Every Heart Sings (Serenity Island Series) (20 page)

I was young then, you were old

You knew better, but I didn’t want to be told

How to run my life

How to live and be free

The last note trailed off into silence. He heard a soft shuffle of feet, then a chair scooting, as if someone stood. Then someone clapped.

Josh turned, lifting his hand to his eyes to see into the darkened café seating area. The outline of a man moved toward him. He’d recognize that build from anywhere. The once-broad shoulders, now slightly stooped. The old man still stood over six feet tall, even at seventy-three years old.

Saul Cohen, his grandfather.

Josh jumped to his feet. The piano bench screeched in protest. “Pops? What are you doing here?”

His grandfather walked toward him into the brighter light. Old age had not dimmed his good looks. His dark hair was peppered with more gray than Josh remembered and his hairline receded a little further back than it had when Josh had seen him last and his beard was more gray than black, except around his mouth.

“You look well.” Josh didn’t know what to say after so many years of silence.

“So do you.” His grandfather offered his hand to Josh. “It’s been a long time.”

“It has.” Josh ran his suddenly sweaty palms down his jeans before he gripped his grandfather’s hand in a firm clasp that could never convey all the emotion he’d felt and repressed over the years—all his hopes and fears.

He’d dressed for the performance, but his look was always contemporary pop-rock. So his black jeans, though new and formfitting, were scored and ripped for effect. He wore a simple, silver T-shirt that although it had cost him five hundred bucks, was still a T-shirt, no matter who designed it.

Why was it, he never felt he could measure up to the old man? No matter how far he ran? No matter how much money he had in the bank. No matter how long he’d stayed away.

He was done trying.

But, damn, if it didn’t still matter to him what Saul Cohen thought about him.

“What brings you to Serenity?”

His grandfather pushed his hands into the pockets of his khaki dress pants and studied him. “You do.”

“Me?” Josh had forgotten how his grandfather’s dark brown eyes could sparkle kindly and his bushy eyebrows could express his humor so easily. “You came all the way from New York City to see me?”

“Yes, I’m here to see you. I traveled with your mother and sisters. Came to mend fences. Or build bridges, as you so nicely sang it just now.”

Josh shoved his own hands into the pockets of his jeans and hung his head, staring at the black laces of his leather ankle boots. “Why now?” The words came out a whisper, so he cleared his throat and tried again, stronger this time. “Why come now?”

“It’s time,” Saul said simply. “Plus, finally after all these years, you called me. And I thought, maybe—maybe you were ready to forgive an old man. Maybe you finally wanted to talk.”

Josh nodded, mouth drawn in a tight line. He didn’t say anything. Didn’t know what to say next.

Saul paused, considering Josh. “It’s a great song. You wrote it?”

Josh took a deep breath. “Yes. I wrote it for you.”

“I’m honored. Thank you.”

“I didn’t think you would be, not after your words to me back—Well, you know.”

“Yes. I do know. I was wrong, son. Can you forgive me?” Saul stood closer now. They were almost toe-to-toe, but not in the confrontational way they’d been all those years ago. This was an easy, peaceful reckoning between the two men.

Maybe Josh had learned over the years.

“The things I said in that first letter.” Saul hung his head. “I shouldn’t have said them.”

“It’s pretty hard to hear that level of criticism when you’re eighteen, especially when it’s from someone you idolize. I didn’t want to hear it. I knew what I wanted.”

“I’m sorry, son. I never meant—I apologized. Later. In the other letters I sent.”

“I never got any other letters.” Josh shook off the confusion. “You sent other letters? I never got anything after that first letter. Where did you send them?”

“To your manager’s office.”

“That’s weird. Ben should have gotten them to me. I’ll have to ask him.” Josh rubbed his forearm, his skin prickling uncomfortably, but went with it. “Why’d you let it go so long, then? If you’d apologized?”

“I’m part of a long line of men who hold grudges like little girls. I just figured you weren’t ready to forgive me. I learned the hard way with my own father when to leave well enough alone.”

Josh rubbed his neck, a little stunned by his grandfather’s revelation. “You mean we’ve wasted all these years?”

“I guess men in our family are a little stubborn.”

“You think?” Josh laughed, something tight loosening in his chest.

“Let’s not waste any more time. As I’ve been telling you over the years in my letters, you’re a fabulous musician. I’ve been following your career. It took me a long time to come around to rock music. I was wrong when I said you’re no grandson of mine. You are one-hundred-percent mine, a chip off the old musical block, and I’m glad to claim you.”

“You may not be so glad to claim me when my record label drops me—they want something else from me. More of the same commercial rock anthems. And that’s not what I’m creating now.”

“You’ve always known what you wanted out of life. I always admired that about you.”

