CHAPTER 8
CLAYTON
“Where’s Jamie at?” Clayton asked Shorty, who was still backstage at Hello, Nashville! He’d spent the past hour signing autographs and taking pictures with the audience. A few mother-and-daughter pairs, along with some grandmas, mentioned they’d waited in line for hours to see him.
“She’s long gone, Clayton.” Shorty adjusted his hat. “You know, you shouldn’t have put her on the spot like that.”
“What?” Clayton scoffed as he shrugged on his suede jacket. “What’re you jawing about?”
“You asked her to go on tour with you and she didn’t have an out.”
Clayton couldn’t recall the last time Shorty had given him a hard time about anything other than his drinking.
“I’m just trying to make up for not taking her on board five years back.
” He stretched his elbow, which always got stiff and tingly in the cold weather.
“Besides, I’d be introducing her to a whole new audience. ”
“I don’t know if she can do it.”
“Dang! Why? Is she on the road? ”
Shorty shook his head and his hat tipped forward. “No, but the guys in her band are booked solid playing with other artists.”
Clayton sighed, disappointed by the news. “Now hold on just a minute,” he said with a sly grin. “She can use my band, just like on New Year’s.”
“I don’t know if she’ll do it, Clayton.”
“Do me a favor, now, and keep her schedule clear. Let me handle the rest—”
“Clayton Langley,” Shelby singsonged as her high heels clicked toward him. “Why don’t we meet for a drink later so you can tell me about your new album?” Her reputation as an opportunist preceded her, and he wouldn’t soon forget how she’d exploited his divorce for ratings.
“I’ll talk to you later,” Shorty said to his artist, exiting abruptly.
Clayton slung his Gibson over his shoulder. “I’ve got to write it first. I’m heading to the studio to finish recording that song with Jamie.”
“Jamie Keaton doesn’t know the first thing about country music,” Shelby hissed, rolling her eyes.
Clayton tried not to stare at what appeared to be caterpillars along her lash lines. “Well, I don’t rightly know much about rock music, so we’re kind of even. Appreciate y’all inviting us today.”
“I didn’t invite Jamie. I invited you .” She sounded pissed in a way that confirmed his instincts were right.
“We’re a package deal, I’m afraid. Never had a song that’s gone viral before.”
Shelby rested her hands on her hips. “Good for you, Clayton.”