Strings Attached, page 3
She shook her head. It wasn’t her responsibility to save the business, but DJ’s was her dad’s baby. And there was no one on earth she loved more than her dad. Dad would be crushed if I left. There had to be a way to meet in the middle and move DJ’s into the modern age.
She put on a Brahms record and sat down with a pen and notebook. She spent an hour brainstorming. Too keyed up to sleep, she made some instant cocoa and relaxed into her comfy couch. As her mind relaxed, one thing occurred to her. Why hadn’t the lead singer Nikki Razer come in for new guitars? Surely Jaymi would have recommended DJ’s to her, too.
She shrugged. Maybe Nikki didn’t live locally like the rest of the band. She wasn’t so sure she’d like Nikki anyway. She had a reputation as a player with a big ego. Just the kind of person she preferred to avoid. Probably a partier, too. Just like Mom.
All her mother cared about was her acting career and everything that went with it. The fame and fortune. The celebrity status. The Hollywood parties. The fanfare. She wanted it so badly, she put on an act to attract attention wherever she went. Drew never knew if it was her mother or the actress in her presence.
Poor Dad. He was nothing more than arm candy to her. She could remember her telling him to behave a certain way so she could make an impression on some big-time movie producer or casting director. He just wanted to play in his band and write songs. She wouldn’t even take his name when they got married for fear it would confuse her fans, and she’d have to start over making a name for herself. Margo Hollister was the name on every headline, and she wanted to make damn sure it stayed that way.
No wonder their marriage hadn’t lasted. Her own relationship with her mother had dwindled down to obligatory niceties exchanged during holidays, special occasions, or otherwise “big deals” in their lives. Their definitions of what qualified as “special” or “big” differed drastically, something that was clear as day when a last minute “big” audition trumped a flight east for Drew’s college graduation. It wasn’t that she didn’t love her mother, but the bond between them barely scratched the surface of Drew’s heart.
She readied herself for bed and paused at her dresser, picking up the framed photo of what used to be a happy family. She was five. Her parents were still young and in love, with their whole lives and dreams ahead of them.
Different dreams, it turned out. Different means. Different directions. Different motivators. Just…different.
She set down the picture and crawled into bed. How frustrating that a picture could last forever, but a moment could not.
Chapter Five
Drew went over the figures again. Even with their recent big sales, it wasn’t enough. They’d been struggling for so long and were so far in the red that the money had simply allowed them to get back into the black but only just. She needed to do something and fast. She had a few special promotions in mind for the month of December. Most of her Christmas shoppers were parents buying starter kits for their kids. Although they always did well with those deals, it didn’t generate the profits that the more expensive gear did. Musicians were fussy shoppers when it came to buying instruments, and rightfully so. A guitar not only had to have the sound they were looking for, it had to feel right in their hands. Looks and brand name mattered, too. Finding that perfect combination could be difficult. That was where she came in—to make sure their customers didn’t leave without finding what they needed.
She crunched the numbers again. She’d already cut every expense she could possibly cut. She loved her father dearly, but he’d relied too much on his old-school approach when it came to advertising and marketing. He barely knew how to use a computer, much less the internet.
She slammed the accounts register closed and blew out an exasperated breath. The office walls were closing in. It should’ve been neat as a pin with all the spare time she’d had this year with the slow business. She’d lost interest in her annual spring-cleaning, and here it was November, and it was still a dump.
A light knock on the door interrupted her misery. Dad knew he didn’t have to knock, but he always did anyway.
“Yes?”
The door opened, and he poked his head through. “There’s a customer in here asking for you. Said her friends recommended you personally.” He smiled wryly. “She’s quite a looker, too.”
Drew knew what that meant. He was always keeping an eye out for “a nice girl” for her to go out with, even though she’d told him a thousand times she hated fix-ups.
“Okay. Be there in a sec.”
She followed him down the hall and saw a black-haired woman with her back to them, looking at a guitar on a stand. Her dad slinked away and made a fuss over straightening some merchandise.
“Hello. What can I do for you?”
The woman turned around slowly, and Drew’s jaw dropped. Nikki Razer, in the flesh. Not ordinary gorgeous but holy shit gorgeous. In fact, she may have been the sexiest thing she’d ever laid eyes on. In the dead of winter, she wore a waist-length black leather jacket, tight blue jeans, and black leather boots. Not very sensible attire for this time of year. She must be more interested in attracting attention than staying warm. A bit of a turnoff, but nonetheless, she’s definitely easy on the eyes.
Drew quickly collected herself and hated that she was nervous. Nikki was just a person. A human being who was no better than anyone else.
Nikki smiled, and Drew saw a twinkle in her large, dark eyes. Get a grip!
“Drew?”
“Yes. What can I do for you?” Idiot. She’d already said that once. Nikki was probably used to people being nervous around her. Drew didn’t want to be one of them.
Nikki continued to look her in the eye, making her even more uneasy. “Wow,” Nikki said softly.
“Excuse me?”
“I’m sorry for staring, but you have the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen.”
They hadn’t even exchanged names yet, and the woman was already flirting and smiling at her as if she were used to getting whatever she wanted with her looks and fame alone. Just like Mother.
