didn’t know how he’d make it through another day without a commitment from the woman he loved. It was so much a part of her subconscious, taking her back to the painful breakup with Chris around the time of the single’s release. As long as she could remember, humming, singing and playing were natural responses for her, but that song? After hearing it, she’d taken out her journal and begun writing snippets about her feelings, which eventually became lyrics to her own songs.
“The guy is a legend. Look at his reputation. Multiple hits recorded by famous artists. Four Grammy awards. If I could just convince him I don’t want anything tangible from him, just a bit of his time...”
“From what I’ve heard, he doesn’t talk about his old career.”
“I remember reading something about a messy divorce, but I was busy with my career then so I didn’t pay attention.”
“Some people don’t like to dwell in the past. Luke is one of them.”
“It’s a shame. He really made his mark on the music world.”
“And now his mark is Kids’ Klub. When Luke came to town and started teaching, he saw a need for at-risk teens to put their energy into something constructive. He started with music, but soon the concept grew into sports teams and other creative stuff. It still focuses on troubled youth, but the teams and clubs and lessons caught on and developed into an awesome outlet for kids from any background. Not only do the teens in Cypress Pointe take advantage of the Klub, but surrounding towns, as well. And now, local businesses have joined in and will help train kids in their areas of interest. It’s quite a success.”
“I’m impressed.”
“They operated out of the basement of a small community center, but recently Luke moved to an empty warehouse just north of town. He’s hoping to buy the property but funds are tight. He runs the program from donations, including whatever he makes with his wedding band.”
Cassie pictured his face, his dark blond hair and those deep brown eyes. How he’d smiled during a raucous number his band performed at her dad’s reception, or the faraway look that came over him when he sang a love song.
“You certainly have your finger on the pulse of the town, especially this Kids’ Klub,” she said, shaking off the vision.
“I helped Luke draw up a business plan when he first came up with the concept. Guided him through the nonprofit maze, set up the organization books and so on. He recently called me for advice on buying the property and warehouse.”
Cassie tilted her head. “Last night you acted as thought you barely know him.”
Lauren shrugged. “I don’t know him, other than as a client. He doesn’t talk about himself or his life, only the Klub. So essentially he is kind of a stranger, at least about his personal life.”
“Hmm.”
“I recognize that look,” Lauren said. “You’re still determined to get him on board to help you with...whatever.”
Did she dare confess her darkest fear? Speak aloud the words that kept her awake at night, drenched in a cold sweat, worrying about her future?
Cassie paused, staring out the window. A cardinal landed on the birdfeeder in the backyard. Sitting atop the structure, tall and proud, the beautiful scarlet creature surveyed its surroundings, its stature speaking of control in the world. So unlike Cassie’s state of mind at this very moment.
She finally glanced at her sister, took a bracing breath before saying, “I’m having trouble coming up with new material. That’s why I’m so interested in Luke.”
“Since when?”
“Since Living in Paradise tanked. The label wants a repeat of my first album and I can’t put together words or melodies.”
“I remember when we were growing up you were always scribbling in your journal. No wonder you’re worried.”
“I’m hoping this is temporary, so please keep this between us. At least until I can sort this out.”
“I will.” Lauren finished her coffee and placed her mug on the counter. “I may not be able to help you with this, but from the look on your face, I hope you come up with a solution, and soon.” That said, she walked out of the room, leaving behind troubled silence.
Cassie stared at the blank paper again. Was this it? The end? What happened to the ease of jotting down words over the years? All the times growing up when her dad disappointed her or her mother struggled to make ends meet? Yeah, her life made for good lyrics, even though it wasn’t always easy. But still, she had experiences to draw on. Why wouldn’t the words come now?
The record label had expectations. So did her manager and fans. She didn’t want to disappoint any of them.
The yellow legal pad, still as pristine as when she’d bought it, mocked her. She grabbed the pencil and wrote in big, block letters, WRITE.
Not much in terms of inspiration, but right now, it was all she had.
Tapping her pencil against the paper, she closed her eyes. She thought about her conversation with Lauren, which made her think of Luke and his great club for kids. She should really volunteer there to get her mind off her troubles. She’d given music lessons in college to make money, why not do some good while waiting for inspiration to strike?
The more she thought about it, the more she liked the idea. But would Luke accept her assistance? Only one way to find out.
With her mind whirling, Cassie hurried to the guest room. Even though it was Sunday, she’d go to the Klub and see if Luke was available. If he was as dedicated as Lauren said, she suspected he’d be on site. She chose an outfit, showered and dressed in record time, braided her hair and slipped on chunky ankle boots. Enough worrying. She needed action. Time to make a positive impression like her life depended on it.
After calling Lauren for directions, she drove her rented red convertible, complete with all the bells and whistles, to the Klub’s address. The sporty two-seater was similar to her car back home, her one splurge after the first album. As she entered the spacious warehouse, walking into a gymnasium setup, butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She noticed teens hanging out, some playing hoops, others working on some type of project, a good indication Luke was indeed here.
She stopped a young man with glasses. “Can you tell me where I can find Luke Hastings?”
“In his office.” The boy pointed to an opening on the far side of the gym. “Down the hallway.”
“Thanks.”
Hand on her stomach, Cassie ventured to the door clearly marked Mr. Hastings. She lifted her hand to knock on the partially open door when she heard the sudden peal of bells.
Bells? She blinked, realizing the disruption came from her cell phone. Grabbing it from her jacket pocket, she read her manager’s name on the screen. She swiped the screen and said hello.
“Hey, stranger,” said Travis. “You don’t write, you don’t call.”
Did he suspect her dilemma? He couldn’t. She’d only told Lauren about her predicament. See, she was so off balance she was transferring her fears to everything.
