Whirlwind Love: Libby's Journey (10 page)

Bret jumped forward, throwing his fist in the air and congratulating himself all the way across the stage as he strutted and gloated, followed by members of his band who shared in a spirit of camaraderie, but having nothing to do with Bret. The band hovered together center-stage, as Bret made egotistical gestures to the audience.

Libby glanced around the group standing beside her, wondering who might be the other winner. Shay Jameson announced, “And tie for first place, Ms. Libby Morgan! Please step forward, pretty lady!”

Libby was shocked as she walked out next to the emcee. He pulled her beside him, “That’s it then! Are you two willing to duke it out one more time?”

The Pack nodded, and Libby shrugged with a smile. “Sure, why not.”

The promoter spoke, actually oblivious to the answers he just asked for, “We’ll let these folks decide on a final competition song and be right back. I know everyone here is ready for us to bring on our headliners for the evening. Just be patient with us a little longer, and we’ll be doing just that! Darrin, why don’t you sing your number for us one more time! Ladies and gentlemen, Darrin Jones!”

All contestants were ushered offstage. Libby suddenly realized she had no more music. Panic set in and the color drained from her face. She looked down at the taped fingers on her left hand. No way can she play a guitar or piano with her finger so mangled. The crowd bustled past her as she stopped beside a column to wait for their exit.

The Pack huddled in the corner discussing their strategy. Libby felt queasy and followed the other contestants down the ramp, for the fresh air of the field below. As she followed them around the last corner, there stood Chuck, hugging the wall to let all the contestants pass.

“Chuck!” Libby smiled. She was glad to see someone she knew. Chuck didn’t seem to recognize her, but greeted her as warmly as if he knew her, all the while checking her out.

She laughed, “You don’t know me, do you?” Chuck smiled a most charming smile, “I’m sorry, you look familiar, sweetheart, but...”

Libby laughed, “I’m Libby Morgan-I saw you and Joe a couple nights ago—I took photographs all night—in Lubbock!”

Chuck’s eyes grew wide as he recognized her, “Yeah...okay! Wow, you look…
different
! Umm, you seen Joe? Maybe I should say has Joe seen
you
?”

Suddenly that queasy feeling was back, “No, actually,” Libby looked around worriedly. So he’s here? I’m probably the last person he wants to see.”

Chuck laughed, “Uh, yeah...well, I hope he’s here. We’re supposed to go on at eight. He was judging this competition thing. He looked at his watch, and it’s quarter of eight now. Say, you alright? You look like you’ve seen a ghost or ate some bad sushi.”

“Well, actually, no. Friends roped me into that contest. Well, I’m tied for first and have to sing another song...but I don’t have another song!”

“Hey, was that you with the guitarist? Sounded almost like classical or Spanish to me...who was that?”

“Oh, that was my Mom. My friend, Laura, burned a CD for me-she got it from my niece back home. Mom’s awesome, right?”

“I’ll say. I’d like to pick her brain on some of those licks!” Chuck replied.

Libby smiled and turned to make her way back up the ramp with a group of people following close behind them.

“Well, what do you need to go on again?” Chuck asked.

Libby stopped quickly, causing a chain-reaction crash behind them. “You’ll play for me?” she asked anxiously.

“Well, sure,” he responded, almost too casually.

She thought for a second. “We don’t have any time to work up something. Hey! What about the song I’ve been hearing you guys do all the way from Mississippi...
Heart Code
?”

Chuck looked amused.

Libby grinned, “You think I can? The words are simple enough...I think. Hopefully I’ll remember ‘em all.”

Chuck shrugged as he dropped a piece of paper on the table next to them, “I don’t see why not. Be right back.” He returned a few minutes later with a small group behind him. “I brought some friends who are game, too,” he gestured to the gang behind him. “These guys are musicians for some of the headliners. They’ll sit in too—if it’s cool with you.”

“Thanks so much, I really appreciate y’all doing this,” Libby exclaimed.

“Ms. Morgan, what’s your song?” an assistant asked.

“Heart Code,” Libby beamed.

The Pack was going onstage to perform. Libby and Chuck followed and watched from stage left. Chuck leaned in, “That’s your competition?”

She nodded.

