Change in Harmony (A Silver Script Novel Book 4) (3 page)

Allison bit her lip. So why did she think of Nate when she read that? It was just coincidence. “Sure. What does yours say?”

“Let me see. ‘You will become great if you believe in yourself.’ I think this was yours.” Sam set it down and laughed.

“I don’t think so. I think it works great with what you did today.” Allison stood and threw the box away.

“Ready for a movie?” Sam took the leftovers to the fridge. She held up a DVD and grinned.

“You know I’m always ready for
The Labyrinth
.” Allison finished cleaning and dropped onto the couch with a smile as Sam got the movie set up. As the opening scene unfolded, Allison was able to push away the frustrations of the day and nerves about the gig tomorrow, and just enjoy the Goblin King.

Nate set the coffee maker back in its spot and grabbed the newspaper off the counter. The warmth coming from the vents was a welcome change to the faulty heater in his old place. The view from his window was much better as well. The lack of furniture was something he’d fix later. He needed to get to the office soon.

He changed into his nice navy blue suit and gold vest, then ran his fingers through his hair one more time. His coworkers joked that he overdressed for work, but he wanted to make a good impression on the clients. Today he had a few meetings with different clients that he was hoping to win over.

The air was crisp as he made his way to the subway. The longer commute was the one downside to his new place, but that also gave him time to do a little work before he got in. He glanced over the shoe campaign, happy with what he’d come up with. They’d revamped their summer collection, and he hoped he’d get the account. Erin had several already, so he just had to prove that he could do a better job with this one.

Images of Erin played across his mind. Nate had hoped to persuade her to date him, but she never caved. And then Jake came along and swept her away. Nate shook his head. That ship had sailed, and it did no good to wish it had been different. He’d tried to date other girls, but they just didn’t compare.

And then Allison came along.

Nate shook his head. Why did he just allow his mind to go there? He tried to forget about what had happened at the diner, but those eyes, and that smile . . . ugh. Stop it.

Silver Script Ad Agency still had their Valentine’s Day decorations up when Nate arrived at work. He winked at the receptionist and punched the button on the elevator. Two women rushed in before the doors could close, and Nate smiled at them. He’d seen them around, but didn’t know their names.

Erin, Cassidy, and Debra were already at work when he set his bag down in his office. Whatever project they were working on had them in early and out late at night. Of course, if he got this account, he’d have the same schedule.

Nate poked his head into Debra’s office. “Hey, I just wanted you to look over these before the meeting today.”

Debra took the papers from him and looked through the sample. “I like it. Great job.”

“Thanks.” He took back the offered folder. “Once this gets approved, I’ll have time to start another project as well.”

Erin rolled her eyes, but didn’t say anything. Debra turned to her computer and pulled up the list of current projects.

“There are a few on here I’ll send your way soon. For now, just concentrate on this one.” Debra smiled up at Nate. “How’s the new place?”

Nate leaned against the counter. “It’s nice. Smaller than my other one, but it’s in great shape with no leaking pipes.”

Debra laughed. “That’s a bonus.”

“Definitely. I better get going. I’ll be watching for those assignments.” He smiled at Erin and left the office. Hopefully, he didn’t get the leftovers after Erin picked the ones she wanted. She was beautiful and did a great job with all of her clients, but just once he wanted to get the better project.

The conference room was empty when Nate walked in. He set out the papers for each person and made sure the projector was set up just right. Along the sides of the screen, he set up the larger posters that his assistant had put together so they could keep the ads in mind while they looked at the flowcharts. It was something he constantly reminded Erin to do, but she insisted she had her own way of doing things.

As the room began filling, Nate made sure to stand near the door and welcome each person, complimenting them in one way or another. That way, everyone was smiling by the time they sat at the table.

Debra slipped in at the last moment and smiled at him from the back of the room. Nate picked up the remote for the projector and took a drink of his water.

“Welcome to Silver Script Ad Agency. I hope everything is to your liking. As you know, we’re here to discuss the new campaign for the summer lineup.” Nate flipped to the first slide. It showed groups of children playing at the park. “We want to make sure that everyone not only enjoys the look of the shoe, but that they see how much fun they can have while wearing them. Especially because most kids these days are stuck on their electronics and forget—”

Nate caught the signal from Debra and cleared his throat. He was rambling again. Right, the shoe. He turned back to the slides and went through the dialogue, just as he’d rehearsed all night. He had two more reminders from Debra before he got to the end, but otherwise, he thought it went smoothly. And from the smiles on the executives’ faces, they were happy as well.

Mr. Byrne, the head of Bróga Shoes, stood and shook Nate’s hand. “Wonderful. We love the ideas you have presented. I’ll have my secretary get back to you with the details tomorrow.”

