Encore! (Tudor Saga Book 1) (3 page)

I explained in great detail the particular track and my vision. By the time I finished passionately explaining what I wanted to create, he was grinning hugely. He obviously liked it.

"I love it! Would you be willing to meet with my record label and management team to explain your concept? I want to do this and, of course, I want you on board. It is your idea, so I want you to supervise every aspect of the making of this video. Will you have time to do it?"

"I'll find the time, Daniel. Just get things set up with your people and I will make myself available."

"So, what do we do now? I definitely want you to do my new images. Do you need me to sign a contract or anything?"

I giggled. Obviously when he made up his mind, he was locked and loaded and ready to go. "Here you go,” I said, handing him photocopied form. “Why don't you get back with me with possible dates that will work for you and we'll go from there?"

"What about your other clients?"

"I'll work them around you. I know you're quite busy.
See, Daniel, I was listening the other day.
Oh, and bring your violin. I most definitely want some shots with the two of you."

"Good. I'll have dates to you by the end of the day and, hopefully, an appointment to meet with my staff on the video production. Thank you, Mary; I have a feeling this is going to be phenomenal."

Suddenly, he got out of his chair and shook my hand, like any good businessman. And we were done. He was leaving, just another satisfied client excited about what I could do for them.

He was making his way to the front door when he abruptly stopped and slowly turned around.

"Mary? Would you like to go get some lunch?"

Staring at him in disbelief, I stuttered out my answer. "Yes, I would love to."

****

A short time later, we were seated in a quiet, nearby restaurant enjoying roast beef sandwiches and salads. Nothing over the top, just simple–the way Daniel seemed to prefer his private time.

"Is everything okay?" he inquired, placing his sandwich back on the plate. "I thought this would be a nice way to talk and get reacquainted.” He flicked a grin in my direction before picking up his fork and taking a jab at his salad. God, even his hands were sensual. Then again, he was a musician, they should be. But that's not where my thoughts were. Playing violin was not the image coming to mind when I saw his long delicate fingers and hands. All of a sudden, I felt a cold chill race through my body.

"Everything is wonderful. I'm glad you came up with this idea. So tell me, what do you remember about me from all those years ago?"

Here we go! I'm sure he'll be polite. That's the way I remember him. I wouldn't expect otherwise. Problem is, I can't remember what I might have mentioned to him back then about my past. But hey, we were young and he probably doesn't remember. I was just another face in his hot, rising career.

"More than you think," he replied, slyly. "You were a sure-of-yourself, talented violinist, who could also play piano. That I remember. You wanted to make your mark, yet somehow I always believed you were keeping something hidden. Just like now."

Oh, I had to give him credit for being smooth. Though I'm not sure if he was flirting or not. Daniel Kennedy could be very hard to read at times. I wonder if he did it on purpose.

"Have I left anything out, Mary?"

"No," I replied, picking up half of my sandwich. "You pretty much hit the nail on the head, as they say. Which surprises me."

"How so?"

"How would you remember something so detailed about someone you have had no contact with in years? I find it fascinating."

"Do you now? With people who had an impact on me or meant something to me, I remember odd things like that. Now what was it you were keeping hidden?"

I took a quick bite off my sandwich and placed it back on the plate, so I wouldn’t have to answer him right away. No, he wasn't going to trick me that easily. I glanced across the table at him. Those sable brown eyes were, once again, dancing with mischief. I stared back at him intently, and with a new sense of admiration.

"I can assure you I have no idea what you're talking about. And anyway, if I did have a secret, why would I share it with you now?"

"Touche! Fair enough." He shook his head, that half grin still on his face, as he picked up his glass of water. "That's what intrigued me about you then, and what still does, today."

"So, tell me Daniel, how do you spend your down-time? Assuming, of course, you have any. I imagine you have a woman stashed in every corner of the globe."

A deep chuckle emerged from his throat as he placed his glass back on the table. "Sorry to disappoint, but I don't. I don't even have a girlfriend or significant other. My music takes up ninety-nine percent of my life, and that leaves me with just one percent for me, personally. Groupies, yes, but I don't mess with them. I'm flattered, sure, but that's all part of the professional world. And you?"

