Real Vampires Know Size Matters (22 page)

My mother stood beside him, beaming. I wasn’t about to catch her eye again or she’d toss one of her spells at me so I’d sing, ready or not.

Ray sat at the piano. “Okay, babe, you know this one. Come in when you’re ready.” He started playing, the tune one I knew instantly. The band joined in.

This was one of my favorites from Ray’s first album. It was a love song and I closed my eyes. Jerry. I hoped he was okay and coming home soon. I kept my love for him in mind when I opened my eyes, focused somewhere on the wall above everyone and started to sing.

When the song ended there was complete silence. I felt my face get hot and quickly handed Ray the mic. So much for my “glorious” voice. Then everyone started talking at once.

“Damn, girl, that was awesome. I never knew you had it in you.” Ray passed off the microphone and grabbed me around the waist to swing me in a circle. “Your mom’s right. A star is born.”

“No, Ray. You’re not thinking straight.” I wiggled my way down to my feet, sure he was exaggerating.

“He’s right for once, Glory. Your voice is amazing. If I hadn’t heard it, I’d never have believed it.” Rafe helped me off the stage. “You should do something with it.”

“It’s different, nice and low. I’m so glad you weren’t shrill.” Sienna exchanged looks with Ray. “You wouldn’t believe some of the wannabes who’ve pushed their way in front of us with voices that could crack glass.”

“No lie. Can’t see her rocking out though.” Ray moved closer to Sienna. “What do you think, Sin?”

“True. I think we
could
do something cool with her though. Go retro.” Sienna grabbed my arm. “I’m thinking ballads, Glory. Standards. The kind of thing Bublé does or maybe Adele. You sound like a combo of Amy Winehouse and Peggy Lee. What if you deck yourself out in fifties clothes? Do the whole look, along with the songs?” Sienna was on a roll. “Can
you
read music?”

“Yes, sure. I’ve picked up a few skills along the way.” I thought about the guitar I had shoved way back in the corner of my closet.

“That settles it. I could arrange some tunes for her. She can do covers, then original material with that same sound.” Ray unzipped a backpack and pulled out a sheaf of paper. “I wonder if I brought anything like that along . . .”

“Good idea, Ray. And I’ve always wanted to dig deeper into producing. I can see how this could go down. We’d do a little showcase on Halloween night. Put Glory up for a number or two to open for us.”

I just stood there in a daze. Obviously the two pros had this all figured out.

“Hey, what about me? Where’s
my
showcase?” Aggie wore a pout. “I have the same kind of voice.”

“True enough. But you don’t have the heart Glory has when you sing. Sound’s there but nobody’s home if you know what I mean.” Sienna stared at Aggie’s blank look. “Guess not. Sorry, Ag.” She patted Aggie’s hand. “Work on learning that material we gave you. Right now your best bet is backing up Ray and me. Maybe someday you’ll have a chance to do a single.”

“This sucks.” Aggie stomped over to the door. “I’m out of here.”

I started to follow her but my mother was still in the room, her eyes on Ray. What did she have up her sleeve, which was now part of a cute tie-dyed tee? Oh, God, had any of the mortal band members noticed her magic? She nodded to acknowledge my thoughts then waved her arm at them, probably to erase their memories of what she’d been wearing before. I felt a headache coming on while Sienna kept chattering about Ray’s musical arrangements and finding someone to play the piano.

“I’ll do it. Play for her.” Ray slipped an arm around me. “Are you listening to this, Glory girl? Can you see it? Spotlight on you, you’re sitting on my piano in one of your vintage thingies. It’s a costume party anyway. ’Cause of Halloween. What do you think?”

“I, I don’t know.” This was moving too fast.

“Sure you do.” Ray kissed my cheek. “I can pick up one of those fifties suits in your shop, match the look. We can meet and go over some musical numbers. Can you stand to work with me, Sin? For Glory?” He knew better than to lay on the charm. Ray was being all business.

“Seems like I can.” Sienna grinned at me. “This is your shot, Glory. Come on. Say you’ll do it.”

“Gloriana, snap out of it.” Mother pinched my arm.

“Ow.” I guess I’d spaced, more than a little overwhelmed.

“Answer him. How do you feel about making your singing debut on Halloween night?” My mother linked her arm with mine. “I’m sure your friend Rafael will pay you. And, Nathan, is it? Can you write up a contract with advantageous terms for my daughter?” Mother had obviously been busy, introducing herself to Nate, who’d been out of the loop until I started singing. Now he hurried forward.

