Page 167 of Perfect Pitch

“And one that’s saved their asses a lot over the years,” he retorts. For just a second, avuncular Uncle Charlie is gone, and in his place is the Navy SEAL I’ve been told about.

“Charlie, I just found out myself. I haven’t even told my mother!”

“Good. Because the first person you should tell should be my nephew.”

“Apparently, it’s you,” I sneer.

“No, I’m telling you I know. I’m also telling you if you need anything, I’m here.” He lets out a whoosh of air. “Are you going to tell him when he gets back?”

Happy the big bad Navy SEAL didn’t know either, I inform him, “According to my mother, they’re back already.”

He whips out his phone. “They’re what?” His thumbs begin moving rapidly before he curses.

My stomach goes into a free fall. “What is it? He’s hurt, isn’t he?”

“No. Mitch is fine. Trust me.” Charlie reassures me with a half-smile.

I relax. “Okay.” Then I shore myself up and glare at him. “I’m furious with you.”

He opens his arms. “I know, but I make a hell of a babysitter if I say so myself.”

My body crumbles. I walk into his open arms needing someone’s strength, just for a few moments.

Charlie rocks me back and forth. “Whatever you need, Austyn. If it’s in my power to give you, it’s yours.”

I mumble, “I need music, just for a little while longer. Then I want to devote my attention to him or her.”

He nods. “Then let’s go get it for you.” Charlie lopes an arm across my shoulders before guiding me out of the apartment.

* * *

“So, a small tour. Southern colleges and bars, Kris? Isn’t that a little tame for her?” Carys drawls into the speakerphone.

I’m curious why Kristoffer Wilde booked me for the Debutante Tour, as Carys dubbed it earlier. His answer makes remarkable sense. “Because Kensington’s numbers aren’t popping there like they are in the rest of the country—and that includes the Midwest, Carrie.”

“Hmm,” she says, tapping her pen against her notepad. “So, Kensington’s trending well in Atlanta, Charlotte...”

I blurt out, “Seven Virtues.”

There’s silence between Carys and Kristoffer. “Where’s that?” Kristoffer finally asks.

“It’s a college town right outside Asheville.” I hear the clicking of keys on the other end before pressing the mute button. “My best friend goes to school there,” I admit to Carys.

“I figured it was something like that,” she says before Kristoffer comes back on the line.

“And we’ll be adding a stop in Seven Virtues. Your numbers in Asheville are as good as they are in Atlanta.”

Told you, I mouth to Carys, who stifles a laugh. She returns her attention to Kris. “When is this grand plan of yours taking effect?”

“I’m thinking.”

Carys sighs. “This might take a while.”

“Have I mentioned today I’m glad you work at your own firm?” Kristoffer growls.

“No, only how much you miss me,” she volleys.

“Whatever. Zapatta has a spot for an opening act in LA. Can you get to LA in four days, Austyn?”

---