“Do you use that line on everyone?” She hoped her smile and the raised pitch in her voice would come across light-hearted even as she was fighting the impression that Nikki thought she was God’s gift to women. Nikki was a customer, after all—one who could potentially spend a lot of money in her shop. She should be playing along to generate more sales, but doing so would just make her feel like a greedy, ass-kissing salesperson who only cared about landing a sale.
Nikki smiled widely. “If I have, I’ll never have to use it again.”
Drew stepped back, shaking her head. No chance in hell was she falling for something like that.
“What? You think I don’t mean it?”
It’s kind of hard to think so with your reputation, Ms. Razer. She almost said it out loud and realized how rude it would sound. Instead, she just shrugged.
Nikki looked down momentarily. “Whether you believe me or not, it’s the truth.”
Drew wasn’t sure if she was sincere or if this was just another method she used to charm her way into someone’s bed. Either way, she needed to do something to ease the tension so she wouldn’t lose her as a customer. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t assume things about you when I don’t know you.”
“No, you don’t. But I don’t know you, either. I shouldn’t have assumed you would enjoy being complimented.”
Ouch. Okay, maybe she deserved that.
“So, how about we forget about all this and start over?” Nikki extended her hand and smiled. “Hello, Drew. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Nikki,” she said with exaggerated dramatic flair. “You were highly recommended by the most talented musician I know, Jaymi Del Harmon. I need two guitars, one acoustic and one electric. I would be forever indebted to you if you could help me with that.”
Nikki hadn’t let go of her hand. It was warm and soft. Strong. Long, nimble musician’s fingers enclosed her hand. Fingers that she was sure held talents beyond tickling the ivories. I’m pathetic.
Drew pulled away. “I can definitely help you with that. What would you like to see first?”
“Acoustics.”
“Follow me.” Drew led the way to the soundproof acoustic guitar room, hoping its construction didn’t amplify her out of control heartbeat. “Any particular brand?”
“I’ve been playing Ovations mostly, but I was thinking of changing things up and going with something with a richer tone.”
Drew pulled open the glass door and gestured for Nikki to go through ahead of her. “I have several I can recommend. These Martins and Takamines have warm tones.” She pointed to them as she mentioned them. “I also have a few Taylors that sound really nice.”
Nikki grinned and made no effort to hide a look that traveled the entire length of Drew’s body and back up again. She slipped off her jacket, revealing a beautifully shaped body in a heather-black quarter-zip sweater. “Okay.”
“Okay, what?” Drew barely hid her contempt, which was as strong for Nikki as it was for herself at the moment.
“Okay, I’ll try them all.” She withdrew a guitar pick from her hip pocket, held it up, and smiled crookedly. “I came prepared.”
I bet you did. She took down a guitar with a black finish and handed it to her.
Nikki thanked her and sat down on the padded bench in the middle of the room. She looked it over and strummed a few chords. “How’d you know I’d like the black one?”
Drew shrugged. “Other than your jeans, it’s all you’re wearing. I doubt you’d wear a color you don’t like.”
“Smart sales technique. I’m impressed.”
“I don’t think of it that way. I’m just observant.”
“Either way, I’m impressed. I like this one, but I’m thinking I need a change. What else do you have?”
Drew rehung the Takamine and perused the wall. “Take your pick.”
Nikki stood and looked over the selection. “This one’s beautiful.” She lifted a deep brown and gold sunburst Gibson off its hook. “The colors remind me of your eyes.” She sat down with it and began to strum. “Warm. Soulful. Pure.” She locked eyes with Drew. “Just like it sounds.”
And then, Nikki began to sing. Her alto voice was smooth and clear and without the edge and occasional rasp that Drew knew from the few Passion Play songs she’d heard on the radio. The rich acoustics of the room only enhanced how beautifully it blended with the tones of the guitar. That’s the one she should buy.
The enclosed space suddenly felt too small. Drew pulled her gaze away. The woman’s ego perturbed her, but she couldn’t deny that Nikki was as talented as she was beautiful. She looked out into the store. Her dad was busy signing for a delivery. Perfect. “Listen, I need to check on that shipment. Try anything you like, and I’ll be back shortly. Just holler if you need anything.”
She slipped out the door before Nikki could reply. After a few minutes of assisting with sorting out the merchandise, she saw Nikki step out of the room with the Gibson.
“I’ll take it.”
“Good choice. I’ll go grab the hard-shell case that comes with it and hold it for you behind the counter. Jerry will keep an eye on it.”
“Thanks, Jerry.” They exchanged smiles, and Nikki turned her attention back to her. “Now, I’m going to check out your electrics. Are you free to assist me, or do you trust me to help myself?”
“Whatever you’d like. I don’t want to crowd you.” She hoped Nikki preferred to be left alone. “There are cables in there so you can plug into any of the amps, but if you want to try anything that’s hung up high, I’ll have to help you with that.”
“What if I want your professional opinion?”
“Don’t worry about this stuff, dear,” said her father. He smiled at Nikki. “She’s at your service, miss, for as long as you need her.”
