Take Me As I Am (13 page)

Thea looked up into Joanna’s dazzling blue eyes that shone with merriment and grinned. “Depends.”

Joanna placed a friendly arm across Thea’s shoulders. “I’ll tell you about mine if you do yours?”

All of Thea’s previous anger disappeared. “Okay, but I want to make a sandwich first. I’m starving.”

“Oh. He couldn’t afford to feed the beast then?”

Thea turned and gave her friend a scathing glance. “Whatever do you mean?”

“Nothing, nothing. Hey, Thea, I need to talk about a problem I have or at least I think I have. Want to help me out?”

“Sure, want something to eat or have you eaten?” A dark head descended toward her and for one heart stopping moment Thea thought Joanna was going to kiss her. She merely tapped her on the nose.

“I’ve eaten but I’d love a club if you want to take pity on me.”

“You got it. So, what’s the problem,” Thea asked while pulling out the meat for the sandwiches.

“Apparently, I am in need of a manager.”

“Really? Do you think you need one?”

“I don’t know. Probably. I hate all the paperwork and stuff.” Joanna chewed on her lip. “I guess if I want to do this right I’ll have to take on a manager. Who in their right mind would work for pipe dreams? That’s all I have to offer. I certainly can’t afford to pay anyone.”

“I thought that was what a good manager did,” Thea said. “Hooked onto the potential and reaped the rewards later?”

“In your dreams, Thea. Everyone’s out to make a buck. Now, if it was you as a manager, yeah, I’d go for that because you would but—”

Thea turned from what she was doing. “That’s it,” she shouted.

“What? What’s it?”

“Me. I can be your manager. I believe in you and you pay me by letting me stay with you rent free and right now you pay for everything so it’s the least I can do.”

Joanna frowned. “I don’t—”

“No, please, Joanna, what have you got to lose? If I fail, heck, you sack me and get someone else. It’s easy and who knows, we might make a good team.”

†

Jo considered the suggestion seriously for a moment wondering if it might work. If she failed, what the hell did it matter? It would be a way she could keep an eye on Thea, especially if she was succumbing to the charms of the biker. After all, wasn’t she the protector here? “Okay, tomorrow we’ll discuss what I want and I’ll arrange a meeting for you with Jack.”

Thea smiled at her. “No, I’ll call Jack and arrange a meeting. You do your stuff and I’ll do mine.”

Grinning at the confidence that brimmed from the usually less than self-confident Thea, Jo nodded. “Okay, it’s all yours, manager. Just remember one thing.”

“Yeah, what’s that?” Thea asked.

“Please don’t give in to a sob story. Jack can be real persuasive when he sets his mind to it.”

Thea laughed and slapped Jo’s shoulder, “Yeah, and who else gets taken in by a sob story, hmm?”

Jo grinned at their banter. It was something she enjoyed and hoped would never disappear. “Come on, you can tell me more about biker boy and I’ll give you the low down on a Brit and what he’s like to kiss.”

“You can’t ask me that.”

“I just did, didn’t I?”

Thea looked away. “His name is Calum and there’s nothing going on between us. He’s a nice guy but he’s too young for me. Besides I’d rather be kissing Alice than him.”

Jo, shocked by the comment saw Thea’s cheeks turn scarlet. “Really? A woman?” Jo eyed her friend. “Are you and Alice?”

“No. God, no. I just used her as an example.”

For some reason that she didn’t quite understand, a sense of relief washed over Jo. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Maybe you wouldn’t have wanted me to come with you if you knew.”

“Nonsense. We’re friends and friends don’t judge.” She pointed to her chest. “Besides, look at the life I’ve lived. I’ve dallied with the odd woman or two in the past. I find them better kissers.”

Thea’s eyes went wide and Jo softly chuckled before pulling her into a tight hug.

Chapter Fourteen

Jack looked at the shadow of the young woman in the outer office that had arranged the appointment to see him. She was supposedly Jo Lackerly’s manager. He pressed the intercom. “Judy, send in Ms. Danvers.”

As the door opened, the blonde woman who walked into his office surprised him. She didn’t look like the confident bull-shitter that usually came into his business. No, she looked nervous as if this was the first time she had ever been in this position.

“Ms. Danvers, nice to meet you. Please, take a seat.” He held out his hand.

Thea took his hand and shook it.

Jack secretly smiled at the tremor he felt in the hand of the young woman. This should be interesting. Like leading a lamb to slaughter. Why did Jo send this child to do a job for her? Maybe it is some sort of ploy. “Do you want coffee or anything else to drink?”

“No. No, I’m fine. Thanks for asking.”

“Then I guess my next line is what can I do for you, Ms. Danvers?”

†

Thea tugged at the hem of her skirt. She had bought a skirt suit the day before to make an impression, or so she’d told Joanna, who had grinned while paying for the addition to her wardrobe. She considered that recollection before realizing that the man sitting before her had inadvertently paid for her clothes. What a strange world they lived in. For some reason that fact alone gave her the confidence that she had been lacking, sitting outside the office for the past fifteen minutes.