Nate caught the faint Irish lilt as he spoke. “That’s perfect. Thank you. Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll be happy to help you out.”

Mr. Byrne nodded and turned toward the door. He followed the other executives out, leaving Nate to revel in the success of the meeting.

Nate had worked hard, and it had paid off. He just needed to find the perfect people to air in the commercial. He gathered up the extra papers and dumped them in the recycling bin as he left the room. Debra stood at the end of the hall, talking to Mr. Byrne. He slipped into his office and set his folder on his desk before doing a victory spin in his chair. With any luck, he’d land some bigger accounts after the way that went.

Nate closed his browsers and turned off his laptop, frustrated. Debra had given him smaller accounts yet again. Hadn’t she seen what he’d just done in the meeting? He gathered up his things and slid them into his bag, reminding himself to buy a new bag. Erin was nowhere to be found, so Nate walked quickly to Debra’s office. He had to figure out what was going on.

Debra’s office was dark, and it looked like her coat and purse were gone. Of course. Ever since she’d started dating the guy from Walker Apparel, she’d spent less time at work. He sighed and turned to leave, nearly running into Erin.

“She left for the day. Did you need anything?” A lock of hair fell into her face and he resisted the urge to brush it back. She was engaged.

“I just had a few questions about the accounts. I’ll talk to her tomorrow.” Nate brushed past Erin and headed for the elevator. Once upon a time he would have stopped to flirt, but it wasn’t worth it. He saw how she looked at Jake.

Snow had begun to fall, so Nate pulled his hood up. He couldn’t wait for spring. It had been one awful winter and he was ready for warmer weather. Someone bumped into him and he turned to say he was sorry.

“Nate?” the girl asked.

“Yeah?” Nate studied her face to figure out who she was. Oh, right. The New Year’s party. “Katie, right?”

The girl beamed. “You remembered. How are you? I haven’t heard from you for a while.”

Nate caught the angry edge to her words, even though she smiled as she said them. “Yeah, sorry. Work got crazy. How are you?”

She shrugged. “Good. I’m just heading to get some dinner. Want to join me?”

“Sure.” He should have said no, but the other option was going home to an apartment that wasn’t quite unpacked yet. Besides, he’d had fun with her at the party.

They found a small restaurant and ordered their food before finding a place to sit. Katie leaned forward in her seat.

“So, tell me about your job. What are you working on right now?” Her smile seemed sincere enough, but she hadn’t acted all that excited at the party that night. Yes, they’d had fun, but talking hadn’t exactly been her strong point.

“I’m working with Bróga Shoes. I’ll be in charge of advertising their summer line.” Okay, so the contract wasn’t signed, but it was only a matter of time.

Katie’s eyes lit up. “Bróga Shoes? I have, like, three pairs of their shoes. Think you could get  a discount?”

Ah. So that was it. “It’s a possibility, but we’ll find out the details tomorrow. Most likely it would just be a pair for me.”

“Well, maybe you can get a family discount or something.” She went to pick up her order and Nate watched as she argued about whatever ingredient they’d gotten wrong.

What had he seen in her that night? Well, besides the obvious desperation to have a date for the evening. Nate’s number was called, so he stood to get his food. Katie was still arguing, and Nate wished he could just leave before it got out of hand. Flashes from the day before came to mind. Being with Allison had been completely different. She seemed to genuinely care about what he said, and not what she could get out of him.

Katie dropped her tray on the table and huffed. “I can’t believe they got the bread wrong. I’ve been here too many times for them to bring something different.”

“Sorry.” Nate took a bite of his French fry. “So, do you work nearby, then?”

She waved her hand. “I work next door. I just hate the food, so I wait until I’m off my shift to get food somewhere else.”

“Makes sense, I guess.” Nate took a big bite of his hamburger, trying to finish quickly. The sooner he could get out of there, the better.

Kate rattled off about everything she hated about Italian food, and Nate bit his tongue so he couldn’t ask why she would work there if she hated the food. After seeing how she went after the employees, he knew he didn’t want to be on her bad side.

As soon as Nate took the last bite of his burger, he crumpled up his napkin and dropped it on his tray. “I’d love to stay and chat, but I need to get home and unpack. It was great seeing you again.”

“You’re already leaving? I thought we’d catch a movie.” Katie’s hurt expression didn’t quite match the anger in her eyes.

“Sorry. I have movers coming in the morning, and I need to make room for the boxes.” Nate stood.

“I could come and help you. I’m great at unpacking.” Her smile was more predatory than friendly, and Nate knew it was time to go.

He smiled. “I’ll have you over when everything is done. I’d hate to have you see how it looks right now.”

Katie pouted. “Fine. But you better call.”

