Page 41 of Open Road (Tattooed Hearts Duet 3)

“Wow, that’s cool. I thought she looked gorgeous, but seeing her like that, it’s like she’s a magical creature or something.”

My twin grunted next to me, but he didn’t deny it. I peeked at him out of the corner of my eye, finding him watching her with a smile on his face. I pulled out my phone to record her so I could upload it later. I hadn’t thought I’d enjoy documenting the trip as much as I actually did.

When it was over, it felt like all the magic was sucked out of the room as she left the stage. I wasn’t sure, but it seemed like everyone else deflated with her exit too.

“Any chance we can convince her to do the karaoke competition?” Simon asked.

“I don’t know. She’s adamant she doesn’t want to get into it with Lee.”

Before we could discuss it any further, Lennox returned out the door with a massive smile on her face. There was someone new singing now, but they didn’t have her charisma, and people had gone back to talking at their tables.

We stood when she neared, each of us wanting to congratulate her on the performance. Of course, my impatient brother had to be first.

“Peach, that was magnificent.”

He kissed her, only letting her go so Simon could hug and congratulate her. I picked her up when she got to me, wanting to feel her close.

“Noxy girl, you sang our song. I loved it.”

Her cheeks reddened as she smiled. “It felt right.” I kissed her quickly, not wanting to create a scene, and sat her back on her feet. Simon had gone to get some drinks, so when he returned, I was surprised it was with an older woman.

“Um, Lenn, this woman wanted to meet you.”

“Lennox, is it?” she asked, smiling as she held her hand to shake. Our girl nodded, standing to shake it.

“Hi.” She smiled, looking at Simon, unsure why she was greeting this woman.

“My name is Shannon Clark, and I’m a talent scout for Songbird Entertainment. Have you heard of it before?” she asked, gesturing for us to take our seats. She sat next to Lennox, taking Slade’s seat, and I admired her when she didn’t seem intimidated by my brother and his intense stare.

“No, I don’t think I have. We’re not from around here. Is it a local thing?”

Shannon smiled, shaking her head. “No, and that’s not uncommon to not know the name of the company. Basically, we group several bands or artists for a tour that we think would do well together, and they travel together to music festivals across the states. Some of our groups already have record deals, so this gives them a cheaper option to tour since we foot the bill. Other artists are just starting out, and it helps get them noticed.”

“Okay, that sounds pretty cool. Why are you telling me this, though?” Her face held a look of curiosity and apprehension, like she was too scared to hope.

Shannon smiled kindly. “Because I think you’d be great to add to one of our current lineups. They had a band drop out, so there’s an opening.”

Lennox’s jaw dropped open as she looked around at the table. “Did you guys put her up to this?” she asked, searching our eyes for the answer.

I held my hands up, shaking my head no. Simon did something similar, but Slade narrowed his eyes at her like it was the dumbest question she’d ever asked.

“I promise I’m not a joke. I’m not even supposed to be working. I was here visiting a friend when you came on. I don’t know if you could see it from up there on stage, but the entire room stopped what they were doing to listen.”

“They did?” Lennox asked, looking around again.

“Yeah, it was magic, Lenn,” Simon said, smiling softly at her.

“I knew if I didn’t come and talk to you, I’d regret it,” Shannon said.

Lennox regained her composure as she took in all of our features. “It’s very kind of you to offer, but we’re currently doing SIT, a competition with LiveIt. I don’t want to change my plans and leave these guys.”

Shannon thought for a second, assessing the table. “Well, here’s the thing. I have a good eye for talent, and I think if the band heard you, they’d want you to join the tour with them, and they might be a little more convincing than me.”

“But I don’t have any original songs. I just do covers. What could I bring to the tour? I’m no one.” Her shoulders slumped.

“Many people start out doing covers, but the touring company has a group of writers that can help you find your voice. Not every day do I find someone with your pipes and stage presence.” She stopped, thinking something over. “Where are you next?”

“Chattanooga,” Simon answered.

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