Page 14 of Beneath a Tennessee Sky

She opens the door and smiles. “Writing your next big hit for the bar tonight?”

Shit.

I haven’t told her.

This is going to be a difficult conversation. I owe her the truth.

“Actually, Aggie, I need to talk to you about something.”

She steps into the room. “Why do I feel like I’m not going to like what comes next?”

I set my notebook aside and stand up. “Remember that woman at the bar the other night? The blonde in the fancy clothes?”

Aggie nods slowly. “The one who couldn’t take her eyes off you? Hard to forget.”

“She’s a talent scout. For Rockline Records.”

Aggie’s mouth falls open slightly. “No kidding?”

“No kidding. She wants to sign me. Full deal. Studio time. Tour. Everything.”

For a moment, Aggie just stares at me. Then her face breaks into the biggest smile I’ve seen since I moved in. “Jack! That’s incredible!”

Before I can say anything else, she’s across the room, pulling me into a hug that nearly cracks my ribs. For such a small woman, she’s surprisingly strong.

“Congratulations! I knew you had star power!”

“Thank you.”

“How’s Jinnie handling it?”

“Good! Great, actually.” The words come out too fast. “She’s happy for me.”

“That right?”

“Yeah. I mean, she was a little worried at first, but—” I shrug. “She’ll see. Once things get rolling, I’ll bring her out for shows. It’s gonna be amazing.”

Aggie studies me for a long moment, her dark eyes seeing way too much. “Well, I’m happy for you, kid. You’ve earned this.”

“Thanks, Aggie. For everything. Letting me play at the bar, giving me a place to stay—”

“Don’t get mushy on me now,” she says, waving a hand, but there’s a smile tugging at her lips. She turns to leave, then pauses in the doorway. “Just remember—half those songs in that book? Wouldn’t exist without that girl.”

The door clicks shut behind her before I can respond. Of course I know that. Jinnie’s been my biggest supporter from day one. That’s why this is going to work—because she believes in me.

My phone buzzes again.

Liz: Also need a list of covers you do best. We’ll want a mix for live shows.

I tap out a quick reply, then flip to a fresh page in my notebook.