“Yes, sure. Glory, are you in? I have to know. Rafe, what do you say? It would certainly make for a full evening. Guarantee a big draw for that new midnight show. Glory, I’ll just put you down for the one appearance, at midnight. Opening act. What do you say?” Nate pulled a legal pad out of his briefcase, ready to take notes, as if he could whip out a contract on the spot. He probably could.

“This is moving too fast.” The room started to spin around me. What had I gotten into?

“Darling, take your opportunities when they appear.” My mother wasn’t taking no for an answer. “Of course she’ll do it. Halloween. I think it’s an auspicious night for a debut. Full moon if I’m not mistaken. I’ll have to consult my astrologer.” She smiled. “Gloriana, answer the man.”

My mother had an astrologer? Oh, what the hell. I had wanted to redo my apartment. Own the world. Whatever. If singing on Halloween would help me move forward, then why not? It was one night, one performance. If I bombed, no biggie. And if I didn’t . . . ?

I felt a flutter of excitement. No, not getting my hopes up. Instead, I realized I was getting way too overscheduled. Rehearsals, potion making, seminar on how to own the world, reunion with Jerry, running my shop . . . I dropped down to the edge of the stage, my head between my knees before I threw up on my mother’s shiny black boots.

“Glory?” Rafe rubbed my back.

“Offer her your vein, Nate.” Ray didn’t care who heard him.

“Give her air.” Sienna was too new to know that didn’t matter.

“Everyone stand back.” My mother took charge. “Gloriana, look at me.”

I raised my head, her face swimming into focus. Her hand felt cool under my chin, her voice clear inside my head.

“Don’t do anything you don’t want to. I’m sorry if I’m bullying you.”
She sighed and kissed my forehead.

A calm came over me, my stomach settled, and I took her hand. She pulled me to my feet. Ridiculous to fall apart like that. This was the chance of a lifetime. Two famous rock stars were going to let me be their opening act? I’d have to be crazy to turn that down. I grinned and actually hugged my mother.

“I’ll do it.”

That started a chatterfest. Ray and Sienna argued about which songs I should do. Rafe and Nate headed over to the table and his laptop to discuss my compensation. My mother began an excited conversation about what I should wear. Then I glanced at the doorway. Aggie was back. She stared at me, her mouth a straight line that made it clear I’d made a bitter enemy tonight. Was there any way to fix that?

“Aggie?” I gestured for her to come over. My mother wasn’t happy with it and tried to get between us when Aggie marched over.

“I’m not stupid. I know I need to take this gig. It pays well. Nathan showed me what I could earn. I’ll sing in a whisper if it’ll get me away from Ian’s house.” She smiled at one of the band members. “Hey, Jake. While all these other people are busy, would you run through that last number with me?” She shoved past me, headed for the lead guitar player.

“Good.” I needn’t have bothered saying a word. Aggie had zeroed in on the newly single man who was straight, liked her cleavage and certainly could be in the market for her kind of action.

“Watch her. She isn’t going to be satisfied until she has that spotlight on her.” My mother dragged me toward the door. “I know her type well. Olympus is full of them. Jealous, vindictive. Next thing you know, you’ll find a viper in your bed.”

“No, that would be courtesy of a certain voodoo woman. If you want to interfere in my life, how about taking a run at that situation?” I stopped her in the hall. I knew Rafe would be mad if I went any further. He was taking his bodyguard role seriously and I had orders to stay close.

“No need. You handled it beautifully. You can’t know how happy it made me to hear you say you were through with that Scot. Now if only you’d meant it.” She frowned. “Give up this potion nonsense. I imagine your man”—she shuddered—“can take care of himself. He did go off somewhere with that intention.”

“Oh, I give up.” I turned to go back inside. I needed to have input if I was actually going to sing on Halloween. Obviously my mother and I were never going to agree about Jerry. “Since you’re so big on snooping into my business, can you at least tell me if he’s all right? If he’s made it to Florida yet?”

“Gloriana, you are too funny. Why would I care where that man is? It’s you I follow closely. The woman seems satisfied that you are out of the Scot’s picture. That’s good enough for me.” Mother studied my dress. “Mall shopping. I would like that but fear they wouldn’t have anything up to my standards. We should go to New York, Paris, no, Rome!” Her eyes lit up. “The spring showings are next week. What fun to take my daughter there and pick out next season’s wardrobe.”

“Not happening, Mother. I just committed to sing next weekend. Remember? And I’ll have to wear a fifties outfit. Maybe a cute shirtwaist, cocktail dress or a poodle skirt. See what you can find and put it in my closet.” I touched her shoulder. “Thanks for my voice. I felt good up there. Singing. It was an amazing gift.”

