The Road Home

Chapter 16

"Knock, knock." Mel slowly opened Harper's door.

"Hey, stranger."

"I'm in love with him." Mel plopped down beside Harper.

Harper narrowed her brow. "With who?"

"Shea."

"Who's Shea? I thought you were dating Eric?"

"He's Michael Kennady's agent. We talked last night for hours." Mel smiled. "He's wonderful."

Harper shook her head and stifled a laugh.

"Shea is different. He's sweet and mature. Nothing like Eric," she said as Harper rolled her eyes. She had heard this before. "Anyway, I talked to Stan and the jet is going to be here by one on Sunday. The show with Brock and Cole is on Tuesday which means you'll rehearse Monday and possibly the next morning if you need to. You're rehearsing for the ACMs with Jake Wednesday afternoon. Two live shows in one week. That's a record. You have a meeting Wednesday morning with a movie producer. Stan set it up so I have no idea who it's with or what it's about."

"I'm not singing with Jake." Harper and country music's Male Vocalist of the Year had made quite a splash last summer when their sultry duet went straight to number one. Sadly, the popularity of the song didn't garner nearly as much attention as their affair or her backstage fight with his wife at last year's CMT awards show.

"Harper, the song is up for Song of the Year and your label wants this. There's no way around it plus consider what all will happen if you don't. The tabloids would love it."

Harper groaned. She knew Mel was right. "Speaking of the tabloids. What's with the photographers?"

"I don't know. I thought that was odd, too. Maybe there was an Elvis sighting or aliens in Florida, again." Mel laughed. "Anyway, I know you can't stand Jake and with what happened at the last show, I understand why you wouldn't want to sing with him, but you really don't have a choice here. Just act like you like him and sing your heart out," Mel ordered as Harper's phone rang. Harper smiled at the name flashing on her phone.

Mel stood. "I've got to find Shea. I'll see you later."

"Yes, Professor?"

"How was your day?"

"Started out pretty well."

"Except for the part where you were late for your language class which happens to be an hour later than usual."

"Oh, yeah. Except for that part. What time does your night class start?"

"Six. Hey, look. I need to go to Pine Ridge tomorrow. You want to ride along?"

She tried not to sound too excited but holy hell. "I would love to."