The Wedding March. Tara Randel

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      Travis Bailey had taken Cassie under his wing when she’d first made a splash in the club scene around LA. Without his guidance, there’s no telling how she would have navigated the murky waters of the recording industry. The man had a heart of gold, for his clients, anyway. Otherwise his instincts resembled an attack dog, brokering deals and keeping those he managed away from bad contracts and shady characters making false promises. A middle-aged hipster with thinning hair, he had plenty of lines on his boyish face, attesting to years of smiles. He’d become something of a substitute dad to her over the years. Letting him down would break her heart.

      “Sorry, Travis. I’m trying to get some work done while I’m here.” She bit her lower lip. Not a lie, exactly. She was trying.

      “Great. We have to hit this thing with everything we’ve got. I’ve spoken to Ron and they’re looking for a stellar product.”

      Cassie swallowed hard. Ron Harding, an executive at the label and the idiot, er, mastermind, in proposing the changes in her sound, was a hard man to please. He’d dropped other artists for less of a flop than Cassie’s last album.

      She’d always wondered why Travis had let the producer tweak her sound. Travis had been gung ho and she’d been so caught up in the whirlwind excitement of cutting another album, she didn’t dare ask. Didn’t dare voice her opinion after only one album with people who’d had years of experience. Well, she’d learned. The bad album fell squarely on her shoulders for not expressing her true self. She wouldn’t make the same mistake again.

      “In the meantime, what about a few touring dates before you go into the studio? You know, for momentum. Any thoughts?”

      How on earth could she make any appearances when she was most likely going to get kicked out of said studio? All without her manager realizing any of her concerns.

      “Um, why don’t you hold off. Or better yet, start looking at the calendar after I finish the album. Don’t want too much on my plate. This project is so important.”

      And she needed to stay in Cypress Pointe where she had access to Luke.

      Travis went silent for a few beats. “You okay? You sound weird. Pressure isn’t gettin’ to you, is it?”

      “We both know this is make or break, Travis. I’d be unrealistic not to be concerned.”

      “Now, calm down,” he tsked in the soothing voice that had pulled her from the edge multiple times. “You’ve got this.”

      “And if I don’t?”

      “We’ll figure it out. Like we always do.”

      His words should have made her feel better, but created the opposite effect.

      “You’ll keep me in the loop?”

      “Yes, sir,” she answered, adding a little sass to her tone.

      He chuckled. “That’s more like it, although I still think you should consider touring.”

      She winced. “I’ll get back to you on the concert idea.”

      “That’s my girl. Talk to you soon.”

      Hitting the end button, she stared at the dark screen. She couldn’t tour, not now or in the future. Planning a concert was on the bottom of her to-do list. If, and when, the album was made, she’d consider going on the road. Until then...

      Her manager had faith in her, but did she? “What were you thinking, Travis?”

      The sound of a throat being cleared made her jump. She looked up into amused brown eyes. “Talk to yourself much?”

      Good grief. So much for a positive impression.

      * * *

      LUKE HELD BACK a grin at Cassie’s mortified expression.

      He’d been in his office, fingers stalled over the calculator as the same numbers kept appearing on the screen. A sharp ache took residence in his temple. No matter how many times he went over the accounting, there was still a big gap in his operating capital. Contributions came in regularly, but since the move to the warehouse, cash was tight.

      A shout came from the gymnasium. Every Sunday, a bunch of the boys gathered for a game of basketball. Luke didn’t mind opening up, especially when he discovered how many kids wanted to hang out. To him, the sound of voices meant he was doing something right, justifying his decision to move into this larger building.

      He’d been about to abandon his depressing act of going over the finances when a feminine voice floated in from outside his office door. He recognized Cassie’s sweet cadence. What was she doing here? Intrigued, he went to investigate.

      He certainly hadn’t expected to see her any time soon, if at all. Since the wedding events were over, he figured she’d leave town before they had a chance to reconnect. Yet here she stood, her hair in her signature braid, dressed in a stylish outfit. No wonder he hadn’t recognized her at the wedding.

      “Sorry to bother you.” She held up her phone. “My manager.”

      He hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but heard enough of the conversation to know she was all about her career.

      “Can you spare a minute of your time?”

      “Sure. C’mon in.”

      He gathered the paperwork littering his desk and stuffed it into a file. “I’m actually happy for a distraction.” He took a chair from the corner and placed it beside his desk. “Have a seat.”

      She sat, her gaze taking in his office. Pictures of kids he’d worked with adorned one wall. Another displayed framed certificates of appreciation from local businesses. When she met his eyes, he glimpsed the uncertainty there. Guessed he’d be the one to break the ice.

      “So, what brings you by today?”

      “I’m hoping to talk to you about volunteering here.”

      His brow rose. “In what capacity?”

      “I was talking to my sister this morning and she told me about Kids’ Klub and all the great things you do for the community.”

      “Lauren helped me in the beginning.”

      “She said. Thankfully, my sister and I never got into too much trouble, but I have to say, starting a program for at-risk kids is really honorable.” She spread her arms. “So here I am.”

      Interesting.

      “While it would be easy to simply write a check, I’d like to propose a more personal touch.” A nostalgic expression softened her face. “I used to give music lessons as a way of earning money through college. Piano. Guitar. I love seeing kids get excited when they begin to learn to play a new instrument. So, I’d like to volunteer.”

      “Volunteer? Don’t you have a career you’re busy with?”

      “Yes, but while I’m here in Cypress Pointe I’d like to be part of your program. You know, something bigger than СКАЧАТЬ