Nate dropped off his tray and waved as he left. He wouldn’t be calling her anytime soon. He took the steps down the subway and waited for the next train back to his apartment.

The small studio welcomed him home. The boxes called to him, but he pulled out a chair and got to work on the assignments Debra had given him. They may have been smaller accounts, but they were still clients, and he was determined to be the best agent they’d ever had.

Allison checked her hair one more time and smoothed down her skirt. The bar was already full, and her stomach wanted to rebel. She could do this. She’d performed countless times since high school, and this was no different. Okay, so this time was in front of adults, and most of them had probably had too much to drink.

Eddie’s voice sounded over the microphone, and the butterflies in Allison’s stomach only got worse. He introduced her, and she pushed herself out onto the stage before she could back out. Lights blinded her, making it hard to see the crowd. She wanted to hug Eddie for making it easier on her.

The outgoing part of her took over and helped squelch the nerves. She could do this. She smiled and sat on the stool provided. “Hey, everyone. Thank you for coming tonight. And thanks to Eddie for giving me this shot. Now, who’s ready for this?”

The crowd went wild, helping Allison’s adrenaline as she started into the first song. She went with a few well-known songs before moving into her own songs. Adele was a personal favorite, and her songs helped show off Allison’s voice more than other artists. As she sang, she could hear whistles and cheers, but otherwise, it was just her and the microphone.

As she moved into her own song, the crowd quieted. It was exactly what she’d hoped for. The song was slow and soulful, and she wanted them to feel it. After she’d belted out the last few lines, the room was quiet for a moment, then burst into an explosion of applause. Allison couldn’t help grinning as she bowed and left the stage. Her hands shook as she took a drink of the water Eddie had provided.

Sam pushed the curtain aside and grabbed Allison in a hug, jumping up and down. “You were so good out there. The best I’ve heard so far.”

“Thanks. I had an absolute blast.” Allison took a deep breath and wiped her forehead. “Do you think he’ll hire me?”

“Are you kidding me? I think the people out there would torch the place if he didn’t bring you back.” Sam stopped and listened for a moment. “Hear that? They’re calling for more.”

Allison bit her lip. “Should I go back out?”

“Yes. Go.” Sam grabbed Allison’s guitar and shoved it into her hands. “Do your thing.”

Eddie poked his head around the corner. “You’re wanted out there. Can you do another song?”

“Of course she can.” Sam pushed her toward the stage. “Knock ’em dead.”

Allison smoothed out her dress and took another quick drink of water before going back out to the screaming crowd. “You want more?”

As the crowd screamed, she sang two more popular songs and got everyone to join in. Sam stood to the side of the stage, grinning as she clapped along. This was a far cry from the Broadway musicals her mom wanted her to be singing, but right now, Allison felt like she was on top of the world.

By midnight, most of the crowd had left the bar. Allison and Sam sat at one of the tables near the back, hoping it would give them a little privacy.

“That was quite the experience.” Allison took a drink of her ice water.

Sam laughed. “You could say that. Three encores, and then an escort off the stage.”

“Maybe I shouldn’t have ended with that song. I’ll have to remember to do it in the middle of the set next time.” Allison laid her hand on her arms. She was exhausted, and her throat was raw from singing for so long.

Eddie set another water next to her and sat in the chair between Sam and Allison. “Great job out there tonight. Are you going to be up for another performance tomorrow night?”

Allison’s head jerked up. “Does that mean you’re hiring me?”

“Of course. Unless you don’t want to come back.” Eddie’s eyebrows drew together. “Was it too wild?”

“No, it was perfect.” Allison grinned. “I’d love to come back.”

Eddie held out his hand for her to shake. “Great. We loved having you here. I’ll get the contract and have you sign it. And seriously, that was amazing.”

Allison watched Eddie go, then turned back to Sam. “Did I really just get the job?”

Sam squealed. “Yes you did.”

“Okay, I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.” Allison couldn’t believe how the night had turned out. But her bones ached, and her head pounded after the long evening.

Eddie came back with the contract and handed it to Allison. “Run through it and let me know if everything sounds good.”

Allison studied the contract, and while most of it seemed pretty straightforward, her stomach dropped at the amount of time she was supposed to perform each night. Her hand hesitated over the signature line.

“Is something wrong?” Eddie leaned forward.

“I’m just worried about my voice. Is there any way I can split this? I’ll split the pay if I have to.” Allison knew it wasn’t a smart move to already be offering half her pay to someone else, but she couldn’t do it all on her own.

Eddie studied her for a moment. “Do you have someone in mind?”

Allison tapped her pen on the table. “Not off the top of my head. But I have some friends who could help out until you find someone. They’re students, and I’ve been working with them on the weekends.”

