Page 16 of Places I've Never Been

Mattie’s first instinct was to end the call. “I haven’t written anything at all in three days.”

“That’s quite a dry spell for you.” Kat reached for another cigarette, glared at it, then put it down.

“I thought you were going to quit smoking,” Mattie said in her most diplomatic voice.

“I am. I’ve been tapering by taking no more than three hits per cigarette. It’s costing me a fortune. Anyway, I think what you really need is a chance to put all this other stuff behind you by focusing on something different.”

“Hmm. I’m not sure I’m up for anything right now. Between Morales the Misguided and Della the Diva, I’m just…I’m done.” The thought of writing another song right now made her sick. Her emotions were spinning like a load of laundry stuck on the high heat setting.

“It’s Delusions of Glory.” Kat’s voice rose and her face lit up as she said the band name. “They’re looking for someone to help them fill out their album, and Adam Brooks asked for you specifically.”

“Really?” Mattie thought about that. She knew the band, of course. They were world famous. And unlike The Bellamy Sisters, nobody thought the studio wrote their songs. She didn’t know if it was because they were men, or because they were older when they got started, but either way, she resented the unequal treatment. “Why?”

“Because Johnny J left, and from what I hear the fantastically gorgeous Mr. Brooks hasn’t really meshed with anyone else.”

“So why would I be any different?”

She didn’t know much about Adam Brooks. She had a vague memory of him in the tabloids. Something about a model he was dating or dumping. She hadn’t paid it much attention.

“Because you’re you, and because according to his manager you’re the only one he’s asked for by name.”

She remembered a couple of Delusions of Glory songs. Their two biggest hits, “You Got Something” and “Living in the Moment,” were fun and catchy, with beats designed todrive up the blood pressure of any parent and solid-gold lyrics as far as angsty teens were concerned.

They were good songs, but rougher around the edges than she liked. If she was listening to music for fun, it usually featured softer melodies that suited her voice so she could belt it out in the shower.

“I don’t see it working out, do you? I mean, we don’t have the same style at all. He’s edgy race car rock, and I’m dreamy romance and pop. They don’t really go together.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure. They’re looking for something new. Their manager told me this album is nothing like anything they’ve done before. They need a new perspective now that Johnny J is gone. That’s where you come in. I think meshing your dreamy with their steamy would make excellent music. Plus, they’re already planning on submitting one of these three for Song of the Year. If you want credit, this is the way to get it. They mentioned making one a duet.”

Mattie’s heart jerked like a fish on the line. Winning Song of the Year would mean more than just a writing credit. It would feel like the sun rising after a long, dark night, but it would also mean working with one of rock’s playboys.

Mattie closed her eyes and pictured the last time she was in the studio with Devon. He’d kept staring at her and licking his lips, as if she were a juicy piece of steak. “If it’s just me and Adam Brooks in the studio, it could get touchy-feely and awkward real quick.”

“I doubt it’ll be just him. There’s five in the band, and I know his brother, Brandon, is listed as cowriter on a lot of the songs over the years. Plus, the duet doesn’t have to be a love song.”

“If it’s the whole band, we might never get a song written at all. Writing by committee never really works out, you know?” She didn’t need any more drama, and this gig soundedlike it would be nothingbutdrama. It would have to be with so many people involved.

But “Song of the Year” revolved in her head like an old record.

“Take this job as a favor to me. Keep it strictly professional. No dinners. No alone time.”

“I took thelastjob as a favor to you. Look how well that turned out.” Mattie stuck her tongue out.

“Here’s the thing, sweetie.” Kat leaned in closer to the phone. “You need to get your name out there on something that’s not sweet pop. Delusions has the edge you need. It’s a great chance to show your range, get your name in lights, and stick it to Devon and everyone else. Especially if you keep things strictly professional.”

“Hey, I’malwaysprofessional. He was the one who made up a fake relationship. How is that my fault?”

“It isn’t. That’s not what I’m saying.” Kat picked up another cigarette and shoved it between her lips. It dipped up and down while she spoke. “What I’m saying is, you need this.Weneed this. If you win Song of the Year with no added drama, it’ll make it obvious all the crap-talk from Devon was just that. Otherwise he’s got the clout behind him since he’s still riding high on a number one hit, and he’s the one talking the loudest, and you know it’s always guilty until proven innocent as far as public opinion is concerned.”

Mattie sat back. On the plus side, if she took on this project, she wouldn’t have to fight with Della over whether The Bellamy Sisters should get back together. She would be legitimately busy and unable to take phone calls. The lure of a possible Best Song dangled in front of her, shiny and tempting and just out of reach.

On the flip side, if she didn’t take thisproject, eventually she would cave and talk to Della, who was extremely skilled at getting what she wanted out of just about everybody.

She took a deep breath to steady her nerves before she admitted she’d already caved to the inevitable. “I’ll meet with them.”

“Great! I’ll set it up for Wednesday. Your studio or theirs?”

“Theirs. That way I can leave if I need to. And make sure they agree to no love songs.” Mattie waved at the phone. “Thanks, Kat.”

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