Thought you found a way in.
You’d get under my skin.
And I’d want you for keeps.
You didn’t know—I’m a queen.
Who bows to no one.”
She stops me again. “I think that last one should be like a whispered line.”
“Huh, I kinda like that idea.” I make a note next to the line. “You want me to keep going?”
“Let me hear it.”
“I’ve got skeletons of my own.
Should’ve looked under the surface.
The night we met, you couldn’t see
What was hiding under my pretty face.
Better get gone.
My man’s got a bone to pick with you.
We’ve got skeletons in our closet.
And you’re about to meet an early grave.”
“Damn, Shelby.” Angelina stars at me with wide eyes. “That’s scary and badass. Very Goodbye Earl meets Gunpowder and Lead.”
“I don’t know about that. It still needs work.”
She bites her lip, obviously hesitant to criticize me again so soon.
“Go on,” I say.
“That last verse…did you run it by Rooster to see if it’s okay? Club stuff…you know? Maybe. Never mind.”
“Ouch, is it that obvious what the song’s about?”
She gives me a face full of “Duh, yeah.” But she’s too nice to actually say it.
“Kinda. It was heavily reported too. The stuff about the cage under the bed…I’m sorry I didn’t get it right away. I see why you need to keep that line…” her soft voice trails off.
Dang. Besides the Glow article, I didn’t read much of the stuff written about my kidnapping. I mean, I lived it. No need to read what other people thought happened.
“Think Rooster will be okay with that line?” she asks again.
I never thought of worrying about the club. Asking Rooster for permission to write a lyric? Damn, that goes against every instinct I have. Rooster’s never involved himself in my music in that way.
But isn’t this the kind of thing Rooster was talking about when he explained why trust is so important to the guys if they vote on an ol’ lady?
“Suggs is dead. Hung himself. It had nothing to do with the club.” At least I hope that’s true. But if the club was somehow involved, surely Agent Jackson would’ve figured it out by now? “It’s just hyperbole anyway.”
“Sorry, I shouldn’t have—”
“No.” I reach out and rest my hand over hers. “You’re right. I’ll ask him. And,” I add in a dramatic tone to lighten her up a bit, “this right here is why you’re uniquely suited to write with me. I don’t know of any other woman songwriters who are also fluent in outlaw code.”
She titters with laughter. “Yeah, my parents blessed me with a unique and mostly useless skill set.” More seriously she adds, “Actually, I’m having a lot of fun with you. I’ve only ever written with my dad, or my uncles Alvin and Andrew before.”
“I’m having fun too.” I tap the side of my head and then point at her. “You get me. It’s nice.”
A few hours later, Dawson knocks on the door. “Afternoon, ladies.” He steps inside the studio and honest-to-God tips his hat at us.
“Hey, Dawson,” I chirp.
“How y’all doing? Everyone treatin’ you right?”
“So far.”
His gaze lands on Angelina. “How are you doing, darlin’? You comfortable here? Need anything?”
“We’re fine,” she answers without looking up.
I don’t think Dawson’s used to women ignoring him. His gaze shifts to me. “Logan’s coming back for the CMAs, right?”
“Yup. I’m nervous he won’t make it back in time but he swears he will.” Now I’m missin’ Logan something fierce.
“So, I can’t borrow you for the night again,” he teases.
“Afraid not. We’re all still going together, right?” As far as I know, Dawson has the limo and all that stuff arranged. I wouldn’t even know where to start.
Angelina sets her pen down and glances up at Dawson.
He smiles so wide, his eyes crinkle at the corners. “Would you like to go with us?” He circles the air between the three of us. “Save me from being Shelby and Logan’s third wheel?”
“Oh, that’s a great idea!” I gush, grabbing Angelina’s arm.
Her gaze swings between Dawson and me. “Are you sure? There must be hundreds of women who’d be thrilled to go with you, Dawson.”
Well, shoot.
The easy smile slides off his face. “I’m sure there are. But I’m askin’ you.”
She glances at me again. “Okay. Sure. I’ve never been to anything like that, though…”
Dawson stares at her. “Your parents never took you to any—”
“Dad almost never goes to any industry events.”
“Well, it’ll be fun.” He adjusts his hat again. “I, uh, realize I’m springing this on you at the last minute. And you probably weren’t planning…I know a place…local. I’ll get you set up for a dress and everything.”
“You don’t have to do that. I can dress myself.”
“I insist. Really.” He nods at me. “Same place Shelby’s going. You two can make a day of it.”
“All right,” Angelina answers slowly.
“Great. Thank you, darlin’.” He rests his hand on the doorknob. “I’ll leave you to it.”
After he closes the door behind him, I squeal in delight. “This will be so much fun.” My happiness fades at Angelina’s furrowed brow. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She forces a smile. “You’re right. It’ll be fun.” She taps my notebook. “Let’s get back to work.”
Chapter Forty-Six
Rooster
Church is uneventful for once.
Rock and Z keep the meeting brief.
Most of the guys leave, heading straight for the kitchen.
“What’d you need to ask me, Rooster?” Z asks from his end of the table.
I eye my remaining brothers. Kinda didn’t want an audience for this.
Fuck it. They’re gonna bust my nuts over this one way or another. Might as well get it over with now.
“I’d like to patch Shelby when we come home for Chaser’s anniversary party. Think you can get that ordered for me by then?”
A huge grin spreads over his face. He seems way happier than I expected, considering the way he’d reacted to the earlier marriage talk. “Fuck yeah, Rooster. You know that’s the VP’s job, though, right?”
“Well, I didn’t think I should order my own shit, so—”
“I’m fucking with you. Yes, Patty loves me. I’ll have it for you when you two come home.” His smile fades. “You asking for a vote too?”
“Not right now. I talked to her about it. She’s fine with—”