I’m not ready! I’ll throw up, Jared!”
Jared smiled at her. “Sara, you’re going to do just fine and you’re not going to faint. You’re not going to throw up, and you’re not going to forget the lyrics either. Trust me. You don’t give yourself enough credit. You’re good.”
“You’re biased!” Sara grumbled.
Jared laughed. “Yes, but I know talent when I hear it.”
Sara groaned and slid to the other side of the car, staring out the side glass at the blur of lights as they flew past them. Just, as they started through Shreveport, Jared phoned Gary again to let him know they were back. Gary said he would leave now, and meet them there, but he would be bringing his cousin with him. Jared also phoned ahead, and gave Cassie instructions to entertain Gary if he arrived before he and Sara did.
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When they got to Wisteria Hall it was nearly half past ten. As promised, Gary and his cousin were sitting in the lounge, drinking coffee, and visiting with Cassie.
“Well it’s about time you got here,” Gary laughed, as he gave Jared a warm handshake. “Jared, this is my cousin, Donna Rigden. Donna, this is Jared Thundercloud of ‘Raging Storm’. Donna will be taking over for me at D’Netics.”
Oh my God! Donna’s heart rate quickened, as she stared at him, smiling. She swallowed hard, holding out her hand. “Nice to ah – to meet you Jared. ‘Raging Storm’ is one of the few country bands I’ll listen to.”
Jared grinned and chuckled. It wasn’t the first time a woman’s eyes had widened when they met him. “So I assume you don’t like country music Donna?”
Donna sighed, her cheeks showing some color. “Well, not a lot – I mean I didn’t, but I like ‘Raging Storm,’” she added quickly. If you were involved, I could learn to appreciate opera!
What the…? “I’m glad,” Jared said, shaking Donna’s hand. A slight tingle ran through him as he locked eyes with her. By the way, Donna’s eyes widened, Jared could tell she felt something too. That’s odd. I’ve already found my perfect match - Sara. Why am I getting these feelings from Donna?
Donna furrowed her brow. “Pardon?” Seeing the confused look on Sara’s face, reluctantly, Donna eased her hand away from Jared’s.
Jared blinked a couple of times and cleared his throat. “I – ah – I didn’t…”
Gary glanced from Donna to Jared wondering what was going on. “Jared, has being in Arizona destroyed your southern hospitality...?” Gary asked, motioning with his head to the woman standing beside Jared.
“Oh – yes,” he smiled at Sara and wrapped his free arm around her waist. “Gary, Donna, this is Sara Foster, my fiancée.”
Donna glanced at her feet. Typical – he’s taken. I’d hoped she was his sister or cousin or anything but his fiancée.
Jared quickly glanced in Donna’s direction. Can Donna hear my thoughts? Better still, can I hear Donna’s? How is that possible? This isn’t supposed to happen!
Donna looked up. “Excuse me…?”
Great! Jared thought, quickly putting up a mental barrier. There are only two reasons this could happen, and I don’t even want to think about one of them.
Gary smiled. “So this is ‘Raging Storm’s’ new female vocalist. This is the Sara Foster from the CD you sent me?”
“The one and only,” Jared said, smiling at Sara.
Sara narrowed her eyes at Jared. “Is there anybody you haven’t told?”
Gary shook Sara’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Sara. I’m looking forward to the performance on Saturday. I want an autograph picture and CD to take with me to England. I have a feeling it will be a long time before I’ll be able to enjoy live country music.”
“Well, let’s sit. Cassie,” Jared said. “Would you bring out a pitcher of ice-tea and some glasses please?” Cassie nodded and disappeared. “So it’s official. You’re really doing it, you’re moving to the UK?”
Gary laughed. “Triplet International made me an offer I couldn’t turn down,” he replied. “Bigger salary, all the funding I want to use as I choose, plus fringe benefits. Who could turn that down?”
“I hear that,” Jared commented, “but I’m going to miss you.”
Gary chuckled. “I’m probably going to miss you more. Country music is not that big in the UK.”
“Donna, Gary tells me you’re pretty good with the music department yourself.”
Donna smiled again. “I’m not bad I guess,” she chuckled.
Wonder what we would sound like together? “Well, I’m sure we could always find a spot for you in ‘Raging Storm’, if you’re interested.” Jared what is wrong with you? Stop this! You’re just tired. That’s it. I’m tired from the trip and the stress. Please don’t accept Donna….
Donna sighed. “I would love that Jared, but I just don’t have the time. I wouldn’t mind the odd jamming session with you though – just for fun.” Since, that’s obviously all it could be.
Jared grinned. Could I have been wrong? “I’m sure we could find some time for that too,” Jared laughed. Jared! Good god what’s wrong with you? You’ve got what you wanted. You’ve committed to her. You’ve given her the ring. You can’t hurt Sara. It would kill her. You love her. Yes, I do love her. I need sleep. That’s it, I just need sleep. Get professional with her Jared. Talk about work! “So Donna, you’re taking over the research department at D’Netics?”
Donna smiled. “I guess you could say that.” I’m going to kill Gary for not telling me about you sooner!