Ah, give the man credit, again
. "Nothing so exciting. And no boyfriend or significant other. Seems like the timing has always been off or something."

"Or something? Tell me about your family. Where did you grow up? Any siblings? I’d like to know more about you. I'm sure you've read everything about me or I told you back at school. You're obviously American…"

"British-American. My father was British and my mother's American. So, I've been back and forth all my life." Not the total truth, but not quite a lie, either. "And you? I detect a faint accent."

"Ah, yes. My father is French and my mother is American. I was raised in France. I spend a lot of time in London because I prefer it to Paris, and my management and promoters are here.

"Interesting," I replied. I couldn't help but smile at this devilishly handsome man. "What part of France? I'm not seeing Paris as home. Something more exotic– the south of France, perhaps?"

"Oui, Mademoiselle. I was raised in the south of France. Provence? I'm sure you've heard of it. Quite popular with the tourists." He flashed a smile. "You didn't answer my question about siblings? Are you an only child?"

"Brothers and one sister." It wasn't a lie and it was simple. From the smug look on Daniel's face, I wondered if he was toying with me. Maybe he knew more than he was letting on.

"Was that so hard?"

"No, not at all. So, tell me Mister Violin Virtuoso, how long before your new tour gets underway?"

"Six weeks. That does give you enough time, doesn't it? To get everything done and back to me?"

"More than enough. All we have to do is get everything scheduled, like we discussed at my studio."

"Excellent. Unfortunately, as much as I have enjoyed this time getting reacquainted with you, I must get back to work, myself."

"Oh, yes, I’ve got a lot to catch up on." I replied as I stood from my chair, gathering my purse.

He took care of the bill and a few minutes later we were standing outside.
Fool! You neglected to bring an umbrella. Awkward!

Smooth as silk however, Daniel came to the rescue. "Here, let me walk you back to your door. I would feel awful if you got sick from walking in the rain after such a delightful time together."

"Thank you. I did enjoy this, Daniel."

Pausing at the doorway, I fumbled for my keys and unlocked the door, opening it slightly. "Thanks, again, and I'll be waiting to hear from you about shoot times."

"I'll be in touch by the end of the day. How's that?"

"Perfect."

"Oh, one last thing. Do you get out to the club scene here much?"

"The only time I go is if my friends drag me to some hot new place. Why?"

"There's a mysterious performer I've seen a few times. She wears a mask to keep her face hidden. She plays violin in her act. For some reason, I figured you might have been to see her because she, too, is a violinist." He was staring directly at me as though he were trying to read my mind. "Archangel. Ever heard of her?"

I slowly sucked in a deep breath. He can't know! There's no way.
Careful with how you answer him.
"Vaguely. I believe my friend, Elle, has mentioned something about her. She said there is a violin performer who is quite sporadic in her performances. Just shows up at clubs. Am I thinking of the same person?"

The corners of his mouth curled up in a luscious smile. "Yes, that's her."

We stood there for a second before he took the lead. He leaned in towards me and taking my hand, he kissed the back of it. Then he looked up and winked at me. "Have a wonderful afternoon, Ms. Stuart; which, by the way, we must have a talk about your name. But I will leave that for another time."

I opened the door, started in, and turned. "You’d better hurry. I don’t imagine record label moguls like being kept waiting, even if you are one of their brightest stars."

I shook my head and proceeded into the studio. Daniel Kennedy couldn't possibly know. Did he remember something in my playing all those years ago that reminded him of Archangel? Or was mention of it just mere coincidence?

****

"Come on girlfriend! What is so damn important with your work that it keeps you from having any fun?" Eloise asked, as she threw herself down on one of the overstuffed chairs in my living room. "Who is he? And don't tell me it isn't a “he”. I know better than that." She smiled at me smugly, waiting for a reply.

"He's a client. Therefore I can't tell you who he is. If he's not a she."

