Author note:
I hope you enjoy. And don't forget to watch the NEW Episode tonight!
CH 63-It Cuts Both Ways
This day started out a little differently. The girls had to get up early and be ready to go so Clay and Vic could drop them off at the shopping center and then get to their fishing excursion. Clay was in the shower and Emma went down to get some coffee on. When he came back in the bedroom to get dressed, he found her standing out on their balcony dressed in just one of his t-shirts, drinking a cup of coffee. She was silhouetted against the early morning sky. Clay felt like he could stand there and just watch her forever.
He walked up behind her silently and wrapped her in his arms. She automatically relaxed back into him and closed her eyes.
"Good morning babe."
"Good morning." She offered him her mug and he took a swallow. "I wouldn't normally get up this early, but the sky is beautiful."
"Yep. The weather is supposed to be a little cooler today. I can't wait to get out on the water."
"Will you take me fishing sometime?"
"Sure, any time after we get back. I didn't know you liked to fish Em."
"I have never really been. If you like it, I want to try it too."
"Thanks honey, I appreciate that."
She went up on tip toe and gave him a quick peck on the lips. "I need to go get ready. You want to finish my coffee?"
"Sure thing."
It was still pretty early when the guys dropped them off at the shops. Most weren't even open yet.
"You guys gonna be okay," Vic asked.
"Yea, we'll go have breakfast and by the time we're done the stores should be open," Hannah answered.
"You sure you can keep busy until we're done?" He was incredulous.
Clay laughed. "I've been shopping with Em. Trust me, it's an all-day activity. They'll be fine."
She reached out to pinch him, but he caught her hand and brought it to his lips instead.
"Okay, the trip is supposed to be back about 2:00 and then we can come get you around 3:00 or so. I'll text Emma to find out where to meet you guys. Okay?"
"Yep. We'll see you then." Hannah and Jeni exited the vehicle. Emma leaned over to give Clay a kiss. "Be careful. See you later."
"Bye babe, have fun."
The girls were having a great time shopping and hanging out. At about noon, they headed to get lunch. After eating they all saw a stage set up in the center of the outdoor complex and wondered up to read a posted sign about the day's activities. It seemed the local radio station was running a contest that day for singers. They would perform there on the main stage and the winner would get to perform at a popular club that night with an up and coming band.
"Em, you should totally sign up. You would win, I know it."
"Han, I'm not sure. What if the guys come to get us?"
"So? Clay would want you to Em."
"Alright. I'll do it."
She walked over to the one person sitting at the folding table and signed up. They assigned her a time slot. Emma was a little nervous, but she reminded herself it was just for fun. Emma and the girls looked through the options she had for songs. They helped her decide on, "Miss Independent" by Kelly Clarkson. Emma spent some time doing her vocal warm-ups to get ready. It just happened to be about 2:30 when they called her backstage. She was up next.
As she walked up on-stage Clay was calling. When he didn't get an answer, he tried again. After the second missed call he tried a text. He was starting to get worried, so he tried Hannah's number. She finally answered.
"Hey, Clay."
"Hannah, what's going on? Em isn't answering her phone. Is everything okay?" He sounded almost panicked.
"She's fine Clay. Actually, hold on a sec." Hannah held the phone up. Emma had just started her performance. After about 30 secs she brought the phone back to her ear.
"Did you hear that?"
"Yea, wasn't that Em? What's up?"
"There's a contest going on with the radio station and Emma entered."
"Oh, alright. We'll be there in about 15 minutes to meet you. She can tell me about it then."
Clay and Vic arrived at the shopping center and found Hannah and Jeni standing in the crowd that had gathered in front of the stage. Clay looked up and saw Emma standing with 4 others on the stage.
He leaned over to Jeni. "What's going on?"
"It's time to decide the winner of the singing competition."
The DJ started to speak. "Okay, we're going to determine the winner based on applause. So, make some noise for your favorite."
When he announced Emma, the crowd was very loud. Vic and Clay both whistled loudly, and the girls yelled and clapped. "Alright. Thank you all. And thanks to our contestants. You are all very talented. But I think we have a clear winner." He glanced at his notes. "Emma Hayes from Virginia Beach, Virginia."
Emma looked surprised and excited. The DJ Continued. "Now, let's introduce the band you will be singing with. Ladies and gentlemen, Everyday Trip!"
The lead singer stepped up and took the microphone. "Thanks everyone. We're excited to play for you tonight. And, I'm even more excited to be singing with this talented, beautiful lady right here." He put his arm around Emma and waited on the applause. "Thanks again and we'll see you all tonight."
Clay noticed that as he was walking off stage with Emma, his arm stayed in place around her shoulders. As they were descending the stairs, he saw the singer's hand slide lower onto Emma's back. He started over to greet and congratulate Emma immediately.
When they reached her, she was in conversation with the band. Clay cleared his throat to get her attention.
"Clay! You're here. Did you see?"
He reached for her hand and pulled her too him for a hug and quick kiss. Keeping his eyes on the singer the entire time. "I missed your song. But, I'm absolutely sure you were the best."
"Awww, man. Shame you missed it. This little lady's got some impressive pipes. She…"
Clay interrupted. "I know she does. She's got the most beautiful voice I've ever heard."
"Thanks honey. Oh, Clay, this is Zach, the lead singer for the band."
Clay nodded, and then completely ignored the man. "So, Em, tell me all about this contest."
Emma started to tell him the details when Zach butted back in. "Hey, Emma. We need to discuss the performance tonight, like what song you want to do and how we can get some quick practice in."
"Sure, yea. Do you mind babe?"
Clay shook his head. "No, no of course. Do your thing honey."
She kissed him on the cheek and walked smiling over to Zach and the band. Clay kept his eyes on Emma while they talked. That singer was giving him some bad vibes. He was being a little too touchy-feely with Em. But he didn't want to ruin anything for her.
She was finished in about 30 mins and came over to them. "Sorry about that guys. I'm ready now."
"It's fine Em. So, what's the plan?"
"I have to be at the club around 6:00 for a sound check and a quick rehearsal. Is that okay?
"Sure thing. Lopez, can drop us off and then he and the girls can come later for the show." Clay looked at Vic quickly for confirmation and got a quick nod in agreement.
"Honey, you don't have to come with me for rehearsal. You'll be bored."
"No, I won't. You know I love hearing you sing." There was no way he was going to leave Emma alone with that wanna-be rock star.
Hannah and Jeni grabbed her hand and tugged her away. They were talking a mile a minute about her hair, make-up, and what she would wear. Vic spoke to Clay.
"What's up?"
"Something's not right with that singer. I don't trust him."
"Okay…what do you need?"
"I just need you to keep an eye on Hannah and Jeni tonight so I can stay with Em."
"Copy that."