“Thank you, that means a lot to me.” Pleasure flooded Josh’s chest in a warm flush. Who knew joy could feel like an old friend’s hug?

“It doesn’t matter, Josh. I love you just the way you are. You have a golden voice. There’s nothing you could produce that people won’t want to hear. You sing like an angel.”

“A dark angel,” Josh said.

“Well, there is that.” Saul chuckled, a rich warm sound that Josh had missed more than he could ever have imagined. His grandfather continued. “But there’s something edgy and interesting to your music that people want and need today. You are a true poet. You speak to their hearts. It’s healing. It’s a true gift. That, my boy, is what music is supposed to do—heal, energize, and bring life. And you do all of that and more. Don’t ever give up your voice. No matter what your manager or producer or record label tells you. Go with your gut. You’ve got great instincts.”

Saul grabbed him in a tight hug. He held on. Like his life depended on it, like Josh clinging to him fed his bones and mended his broken heart. By the time they pulled apart a few minutes later, they both had tears in their eyes.

His grandfather kissed him on both cheeks. “I love you, son.”

“Thanks for saying so, old man. I love you, too.”

“Now go give ‘em hell.” Saul chucked him on the chin. “I’ll see you later. I’ve got to go find your mother and sisters. I think they were next door shopping.” He made an impatient sound. “Don’t know what it is about women and their need to pick up and touch every object in a trinkets store. Never understood it.”

Josh laughed, feeling totally free for the first time in years. “See you after the performance.”

His grandfather paused at the front door and turned around. “Play well
, Yĕshúa.”

The familiar old words his grandfather had said to him every day before practice scored a worn path in his heart, striking that deep chord that resonated throughout his whole being and filled him with an overwhelming sense of home and acceptance. An assurance and confidence that had been missing in his life for far too long flooded his system.

Time to rock this show.

He flipped on the sign that signaled The Down Dog Music Café was now open for business. His career was about to take a big turn. For better or worse, he knew his family—and his grandfather—were behind him all the way.

What could possibly go wrong?

Chapter 16

Opening Night at The Down Dog Music Café

Jordan followed Grace into a crowded Down Dog Café. She stood right inside the front door, admiring the updates Josh had accomplished in such a short time. He’d done a nice job keeping some of the old, but updating the café with a more modern, if still rustic, appearance.

She noticed a new hallway toward the back, beyond the bathrooms. Several brightly painted doors each held a glittery star. Dressing rooms for the performers, she guessed.

Ben slipped out of one of the doors and closed it behind him. He scanned first the hallway, then the crowd near the hallway entrance. Looking around to see if anyone had noticed him? Seemingly satisfied, he straightened his jacket and shot the cuffs of his dress shirt before he headed toward the front door.

Interesting. What was that all about?

Maybe Josh was back there and they’d had a pre-opening night pep talk. She waved to Delilah across the room. That’s when she noticed Josh push through the crowd from the kitchen, the opposite direction from the dressing rooms. He knocked on the same door Ben had just exited. His face creased with a huge smile. Then he stepped inside.

She panned the room looking for her nephew. He was nowhere in sight. It could only be Tony’s dressing room.

She narrowed her eyes. What the hell had Ben been doing alone with Tony. He had no right to be in that dressing room.

Grace leaned in close to be heard over the loud buzz of the crowd. “I’m going to go find Tony. Wish him luck.”

“When you find him, tell him to break a guitar string, or whatever it is you say to a musician before he performs.”

“Thanks, Jord. He’ll appreciate it.”

“I’m going to grab a table, then find Josh.”

“Save me a seat.”

“Will do.” Jordan made her way between the tables toward the stage. Café regulars, as well as a few new faces, populated the busy room.

She kept looking for Tony. Yet the uneasiness in the pit of her stomach told her he was behind the door with the blue star. She hoped against hope it wasn’t Tony in the dressing room Ben had just exited.

She worried her bottom lip.

The kid could never stand against Ben. Never. And what the hell was Josh thinking leaving Tony alone like that? Especially when he knew the sharks would be out tonight? She hitched her purse strap on her shoulder and pushed through the crowd, determined to get her questions answered.

Josh knocked on the changing room door. He’d had the contractor add two green rooms at the back of the café—one for women and one for men. Tony was inside, getting ready for his performance.

“Come in,” Tony said.

Josh opened the door to find the kid dressed in a red T-shirt and black jeans. A Celtic cross hung around his neck on a black leather cord.

“You look good. How do you feel?”

Tony lifted his hand into the air. It trembled visibly. “How do you think? This is my first time performing in front of a live audience.”

“No it’s not. You’ve performed in front of me. And Hannah. Your mom and your aunt.”