Chuck laughed. “Bands good, but who’s the nut-job?” Bret was bouncing around on the stage as he sang. He could’ve been on a pogo stick—but he didn’t have one.

“Tigger,” Libby sharply replied. Michael caught her eye from on stage—he smiled, almost apologetically, then turned his focus back to the band and played as if his life depended on it.

As they finished, The Pack members walked past Libby, and Michael held his hand up to high-five her as he passed. “Luck!”

Bret made a scornful grunt as he reached Libby. “Aw, give it up girlie. Ya got no chance against a pro like me!”

The emcee introduced Libby, and she took the stage. With no time to rehearse, she wasn’t sure how this was going to turn out, but at least she wouldn’t turn into a rabbit on the stage.

The newly formed band quickly took their places and tested their equipment. The first chords of the song rang out, and she jumped in with the first verse.

Well you’re cute, real sweet

won’t you have a seat

You say we should give this love a go.

Been around the block

and you know how to rock

but ya say ya don’t mind dancin’ slow.

The crowd went crazy hearing the TBK song. Their enthusiasm fueled Libby.

Joe smiled as the crowd went crazy over his song. The Governor, Joe’s neighboring judge, leaned over, “Nice touch!”

It’s not an normal invitation

Listen up, there’s regulations.

Gotta tell ya one, better plan to have fun

don’t take yourself too serious.

Joe laughed, “Servin’ up my own words, Governor Richardson.”

“Yeah, how’s that tasting?”

“Not bad...actually. The crowd really likes her!” Joe laughed.

* * *

By the time she got to the song’s seventh regulation, she danced next to Chuck. She stepped sharply beside him with her back to the crowd, and he accommodated her by holding up the neck of his guitar. She alter the words from a woman’s point of view:

So in seventh heaven, there’s no other women,

and I’ll have you whenever I want to!

At just the right moment, she grabbed Chuck’s belt with her left hand index finger and pulled him close to her so they were standing face to face. Chuck slid his hand down the neck of the guitar for effect. The band paused as the crowd screamed, many jumped to their feet, cheering her on. Chuck’s laughter could be heard through her microphone. On Chuck’s cue, the band picked up where it left off, and Libby turned to the crowd, picking up the song perfectly on beat with the band.

By the time she finished, the entire audience was wildly cheering for her. Libby beamed, waving at the audience and offering props to the band. She hugged Chuck and each of the other members of her band, whispering her thank yous as she went down the line. They didn’t know her, but she surely appreciated them having her back.

Gordon Fisher reappeared on the stage and called all the contestants back to the stage. “Wow, this has been the most exciting regional sing-off I’ve ever had the privilege of promoting!”

“Did everyone have a good time this afternoon?” Shay Jameson stoked the crowd. A stagehand took a piece of paper to Fisher. He showed it to Jameson, who then motioned toward the screens, “let’s get those things down.” A man quickly pulled the screens dividing the stage, revealing the five judges as the crowd cheered loudly.

The promoter turned to the judges, “We can’t thank you folks enough for giving us your time on this beautiful New Mexico Saturday evening! Ladies and Gentlemen, before we announce the winner, let’s thank our judges...Governor Bill Richardson
[crowd cheered]
. Burt Carter, head of Big Country Artists
[crowd cheered].
Burt is the person we have to thank for our top prize, the coveted recording contract!
Nancy Laflin, Director of the New Mexico’s Music Commission [
crowd cheered]
. Our very own CMSA Award Winner, Bryan Barker, singer-songwriter who hails from right here in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
[crowd cheered]
and finally, Joe King, singer-songwriter, actor and probably a good reason why a lot of you are out there tonight
[crowd cheered loudly]!
Yeah, that’s what I thought,” the emcee laughed. “Well, since we’re cutting into his show-time, let’s get this show on the road!”

Libby’s head turned quickly in Joe’s direction: in that instant, her heart fell. Joe was smiling, waiving at the crowd. He joined the other judges on the opposite side of the stage. He turned to acknowledge the contestants and for a second caught Libby’s eye. She noticed he looked confused-as if he recognized her, but not really. She managed a smile just for him. She noticed how his blue button-down shirt made his eyes that much bluer…he was still scruffy and needed a shave, but he was so handsome. Her heart jumped a little at the sight of him.