Jared cleared his throat. You know you’re not being fair to Donna Jared. You’re still eavesdropping on her thoughts, but you’ve cut her off of yours. What’s it going to hurt? Who’s going to know I can hear her thoughts but me? They’re just thoughts, it’s not as if I’m going to act on them – am I? “So, Donna, any idea which direction you’ll be going with the research?”
“Yes. I’d like to work with stem cells as a possible cure for heart conditions.”
Shit! I remember that. This is too coincidental. “That’s right,” Jared smiled. “I read your article on using stem cells to cure major heart conditions and diseases. It was a very interesting piece.”
Donna blushed. “Well, it wasn’t my best.”
“I thought it was,” Jared said.
“Gary said you think your grandmother might have been murdered?”
“I think it’s a strong possibility Donna. Grandmother was fine one day and in the hospital on life support the next. According to her doctor, he believed it was some kind of respiratory infection. Before they could find out for sure, she died.”
Donna furrowed her brow. “Did they do an autopsy on her? Do you have a copy of her medical records and
treatment?”
Gary smiled. Donna was in her element.
“No Donna,” Jared replied. “My father adheres to some of our older traditions.”
“Please don’t say she was cremated!”
“No, she wasn’t cremated, but her body was burned after the normal funeral ceremony.”
Donna sighed and pressed her lips together. “Let me guess. Your father doesn’t want your grandmother exhumed either – does he?”
Jared furrowed his brow and studied Donna’s eyes. He smiled knowingly. “No, he doesn’t.”
Donna took a long, deep breath. “Well, would there be any possibility of getting blood, or tissue samples from when she was admitted to the hospital?”
“I don’t know yet,” Jared replied. “I intend to chase that up as soon as I get back down there.”
“Where did your grandmother die Jared?” Gary asked.
“In the hospital at Wickenburg, back in Arizona. The same place my grandfather died.”
Gary and Donna shared an uneasy glance. “Jared, I’d love to help you, and I’d be happy to have a look at her medical records. But, without something to go on, at least with our current technology,” Donna said. “I don’t think your chances are going to be good.”
Gary glanced at his watch. “Jared, I’m sorry to cut this short, but I still have some packing to do.”
“When are you leaving?”
“On Saturday, after the performance. I’m being flown over on a company jet.”
“Wow!” Jared said. “Are there any other openings?”
Gary chuckled. “Unless you’re a genetic engineer or biochemists, I’m afraid not. They already have a head doctor in the infirmary. I think his name is Sam Kaliea. He’s Australian, and from what my best friend Richard says, Sam thinks he’s god’s gift to women. Who knows, maybe he’ll slip up and get fired. If anything comes open, I’ll be glad to put in a good word with the boss for you. I tried to convince Donna here to go with me too, but she’s not keen on the idea.”
“You go right ahead and fly to England on big company jets all you want to,” Donna commented. “I’m happy right here in the USA with my feet firmly on the ground.”
Jared laughed. “Not fond of flying eh Donna?”
“No I’m not!” she laughed.
“Well, look,” Jared said standing. “Thanks for meeting with us so late at night.”
Gary chuckled. “Jared, you know that never bothered me. I just wished I could have done more, but I’m leaving you in capable hands. I’ll see you at the performance.”
“All right, and thanks again. Nice to meet you Donna. I’ll check on those samples for you, and let you know what I find out.”
“Ok Jared,” Donna smiled. “Anything I can do to help.”
Jared and Sara waved from the door as Gary and Donna drove off.
By the time Gary and Donna left, it had been almost eleven. Jared hated calling Lucy to come rehearse that late, but he knew they needed the practice. With Carl and Steve already there, they went out to the studio as soon as Sara and Jared had unpacked and changed.
Jared told Cassie, their cook, to throw an assortment of sandwiches and fresh vegetables together for them to snack on, and they got busy. They’d gone through several songs, including the new ones Sara wrote while they were in Arizona. Carl and Steve loved the new duet, and they had no difficulty working out the fill-ins and turnarounds.
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Since they’d left Wisteria Hall, Gary had noticed Donna was surprisingly quiet. On the trip out, she was all chatty. Her mood seemed to change when Jared introduced Sara to them. Gary glanced across at her.
“D… are you all right?”
Donna sighed deeply, staring out the window. “Yeah, I’m fine. Why do you ask?”
Gary pressed his lips together. “Are you upset that I’m leaving?”
Donna swallowed hard as tears glossed her eyes. “Well, yeah, I am. Who am I going to talk to? Who am I going to have lunch with?”
Gary grinned. “You could always reconsider and come with me. I’d love to have you as my partner. Who knows what kind of mischief we could get into with the money Triplet International is going to be paying me. We might even be able to save the World. I’m sure I could get you on.”
Donna smiled. “Gary, we’ve already been through this. I have a life here. If, you’d been a little more informative it might have been a little more exciting though.”
Gary smiled knowingly. “I knew it!”
Donna narrowed her eyes at Gary. “You knew what?”
Gary chuckled. “You think I didn’t see that look in your eyes when Jared introduced Sara as his fiancée?”
