Page 17 of Love on Tour
Like most young girls, she had fantasized about one day being chosen by a star. She’d live the life of the rich and famous, grace magazine covers, and be the envy of women worldwide. But in reality, that’s not what Christine wanted. She yearned for something more normal. The older she got, the more she realized she didn’t crave glitz and glamour, which might be why she migrated toward the songwriters more than the singers. Sure, Austin was a gorgeous star on his way to being very wealthy. Yet it was Matt she felt a connection with, Matt she was attracted to. She felt a sense of comfort near him.
She shook her head. It really did hurt. She hadn’t had this much to think about in a long time, if ever. She got ready for bed and slipped under the covers. These thoughts would all be there tomorrow. Buried deep in her blankets, she went to sleep, the comfort and warmth enveloping her.
CHAPTER THREE
As Christine sat in her office, chai latte in hand, chatting with Julianna, the door flung open and Austin walked in.
“Chrissy. What’s up?” Austin walked past Julianna without looking at her.
Christine sat in shock. Nobody walked past Julianna without doing a double take. Most asked for her autograph, assuming anyone who looked like her had to be famous.
“Austin, meet my friend Julianna. Julianna, meet Austin.”
“Nice to meet ya, Julianna.”
“The pleasure is mine,” she said, shaking his hand and using her most sultry voice.
Christine scoffed.
His gaze returned to Christine. “Found me some tunes?”
Christine sat up straight. She needed to sell this, and sell it hard. The future of the company was in her hands, and it all hinged on Austin cutting a song from Hit Songs Publishing. Sweat formed on her forehead, but she pretended it wasn’t there. What is it they say? Never let them see you sweat? She had to play it cool. She forced a big smile.
“I did. I went so far as to go through an old box of cassettes.”
“God, I love that. Those old forgotten songs can be gems.”
“I have a handful to play for you. Want to grab a seat?”
“I’d rather listen in my own environment. Can I take them with me?”
“Of course. I can put them on a drive or send you MP3s. Do you have access to Box?”
“Slow down, Miss Technology. Just send them to my phone. That’s how I like to listen. Cruising around. Don’t most people listen to the radio in their cars?”
“That’s what they say,” Christine said.
“Then that’s what I’ll do. What are you doing this weekend?”
“Um, nothing. Why?”
“How about coming on the road with me? I’m the opening act on a run with Jackson Williams. I’ll be playing in front of more than twenty thousand people a night. It would help you understand me even better if you saw me perform and were a part of it. You can watch how the audience reacts from the stage to get my vantage point. Ride the bus. You’ve already seen me in my underwear, so why not?” He smiled.
“You saw him in his underwear?” Julianna stared, wide-eyed.
Christine shrugged.
“It wasn’t my finest moment,” Austin said. “What do you say, Chrissy? You up for a road trip?”
The offer had been on her mind since he’d mentioned it on that first night. Christine could think of nothing worse than jumping on a tour bus with a bunch of guys. She’d heard the stories of bus life and wanted no part of it—the women, the parties, the disgusting smells, and the noise. But she knew what it would mean for the company. Quality time listening to music with Austin meant a better shot at having him choose one of her songs. Every plugger she knew would give anything for this opportunity. Why would she pass it up?
“Sure. I’ll go.”
“Cool. Matt will get you the details.” He turned to leave, reaching to shake Julianna’s hand. “Nice to meet you, Julie.”
Julianna’s eyes opened wide and her mouth dropped open. Christine could tell she was shocked. Nobody forgot Julianna’s name, or face, or body for that matter.
“It’s Julianna,” she said.