“Yeah, but that doesn’t count. You all like me.” He puffed air into his cheeks and blew it out again. “Besides, that’s what? Four people, tops. There’s got to be a hundred people out there.”

“It’s okay, dude. I’ll be right beside you. You’re going to do fine.”

“I’m not so sure. I feel like I need to throw up.”

Josh sat down next to him on the leather couch and stretched his legs out in front of him, drawing his hands behind his head. “I’ll share a secret with you.”

“What?” Tony said.

“I want to throw up before almost every performance, too.”

Tony’s head snapped around. “No way?”

“Nope. I kid you not.”

“Still? After all these years.”

“Yep. Keeps you on your toes. Makes you perform better. You’re riding the edge. It’s cool. Once the adrenaline kicks in, you’ll be home free. I promise.”

Tony didn’t look so sure he believed him.

“You’re among friends here. The town loves you,” Josh assured him.

“I’m not from here. They don’t love me. They don’t even know me.”

“The hell they don’t. Who are you kidding? You’ve been here over a month. They know everything about you. Besides, doesn’t take this town long to ferret out someone’s secrets. They know you, dude. And they adore you.”

Tony looked at Josh like he was crazy.

“Haven’t you noticed? This town adopts anyone who adopts it. It’s an island of sappy misfits who glom on to anyone who’s looking for a place to belong. They’ve adopted you. You’re a son of Serenity now. Wait and see. I’ll introduce you. See if they don’t go crazy.”

“Is Ben a good manager?” Tony asked out of the blue.

Josh studied him. “I have no reason to doubt Ben’s management. He’s been solid. He’s never steered me wrong as long as I’ve known him.”

“So what happened with my dad?”

Josh rubbed his neck. “I don’t know, kid. Ben says he made a mistake; he was a new manager then. Took some bad advice. I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt.”

Tony pursed his lips and nodded. He stroked his guitar, his thumb rubbing lovingly over the polished wood of the body of the Spanish acoustic. “What if the talent scouts hate me? Will they boo me off of stage?”

“No. They won’t. They’re not very vocal until after the performance, then, you need to run for your life to get away from the shark frenzy.”

“I’m scared.”

“I’m kidding, Tony. They’re not going to eat you. It’s okay. I’ll tell you this once, and only once. If you let your fear keep you from doing things you want to do, you’ll never realize your full potential. And if you don’t reach your highest potential, you’ll always be unhappy in this life.”

Tony looked down. Stared at his hand on the guitar strings. He nodded, firming his mouth like he’d decided something.

“I want this. I’ve had to have a lot of courage since my dad died, but this is a whole new level of brave.”

“Good. You’ve got bravery in spades, Tony. That’s all you need. Courage is not the absence of fear. It’s the presence of action, despite fear. Remember that, kiddo. Now, let’s go. Knock ‘em dead. They’re going to love you. Fifteen minutes until showtime.”

With those final words, Josh pushed himself out of the deep couch and walked out of the room, closing the door behind him to give the kid a few more minutes to compose himself before the show.

He had one feisty blonde named Jordan Drake to find in the crowded café. He didn’t doubt that he’d be able to find her in no time at all. He seemed to have a built-in radar for the woman, it was like a heat-seeking missile, and it got stronger every damned day he stayed here on this island. He smiled to himself. Lucky him.

Jordan walked up to the group of regulars seated to the left of the new staging area. She rested her hand on Sidewinder’s shoulder. “How’s everyone doing tonight?”

Sidewinder lifted his face to her, a big, flashy, white-toothed smile stretched his face from ear to ear. “Life is good, J.D. Nothing better than a night filled with the sounds of music and the taste of good food.” He lifted his drink in salute.

“This place never looked better.” Jordan smiled at the rest of the group around the table—Salty, Delilah, Audrey, and Hannah.

“I can’t wait to hear Tony. He’s going to do great,” Hannah breathed fervently, her hands clasped under her chin as she stared at the staging area.

“You think Josh could come redesign my inn?” Delilah asked. “Or maybe he could just help me update the look or decorate for the holidays even.” She waggled her brows at Jordan.

“I’m sure he’d be glad to do it if you can get him to stick around that long. I think he’s not long for this island.” Jordan waved to the waitress. “Looks like he hired more staff, too. I see a few college girls. Is that Taylor?”

“Yep. Sure is.” Delilah beamed, the proud big sister. “She’s slated to sing a song tonight. We’re super excited for her. This could be her big shot.” Delilah fidgeted in her chair, shoving her hands under her bottom to sit on them.

“Good for her.” Jordan laughed at her friend. “I thought she was pre-med at Wilmington U? I’d think medicine is more stable than the entertainment biz.”

“She is. And it is. But she’s always wanted to sing professionally. There’s no talking to a girl with her head in the clouds.”