Drew gave him a scolding look and escorted Nikki to the electric guitar area.
“Dear?”
“He’s my father.”
“Ah. That explains the matching hair color and striking good looks.”
Drew fumed. Nikki was a relentless flirt. She knew what she was doing, and she was shameless in doing so. Her confidence bordered on arrogance. Yet she was so goddamned beautiful it was no wonder women fell all over her. Drew supposed being a rich and famous rock star didn’t hurt, but there was no way she was going to let herself become another notch on Nikki Razer’s bedpost.
“Your mother must be stunning.”
Drew cringed. Nikki and her mother would probably get along splendidly. Nonstop flirtation with an endless supply of charming compliments designed to get whatever they wanted from people. It was sickening how well it worked. It wasn’t going to work on her. She’d appease her while she was here—she couldn’t very well be rude to a paying customer—and then she could go back to her normal life.
“I’m sorry. I said something that upset you,” Nikki said softly, tilting her head.
Drew tightened her jaw and stared at the wall of guitars. “You didn’t upset me. My mother is…well, it’s…never mind.” Her mother was none of her business. “So, what other colors do you like besides black?”
Nikki followed her line of sight. “Whatever you call that shade of blue.” She took down a Paul Reed Smith solid-body with dual humbucking pickups. It was a brilliant cobalt blue with black tiger-stripe streaks through it. Nikki held it up by the neck and scanned it over. An unreadable expression crossed her face. “On second thought, I think I’ll try the dark red one instead. It’s the same model, right?”
“Yes, identical other than the color.”
Nikki tried out five other guitars but kept going back to the red PRS. “I think this is the one—oh boy.” She looked over Drew’s shoulder.
The hysterical voices behind her told Drew all she needed to know.
“My God, it’s true! Are you…”
“Ahh! It’s her!” the other teen squealed, then more quietly said, “It’s Nikki Razer!”
Nikki handed Drew the guitar. “Excuse me a minute.” The gaggle of girls swarmed her before Nikki could approach them first. “How’s it going, ladies?”
Amidst the spouts of praise and “we’re your biggest fans” were requests for autographs.
Nikki looked at Drew. “Drew, keep these darlings entertained for a moment, will you?” She stepped around them and added, “I’ll be right back, I promise.” Nikki winked at them and dashed out of the store.
The groupies’ faces fell harder than boulders to the floor. “You think she ditched us?”
If she did, it was a rotten thing to do. Although she doubted it. Celebrities thrived on this kind of thing. She’d seen her mother soak it up a million times. They got their answer when Nikki raced back in with a stack of photos in her hand.
“Who’s first?” Nikki asked as she uncapped a black Sharpie. “What’s your name?” She personalized each message, taking time with each fan, asking their favorite Passion Play song, joking that it had better be one of hers, and none of them let her down.
How convenient that she carries photos with her wherever she goes, as if she knows she’ll need them. The other members of Passion Play hadn’t done that when they were there. They’d simply signed whatever was available.
The mob finally left—without making a single purchase, of course. Drew crossed her arms and waited. Perhaps now she could get back to selling the egomaniac her damn guitar.
Nikki spun around with a smile. “Now, where were we?”
Drew pasted a smile on her face and retrieved the guitar.
“Oh yeah. Sorry about the interruption. I guess word got out we were all shopping here.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“You know.” Nikki leaned in and spoke quietly. “Believe it or not, sometimes I wish people didn’t recognize me.”
What a bunch of malarkey. Drew tried to smile sympathetically.
She sighed. “But I can’t complain. I wanted success, I got it, so it goes with the territory, right?”
There are other ways to measure success, Ms. Razer. Fame wasn’t at the top of that scale. Not by a long shot. “So, have you decided?” She needed to get back to business.
Nikki gave her a questioning look, probably for not answering her question. “I’ll take it.” She handed the guitar back to Drew. “Where can I find your straps?”
“My…straps?”
“Yes. New guitars deserve new straps to go with them, don’t you agree?”
Good Lord. Of course Nikki meant guitar straps. They weren’t in a lingerie shop, for crying out loud. She shook off the brief curiosity about what kind of bra Nikki was wearing beneath that tight sweater and led her to the accessories department.
Trying to ignore the way her legs felt like jelly, she walked to the stock room and found the case for the PRS. Nikki was at the checkout when she returned.
Her dad rang up the sale and placed both guitars in the cases. “Thank you for the autographed pictures. That’s a great idea to give them away with purchases over fifty dollars.”
“It’s the least I can do,” Nikki responded.
Actually, that was a good idea. She might as well capitalize on Nikki’s popularity. The business needed all the help it could get these days.
“Thank you both for all your help today. This was fun. I haven’t shopped for guitars in years.”
“Drew, help this young lady out with those, will you?” He rushed out from behind the counter and held the door open for them.
“Of course.” She picked up the electric and followed Nikki out the front door.
Jerry said, “Be careful out here. It might be a little slick. It’s been snowing for the last hour or so.”
Oh shit. At least three inches of snow covered the only customer car in the lot. Judging by the shape, it was some sort of sports car that sat very low to the ground.
