The Kiss: An Anthology About Love and Other Close Encounters(67)

“Well, we need you. Our guitar player broke his arm. How would you like to play tonight?”

“Bad luck. Is he going to be okay?”

“Yes, he’s already on his way to the hospital.”

“I’m all yours. Tell the security guys to let me in, okay?”

“Will do.”

She turned to Yankee Bob. “There. All taken care of.”

“Jeez, Mandy. What are you doing?”

“Trust me, Bob. You’re going to love this guy.” She decided she’d better put him out of his misery. “His name is Matt Williamson, and he’s a guitar player in a band in Vancouver.”

“Well, that’s something, anyway.”

“And he’s the one who wrote every hit song I’ve ever had.”

The drummer’s mouth fell open. “Are you shittin’ me?”

“No.” She tipped up his chin to close his mouth. “Good enough for you?”

“How did you – oh, never mind.” He gave her a quick, fierce hug. “I’ll go over the playlist with him while you change.” He grinned. “Simon’s going to freak.”





*


Mandy emerged from her dressing room to find Matt going over the playlist with Yankee Bob. They were chatting together like old friends.

The door opened and Simon strode into the room, his face flushed. He looked disappointed to see everyone calmly going about their pre-show routine.

“Who the hell is that?” He launched himself across the room and prodded Matt in the chest. “You. Out.”

Matt gave him a withering look. “I don’t think so.”

Simon looked from the playlist to Yankee Bob. “What gives?”

Matt stuck out his hand. “Matt Williamson. Mandy asked me to take Clete’s place tonight.”

“She had no right to do that.” Simon ignored Matt’s outstretched hand, and searched for Mandy. “What do you think you’re doing?”

She looked at him as though seeing him for the first time. “Saving the show, Simon.” She gestured toward Matt. “Matt is a professional guitar player. He also happens to be my songwriter.”

The expression on Simon’s face was priceless.

“Oh, and Simon?”

“Yes?”

“You’re fired.”

Cheering erupted from the band and the backup singers. Mandy hadn’t realized the depth of their dislike for the manager. A stagehand knocked on the door, announcing that it was time for the band to take their places.

“Let’s do this,” said the drummer, and they filed out. Matt gave her a long, heated look, then followed.





*


Mandy shouldn’t have been surprised by Matt’s proficiency on the guitar, but she was. By the end of the first song, the band members were following his astonishing riffs with an amazing performance of their own. They played as if they’d been together all their lives.

After ninety minutes, she stepped to the edge of the stage and spoke to the crowd. “And now,” she said, eyes shining with pride in her crew. “We’d like to debut our new single, just for you.” She stepped back and took a breath while Matt played the intro. “It’s called Always,” she said, and started to sing.

The huge crowd was silent as the last notes floated out over the bowl. Then the entire audience was on their feet. These were her fans; she loved every one of them. She lowered her head and waited for the applause to die down.

“Thank you,” she said simply, then turned toward the band, and the back-up singers. “But I’m only one part of what you heard tonight.” She applauded each person individually. “I’m nothing without my back-up singers, and my band.” Her eyes sparkled as she walked toward Matt, microphone in hand. “I know some of you are wondering where Clete is. He had an accident, but I can assure you he’ll recover soon.” She took Matt’s hand. “In the meantime I’d like to introduce you to the man who made my career what it is today. This is Matt Williamson. He not only wrote the songs you’ve all come to love, he’s an old school friend of mine.” Her eyes sparkled. “And he reminded me today that I owe him something from back then.” She turned to the audience. “A kiss.”

Matt’s lips twitched. “What are you doing?” he murmured, as she led him across the stage.

“I’m making sure you don’t back out.” She raised her lips.

He brushed his lips against hers, slow and tantalizing, with the promise of more to come. “That’s not happening,” he said as he picked her up and twirled her around. The audience roared their approval.

Safe in his arms, she looked into his eyes and saw her future.





*


Mona Ingram is the author of 20 romance novels, including two novellas. Many of her stories take place in British Columbia, where she has lived since the age of twelve. In recent years she has lived in the Okanagan Valley and on Vancouver Island. In addition to reading and writing, traveling and bird watching are among Mona's favourite pastimes.

Check out Mona’s blog:

http://www.monaingram.blogspot.com

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