Page 41 of Jingl
My stomach takes a nosedive. “I hope this doesn’t kill my chances, but I much prefer remote work if possible.”
“Oh, you got the job if you want it. I just think it’d be fun to have you around. But remote work is fine. We’ll get you set up no problem. How long do you need to wrap up with your current employer?”
I sit dumbfounded, unable to form words for a few moments. “Thank you! I’d love to work with you. But I just moved back home and—I need remote because I’m pretty sure my boyfriend is going to be a traveling musician soon and I want to be able to follow him.” Why, oh why, the hell did I say that out loud?
The widest smile spreads across Levi’s face. “Love it! That’s dedication. If you’re ever in my part of California, let me know and I’ll come see the show.”
“He’s a concert pianist.” I babble on and tell him Shae’s social media handles.
“Wait. You’re dating Shae Lloyd? I’ve followed him for years. My wife loves him to pieces. Does he do private concerts?”
“I have no idea. But I can ask him.”
“Yes, please! Pass over my information. Okay, I’ll send you all the information you need to get set up. Welcome aboard.”
We end the call and I just stare at the screen. Holy hell. I got the job. And my new boss knows my boyfriend. I laugh at the good luck of it all. I have to drink some water to get my bearings before I message Shae.
I guess he’s on break because he calls me. “Oh my god, I’m so glad you got the job! I’m so proud of you Tracy.”
“That’s not all. So Levi and his wife have followed your socials for years. He wants to know if you do private concerts. He wants you to call him.”
“What? That’s crazy. How do you have an interview and I get involved?” Shae’s laughing. There’s someone with him and he’s relaying the info to them.
“That really is crazy,” Alec’s voice comes over the phone.
“Right?” I tell them the entire story.
“Shit, you gotta call this guy,” Alec says. I have to agree. It’ll be a good opportunity for Shae and I hope he takes it.
“Okay,” Shae says. I text him the number.
“I should probably let you get back to your break. But I had to tell you the news and the insanity of it.”
“I’m so proud of you Tracy, really.”
“Keep saying that. I think I’m developing a praise kink.”
That makes Shae snort and Alec groan. “Talk to you soon, Tracy.”
When we hang up, I’m buzzing. But now I have the unfortunate pleasure of sending in my resignation to my current company. Two weeks is standard and should be sufficient. They’ve been good to me, but there just wasn’t room for growth. I pound out a quick email and send it out at the end of my workday. That way I can ignore things until I start again tomorrow.
What is life? I move home and all of my dreams start coming true. Maybe Shae is a good luck charm.
Chapter 20
Shae
“You got this, Shae.” Trace smooths his hand down the front of my tux jacket. My stomach flip flops. The concert itself will be easy. But my spotlight right after intermission, that’s what’s terrifying.
“Kiss me?”
Trace tips my chin gently and plants a soft kiss on my lips. It’s chaste and gentle and touches my soul perfectly. “Go break a leg.” He squeezes my arm as the lights flash backstage, telling us time’s almost up.
I hate watching him leave. But I’m glad I could snag him and Mom front row seats. Emily said I deserved them after a stunning practice, her words. I still feel bad that those tickets could have gone to someone paying, but I don’t dwell on it too long. I got the elf squad balcony seats, and they all showed up. I have no idea how to thank them. This performance is a huge career booster. Even if it is a small town concert, we’re all professional musicians and people come from states away to watch our performance. I hadn’t realized that some bigwigs come in from New York every year. That knowledge alone terrifies me, but I have to keep my composure.
My palms sweat. I wipe them on a towel Trace had brought me and I folded over the back of a chair. There’s so much he does for me. I just don’t know how to say thank you enough. I hope he can feel how much I love him through my music.
“Everyone ready?” Emily asks as they walk through the backstage. We all shout “Aye aye captain,” something we took to doing out of silliness, but it works for us.