“If you’d introduced him to me a little sooner….”
“I’m sorry Honey. I didn’t know you had been looking for a relationship.”
Donna rolled her eyes. “I’m always looking Gary. I just haven’t had the time. For Jared, I would have made time. God, he gave me such a tingle when he looked at me. And his voice was just so….”
Gary held up his hand. “You know I love you D, but honestly, do you have to have this conversation with me. I’m not into all that girl talk. Seriously, if I’d known. Look at it this way. He’s not married yet. You never know what the future might hold.”
“No, that’s true, but I wouldn’t hurt Sara that way. She seems like a sweet person. Maybe I’m not meant to meet anybody. I mean, really, I’ve got my career and my music. Maybe I should just concentrate on that. You could always talk to that doctor you were telling Jared about.”
Gary laughed. “No, I won’t try to fix you up with Sam. According to what Richard tells me, Sam would only break your heart. And, after seeing how Jared has affected you, I don’t want to see you get hurt. I will consider talking to Richard about you though.”
Donna laughed nervously. “Gary, I was kidding.”
“I wasn’t D. I’ve got your email address. I’m going to give it to him, and we’ll see what happens. You shouldn’t be alone D….”
“Gee thanks. Now, do you suppose we could talk about something else? Like what’s going on with you and Juanita?”
Gary sighed deeply and concentrated on driving. “That’s easy – nothing.”
Donna raised her eyebrows. “Oh really? You could have fooled me….”
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Lucy came bursting in, full of excitement and nearly knocked Sara off her feet when she embraced her. “So what’s this all about,” she said, slipping her guitar strap over her shoulder, and tuning in with them.
“We have to be at HMC by eleven tomorrow to rehearse, and get adjusted to their sound system for the gig on Saturday.” Jared informed her. Sara gulped.
Lucy squealed. “That’s wonderful – oh wow. Sara you must be so excited,” she said smiling at Sara.
“Oh yeah, I’m just tickled pink,” Sara said sarcastically.
“Oh, Hon- ey,” she said, comforting Sara. “Don’t be scared. You’re gonna be great! We’re all gonna be great – right guys?” Lucy said, holding up a high five to Jared.
Jared slapped her hand. “You bet we are Luce,” he said, putting his arm around Sara’s shoulder and giving her a squeeze of encouragement. “And this sweet voice here is going to take this band… straight to the top!” he said enthusiastically, motioning with his hand.
Sara rolled her eyes. “Thanks, Jared,” she said, tightening her jaw.
Lucy started plucking her strings at random. “What was that song you were doing when I came in?”
Jared handed her a copy of the words and chords they’d been working on, while they waited for her to get there. “It’s Sara’s creation. She wrote it while we were on a mountain in Arizona with nothing but a notebook and one of my old guitars I left at Mother’s.”
Lucy took it and scanned over it. “I like it! Let’s do it. I’ll twin backup for you on the chorus, and twin about a third above Sara on these parts, here,” she said, pointing. “Is that ok with you, Sara?” sh
e motioned with her eyes.
“Yeah,” Sara replied. “That’s fine.” Lucy had no way of knowing how relieved Sara was to have someone else helping her with the high parts. She wasn’t sure of the key. Jared had told Sara this new key was better for her voice range, but Sara was still a little uncertain about the high notes. Knowing that someone was singing just a little higher up the scale than she was might help her reach her notes on cue.
Sara started to make a chord on her guitar, and the light caught her unusual engagement ring. Lucy’s mouth dropped. She walked over to Sara and picked up her hand. She studied Sara’s eyes. “Is this what I think it is?” She glanced from Sara to Jared.
Sara smiled as tears glossed her eyes. “Yes Lucy. Jared and I are getting married.”
Lucy looked as if someone had knocked the wind out of her. She blinked rapidly and glanced at Jared. She studied his eyes for a few minutes, and then looked back at Sara’s. “Wow – that’s – ah – that’s great news. I’m – ah – I’m happy for you. Guess you’re going to be part of the family after all.” Just not the part I’d expected you to be.
“Thanks Luce,” Jared responded. “You sure you’re all right with this?”
“Yeah – sure – why wouldn’t I be?” You didn’t want me. Why shouldn’t you have my niece? God help me get through tonight. Lucy fought off stinging tears. She glanced at Steve. “I’m not the one you need to be worrying about,” Lucy said, glancing at Sara.
Steve shook his head knowingly. I can feel another sandwich session coming on….
Lucy replayed her guitar part. “Come on. Let’s get this song sorted out.”
They tried what Lucy had suggested. “Well?” Sara said looking from Lucy to Jared, and then from Steve to Carl and back to Jared. Carl and Steve gave Sara the thumbs up.
Lucy swallowed the lump in her throat. She rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Wow!” she said. “I’m going to hand in my resignation. Jared is right. You are going to take us to the top.”
Sara smiled. “Really?”
Jared lifted Sara’s chin and kissed her. “Really, Angel.”
Maybe they were right. Maybe Sara could get through this. As long as she knew Jared loved her, and would always be by her side, she could get through anything.
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