Her Biggest Fan (Book 3 of JAF series)

Chapter 4 A Helping Hand

Monday morning I sit in Dann's chair in the studio and spin slowly around. clutching a to-go mug containing much needed caffeine. Andi's voice blasts over the speakers and I listen to 'Misunderstandings' for the 10th time. I still get chills listening to her voice, especially the eerie high note she hits and the pained twang of the guitar, along with the underlying sound of the piano in the background.

"What do you have here?" I jump a bit and lean forward to turn down the volume.

"Hey Dann, good to see ya. Just had some free time and figured I'd come by to see you."

"Yeah Hunter, it's cool to see you but who is that?"

Dann can't see the smile on my face as I'm turned away from him, swiping the case off of the desk.

"Andi Kent, New Orleans based, aspiring country music artist." I hand it to him and he studies the note with her information stuck on the front.

"Huh," Dann breaths out in acknowledgment. "So, you a talent scout now?" He adjusts his glasses.

"Well, she kind of found me... Or her sister did."

"Cool. Mind if I give it a listen?"

"Go for it, she's actually coming in a few weeks from now for an audition." I don't mind, I already downloaded her CD on my phone.

"Well, tell you what...." Dann looks at me and I can tell he sees how much I like her voice. "If she's any good I'll spread the word and see what we can do for her."

"That would be awesome!" I move out of his chair as he gives me the evil eye and over to the couch as Andi's voice continues on, 'Love Me Tender' by Elvis, she sings it beautifully.

"So what's the story with this girl? What happened to Em?" He sits and looks at me, hands drawn together in front of him, slightly gesturing.

"No story, she and her sister came to one of my shows and I decided to give her a chance. And Em and I... I don't want to talk about it."

"Okay, sure. And how's the tour going?"

I'm grateful, he doesn't press for information about my personal life. I already had a fun time explaining to my parents about the whole ridiculous affair. And now Em has started to call, she wants to "talk."

After two hours or so with Dann I take off, it's almost the end of my break and with 2 more weeks of touring I'm going to enjoy a little break while I can get it. I stop by the market and end up pulling into my driveway at 3. My house feels almost empty as I step through the door. Lately I've been seriously thinking about getting a dog... Maybe... Well for now I'll just get by with a glass of red wine and some Neil Diamond on my turn table.

The second I fall back on the couch and close my eyes my phone rings. I sigh and pull out my phone, it's Em. I'm in no mood to deal with her drama today. Wait a second, I never called Kelsey! Oops, I scold myself.

I pull up her number and hit call.

"Hello?"

"Hey, is this Kelsey?"

"Oh my gosh! Is this Hunter???" I pull the phone away from my ear to avoid going deaf from her high pitched scream.

"Yeah, hi."

"HI! I can't believe you called! So I was thinking..."

I chuckle, when she really wants something she doesn't mess around.

"My sister can be so stubborn, and hard on herself. I think what she really needs is encouragement. I already started something but maybe we could work at it together?"

"Okay?"

"I just wrote her a small letter... Well I got Katie to write it for me... I just really want her to get this. She deserves it..." I let her ramble on, it's like a breath of fresh air after the oppressive pull Emily's been putting on me.

"I think that will do just fine." She pauses and I interject. Then she apologizes and says goodbye, she's got her own life to live and as much and I would love to continue talking to her I let her go. Not 5 seconds after I hang up does my phone ring again.

"Hey mom." I answer the call without hesitation. Hopefully my parents are free to go out to eat tonight before I get back on the road.

-----

She's here. I saw her walk past the studio a little after lunch, already on her way out. I hope the meeting went well for her. I guess I'll just have to wait and see. I stoop over the soundboard, tugging my cap down further on my eyes as I watch the buttons blink and listen to my band play.

Dann enters the room and I look at him inquisitively, all I receive is a small nod. My phone lights up and I reach over and grab it.

"Mind if I cut it short today?" I ask Dann as I read the text.

"How come?"

"I've got to pick up Em from the dance studio at 4, our 6 month anniversary thing is tonight."

Dann rolls his eyes as the guys tromp in, finished with their set.

"Does that count the time you guys have been broken up?"

"Seriously? It's only like 3 months." Steve laughs at me and I scowl.

"Alright, alright leave the kid alone." Dann defends me, he likes it when he's the only one razzing me.

"Whatever." I toss my phone back on the counter. "So how'd she do?"

"Who?" Matt cracks his nuckles, looking at me curiously.

"Hunter's charity case." Devin informs him.

"Hey, cut it out!" I can't quite keep the edge out of my voice.

"Calm down Hunter she did fine, I'm sure you will know something when there's more news to be had."

Even with those reassuring words I still sneak past the executive's office on my way out. I hear loud voices within.

"Fine, but if she is assigned to me I want to make sure she doesn't cause trouble."

"April, calm down. What makes you think she's going to be a problem?"

Of course April will be a problem. She's tough and every musician I've worked with that had her for a manager is either afraid of her or mad at her all of the time.

I think about Andi's birdlike personality, her quietness, and the the storm that seems to brew behind her eyes. April might just break her. Well, I tried.

My mood goes from bad to worse as I pick up Em.

"Wow, better late than never I guess!"

"And hello to you too." I smile at the damp hair that whips around as Emily climbs into my car.

"Hey, sorry it's been a long day. My feet are killing me!"

"Well, it's over now. Where do you want to eat?" I lean over and kiss her lightly.

"I'm starved... Olive Garden?" She grins.

"Carb binge?"

"Yeah." She grins back and pulls her hair back.

Things are always good when she's on these high calorie diets. "Alright then."

Her blue eyes pierce through my skin as she looks at me. "So how was your day?"

I look back at the road, suddenly feeling guilty and I'm not sure why... I keep repeating the same four lines of lyrics in my head,

🎶
'We are all left alone with misunderstandings
Cornered by our own unhappy endings
Coming together or falling apart
No one really can tell'
🎶

"Hey, where'd you go?"

"Sorry Em, I got a lot on my mind today."

I try to focus on her, and on our conversation. I'm ready to give this a real try, even if it is the 3d or 4th one. There must be some reason why we keep coming back together.