“Don’t I know it.” Tony was the same way. He had stars in his eyes. There was no dissuading the kid from his goal. At least not yet. She could only hope Josh would have a hand in helping Tony see the right course for him.

She looked around the café again, assessing the crowd.

Damn, if Josh’s idea hadn’t brought the dreamers out in full force. Her heart squeezed in her chest as she looked around. Several other locals with guitars, or clutching sheet music, with a mixture of terror and hope etched on their faces, sat interspersed throughout the crowd at the tables. Their supportive families surrounded them.

They were all looking for their big break tonight.

That chance to make it in the music industry. To have someone recognize their potential, be willing to sign them on, take a risk on them.
Shit
.

“Josh said several talent scouts will be here and a few business managers, as well as
The Wilmington Dispatch
and
The New York Times
.”

An uneasy feeling pitted Jordan’s stomach.

She’d tried hard not to think about the media who’d be here tonight. And she’d succeeded, until now.

White spots floated before her eyes.

Breath had seized in her lungs.

She flattened her hand against her belly button to calm herself and force air into her abdomen. The glossy fabric of the dress she wore brushed her palm, soothing her.

This was bad news. For all of them. They shouldn’t do this. Be here. Put their hopes and dreams out in the open like this.

She couldn’t stop one of these people she loved—hell, she couldn’t even stop Tony, the one person she should have had some influence over, from performing tonight. Not when so much was at stake for them.

She sucked in a deep breath.

So she just needed to let her worries go.

She blew out the breath she’d been holding.

They’d figure it out. Some would do great tonight. Some might fall flat on their faces. But they had their families surrounding them and a community of friends who loved them.

It would be okay. Really, it would.

Jordan felt Josh’s presence before he even touched her. His clean woodsy scent wrapped itself around her, tickling her nose, permeating her senses, and reminding her of the hot, raw sex and tangled sheets of last night with him. Even this morning her skin had smelled of him.

She’d been loath to shower it off, wanting to cling to their shared intimacy, the passion they’d shared just a little longer.

Liquid heat pooled at her core. Her nipples hardened.

Josh’s broad chest pressed against the bare skin of her shoulder blades.

He slipped his hand around her waist, pulling her against his body.

She settled back against him.

Josh’s lips brushed her temple. His breath warmed her ear when he finally spoke. “You look a little skittish.” He laced his fingers with hers, his palm covering the hand she still pressed to her stomach. “You having a panic attack?”

She forced a smile and looked up at him. “I’ll be okay.” Yet her breath stuttered in her chest.

“You are such a liar.” He chuckled. “Save me a seat. I’ll come sit with you after Tony’s performance.”

He hugged her tight, both arms around her, pressing her back fully against his chest, groin, and thighs. She felt the rigid length of him and almost groaned out loud.

“A kiss for luck?” he asked.

“Like you need luck.” She turned in his arms, aware the whole town probably watched. “I hate PDAs, but I like you more.” She tipped up on her toes to brush her lips against his. “What are you worrying about? You’re a professional.”

“What was that? You call that a kiss? Come on, baby.” Josh drew her closer, lining them up, hips to hips. “What do you say? Let’s give them a thrill they won’t soon forget. Public displays of affection are our bread and butter, after all, right?”

He wanted a real kiss. She could see it in the way his eyes latched on to her mouth and didn’t move. She didn’t do PDAs. Not any more, especially not after living every relationship so publically as a precocious teenager. Hell no. She’d avoided anything even remotely close since she’d moved to Serenity.

She lifted her chin, offering herself to him, and got lost in his gaze. He cupped her face and held her as he deepened the kiss.

There were hoots and hollers from the peanut gallery.

A camera flash blanched the darkened interior.

Jordan froze in Josh’s arms.

He pulled back to study her face. “It’ll be fine. Breathe. I promise, I won’t let anything bad happen to you. I promised you no paparazzi. We kept it as low-profile as possible tonight.”

“You can’t promise me nothing bad will happen. You’ll be performing. You won’t even know what’s going on out here.”

“Wrong. I always know what’s going on everywhere when I’m on stage. It’s my job.”

“You do have a God complex.”

“You know it.” He grinned and lifted her chin, kissing the tip of her nose. “Besides, I own this place. I invited everyone, and they know better than to piss me off. Anyone looks cross-ways at you and I’ll toss them out on their ear.”

“Now
you’re
being ridiculous,” she huffed incredulously. “You’re not going to toss anyone out of here on your opening night.” She lowered her head and rested her forehead on his chest and held on to the front of his shirt with her clutched fists. She sucked in another breath.

“No, ridiculous is the amount of fear coursing through your veins right now. Relax, babe.”

“If only that were an option.” Her whole body trembled.