Page 19 of Two Hearts' Ploy

“Oh, good. That’s one of mine. I wrote it a couple years ago, and finally gave it some lyrics,” she admitted.

He paused, glancing at her face. “I didn’t know you did any writing. You’re not named as the composer.”

She shrugged. “That’s intentional. I publish under my grandmother’s maiden name. She was the reason I wanted to become a musician, but she passed away when I was really young.”

“I thought that you wanted to become a vocalist because of your mother?” he asked, obviously distracted as he motioned for her to have a seat at the piano inside the studio.

Her mother.What a piece of work she’d been.

“No,”she answered sharply.

Jeff glanced at her quickly.

“Sorry. It’s none of my business,” he said, sounding distant again.

“That’s alright. It’s a long story,” she admitted. “One that I’ve managed to keep private through the years.”

“I promise I won’t bring something like that up again,” he answered quietly, running his fingers over the piano keys. “Let’s hear you acapella first, and then we can tape that version along with some others accompanied by piano and guitar.”

“I can play both,” she admitted.

“I didn’t know that. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you do anything besides dance onstage when you’re performing,” he replied.

“It’s what was expected,” Wren answered, frowning. “At least that’s what my manager always claimed.”

Jeff struck a dissonant chord on the piano. “Since we’re going to work together, do you mind if I’m honest with you?”

Wary, she blinked. “I don’t know.”

He suddenly grinned. “That’s honest enough.”

She grinned back at him. “Okay. Tell me what you feel like you need to say.”

“You’re older. You’re trying to attract a new younger audience that doesn’t have as much interest in you. The audience you should be targeting is the one that admired you from the beginning. People who are closer to you in age.”

“In other words, I haven’t grown much as a performer,” she said crossly. Although deep inside, as much as she hated to admit it, she knew he was right. The numbers and income from the last tour had definitely shown that she didn’t have the fan base she’d once had.

“You said it, I didn’t,” he growled.

She studied him intently. He sure wasn’t mincing words. But just because she was used to people kissing up to her, didn’t mean that she couldn’t handle his criticism gracefully.

“Okay. So, let’s get to work so you can prove it,” she muttered.

Much to her surprise, he smiled widely, giving her a wink.

Chapter Nine

Since Eve had recognized Wren’s popularity was fading too, Jeff felt like Wren needed to know the score before he began working with her. This was definitely going to be difficult for him, because instinctively he knew that she’d be making a mistake to continue on the same course that she was on now.

Sure, Wren was a great dancer. Her shows were staged to perfection – the choreography masterful – but there were so many artists out there performing who were using the exact kind of moves while singing the same style of vocals that she was.

She needed a switch up. When he’d listened or watched her perform, Jeff had admired her voice more than anything else. She had an unbelievable range and quality in her voice that more than likely went unnoticed because it was disguised behind the music and choreography.

When Wren began singing her vocals in that sexy breathy voice that she had, he frowned.

“As pretty as your voice is, Wren, I think you should give it your all and really belt it out. Use your diaphragm.”

She looked at him strangely.

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