“Darling.” She materialized a hanky and dabbed at her eyes. “It was the least I could do. I was so proud seeing you onstage. If you’d come to Olympus, I could fix your figure too. Size six or four. Tiny waist and little butt. I know you’d love to wear some skinny jeans like that Sienna girl wears.” She leaned closer. “Did you know her real last name is Starkowski?” She waved her hanky. “You will be so much greater than she is as a performer.”

“Mother, Sienna and I are friends. She’s going to help me. And be satisfied with the relationship you’ve got with me. I’m talking to you. Maybe after the dust settles we can do a little shopping together. Flo would love to join us. How’s that?”

“A girl’s night out. Oh, Gloriana.” Mother wrapped me in her arms and I endured it. Then she pushed back, eyeing my hips and shaking her head.

“And forget my body. I’m okay with it. I’m not going to Olympus. Just forget it. Please?” The very idea of the place terrified me. Every hint she threw out made it seem like the penthouse level of hell.

“I’ll try.” She looked disappointed. “Shopping though. You promised.” She tapped her forehead, her brow wrinkling. “Oh, I must go. I hear Zeus calling and when my father wants me, I can’t afford to ignore him.” She smiled. “Not like you ignore me, you bad girl.” Then she got serious. “Darling, I may have misled you just a teeny bit. I didn’t actually tell Zeus about you yet. If or when he finds out . . . Well, he may insist you come. I won’t be able to fight that. You may have no choice.”

“Mother . . .” I tried to grab her. For an explanation. Details. Something. But of course she chose that moment to vanish. Coward.

“What’s going on?” Rafe stuck his head into the hall. “Nate and I have a deal worked out. I think you’ll like it. Two songs, nice compensation. Ray’s jumping around like he’s swallowed a grasshopper. Can you come sign this contract on Nate’s tablet? If you’re still up to doing this thing.”

I took a breath. Up to it? “I don’t know about Ray, but I think that grasshopper’s doing its thing in my stomach. Give me your honest opinion, Rafe. Did I sound okay? Or will I be making a fool of myself?” I leaned against the wall, my knees suddenly Jell-O. My mother must have done a calming spell on me because now that she’d left, I was trembling again.

“Okay? Blondie, you were dynamite.” Rafe put his hands on my shoulders. He stared into my eyes. “We’ve got no reason to lie. You’ve got the pipes and Sienna’s right. The heart. I felt the emotion when you sang the song. Even imagined for a few beats that it was me you were singing for. Then I kicked myself. Of course it was Blade you were picturing in your head. Love song. Am I right?”

I nodded. I hated to hurt him but he knew the truth and it was old news. “Thanks, Rafe. Singing in public. I don’t know. It’s freaking me out. If you think I’ll be okay . . .”

“More than okay, babe. Come inside and look at the songs we’re talking about.” Ray stepped into the hall. He took in the scene but seemed to realize there was no romantic vibe to it. “You can pick the ones you’re most comfortable with. Since you said you can read music, does that mean you can play an instrument?”

“I never tried to sing for my supper, obviously, but played in a few girl bands, back when they were the thing. I can hold my own on the piano, guitar, trumpet in a pinch. But I’m really rusty. It was a long time ago. Back in the fifties actually.” I laughed when Ray suddenly hauled me inside.

“Are you shittin’ me? You’re a
musician
?” Ray couldn’t shut his mouth, gaping at me, his hand in mine as he dragged me across the floor to the stage again.

“Hey, don’t look so surprised. I’ve had plenty of time to learn quite a few things, you know. And I love music. Always have. Since I couldn’t sing, I had to do something besides just sit around and listen.”

He plunked me down on his piano bench. “Show me. Here.” He shoved a sheet of music in front of me. “We found some old tunes in the piano bench. Valdez says you like Broadway stuff. It’s not what I’d want for the showcase, but good enough for a demo here. Play a little of that.” He turned around. “Hey, Sin, come give a listen. You’re not going to believe this.”

I glanced at the sheet music. It was an old show tune from a Broadway hit, the fifties classic
Brigadoon
. “Almost Like Being in Love” was a song I knew very well. I didn’t even have to look at the music. I’d played it often for Jerry when we’d had access to a piano. Anything Scottish did it for him. He had a great voice and he liked to sing to me. I’d been forced to sit and listen, playing his accompanist and adoring fan. What a cool surprise if I could sing it for
him
when he came home. He had a piano in his house that had come furnished. We’d been busy ever since we’d gotten to Austin. Too busy for one of our musical evenings. And wasn’t that an interesting thought. I loved Austin but it seemed like I’d had a lot of problems since I’d moved here. Jerry too.