"Must be a celebrity; because you've at least hinted about your other more well-known clients in the past. And, like I said, don't try and kid me that he isn't male.

"The only thing I will admit to is that if I land him as a client, I will attract a lot more clients like him."

"And he is?"

"Not fair, Elle! You've gotten as much information as I'm going to share. In fact, he's supposed to call to let me know when we can meet." The last thing I needed was Eloise, or anyone else, showing up during Daniel's photo shoot.

"Not changing the subject, but it was announced today that Amadeus Tudor and his brothers are coming to London to do two shows in June. A few of us are going to get tickets as soon as they go on sale next week. You in?"

Act cool now, fool. "Let me get back to you on that. Sounds like fun, though."
Fun like in nails over a blackboard. All three of my brothers in London at the same time? For a concert? Vacation. Time to get the hell out of Dodge for a week.

"Well, don't dawdle. Tickets are going to go fast and we're going." Eloise sighed heavily. "That Amadeus Tudor is one nice piece of man, you know? And he puts on one hell of a show, too."

Saved by the cell phone. I quickly picked it up off the table. It was Daniel.

"Your celebrity client?" She asked.

I nodded my head and took the call.

"Hey, there."

"Hello yourself," he replied. "I have some dates and times for you. See what, if any, will work for you."

"Tell him I said hello, whoever he is." Eloise shrilled as she left the room in search of something in the kitchen.

"Ah, I caught you at a bad time. You've got company?"

"No, you didn't catch me at a bad time. It's my girlfriend, Eloise. She just dropped by to make sure I hadn't fallen off the planet or something." I giggled.

"Good, because for a moment I was afraid you had a boyfriend."

"We've been over that, remember?"

"That's right, we have. I'll make this quick, then. Your idea for the video was received quite receptively. I'll shoot you off an email with all that, along with dates and times I am available. Oh, and could you come with me to a meeting regarding the music video tomorrow afternoon?"

"Tomorrow?"

"I know it's quick and all; but like I explained, all of this needs to be done now and be in place before the CD drops."

"Have you got a time in mind?"

"Two in the afternoon. Is that okay with you? Afterward, I do have an appointment; but if you're game, I'll pick you up at seven and take you to dinner? Just to make up for any last minute schedule rearranging you might need to do."

"Are you smirking?" I asked. I got the impression he was. I could visualize his face with some naughty grin on it as he spoke. "And yes to your second question."

"Excellent; and yes, I'm smirking, as you called it. I'll be sending the email in a few minutes. Enjoy your evening with your girlfriend, Mary Queen of Scots."

"You are…"

"Maddening? Perhaps. When you send your reply with the dates and times that will work for you, please send me the address to your apartment. You know, so I will know where to come to pick you up tomorrow evening."

"I will," I replied, noting that Eloise was standing less than two feet away, grinning and taking in everything that was being said. "Thanks for getting back with me so quickly. I'll talk to you soon."

"Real soon, Mary Queen of Scots."

"And stop calling me that!"

I heard a deep chuckle before he hung up the phone.
Damn infuriating man!

"So, I guess you have a new client after all? A famous new client?" Eloise purred in her best Marilyn Monroe imitation.

"Yes, it appears that way. Now, if we can set up a shoot time and day that is mutual to both of us, we'll be set." I turned away. I damn sure wasn't going to share anything more with her about Daniel.

"Sure you don't want to tell me who he is?"

"Once the shoot is done and the images are in his hands and, of course, if he okays it, then yes, I'll tell you who he is, Eloise."

"Well I'm outta here since you're all work and no play. But hey, I understand! Just let me know about those Tudor tickets if you decide to go with us."

"I will, Elle. Thanks for understanding. Once I get this client taken care of, things will get back to normal. Right now, I just have to work around his schedule."

"It's okay, sweetie. I understand. Try to have some fun with it. If you know what I mean."

Elle, bent over, hugged me, and laughed as she turned to go. I loved her to death, but she didn’t have a clue as to what was involved in the business world. Life, to her, was all just one big party.