Page 1 of Covert Affair

PROLOGUE

STACEY MAE

Six Months Ago…

I step out of the recording booth into the sound room. My album producer hits the playback and I listen to the final cut for my next album.

A hat tip to my late grandparents and their wedding song, we jumped through all the hoops to get the rights to record The Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love.” Listening to the playback, I’m overwhelmed with how well putting my mark on it has worked out.

“There’s one spot, around a minute-thirty, I think you should hit again. Other than that, this sounds solid, Stacey.” Allen Young, one of the top country music producers in the industry, tells me.

Before I can respond, my publicist, Jane, joins us.

“I have amazing news!” She squeals with excitement. “Remember how we let it slip that you were working on a way to honor your grandparents and how they loved The Beatles?” She doesn’t stop for me to answer. “Well, the Grammy’s just called, and they want YOU to take part in a Beatles tribute at this year’s award show.”

My jaw drops. “You’re kidding. Tell me you’re joking,” I say in disbelief.

“Not a joke at all. More details are forthcoming. They’re looking for a duet, three-song set. The execs are going to call me back as soon as they confirm the second half of the act.”

“Oh my gosh.” I pinch my arm, making sure I’m not dreaming.

“Huge opportunity, Stace,” Allen interjects. “You’ve got a unique voice, and as we’ve seen today, you know how to keep it classic but with a twist.”

“Oh, that wasn’t the only thing they mentioned,” Jane adds with a sly smile. “You may or may not be nominated for Female Vocalist of The Year as well.”

There is no way. This isn’t real life.

Things like this don't happen to a small town girl from Arkansas.

“I think I need a minute to catch my breath.” I pull out an empty chair and take a seat. “So surreal.”

“I tried to tell you. More and more people are taking notice of your talent,” Jane reminds me.

“I know. I know. We’ve worked so hard for this. I just can’t believe it.”

“Well, believe it. And, not to rush you, but we’ve only got the studio for another half an hour. Let’s wrap this up so we can finish production on this album.” Allen gently brings us back to reality.

With renewed energy and a newfound spirit, I slip back into the recording booth and give this take all I’ve got.

As the words flow from my lips, I can feel my grandparents smiling down.

1

STACEY MAE

“Alright Stacey,we’ve all been dying to know—what’s the deal with you and Grady?” Alex from WXZY radio goes in for the kill with his first interview question.

This is a prime example of one of the things I hate most about being a a country music artist. I hate giving interviews, and I hate talking about my love life, or lack thereof.

Hitting it big in country music was always the dream. Giving up my privacy was not. Comes with the territory though. Especially when it’s the night before the Grammy’s and I’ve just finished my very last rehearsal with none other than the man in question.

“Now, Alex. You know a good woman never kisses and tells.” I tease sarcastically.

Also becausethiswoman hadn’t been kissed in a long time. It clearly hasn't stopped the rumors, though.

“Are you saying you and Grady have kissed? Is that what you’re telling us, Miss Mae?” he volleys right back.

“Grady and I have been friends for a long time. We started down on Broadway together, playing at all the bars and honkey tonks in downtown Nashville. He’s a really sweet guy and a great friend.” There, just like we rehearsed.

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