Take Me As I Am (23 page)

He turned his attention back to the mixing controls.

“I see. What happened, Jack?” Thea asked.

“Nothing happened. That was the problem. She couldn’t settle. You know Jo. She loves to do her sessions, but not this time. We couldn’t get her to stay in the studio long enough. I think that’s all in the past now, don’t you?” He smiled before standing to go and talk to Jo from the console. “Lackerly, you’re the star here again. Don’t let me see you slacking, okay?”

Jo turned her expressive eyes that held a sliver of ice to the man before giving him a slight smile. “Yeah, yeah, until the next young star struck wonder comes through your door.”

“I think you need to look in the mirror, Jo. I don’t think you have ever been that young, even if you could prove it with an ID.”

Thea listened to the banter between the two of them and smiled. This was looking great. She knew Joanna enjoyed working for the record company and particularly her relationship with Jack. She certainly wouldn’t let him speak like that if she didn’t. It was more a family affair at Trigon records than a multimillion-dollar business and she knew they were doing well or the large outfit in New York City wouldn’t have a share in it. Lee Weston’s face floated across her mind. The man had dealt her a body blow on their last conversation, one that cemented her decision to walk away from Joanna. In the end, she won out, for Joanna was here and wanted her in her life, not him.

“Thea, want to go to my office and talk turkey or better yet, have a cup of coffee and catch up?” Jack asked.

“I’m sorry, Jack, I was miles away. Sure, we can do that. I’d love some tea. Though I did promise Joanna I’d stay for the session.” Her eyes traveled the singer strumming on her guitar, now in a world of her own as she concentrated on her performance.

“If I know that woman, she won’t even know we’ve gone and I promise to have you back by lunch, in time to make her take a break. How does that sound to you?”

“Now I know why Joanna likes you so much.” Thea was grinning, as she glanced once more at Joanna. She’d be back when the singer actually put the track down on tape.

“You do, do you, young lady? Well, don’t think I’m not as sharp as a knife at the negotiating table just because I like her, too.” He took her arm and led her out of the studio toward his office.

†

An hour later, the meeting with Jack was finished. It had gone surprisingly quickly and fruitfully. He appreciated that the grueling pace Joanna had set herself the year before shouldn’t happen again. Not only for her, but also for the musicians who were her team. He told her that they had complained bitterly on the last leg of the American tour.

Now Thea was standing in the studio listening to the intro of Joanna’s guitar. After entering the studio, she was surprised to see an additional man at the mixing board along with a very young woman—maybe child would be a better description—watching Joanna with an expression of concentration and devotion.

Thea sat on the sofa silently after Dave signaled her to be quiet when she entered the room. They were about to record and she knew better than to make a sound. Introductions to the girl could take place later. Her eyes traveled to Joanna, who was about to begin the cut. The plaintive words filled the room… “
I’ll never doubt it when they say angels have wings
.”

For a few moments, after she finished, there was a marked silence in the room before a round of applause heralded another masterpiece completed. They had cut two songs and it was only lunch. Thea watched Joanna take in the recognition of her skills before seeing the young woman sitting at the mixer station room grab for one of the mixer’s mics.

“You rock,” she shouted. The kid sounded like she had a crush on Joanna and Thea speculated that she probably did.

The young man, who she vaguely recalled from her first time here in the studios with Joanna, stood and pushed the young woman away from the mic. “We got that wrapped. Great work, Jo. I’m glad to see you back in your best form. Let’s take a break for lunch.”

He waved and turned to the younger woman in the room then his eyes tracked to Thea smiling in her direction.

“Hi, Thea, isn’t it?” The young man grinned holding out his hand that Thea shook returning his friendly smile.

“Yes, sorry forgive me, but...” Thea shrugged unable to recall his name.

“Steve, Steve Mitchell, we met about a year ago. However, I have the advantage, Jo talks about you all the time.”

“Oh, you’re Thea?

