Sorry it's been a while between chapter. Writers block and holidays, never a good combination. But I'm back on track now. Hope you all enjoy the latest chapters, the storyline has taken on a life of its own. I've used a little bit of poetic license and bent a bit of Nashville canon, please forgive.

The crowd could sense that tonight was going to be special. There was a hum to the air, as they jostled to get positions close to the stage. The servers struggled to move around the tables and bodies. The billing on the poster showed that it was the regular young artist night however rumour around town was that Deacon Claybourne was scheduled to play tonight. This had created the vast majority of the excited buzz in the air tonight. Fans were eager to see Deacon Claybourne again, especially since he hadn't graced the stage of the Bluebird in over 6 months. It had also been confirmed that a number of record companies were introducing their young artists tonight. As a result the press were also present, making the small café packed to capacity.

Deacon slid in through the side alley entrance and after placing his guitars next to the stage made his way towards the back of the room. He was most comfortable here at the Bluebird, after all, this little venue held all his most treasured memories of his musical career. It was good to catch up with the guys who dealt with the logistics off stage. Over the years they had become friends, and they had supported him through his ups and downs. He was joking around with Pete, the sound mixer when he felt the weight of a hand on his back. Spinning around, he was startled to be confronted with image of Candy standing in front of him beaming a smile up at him.

"Ahhh, hi?"

"Hey there Deacon, I was hoping to run into you tonight."

Forcing a smile on his face, he really didn't have the patience to deal with any of the press tonight, "Well you did. How are you Candy?"

"Oh I'm great. I was hoping to get some time with you later to ask you some questions, you know about the Nashville scene. No one knows it better than you I hear."

"I don't know about that. I'm sure there are better people to talk to, like Pete and Mike here."

"Nope, I've asked around. And your name is constantly mentioned. You have either played with some of the biggest names in country or you have written for them. Deacon you are an important part of the Nashville music scene. It wouldn't be right not to include you in my article. So can I swing by later and ask you a few questions?"

"Umm, ye later won't work. How's tomorrow?"

Pouting a little she reluctantly accepts his offer. Looking around at the crowd, she senses their anticipation of tonight's performances.

"Looks like you have quite an audience tonight. Guess they also heard you were planning tonight."

"Oh think they are here for more than me."

Placing her hand on his arm she gazes at him "I don't know, I know I'm here to see you"

"Umm, thanks" Deacon gives her an uncomfortable smile. Looking anywhere other than at Candy, he notices Rayna entering the Bluebird along with Layla and Bucky. Over the tops of heads, they lock eyes and give each other a knowing smile.

"Umm, ahhh ye I should go get ready. Why don't you give me a call tomorrow and we can set up a time." Nodding, she watched with narrowed eyes, as he walked away from her. She noticed that rather than heading towards the stage he was made a beeline straight to Rayna.

"Hey Buck, Ray"

Smiling a small smile at his understated greeting, Rayna allowed her eyes to show exactly how happy she was to see him.

"Hey Deacon. It's good to see you, especially here" said Bucky.

"Ye it's good to be back. Hi, you must be Layla; Rayna has told me how amazing you are."

"Umm hi. It's a real pleasure to meet you. I'm such a fan of your writing."

"Well from what I've heard, you aren't too sloppy in that area yourself."

"That's high praise coming from this one" stated Rayna, as she placed her hand on his arm. Layla smiled at the praise given to her, not only from Rayna but also from Deacon. It was helping calm her nerves. The Bluebird Café was the mecca for country music. All the greats had played here and they say if you make it here you can make it anywhere.

"Layla, we should go and introduce you. We'll catch you guys later."

"See ya Buck" they both chirped at the retreating backs.

"So"

"So" They both stood facing each other, grinning like love sick teenagers.

"What's a nice girl like you doing in a place like this?"

The loud burst of laughter from Rayna caused several heads to turn in their direction. "Oh I'm not falling for that line, my daddy warned me all about boys like you." Deacon's eyes twinkle in amusement. Rayna had always been quick with a snappy come back. Their humour was an equal match as was their tempers. They were both capable of going from zero to ten in seconds, normally with each other being on the receiving end of that anger. Rayna was the only woman who had that impact on him, that made him so angry that he wanted to throttle her. Megan came close, but looking back now he realises that that was probably due to his frustration of feeling Rayna pulling away from him.

"Umm, I was just going to head out for some air, care to accompany me?" A raised eyebrow questioned his flimsy excuse. Smiling her answer at him, she allowed him to guide her through the crowd with his hand on the small of her back. When they reached the stage, he lent over and whispered in her ear, causing shivers to erupt. "Give me a minute I need to have a word with Pete." Looking back over her shoulder, she nodded and gestured with her head that she was going to continue on out to the alley. Her progress was halted by some fans, as they stopped her to get her autograph. While she was talking to them Deacon slipped by her, allowing his body to softly graze her stationary one as headed outside, causing goose bumps to envelope her.