LITMIR.BIZ

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the accounting, there was still a big gap in his operating capital. Contributions came in regularly, but since the move to the warehouse, cash was tight.

      A shout came from the gymnasium. Every Sunday, a bunch of the boys gathered for a game of basketball. Luke didn’t mind opening up, especially when he discovered how many kids wanted to hang out. To him, the sound of voices meant he was doing something right, justifying his decision to move into this larger building.

      He’d been about to abandon his depressing act of going over the finances when a feminine voice floated in from outside his office door. He recognized Cassie’s sweet cadence. What was she doing here? Intrigued, he went to investigate.

      He certainly hadn’t expected to see her any time soon, if at all. Since the wedding events were over, he figured she’d leave town before they had a chance to reconnect. Yet here she stood, her hair in her signature braid, dressed in a stylish outfit. No wonder he hadn’t recognized her at the wedding.

      “Sorry to bother you.” She held up her phone. “My manager.”

      He hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but heard enough of the conversation to know she was all about her career.

      “Can you spare a minute of your time?”

      “Sure. C’mon in.”

      He gathered the paperwork littering his desk and stuffed it into a file. “I’m actually happy for a distraction.” He took a chair from the corner and placed it beside his desk. “Have a seat.”

      She sat, her gaze taking in his office. Pictures of kids he’d worked with adorned one wall. Another displayed framed certificates of appreciation from local businesses. When she met his eyes, he glimpsed the uncertainty there. Guessed he’d be the one to break the ice.

      “So, what brings you by today?”

      “I’m hoping to talk to you about volunteering here.”

      His brow rose. “In what capacity?”

      “I was talking to my sister this morning and she told me about Kids’ Klub and all the great things you do for the community.”

      “Lauren helped me in the beginning.”

      “She said. Thankfully, my sister and I never got into too much trouble, but I have to say, starting a program for at-risk kids is really honorable.” She spread her arms. “So here I am.”

      Interesting.

      “While it would be easy to simply write a check, I’d like to propose a more personal touch.” A nostalgic expression softened her face. “I used to give music lessons as a way of earning money through college. Piano. Guitar. I love seeing kids get excited when they begin to learn to play a new instrument. So, I’d like to volunteer.”

      “Volunteer? Don’t you have a career you’re busy with?”

      “Yes, but while I’m here in Cypress Pointe I’d like to be part of your program. You know, something bigger than myself.”

      “Cassie, I’ll be honest. I overheard some of your conversation just now. Won’t a concert schedule keep you too busy to be involved here?”

      “Oh, I didn’t realize...” She stopped. Composed herself. “It might have sounded like that, but I’m staying in Cypress Pointe for a while.”

      “So no running off to concerts just as you start to bond with the kids? They need consistency. People who stick around.”

      “I realize that. I remember those angsty teenage years, so I would never intentionally hurt anyone.”

      He ran a hand through his hair. “I’ll admit, the Klub has lots of needs, including volunteers in time and money. I need you to be sure about a commitment, not thinking about concerts or PR gimmicks.”

      “PR? I wasn’t even considering that far in advance. I can do some good and—” A slow smile bloomed over her lips. “You’re a genius.”

      “Come again?”

      “You just gave me an excellent idea.”

      “Which is?”

      “How about I give a benefit concert with all the proceeds going to Kids’ Klub?”

      Surprised twice in the time span of five minutes. A new record.

      “Your offer comes out of the blue.”

      “That’s because I just thought of it.” Her expression turned serious. “It would be a great opportunity to raise funds and the kids would have fun, as well. Plus, I’d get some musical time with you.”

      “I don’t know what to say.”

      “Say yes. The idea is win-win for Cypress Pointe and the Klub.”

      He propped his elbows on the desk and steepled his hands under his chin, quickly doing the math. One concert with Cassie could set the Klub up for at least a year if he was wise with his spending. Or it could be enough for a down payment on the property. His mind went over all scenarios, returning to his initial gut reaction.

      Cassie had a career and he knew how consumed some artists could be in that business. He remembered that she’d shown promise on her first album, then appeared to change her style to chase the charts with her second. Would a benefit concert for Kids’ Klub just be a media event for her? A chance to grab the spotlight in the guise of helping a good cause? He didn’t want that type of tabloid exposure if it was only meant to advance her career.

      “I see the benefits for the Klub. What do you get out of the deal?”

      A puzzled frown marred her forehead. “Who says I need anything from it?”

      “Because I’ve been in that world, Cassie. I know how the PR machine works.”

      She avoided his gaze for a second too long before scooting forward in her chair. “Luke, I love to perform live. It’s how I made my way before the studio work.” Her eyes sparkled. “I also love Cypress Pointe. My sister, mom and her husband live and work here. It’s the place I return to when I need a break from the craziness of this business. I’m sure you understand.”

      He did. All too well. “What about your schedule? Can you make the time?”

      Pain flashed in her eyes before going flat. Pain? Where had that come from? She’d been downright excited moments before.

      “I don’t have to be back to LA for a few weeks.”

      “Planning a concert is a big undertaking.”

      “I know, but it won’t take much to figure out the logistics. Since it’ll be a local event, we can pull it together in no time. The only hitch is that the guys I usually play with will probably be busy, but I’m hoping Sandy Palms can fill in.”

      Had he heard her right? “You want my band to play with you?”

      “Sure. You sounded great at the reception. It may take a couple practice sessions for us to mesh, but they’re your friends. I can’t imagine them turning you down since it’s for a good cause.”

      “You’d really do this for us?”

      “Why not?”

      Why not indeed? As much as Luke tried, the cynical part of him kept wondering if after all was said and done, she’d let them down. Last night she’d tried to engage him in conversation that was definitely headed to a place he didn’t think he’d like. His past career. Eons and miles from the present.

      He looked at her now, with that earnest expression and the hopeful curve of her pink lips. Not wanting to believe this was some sort of trap, he tried to push past the reservations hindering his decision. He’d hate to see Cassie, or anyone, for that matter, use Kids’ Klub for their personal agenda. That’s how much the program meant to him.

      Before he could give Cassie an answer, a knock interrupted them. Denny, one of the teen

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