Page 70 of To Catch a Thief

Carolina smiled and squeezed lemon slices into her drink. Was everyone’s financial prosperity depending on her? Abby and her sisters would hate that.

She glanced at the balcony, hoping Abby’s mother wasn’t there. Luckily, the large table was empty.

Sage wasn’t at the bar, either. Her chest ached.

Ella worked her way through some Gershwin songs. They’d decided to open with Broadway numbers tonight.

She waited by the bar until Abby moved out of the kitchen and they met near the stage. Abby’s white toque flashed under the spotlight. “Are you ready?”

Carolina nodded.

Abby stepped up on the stage. “Welcome. I’m Abby Fitzgerald. Last night was the first night we had live music. I hope you’ve enjoyed Ella Blade on the piano. Now you’re all in for a treat. Please welcome Carolina Castillo.”

Did Abby choke on her last name? And Carolina being part of the Fitzgerald House family had lasted less than twenty-four hours.

She shook back her hair and waved. Taking the mic from Abby, she asked, “How is everyone doing tonight?”

The response was lukewarm.

“Come on now. It’s Saturday. Are you having fun?”

The audience was louder this time.

“Good.” She slipped onto the stool. “As Abby said, I’m accompanied by the lovely Ella Blade. She’s been entertaining you. Isn’t she great?”

Now there was clapping.

“We’re going to take a walk down Broadway, but if there are any songs you’d like to request, please talk to your server or Ella. If we know it, we’ll sing it.”

And maybe the tip jar would grow even more tonight.

“We don’t know each other very well, but I hope we will by the end of the evening.” She nodded at Ella, who played the opening. “I’m from Tybee. Where are you lovely people from?”

People called out.

She picked up her cue and sang “Getting to Know You” from The King and I.

Sage took his place at the bar. He touched a finger to his mouth and pushed up a smile.

God, was she frowning? She forced a smile on her face and happiness into her voice. Who could be sad singing Rodgers and Hammerstein?

They worked through her favorite musicals, sticking with the happy songs. She moved around the stage, finally sitting to sing “Somewhere” from West Side Story.

She took a breath and found Sage. Their eyes locked and she sang to him, letting all her love, frustration, pain and heartache bleed into her voice.

The rest of the audience faded. It was only the piano, the spotlight and Sage.

She let the final note free. Let it soar into the balcony and sky.

Ella played the echo of the opening and resolved the chord.

Shutting her eyes, she inhaled.

The diners were silent, then the applause roared. A few got to their feet.

Carolina stood, needing to grab the stool to keep her balance. “I hope some of that is for the wonderful Ella.” She waved and Ella took a bow.

“I’ll be back in about a half hour. Eat. Enjoy. Have a drink.”

Ella turned off the small spotlight. Carolina’s legs wobbled as she walked down the stairs.

“Are you all right?” Ella took her arm.

“A little shaky.”

“Not when you were singing. Lord, girl, that last song had me crying.”

“Thanks.” She waved at a diner who quietly clapped as they walked by, leaning harder on Ella.

Ella frowned. “When did you last eat?”

Carolina had to think. “Lunch, I guess.”

Ella pulled her over to Sage. “This girl needs to eat something before she sings again.”

Sage gave up his seat and pointed at the fries on his plate. “Start with these.”

Carolina’s stomach churned at the thought of food, but she put a fry in her mouth and chewed.

“I have to head to the ladies’ room,” Ella said. “Are you going to take care of our girl?”

“I’m on it.” He scowled. “You barely ate lunch. Did you have something after I dropped you off?”

She shook her head.

Sage flagged down Naomi. “She needs something to eat before her next set. Comfort food?”

Naomi nodded. “I know just what will work and it’s fast.” She moved to the order station, her fingers flying across the keyboard. “That should help. Damn. You’re amazing. I can’t believe you were bartending when you have that kind of talent.”

Carolina winced. “I needed to make money while Mamá…” What could she say? They knew her mother was fighting cancer. She took a drink of the lemon water Naomi placed in front of her. And forced another fry into her mouth.

Ella, Naomi and Sage talked. The conversation swirled around her, but she didn’t hear or understand what they were saying.

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