Clearing his throat, he tried to rid himself of the tightness that had lodged there. “I’d like to offer a suggestion. Working helped me get through….” He couldn’t really say he’d gotten through his grief. He doubted he ever would. That kind of pain caused permanent devastation, and he’d never risk another blow to his heart like that again. He’d rather live the rest of his life alone than face the debilitating agony that kind of loss brought on again.
“For the sake of your incredible talent, would you please, please give it some time before you make a decision about quitting?”
“I’d be letting all of you down, wouldn’t I?” She blinked rapidly. “I know what that anniversary show would do for all your careers.”
“No, Theresa. It’s not about the band.” He shook his head. “Right now, we’re talking about you.” He waved a hand toward her. “Tell me the truth. Do you love to sing?”
“I do. You know I do.” She worried her bottom lip between her teeth. “I just can’t stand being in the public eye though. I hate not having any privacy when it comes to my personal life.”
“Don’t read the tabloids,” he said. “Do yourself a favor and stay off social media. Immerse yourself in your music because, when you get right down to it, the music is all that matters.”
She released a weight-of-the-world sigh. “Mary has been pushing me to start writing again.”
“Writing can be cathartic.” He studied her, wondering if she had anyone to turn to in times like these. Not likely, thanks to her ex. She could probably use a friend right now. A flash of inspiration hit him.
“Here’s something to think about. What if you and I collaborate on a few new songs? Not the lyrics so much—that’d be all you—but the music and the arrangement.”
Her eyes sparked. “That’s not a bad idea.”
“It’s a good idea, a very good idea.” Caleb rose from his chair. “I’ve taken up enough of your time. I’m serious about collaborating. So, think about it and give me a call when you decide.”
“Mr. McGee. Mr. McGee,” Jeremy called out as he ran down the hall. “I made a Jeranasaur. Wanna see?”
He couldn’t help smiling. The kid was so damned cute. He looked a lot like Theresa, only his hair was slightly lighter, and so were his brown eyes. “I sure do.”
Jeremy handed him the mismatched creature with its many different Lego dinosaur parts. “Wow. That’s really something, buddy. Awesome.”
“Yeah.” Jeremy beamed as Caleb handed him back his toy. “His name is Fred. I’m going to make a friend for him,” he announced as he ran off down the hall again.
“Your boys are great. They never fail to make me smile,” he said, turning back to Theresa.
“Thanks. I think so too.” She followed him to the front door.
“The world is a better place because of your talent and the magic you create with your incredible voice, Theresa. Don’t let anyone take that away from you. Don’t let anyone take that away from the rest of us. All right?” He flashed her a hopeful look. “Call me.”
“I will.”
He left without a backward glance. He’d ignited the spark, but it was up to her whether or not she’d fan it into a flame. He hoped, though. Man, did he hope. He’d meant what he’d said about her talent. The world truly was better off because of the music she created.
Chapter Two
“You bitch, I’m not about to let you take my boys from me, Theresa. I know people, powerful people in this town, and I’ll make sure you regret filing this custody bullshit. Answer your goddammed phone, you stupid cow!”
Theresa flinched. The call had been made at three in the morning. David grew more and more unhinged with each passing day. She’d pass this recording on to her lawyer as she had with all the others. One of Sonya’s assistants would turn this rant into yet another transcript for their files.
Since David had been unwilling to settle on her terms, he’d left her with no choice. She’d had to sue for full custody. His harassment and threats only strengthened her case and proved why the suit was necessary. Ironic, seeing how he always accused her of being the stupid one.
In the midst of all the turmoil, she still hadn’t decided whether or not she’d continue singing professionally, but for the next year and a half at least, she had contracts to fulfill. That would give her time to get a teaching license for California, or time to figure out what she truly wanted to do with the rest of her life. Maybe she’d start working toward her master’s degree. In the meantime, she had a song to work on. Theresa brought up Caleb’s number and hit call. He answered right away.
“Hey, Theresa. Have you called to tell me you want to make beautiful music together?” he teased.
She smiled, a rare thing lately. “I have, yes. I’m sorry it’s taken a couple of weeks to get back to you. Things have been hectic.” More like things had been up in the air, but he didn’t need to know about her constant ambivalence and anxiety.
“No worries. I’m just glad to hear you’ve decided to give this venture a try.”
She could hear the enthusiasm in his tone, and her smile widened in response. “How do you want to do this?”
“I have a studio in my home. We can work here, or at your place. I noticed you have a baby grand in your living room. Really, that and my laptop are pretty much all we need to get started.”