The young woman in the studio stared at her arrogantly, or so Thea thought. Kids, brimming with confidence, did that these days. “Yes, I am. You would be?”

The girl looked at her and obviously had a few internal thoughts that she might or might not share. It all depended on how arrogant she was. Thea bemusedly watched the expression flitter across her face.

“Tandy Radnor. I’m the next queen of country. Isn’t that right, boys?”

The two men in the room shrugged and smiled at Thea. Tandy was young, arrogant and probably equally talented, with the ego to go with it. Thea knew the men wouldn’t say anything. Who knew, in the future she might be just that and that future could be tomorrow. This business was like that. Pondering what to say next, she was relieved when Joanna walked through the door and the atmosphere changed dramatically.

“Jo, that was fab. Are you going to let me have that song for my album? You promised me one. Remember? And I want that one.”

Yep, she was a precocious kid, all right. Wonder if she is out of diapers yet.

Smiling at the talented woman-child, Jo tweaked her nose before winking at her. “Not that song, kid. I’ll let you know tomorrow which one.” Joanna was still smiling happily, as she turned to Thea. Her eyes shimmered with excitement. “Did you get back in time to hear the last one, Thea?”

So, she did notice I wasn’t here.
“Yeah I did. Your dad is going to love that one.”

“You do know that my dad loves every song I sing, don’t you. Always has, since I was a small girl. It comes with the territory. If I sang ten notes off key, he’d still love it.” Joanna grinned. “He loves me.”

Thea wanted so badly to say
I love you too
, but held back the emotion. It wasn’t the right place or company. “Want to go out for lunch?”

“Absolutely,” Jo responded, running a hand around her neck. “I feel all grimy and I really need a shower, but time is of the essence, now that I’m in the flow.”

“Shall we all go to lunch?” Tandy broke into their conversation. “I’m at a loose end at the moment. Only a few bits and pieces to handle, and I can do that later. Right, Stevie?”

“Whatever you say, Tandy.”

Thea wasn’t happy at having to share her precious lunch hour time with Joanna with the young girl. If it was selfish to want Joanna to herself, she didn’t care.

Joanna wiped a hand across her forehead. “Not today. Thea and I need to talk business since she’s my manager too. I want a shower, so you go ahead and we’ll have a rain check on lunch.”

The pout on Tandy’s lips told everyone that she wasn’t happy. She gave them all a glare and childishly rushed out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

“I guess I get to calm down the prima donna, huh?” Steve muttered before leaving the room.

“Wow, she’s got a temper. Glad Steve’s on her control panel and not me,” Dave remarked before turning his attention to the computer data blinking at him.

“Yeah, you probably were wishing it the other way around yesterday.” Joanna was grinning as they left the room.

“Why don’t you go ahead and take that shower and I’ll find us some sandwiches and a cool drink. We can eat in today, if that is okay with you.” Thea knew she’d said the right thing when Joanna turned to her nodding with a grateful smile on her face.

“Whatever would I do without you?” Joanna smiled indulgently.

“Probably get sick again, which isn’t going to happen. I’ll catch up with you in your room in half an hour tops.”

“You got it. Don’t get lost.” The singer practically bounced down the corridor toward her room. Thea was happy indulging in all kinds of dreams as she went toward the exit in search of lunch.

†

Lounging on one of the large sofas in the main living area, Jo watched Thea arranging a display of flowers that, according to her, the florist totally ruined. Unable to control a wicked smile, Jo wondered how she’d explain to one of the most prestigious florists in Nashville that they had screwed up. “Have you ever thought of taking up arranging displays?”

Thea glanced over her shoulder, smiling. “Once, back at home when I thought we had the money.”

Jo heard the wistful tone and it sparked a few ideas that might come into fruition in the future. Tomorrow, they were embarking on their first tour since her illness a year ago. The last three months had found her working in the studio to produce material for another album. They agreed on three months on the road prior to cutting the final tracks. That way it would whet the appetite of anyone with any doubt about Joanna having been an overnight sensation.

