Walking on Sunshine (20 page)

What About Love?

W
HEN
G
ARRET PUSHED OPEN THE HEAVY GLA
SS DOOR
to My Way Recording Studio, he smiled at Teresa Bennett. “Hello, love,” he said to the fellow Brit who never failed to make him smile.

“Well, hey, darling. Your father is on the phone, but he's anxious to talk to you,” Teresa said, making Garret wonder if the cheeky front desk receptionist knew the reason his father had called him in this late in the day. Garret and Mattie had plans to grill out on the back deck and then head over to the marina for a bonfire. Garret had errands to run, so at first he'd thought about asking to come to the studio tomorrow for the unexpected meeting. But judging by the look on Teresa's face, whatever this was about was going to be interesting at the very least.

Garret's imagination kicked into high gear. Maybe they were going to sign a heavy hitter to the label. With Jeff Greenfield's third top-twenty hit in a row, My Way Records was starting to attract the attention of several artists. Garret's discovery of Rachel Ryan at open-mic night a few months ago at Tootsies had already led to a hit single that was climbing the charts. Although they
were small compared to the big labels, they were creating some buzz in and around Nashville.

Garret walked over to the watercooler and filled a cone-shaped cup with cold water. After downing the entire thing, he crushed the cup and walked over to the U-shaped desk. “Okay, Teresa, are you going to give me a hint as to what's going on?”

Teresa gave her hair a flip. “What makes you think I know something?”

“That look on your pretty face is a dead giveaway.”

“Ha, you think flattery will get me to spill the beans?”

“Yes.”

Teresa tapped a pen to her cheek. “Normally you'd be right. But not this time, kiddo.” Teresa had been a backup singer for his father's road band back in his rock-and-roll heyday. Teresa now doubled as the front desk receptionist and a singer on tracks when needed. Once a wild child in her own right, she'd settled down in Cricket Creek and seemed to enjoy working for the small studio.

“Have you been back to London lately?” Garret asked, thinking he could steer the conversation in a different direction and then home in on the reason for the meeting.

“Not in nearly a year. And I've had a hankering for some pie and mash,” Teresa admitted with a long, dramatic sigh.

“No pie and mash, but I can tell you that they do have a bloody good shepherd's pie on the menu at Wine and Diner up in town. We should have lunch there someday soon.”

“Are you trying to butter me up?”

“Is it working?”

“Nope. How's your mum these days?”

“I spoke with her just the other day. Doing well. Misses me, of course.”

“Who wouldn't? Gorgeous as ever, I assume. I hate that I lost touch with Becca after she moved back to London for good. Is she seeing anyone these days?”

“Not that I know of,” Garret said.

“I guess that men are afraid to approach a famous fashion model.”

“She hasn't modeled for years, but she does keep her hand in the fashion industry.”

“Sophia and Grace? All grown up, I suppose.”

“Yes, and thinking about coming to Cricket Creek for a visit. Sophia can't get over me moving to a small town and living in a cabin on the river. She thinks I'm pulling her leg even though I sent pictures showing her proof. She says she won't believe it until she visits.”

“Did you invite her?”

“Yes, of course. Wait until she sees me in Wranglers and cowboy boots.”

“I remember her being a little spitfire when she was a little tot. And Grace?”

Grace is actually thinking of moving to London, but she and Sophia are so close that I'm afraid they'll miss each other too much. But Grace wants to explore her heritage and I don't blame her for that. Unlike me they've spent most of their lives in the States.”

When Teresa got a bit of a wistful look on her face, Garret leaned against the desk. “Ever think of moving back?”

“I love the energy of the city, but London is too expensive. And I've grown quite fond of Cricket Creek, crazy as it seems.”

“No, I agree with you. There's just something about this town that pulls you in and won't let go.”

Teresa arched an eyebrow. “Might have something to do with the cute little blonde I've seen you with, love?”

Garret grinned. “It might.”

“Good for you, Garret. That's fantastic news. I'm glad to see that you've settled down. It took me a helluva lot longer to grow up and sometimes I still have trouble behaving.”

Garret laughed. “Maybe you'll find yourself some country boy here in town.”

“Who could put up with the likes of me? I hardly think so.”

“Good point,” Garret said, and was rewarded by Teresa tossing a jellybean from a jar she had on her desk. Garret ducked and it hit the window with a ping. “Hey!”

“You deserved it.”

“Your teeth are going to rot out eating those all the time.”

“Better for me than smoking.”

“True enough.” Garret was about to try to get a hint from her about the meeting when his father's door opened.

“Garret. Thanks for coming over on short notice.”

“It better be good,” Garret answered, but felt a bit of excitement when his father nodded.

“It is. Come on in my office. Teresa, hold all calls, okay?”

“I already had that figured out.”

“Cheeky thing, isn't she?” Garret asked, and had another jelly bean tossed at him as he walked toward the doorway. He deftly caught it and tossed it in his mouth. “Cherry, my favorite,” he said over his shoulder, and had another one hit him in the head.

“Have a seat.”

“So, what's up?” Garret sat down in the leather chair and crossed his ankle over his knee.

“Just a little something I want to talk over with you.”

“All right, then, carry on.” Garret tried to act casual but he could feel energy in the air. Although Garret was pretty much used to his father's transformation from long-haired leather-clad rock star to short-cropped hair and business casual, it was still sometimes a bit surreal. Resentment for his father's absence in his childhood still reared its ugly head on the odd occasion, but his dad's apology and Garret's forgiveness felt like a weight being lifted from his shoulders. Still, if Garret ever had children, he vowed, he would be there for his kids at all cost. “Don't keep me hanging.”

“I got a call from Russ Randall a little while ago.”

“The producer?”

“Yes.”