She knew she wasn’t good at asserting herself and took a calming breath.
My friend’s, no, the woman I love’s, livelihood depends on my arriving at the best possible outcome.

“I represent Ms. Lackerly and she tells me that you intend to send her on a three month tour. She does have certain requirements for such a tour.”

“Well, you have my attention, Ms. Danvers. Please tell me what requirements Ms. Lackerly needs?”

An hour later Thea had a satisfied look on her face. Jack conceded a two-person entourage, an increase in salary—doubled actually—a personal transport of her choice and that was just for the tour, along with smart phones for both Joanna and herself.

Jack motioned to the door. “How would it be if we saw our girl in action?”

Thea jumped up and smiled warmly. “I’d love that. Thanks.”

“Well, let’s go then.”

†

Thea had never been inside a recording studio and two guys who were doing something called mixing greeted her. However, her eyes were quickly pulled to the glass plate window. The sight of Joanna dressed casually in jeans and a pristine white, figure-hugging T-shirt talking animatedly with the piano player made the tempo of her heartbeat in triple time.

“How’s it going, Joe?” Jack asked.

“So, so, Jack. Jo’s attention span is nil today.”

“Really, there’s a surprise.” Jack turned to Thea. “Would you shed any light on that part for us?”

Thea shrugged. “Artists. You can never predict their moods.”

Jack laughed before bending over the mixing station and speaking into a mic. “Quit the bickering, Jo, and give us a song. Your manager wouldn’t thank you for going back to the table if you suddenly become difficult.”

Thea’s eyes sought Joanna who held her hands up in a gesture that indicated she wanted to know how things went. Smiling broadly, Thea gave her the thumbs up sign and watched as Jo jumped off the ground and shouted something indistinctly to the piano player.

Gentle strains sprang out and Jack pulled out a chair for Thea as Joanna strummed on her guitar and started to sing.
“I know I needed you like the soil needs the rain.”

The piano tinkled out a few bars more and the session ended. As it did, the two guys in the mixing room shouted out. “It’s a wrap.”

“That’s my girl,” Thea whispered.

The song mesmerized her. It was as if Joanna was singing to her, relaying a message for only her. It was a plaintive love song and Thea didn’t know what to think, especially after her revelation two nights before.

Does it mean there’s something between us? No. Joanna clearly is into guys. I bet she only mentioned she’s been with women to make me relax.

†

Jack smiled. He suddenly appreciated something as he saw the look on Jo’s face as she sang. There was no mistaking that she was singing to her manager and he found that
interesting. The chemistry between them was evident and as he thought back, he realized that he had never heard Jo sing with such passion. There was definitely more to their arrangement than he’d first thought. Once, when they first met, Jo had jokingly—he thought—alluded to liking women more than men. Could the young woman who was her manager be the reason? Not only was it an interesting revelation but also a possible dilemma.

†

“We did it, Joanna, we did it.” Thea was bouncing around the apartment like a kangaroo.

Jo chuckled as she watched. “You deserve all the credit, Thea. You might have thought you were a poor man’s excuse for a manager but not to me. You are doing a great job. Want to celebrate?”

The laconic sexy voice seemed to cover Thea like a blanket and she stopped dancing before smiling at Joanna.
If only.
“Aren’t you too tired?”

“No.” Joanna squared her shoulders. “Let’s go have…why don’t you choose?”

“Me? You want me to choose where we go?”

“Sure. Am I that bad?”

Thea laughed and shook her head. “No. No, not at all but there are places you really don’t like going to.”

“Yeah, so. I’ll get used to it.” Joanna shrugged. “This is your night, Thea. You were wonderful as my manager. Thanks to you, I have a sweet deal for the tour.”

The idea of going to a decent restaurant of her choosing was exciting but she’d rather spend the time alone with Joanna. “How about I send you out for a Chinese takeout and a bottle of wine?”

“Is that what you want, Thea?”

“Yeah, it’s what I want. Once we’ve eaten, you can go to bed and get some sleep. You look all in.”

“You got it.” She grinned. “When I get back, I’ll be all yours.”

As Joanna left the apartment, Thea considered her last words. “I wish I did have you. I really do.”

†

Thea listened as a DJ on one of Nashville’s music stations was raving about Joanna and her successful tour and deservedly so. Joanna was returning home that night after being away for eleven weeks and four days. Yeah, she was counting even the hours. How pathetic was she? She originally hoped to go with Joanna but with the entourage of a make-up artist and a personal assistant, her going along wasn’t in the budget.

After preparing one of the dishes that Joanna always enthused about, she waited anxiously for her return and the special night she hoped they would have together. Thea had missed Joanna’s presence and the calls between them hadn’t eased the loneliness she felt. Soon, very soon, Joanna would be coming through the door.

The phone rang and she practically ran to it expecting it to be Joanna. For a moment, she wondered why she was using the house phone and when she answered, disappointment filled her heart.