In his moment of recognition, it was as if the crowd, the stage and the audience disappeared into silence. Joe’s face lit up. Unconsciously stepping forward, Joe suddenly realized where he was and stopped short.

Libby was so caught-up in Joe that she didn’t hear Jameson speak again. The crowd was going crazy when Michael stepped up beside her.

“You won,” he spoke softly in her ear as he gave her a little push.

Libby turned to face him in shock as she stumbled forward, then turned back to the emcee, stepping up beside him. She smiled graciously and waved to the audience, which was going crazy.

Bret knocked over a microphone stand beside him, causing feedback to squeal through the speakers.

“Rigged...I tell ya! She had a professional band!”

He shoved everyone who stood between him and the exit, cursing Libby loudly.

“Doesn’t deserve...NO FRIGGIN’ WAY!” His mumbles continued until he was out of view.

Libby managed to stammer, “Thank you, thank you so much!” The crowd was cheering, but Libby didn’t hear them. As she looked around the audience, her mind slowly grasped the reality of the situation. The smile left her face. Libby stepped beside the promoter and whispered in his ear. The man looked surprised, and shrugged. He then walked over to Burt Carter.

A moment later, he commented, “Well, this is a surprise.”

The crowd hushed. “It seems Ms. Morgan feels that as both she and The Pack won—
technically--s
he has asked us to offer them the recording contract! Mr. Carter has no problem with this plan, so we will award the recording contract to The Pack!”

The crowd cheered loudly.

Libby smiled at Michael as he gratefully stepped up to shake Carter’s hand. Michael then returned to Libby’s side and kissed her cheek, then waved to the crowd as he walked over to shake Mr. Jameson hand.

Everyone was ushered off stage. Joe quickly stepped in behind Libby. They walk down the ramp and around the corner. Much to her surprise, he grabbed and hugged her, “I thought I’d lost you! And here you are...look at you! I didn’t even know you sang! Photographer, singer...well, you are…talented!”

Libby laughed. Joe looked puzzled, “Hey, wait! You said your name was Lily! Lily, the speedbump! Oh wait, that honey wagon almost rolled over you—maybe that’s why I goofed up your name.”

Libby again laughed, harder this time. Her auburn curls bounced around her. “And…here I thought you were hittin’ on some girl, and I was just a “make do” groupie.”

“Oh, hell no!”

Music began to play, and Joe glanced back toward the stage. He put his arm around her back and half-pulled her up the ramp, trying to talk as they walked past the crowd coming down.

“I lost your card. The drunk that broke your camera came by the diner just as you left, and had a few choice words for me...and, well, I lost your card.” Joe unconsciously rubbed his jaw. Feeling the pressure as the music played on and the crowd’s cheering grew louder, “I really want to talk to you—I need to talk to you. You’ll stick around, right? Stay...Okay? Wait.”

The house manager pulled Joe away from her. “Hurry up now! We’re already behind schedule.” Libby opened her mouth to protest, but didn’t get the chance to say anything before Joe was whisked away to the stage.

Libby stood beside the stage and watched as Joe took his place and began singing. He shot a glance over his shoulder at her and smiled. She smiled back.

He wasn’t angry! I can’t believe he wants to talk to me…after everything I said!

Libby felt a pang. Her heart wanted to stay, if only to hear what he had to say. There was no denying that her soul needed to go. It was her goal...for ten years…how could she
not
go?

Flarflebloo! I just can’t ignore a ten-year dream for a…a fling! I can’t possibly stay. If I stay, I’ll miss the launch!
Libby checked her watch: 9:15 pm.

“I don’t know!” Libby muttered to herself. Several passersby patted her shoulder in a congratulatory gesture. Libby smiled and nodded her appreciation.

She walked backstage and sat at the table previously occupied by the attendants. An assistant walked by, backed up and handed her the CD of her mom’s guitar piece. Libby smiled. While contemplating her next move, she picked up a piece of folded paper on the table and began playing with it. It was only then that she saw Bret, scowling at her from the doorway to the warm-up rooms. He walked past her quickly, huffing and glaring the entire way. Libby glanced down at the paper.
Itinerary - TBK
was written at the top. She suddenly recalled when Chuck left it there as he went to get his guitar. She smiled. She tore off the bottom of the page and scribbled a note to Joe.