“That's pretty sweet.”

“I know, but he wasn't looking for me. Russ was interested in talking to you.”

“Really?”

“I wanted to chat with you before giving him your number so you could process the information first.”

“Your beating around the bush is killing me.”

Rick chuckled. “Russ didn't want to give me details, but I got as much out of him as he would allow.”

“Dad! Get to the point!”

Rick scooted up and leaned forward on his elbows. “Russ wants you to be a judge on the British version of
Sing for Me
. He said that he values your ability as a musician and that he was impressed that you've recently spotted some amazing talent for My Way Records.”

“How did he know?”

“Word gets around in this business, you know.”

“I know, but word getting around about me has never been positive before,” Garret joked.

“Those days are done. This is huge and I'm excited for you.”

Garret felt shock running through his veins. This wasn't some reality nonsense but a respected talent show that was a huge success in the ratings both in the U.S. and in England. “Wow.” Garret shoved his hands through his hair and looked across the desk at his father. “I have to admit that I'm a bit shocked. But it's really cool.”

“It
is
really cool. And even if you choose not to do the show, I want to tell you how proud I am of you, Garret. This is quite an honor.”

Speechless, Garret could only nod. “But . . . but what about my work here?”

“That's what I wanted to talk to you about so you'd have your ducks in a row before chatting with Russ. I want you to know that if you want to take the job I'm
fine with it. Now, don't get me wrong, you've become invaluable here at the studio, but I don't want that to come between you doing something of this enormousness. Your job as a talent scout and studio musician will always be open.”

“I appreciate that.” Garret nodded.

“And I had zero to do with this.” He made a circle with his thumb and index finger. “Russ called out of the blue. This is your achievement, Garret.” He pointed across the table and Garret could see the emotion on his face.

Garret's heart thudded with excitement. “I have to admit that I'm blown away right now.”

“You should be.”

But then the startling realization set in. “Wait . . . It's set in London, then.”

“Not far from your mother, actually. She'd be thrilled, I'm sure.”

“Does she know about this?”

Rick shook his head. “I don't see how. Teresa knows because she took the call from Russ and she had the nerve to listen outside my door.”

Garret had to chuckle. “Sounds about right.”

“I should fire her.”

“Like that will ever happen. You two have too much history.”

Rick chuckled. “She could blackmail me with the knowledge she has from back in the day. Or write a tell-all book. But she wouldn't. She might have listened in, but she won't whisper a word and we both know it. She was just super excited when she took the call. And besides, I know just as much about her antics.”

“I can only imagine.” Garret grinned but then nodded slowly. “So, do you think I should do this?”

“Of course. It's an amazing opportunity. And if you're feeling any guilt about time away from the studio, know that the publicity would be invaluable for us too. I know that Maria will feel the same way about your
involvement in Sully's South. If you choose to do this we'll work around your schedule somehow. That being said, the only thing you should consider is what is right for you on a personal level. And of course Russ didn't discuss money with me. Your agent will take care of that, I'm sure.”

“Yeah . . . ,” Garret said, and then closed his eyes and swallowed hard. Mattie. London. He looked at his father.

“What, Garret? Talk to me.”

“I've been seeing Mattie Mayfield.”

“Ah, and you're wondering how she will take it if you accept the offer?”

Garret nodded and then needed to make his father understand. “This isn't like my relationships in the past. I love her, Dad.” It felt so good to say those words out loud. “I really do love her.”

Rick smiled. “I can tell by the look on your face that this is serious. I am so happy for you, Garret.”

“But we're not to the point where I could ask her to up and leave to come to London with me.”

“You're in love with her. What point do you need to get to?”

“Dad, she's a small-town girl and she has her restaurant at the marina to run,” he said, pretty much thinking out loud. “We're talking moving out of the country for someone who hasn't been out of Kentucky all that much. How do I begin to bring this up to her?”

“I can't answer that, but if you're asking my advice I'd wait until after you know the details. I do think that the search for talent for the show will start soon. It'll work much like
The Voice
and
American Idol
in that respect, I guess.”

“Do you know when actual production will begin?”

“I don't know any details really. I had to pry what I do know out of Russ,” he said, and Garret saw the sympathy on his face. “Life throws some curves at you. Tough choices and sometimes the timing is way off.”

“You know all about that, don't you?” Garret asked but without the venom he'd once had.

“It's pretty hard to turn down money and fame. But I'm the poster child for how high the cost. I have regrets, Garret, and we've talked about all of them. There's no doubt that I sold out and became a person I didn't know and didn't like. That being said, the journey got me to where I am right here and now. I might have learned the hard way, but I did finally learn what's important in life. I can't make up for the years I lost with you, but there will never again be a time when you aren't in my life. Whether you're in London or here or wherever . . . we will never lose touch or break the bond that we now have.”

“That means a lot to me, Dad. And I didn't have to be such a shit over the whole thing. I understand some things better now.” Garret leaned back in the leather chair. “You know when Addison broke our engagement she told me to become something in my own right and to not ride on your or Mum's coattails.”

“Smart girl. I've always liked her.”

“And now that I have the chance for recognition on my own, I could lose Mattie in the process. It's like fate is laughing at me. Or maybe karma for all the people I hurt along the way.”

“If karma is the big bitch that everybody claims she is, I wouldn't be sitting here having this conversation with you. Instead I have you in my life, the love of a good woman, and this little studio that I love. But I will tell you this. Money isn't worth it. And don't let your ego get in the way. Take money and pride out of the equation right now.”

“What about love?”

“Love trumps money every time. Like I said, I learned the hard way.”

“This is crazy. And complicated. I don't know what to do.”

“A love that is strong enough can withstand just about anything. That's something only you can decide.”