“Thought so. Well, who knows what you might achieve in the future. For now, I’m happy that you want to stick around as my manager.” Jo gave Thea and infectious grin.

†

Thea felt the blood racing in her veins at the sight. Sometimes it took all her energy not to rush into Joanna’s arms and confess her undying love, but she managed to hold back the stampeding emotions. “Good, because I have no intention of letting you to go off on tour alone again.”

“That’s my girl.” Jo flashed another wonderful smile.

Thea’s stomach was rushing up and down like a roller coaster. “Why don’t you go to bed and have an early night, it will be the last you get for weeks. I’ll prepare everything except your clothes for the morning.” Thea smiled tenderly, watching Joanna stifle a yawn. She never let go even though she was exhausted.

“You are way too good to me, Thea, thanks. I must admit I’m rather tired. I’ll see you in the morning. Are you excited?” Joanna studied her intently. “You know that a tour is hard work and not as glamorous as many think. For me it has its compensations in the adrenaline rush I get going out on the stage.” She lifted one shoulder. “But you won’t be going on stage so it might not be much fun for you.”

Thea laughed. “I’m probably more excited than you are at the prospect. It’s all new to me and is another adventure we can share.” Thea wrapped her arms around her waist. “It is a part of your life that I’ve never shared with you so excited doesn’t begin to cover it.”

Thea walked to her and gave Joanna a light hug. “Now, go to bed and I’ll see you in the morning.”

Joanna stretched in a weary, but relaxed way before grinning. “Good night. Tomorrow our new journey will begin.

“Good night,” Thea whispered as she watched Joanna leave. She blew out a large sigh wondering if Joanna knew how sexy she was when she stretched like that. The thought made Thea shiver in a wonderful way. She sat down at the desk and flicked over the tour dates and locations. Her eyes traveled across the pages to the final gig and it struck her that they would be within one-hundred-fifty miles of Danvers.

How ironic is that?
She wondered if Joanna realized that.

Maybe she should send Lucy and John-Henry free tickets for the show. Better yet, she’d invite them to dinner and the show. After all, they had been the catalyst to them both being in such a fortunate situation. Thea smiled, recalling her mother telling her that Lucy had reported in on a regular basis during the years as she was growing up.

Her thoughts turned to Daisy, whom she knew wouldn’t travel on her own. Maybe if the others were going, she would agree to attend the concert. Picking up her address book, she found the first of the three numbers and tapped the number on the dial pad.

It will be fun and I know Joanna won’t mind. In fact, she will be happy to see them, especially John-Henry.

“Hi, Lucy, this is Thea....”

†

“How are we doing, Pete?” Thea asked the senior roadie who was arranging the final sound position of the band’s equipment.

“Great, Thea. All we need now is Jo, for her sound check, and we will be right on the button tonight.”

The large man had frightened Thea the first time she had seen him. Not only was he gigantic, but he was a mass of tattoos, some sinister in design. Her first thought had been that he was a Hell’s Angel. Joanna had laughed at the thought and had vouched for the man, going so far as to say that if Thea was her improbable protector, Pete was certainly her credible one. True to her friend’s prediction, he was a gentle giant to both she and Joanna. Others had a harder time especially those that tried to get too close to the singer when she was on stage.

“Ready, Pete?” Joanna asked, entering the stage area from the left wing.

Thea had found that Joanna was superstitious about which side she entered the stage. It had made her laugh at the absurdity of the situation. Who would have thought the singer would have those kinds of superstitions? She did and in a big way. That, along with sound checks, were the only things that made Joanna temperamental. Thea overheard Pete saying that Joanna was particularly ill tempered if they didn’t adhere to her schedule. Woe to anyone who was late. Thea was certain he’d live to regret it if it happened more than once.