“Sounds good to me. Just give me some of their names. You keep the pay. They can be paid by tips until I hire them on.”

“Are you sure?” Allison knew her friends would be more than thrilled with any money they could get but she couldn’t just keep all of it.

Eddie nodded. “You’re the money maker. I need you here to perform, and I’m willing to pay you enough to keep you here.”

“That would be great, thank you.” Allison signed the contract and handed it to him.

Sam and Allison left the bar and went back to their apartment. Allison could barely keep her eyes open by the time she reached her bed. Even then, she stared up at the ceiling for an hour longer, excitement still coursing through her. Thoughts of who she could invite the next night worked like counting sheep, and she soon fell asleep.

Allison pulled her collar up and walked quickly toward Columbia University. Snow had begun falling soon after she left the apartment, and it was only getting heavier as she made her way through the buildings to the arts building. Sounds of students singing or dancing flowed over her. She smiled to herself as she thought about her performance the night before. While she needed something full time, she knew she’d enjoy this gig.

“Hey, Allison. You’re early.” Toni handed her a badge. “How’d it go last night?”

“I got the job.” Allison grinned and signed in. “I need to find someone to split the time with, though. So, if you’re looking for something to do in the evenings, I could hook you up.”

Toni laughed. “No, I’m good, thanks. If I think of anyone, I’ll let you know.”

“Thanks. See you later.” Allison waved and went into the rehearsal room she’d be working in. Class let out, and the music was transformed into the chaos of students moving from one room to another.

A short blonde girl poked her head into the room. “Are you Allison?”

“Yep, you must be Leah.” Allison stood and shook her hand. “Did you bring a piece to work on?”

Leah pulled sheet music out of her bag. “It’s right here. I have an audition in an hour and I’m worried that I won’t hit the high notes. I’m usually an alto, but my professor suggested this song. It’s beautiful, but I’m not sure I can do it justice.”

Allison smiled as Leah rambled on. “Let’s see how it sounds. I can’t imagine that your professor would suggest it if he didn’t think you could do it.”

Leah stared at the music. “Maybe.”

“Let’s hear it.” Allison sat back in her chair and clasped her hands together.

“Okay.” She backed up, cleared her throat, and began singing.

Her professor had been right. Her voice was perfect for the song, and while there were a few parts where she needed a little work, it brought tears to Allison’s eyes. Leah brought a spirit to the music that not many could replicate.

When Leah finished, Allison clapped. “That was beautiful. If this doesn’t move the judges, I don’t know what will.”

Leah beamed. “Really? You don’t think it’s too high?”

“We’ll work on the spots that were a little rough, but I think you
need
to sing this song. And when you’re done with your audition, come back and talk to me. I have a possible job for you. If your parents will let you, I mean.”

For the rest of the session, they worked on the higher notes, and a few of the other spots where she’d gone out of tune. By the time she had to leave to make the audition, Leah had the song smoothed out. Allison wished her luck and watched as she hurried out of the room and down the hall. If Leah didn’t get into Juilliard with that audition, they were crazy.

Allison helped two more students before it was time for her own class. She’d been so excited to get into the class, and it was exactly what she’d hoped it would be. Thoughts of what Nate had said about keeping to one skill still grated at her, but she pushed them away.

As soon as everyone had stretched. The professor put the class into partners, and they went over the Viennese Waltz. Allison allowed her mind to wander as her body flowed through the movements. Her partner led her around the floor, counting to himself. The professor would stop a couple here and there to critique the way they held themselves, or if the steps weren’t quite right. By the time the song ended, Allison’s legs burned from the quick movements. She thanked her partner and backed up to the wall until the professor announced their next dance.

By the time class was over, Allison was ready to drop with exhaustion. There had been little downtime as they went from one dance to the next. She barely caught herself when she was attacked by a squealing Leah.

“Whoa. I take it things went well?” Allison readjusted her bag and brushed a strand of hair out of her face.

“Yes, thank you! They seemed to be really impressed. And I was able to hit every single note.”

Allison grinned. “I knew you could. Congratulations! You’ll have to let me know if you get in.”

“Oh, and I talked to my parents about the job you were talking about. Can you tell me a little more? I could really use the cash.”

Allison pulled her coat tighter. “Let’s get out of the snow. Where are you headed next?”

“I’m done for the day. I was just going home.”

“Great, we can walk together.” Allison gave Leah the details as they hurried toward the subway. By the time they caught their separate trains, Leah had agreed to talk to her parents about it. Allison waved from the train as it pulled away from the platform. She wasn’t sure how she’d make it through the evening with how tired she was, but at least she’d have help after tonight. As long as Eddie agreed to hire Leah.