Page 33 of Vodka and Violets (The Hamiltons)

He nodded. “I know you, sprite. You prefer to play a supporting role than to be the center of attention.”

“True, but it’s not as though I’m going to take the contract. I’m only going to say thanks but no thanks.”

Xander drew her closer and slid his arms around her waist. “Can I ask you something?”

She nodded.

“I think I know the answer, but I want to be sure. You’re going to turn it down because it’s not what you want, right? Not because you’re nervous about taking it – about becoming the center of attention?”

She nodded rapidly. “I enjoy singing and I’m quite good. I don’t even mind saying that I’m good enough – I am as worthy of my own contract as a lot of people who are already big stars.” She smiled. “I know I can come across as being unsure of myself, but I’m not some weak and weedy little thing who doesn’t know her own worth. I’m not saying that I’m better than anyone but I’m damned if I’m not just as good. I don’t want my own recording contract because that’s not the life I want to live. That’s all. I know lots of people aspire to that, but I know what makes me happy – and being in the limelight isn’t it.”

His eyes shone as he looked down into hers. “That’s what I thought, but I wanted to check.”

“But you asked if I was nervous about being the center of attention.”

“I only meant tonight. You have to remember that I’ve seen you out with all of these people before – the music people. You made sure that you stayed in Callie’s shadow. You won’t be able to do that tonight.”

“You’re right. I won’t. And I guess that is what I’m nervous about. Usually, everyone wants to know what’s going on in Callie’s life. When they talk to me, it’s easy enough to deflect them and talk about her. I know that tonight they’re going to want to talk about me.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

She went up on her tiptoes to kiss him. “You’re already doing it; you’re here with me. I’ll be fine. I’m looking forward to seeing them all – it’s been a while. It’s really not a big deal – I just had a touch of nerves.” She met his gaze. “If I were with anyone else it wouldn’t have been an issue – they wouldn’t have noticed.”

He smiled. “Yeah, but I know you inside out.”

She nodded happily. It felt like he did, and she loved it. “I guess the only thing I’d ask you to do to help is to let me handle it my way.”

“Absolutely. I know you can handle anything.”

A rush of warmth filled her chest. He wasn’t just saying it – he really meant it – and that meant the world to her. She wasn’t the most assertive person, and sometimes people tried to take over for her – and it drove her nuts.

When they went inside, she spotted Autumn and Matt at the bar. Autumn waved, beckoning them over. When they got there, she slid down from her stool and greeted Tori with a hug while Matt shook hands with Xander.

When Autumn let go of Tori, she grinned at her. “It’s good to see you, girly. I wasn’t sure if you’d ever come back to town.”

“I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure myself.”

Autumn gave her an appraising look. “And as much as you appreciate my offer, you’re not going to take it, are you?”

Tori gave her a sheepish smile. She’d thought that she would need to work her way up to saying thanks but no thanks.

Autumn laughed. “It’s okay. I knew it was a long shot. I’ve wanted to sign you for a long time, but you always said that you were happiest backing Callie. I decided I had to make my move while Callie’s on sabbatical, but you’re still not interested, are you?”

“I’m sorry. I …”

Autumn held up a hand to stop her. “Don’t apologize; there’s no need. Am I disappointed? Of course I am. But I appreciate your honesty. You’d be surprised how many people think they want the opportunity and then cause me all kinds of headaches when they can’t handle the reality. Not that I’m saying you couldn’t handle it,” she added hurriedly.

“I know. I could handle it. But I wouldn’t enjoy it. It’s not what I want for my life.”

“And I respect that. So, what do you want? There are a few artists who would be glad to have you.” She jerked her head toward Matt, who was chatting with Xander. “He’s one of them. How would you feel about that?”

Tori thought about it. She liked Matt. He was a good guy. She knew his band quite well. Callie had toured with them in the past. They had their own dynamic. “What about the girls he’s been working with?”

“Elle left a couple of weeks ago. Tasha’s still with him, but if you were to join them …”

Tori shook her head slowly. “Nothing against Matt – I think he’s awesome. But … I don’t really see me fitting in. The kinds of harmonies that he has Elle and Tasha sing …” She shook her head again. “I don’t think so. I’m sorry.”

“No. I’ve told you – no sorries. It’s fine. He’ll be able to work something out. You’re right that it probably wouldn’t be a great fit. I just don’t want to see you go. We do have a couple other options. Lawrence and Shawnee are working on setting up a tour, but that won’t be until next year now.”

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