Down to My Soul (Soul Series Book 2)(7)

The show’s theme music plays over canned applause while Randy glances down at a small sheaf of papers in front of him. The other two hosts, a Black guy and a girl I’m guessing is Puerto Rican, murmur their welcomes, too.

“Luke, you’ve been to the show a few times since you won Total Package last season.” Randy gives Luke a brief smile. “Good to have you back.”

“Always love rolling through when I’m in New York,” Luke says with enviable ease. He’s such a people person this all comes naturally to him. I want to perform. I live to entertain, but get me offstage and that switch flips off. I’m afraid the millions listening are in for a snooze fest when Randy turns his attention to me.

“And you brought us a treat.” Curiosity and speculation mingle in Randy’s eyes when he considers me. “Kai Pearson, welcome to the show.”

“Thanks,” I say softly in the vicinity of the mic.

The producer catches my eye on the other side of the glass wall, gesturing for me to lean closer to the mic when I speak.

“Um, I mean.” I press my lips to the mic. “Glad to be here.”’

“You two are selling out arenas all over the country,” Lola, the only girl in their hosting trio pipes in. “Kai, about halfway through, you became Luke’s opening act. Really exceptional for a back-up singer new on the scene to get such a prominent role so quickly.”

All I hear between the lines of what she actually says is “What makes you so special?” Maybe I’m paranoid, but I’m not a fool. It’s no secret that a lot of people think I got this chance because of my relationship with Rhyson. The thing I hate, the thing I really hate, is that I can’t know for sure whether or not they’re at least a little right. Before I can respond, Luke jumps in.

“Kai’s an exceptional talent.” Luke flashes me a grin across the table littered with wires and notes. “I’d worked with her on my first video for this album, so we knew she could dance. We found out later what a great singer she was. Bringing her on tour and then expanding her role was a no brainer.”

I give him a tiny smile, hoping he knows how grateful I am. He’s a real class act. Every time a reporter or blogger implies that I’m not here on the merit of my talent, he very subtly and convincingly defends me. It didn’t take long for me to understand why he’s in Rhyson’s small circle of friends.

We answer questions about the tour for a few minutes and take a short station break. All I can think about is the breakfast Malcolm promised me after this interview. I’d love to do some sightseeing, but there’s not time. We’re going straight into rehearsals and then it’ll be show time. And then tomorrow the next city, the next show.

“We’re back.” Randy elevates his voice just a little to be heard over the transition package music. “If you’re just tuning in, we have Luke Foster and Kai Pearson. They’re at Barclays tonight, and we’re the only ones with any tickets left. We’ll give a pair away in just a second. First, we want to get into my favorite part of the show.”

He looks right at me, the anticipation evident in his expression.

“Time for No Holds Barred.” Randy leans back in his chair, dragging his adjustable mic on its stand with him. “We’ve seen Luke’s rise over the last couple of years, but you, Kai, appeared out of nowhere. Where did you come from?”

“Georgia.” It slips out before I can think of anything witty to say.

Something sharp embedded in Randy’s laugh grates on my ears and on my nerves.

“I didn’t mean that literally, sweetheart.” He chuckles again, eyes trained on my face. “In just a few months you went from being someone we’d never heard of to the girl we’re all talking about. It’s something thousands dream about, and you did it. Congratulations.”

His words feel more like an accusation than anything, so I just stare back at him, bending my lips into a hard curve while I wait. I know Malcolm wants me sparkling and fun, but Randy doesn’t look like he’s ready to play. Or if he is, it’s hard ball.

Well, two can play that game.

“We’ve loved hearing all about the tour,” Randy continues. “But, Kai, we gotta talk about the elephant in the room.”

“Elephant?” I sweep the small studio with a quick glance before looking back to Randy. “I don’t see any elephant.”

“Oh, he’s here, all right.” Randy looks to Lola. “Right, Lo? You see the elephant, don’tcha?”

For a moment, Lola’s eyes meet mine, and I see kindness or sympathy. Something softer than what’s in Randy’s eyes, but she looks away quickly and nods.

“I see him.”

“His name is Rhyson Gray.” Randy leans forward.

“I don’t think Rhyson would appreciate the comparison.” I manage a smile I hope looks easier than it feels.

“Maybe he’ll come on the show and take me to task for it.” Randy grins. “We’d love that. We’ve asked him more than once, but he’s never come on. Now you’ve heard of our No Holds Barred segment, yeah?”

Everything leading up to this was just small talk. This is what he wanted, and he’s going straight for the jugular. I’m not giving him anything. He’ll have to come and get it, and even then he won’t get much more from me than the blank look I’m giving him right now.