“Hi, Calum. No, I’m busy. Joanna’s home tonight so I can’t make it. How about I see you the day after tomorrow? You could come around for dinner. Yeah that sounds great, I’ll see you then. Hey, take care on Rouser. I want you in one piece.”

It was strange. She should be flattered that a young handsome man was courting her, but all she felt for him was friendship—a deep friendship—certainly nothing more. He had tried to kiss her a few times. In the end she had said friendship was all she had to offer and he had accepted that. They had been out on numerous occasions since Joanna had gone on tour and Alice had been envious. Thea thought that Alice was actually better suited for Calum. Who knew where Cupid’s arrow would strike? Maybe she should do some matchmaking
.

As she checked the roast, the door to the apartment opened and Thea’s heart suddenly constricted as she hurried to see her friend. “Joanna, it’s great to see you.” Rushing forward, Thea flung her arms around the taller woman.

Jo laughed. “Love you, too, Thea. Now will you please stop strangling me?”

Thea’s heart jumped at the expression and then settled as she scanned the woman before her.
She looks tired and in need of a good rest.

She looks thin too. Don’t they feed her on tour?

“Want to take a nap and then have dinner?”

“Love to, Thea, but I have another engagement.”

“Where shall I dispose of your luggage, Jo?”

A tall figure, taller than Joanna, appeared at the doorway clutching several bags.

“Hey, Lee, come on in and I’ll show you. First you need to meet my best buddy and manager, Thea.”

The man with gentle gray eyes and a friendly expression smiled. “Hello, Thea. I’ve heard a great deal about you.”

“Really? I haven’t heard anything about you,” Thea said acerbically.

“Hey, Thea, I told you about him remember? He’s the love of my life.” Joanna looked at her sheepishly. “So much so, we’re engaged.”

Silence filled the small area in front of the door. “Oh,
that
love of your life.”

“Absolutely. Thea. So how’s the stud in leather?”

“I told you that Calum was nothing more than a friend.” Thea tried to gather her chaotic thoughts. “Congratulations to you both. When did this happen?” Her heart was breaking into a million pieces.

“Jo accepted my proposal two nights ago in Seattle. It was a surprise for us both,” Lee said, smiling.

“I wish you well.” Thea had to get out of the apartment and her eyes darted to the still open door.

“Thanks,” Lee said.

“I’m going out. Dinner is in the oven if you want it. If not, I’ll give it to the dog later.”

“Can’t we celebrate later?” Joanna asked in a pleading tone.

“Sure, but don’t wait up for me. I might be out all night. Good evening to you both and congratulations, again.”

Thea grabbed her coat from the closet, dashing as quickly as she could out of the apartment. Her body, drained of any energy, yet refused to stop for she was running as fast as she could away from the heartache. Joanna engaged
.
How could that be?

She never mentioned it yesterday when they spoke. Thea had thought she and Lee were friends
.

†

Jo saw the devastated look on Thea’s face and knew she was responsible. Why had she blurted out her engagement in such a horrible way? She had planned to tell Thea when they were alone. Thea was her only true friend and she thought she would understand. The hurt look on the beautiful face haunted her along with the comment about feeding the meal to the dog.

I really fucked it up this time.

Jo felt herself battling with her heart again. When she was on tour and away from Thea, she could do her own thing and think nothing of the consequences. With Thea in her midst, she felt that the attachment that had called to her originally now drew her like a spider’s web.

I don’t know if I can fix this. I’ve never seen her like that not even when she had to face George Andrews.

Deep down Jo knew her own heart was breaking and that was devastating to her.

Jo looked at Lee. “Do you want to eat here or go somewhere?”

“You have a dog?”

“Yeah. It’s called a trashcan.”

†

Alice sat at the kitchen table as Thea stood at the sink rinsing dishes.

“I think you should talk to her and let her know how you feel. It’s been three weeks and she has her first television appearance tomorrow to promote the release of her record. You’re part of that, Thea, and belong there.”

Alice had been watching the gradual deterioration of her friend’s mood since Joanna had arrived back home after her tour. The shocking announcement of her engagement to some businessman from New York had shaken her friend deeply.

Thea turned her anguished green eyes toward Alice. “I wish that were the truth but it isn’t.” She shrugged. “I’ve done nothing but sponge off Joanna ever since we got here. I need to get my act together and find a job.”

Thea shook her head and swiped at an errant tear. “I tried to get a job but Joanna told me I should just enjoy seeing the sights and take a break from working.”

“But you take care of the apartment and do all the cooking and laundry so Joanna can focus on her singing,” Alice countered. “Besides, aren’t you her manager? That certainly is a job.”

“I’m not so sure about that. Joanna is gone all day at the studio, at venues, or out on the town with her new fiancé. She doesn’t tell me about what’s going on with Jack so I don’t think I am her manager anymore.”

“If she doesn’t know how you feel, Thea, then she can’t change anything.”

“It won’t matter. That man has all the right attributes making him the best possible choice for her. He appears to love her so what more can I ask for?” Thea turned to the sink.