Chapter two

Daniel was feeling good. The band was sounding great and they had just booked three more gigs for the next month. His songwriting was taking off and they had just successfully added three more of his original tunes, two ballads and an instrumental to their set list. His music was a satisfying outlet from his life on the ranch.

He and Adam were still butting heads over every little thing, but at the same time, they had found a mutual respect for one another and they both knew how much they loved each other and had both managed to for the most part hold their tempers in check for the sake of getting along.

Daniel had just told the guys in the band to call it a night and he had planned to finally get home early and get a good night's sleep. Then she walked in the door, catching him completely of guard.

Daniel felt all the blood rush to his face the moment he set eyes on Tally. His body froze and he felt as though he couldn't get a deep breath. He struggled to find his voice as his gaze met hers. She smiled at him sweetly and he felt like a deer in the headlights. He struggled to regain his composure as she started to speak.

"Hey handsome! Did ya miss me?" Tally said, batting her eyes. Those eyes. Those deep mysterious eyes that always managed to melt him like butter.

He snapped to reality in an instant as she approached and managed to choke out a greeting.

"Hi yourself. This is quite a surprise." Daniel replied.

She ran up to him wrapped her arms around his neck. "So how's my sweet cowboy?" Tally whispered in Daniel's ear.

"I'm good." Daniel replied. He fought to keep his composure as his hands went to her hips, trying to hold her at a safe distance.

"Well, I was hoping for a bit warmer welcome. I thought we were good." Tally said.

"We were...we are. I just, I wasn't expecting to see you here." Daniel replied, he was in shock.

"Well, I hope it's a good surprise and not a bad one!" She laughed.

"Yeah, I uh...I'm not sure what it is. What are you doing here, Tally?" Daniel asked.

"I'm here in fact...to make you an offer of a lifetime if you must know. Why don't you buy me a drink cowboy and we'll talk about it, huh?" Tally said.

"Uh, s-sure...ok. I guess so." Daniel stammered out his reply.

A few minutes later, they were sitting at a table at Pony's. Daniel had ordered himself a beer and a glass of wine for her.

"So, how's the guys doing? How's Spider?" Daniel inquired, hoping his small talk would hide how out of sorts he was feeling.

"Oh, they're all good. 'Except Spider. That sap!" Tally snorted.

"What do you mean? Spider's a great guy." Daniel offered in defense of his friend.

"He's in love. He's engaged to this weatherlady in L.A. He's quitting me to go back to doing studio sessions in L.A. so he can be close to her. He doesn't want to tour because it will get in the way of his relationship. Can you believe that?" Tally asked.

"Well, it sounds like he's found the right girl for him. Nothing wrong with that. I think it's great. He enjoys studio work. It's how he's made a living all these years and he's one of the best!" Daniel offered.

"Are you kidding? We're hitting big. We're killin' it in Bakersfield and we are this close to signing a record deal in Nashville, and he decides to bail on us for her! He's a sap, I tell ya!" Tally retorted, her disdain for the situation written all over her face.

"A record deal, really? With who?" Daniel asked.

"Columbia Records! Can you believe it. We're are talking the Big Time Daniel! And...I want you to be a part of it!" She said, laughing excitedly.

"ME? What are you talking about Tally?" Daniel asked, looking completely mystified.

"Daniel, we have to replace Spider and I need somebody that I have good stage chemistry with. Don't you remember how good we were together on stage? Plus, you're young, good looking, your vocal harmonies are great...better than Spiders' and you are great on lead guitar. The record company will find you very marketable, I think." Tally gushed.

"Tally, I don't know..." Daniel began.

"You what? You don't know? Did you hear what I said? I just offered you a career on a silver platter and you don't know? Are you nuts, kid?" Tally said in total disbelief.

"Tally, I'm not a kid and you're crazy! I can't just jump up and leave Murphys. What about my family and my band? I've got a lot of responsibility here..." Daniel's words trailed off.

"Daniel. You're old enough to leave the nest. This is what you've been working for. You want a career in the music business. You can't turn down an opportunity like this, can you? As for your band...who cares? They'll find another singer." Tally said.

"It's my band. I put it together myself. I'm the lead singer, the lead guitar player. I write most of the material. It's important to me...and besides, they are my friends. I love those guys. I can't just up and leave 'em." Daniel angrily replied.

"Daniel. Try to look at this logically. You're in a two bit band. You guys are barely out of the garage." Tally whined.

"Tally look-We've been having a lot of success lately. We're playing regularly at Pony's now and we've even got some gigs booked in Sonora!" Daniel snapped.

Tally began to laugh. "Come on Daniel. Big deal, so they've heard of you in Sonora. I'm talking Bakersfield...Nashville. How can you pass this up?"

"I don't know. It does sound like a good deal Tally...I just...how much time do I have to think about it?" Daniel asked, trying to fight the excitement that was building inside of him.

"One week. I need your answer in one week, not a minute longer. Daniel, be reasonable. You'd be crazy to pass this up. Look, I'm staying at the hotel. Why don't you stay there with me tonight and we can talk about it more...maybe catch up a little?" She eyed him playfully.

"No, I don't think that's such a good idea Tally." Daniel replied.

"What? Why not? You got a better offer waiting on you somewhere?" Tally laughed, twirling her hair and giving him a coy look.

"Tally...you hurt me, remember? I'm not ready to go down that road again." Daniel answered honestly.

"Hey look. I told you I was sorry about all of that. I also told you that I still had feelings for you...I still do Daniel. We were great together, remember?" She asked.

"Yeah, whatever. I'm sorry but I remember it a little differently." Daniel replied, the hurt clear in his voice.

"Fine. Suit yourself. You'll come around soon enough. If you change your mimd, you know where to find me." Tally replied, getting up from the table and walking out the door. "Just think about my offer. I'm staying for a few days. I've sold my grandparents place and I have some things to finalize with the realtor. You let me know what you decide, kid." She walked out the door.

My name's not kid!

Daniel thought to himself as Tally walked out the door. He had certainly gotten used to seeing her leave.

to be continued...