Mar 1st, 1990

Dear Diary,

I met Watty after school today. He had BIG news. Edgehill Republic is interested in "No One Will Ever Love You"! I'm so excited. The only problem is they don't want just me. Deacon jumped in last Thur. The version they saw was a duet. They want us both as a duo. My career is now in the hands of a man who hates me. Damn you, Deacon Claybourne!

Now I have to find him, and kiss his arrogant ass to get him to agree to do this. If he refuses, I'm done and what could be my BIG chance is gone.

I guess this is what mama meant when she said "Be careful of the toes you step on in this business today. They may be attached to the ass you have to kiss tomorrow."

…and what an ass it is I have to kiss! Deacon hates me! I have no idea what I'd even say if I found him. At least he's cute. If we have to do promo pictures, I guess that's a plus.

Earlier in the day…

"Hey kid, got some good news for you. There was a rep from Edgehill Republic Records in the audience at the Bluebird the other night. He said he tried to catch you, but you left in a hurry. Anyway, he really liked the duet of "No One Will Ever Love You" between you and Deacon. Wants you two to put a demo together and line up some more performances around town to gage interest." Watty smiled wide as Rayna joined him in a small café booth after school on an early March afternoon

"Really? Oh my gosh! That's amazing, Watty!" Rayna stood up, and threw her arms around Watty

"I lined up a small studio for Friday afternoon to cut the demo, but I haven't been able to reach Deacon. Have you talked to him since last Thur?" Watty asked unaware of the spat between Rayna and Deacon

"…uuhhhh…Does Deacon really need to be part of this?" Rayna asked

"Edgehill specifically asked for a duo. The liked what they saw last Thur. Any idea how to get a hold of Deacon?" Watty asked

"No, and I really don't want to work with him, Watty. Can we just get another guitarist?"

"It's not that simple, Rayna. They liked the duet and your voices together. Deacon is very well known for his guitar playing skills. The kid could tour with the best of the best if he wanted to. For whatever reason, he chooses to play local gigs and write independently. He's never wanted the fame, and he's developed a bit of a bad reputation." Watty explained

"So why does Edgehill wanna stick me with him?" Rayna asked confused

"I'm not sure, but they liked you together and that's what they're askin for. So this is your "in." We need to give them what they want for now. Once you're in, and get signed, we can change things up a bit. For now, I need you and Deacon as a duo."

"So they wanna sign us to the label?" Rayna asked excited

"Not just yet. They just wanna do a test run with a demo, and see some more live shows to gage public interest, but this is how it starts. You're on your way, kid."

"I need you and Deacon at the studio Friday 4pm. I'll keep tryin to reach him myself, but he can be elusive when he's drinkin. If you have any idea how to reach him I could use your help too." Watty said

"Wait…he drinks a lot?" Rayna asked

"At times, yeah! He's a 21 year old guy livin with a buddy. He likes to party, but he's talented enough to make it big in country music if he'd just apply himself a little, and together I think you two can really go far. The rep from Edgehill recorded you and Deacon. He played it for me. You're amazing together, Rayna. We need to use that."

"Deacon hates me, Watty! He's never gonna agree to help me, and he could care less about his own music career."

"I doubt he hates you. Deacon is just a little rough around the edges. He's had a tough life. Deep down he's a good kid."

"OK, I'll try to help you find him by Friday. I don't have an address or phone number for him. I know he bartends at the Bluebird sometimes, and plays a set once in a while."

"Here's all the information I have on him, address, home phone. I've left a couple messages, but there's no answer and he hasn't called back. Maybe if you called, Rayna?" Watty said as he handed her a slip with Deacon's contact info.

"I can try, but I really don't think he wants to hear from me."