faith3

Chapter Three

   During the next week, Brian was busy with group meetings, taking care of Danielle, recording music, and 'talking' with Leighanne about their relationship. But every time he had a moment to himself, he found his thoughts drawn back to his encounter with Kaelyn and her singing.
Finally, on Tuesday afternoon, he sighed, coming to a decision. He picked up the phone and dialed.
   "Hi, Denise? It's Brian." He leaned back in his chair. "I'm good. Yeah, so is Danielle. Actually, I'm calling for a kinda strange reason."
   Denise chuckled. "I'm used to just about anything from you, Bri."
   He chuckled as well. "Yeah, I know? Okay, here goes. You know Kaelyn Montgomery, right?"
   "Yeah. She's a great girl. She's only been working with us for about a month, but she's showing so much promise that I often forget that." Denise answered. "Why?"
   "Well, you know that day I had to bring Danielle to the meeting and I ended up leaving her bear there? Well, I came back later in the evening and Kaelyn was still there." Brian paused. "I was just wondering if you knew how often she stayed after hours."
   Denise sounded puzzled. "Well, she's been doing it for about a week now, but... hold on." She broke off when Kaelyn walked by the door. Holding the phone receiver against her shoulder, she called out. "Kaelyn!"
   "Yes Ms. McLean?" Kaelyn poked her head around the doorframe.
   "Are you staying late again tonight?"
   "I was planning on it, but not if I'm causing anyone any trouble." Kaelyn answered.
   "No, not at all dear. I was just wondering." Denise answered with a smile, then went back to her conversation with Brian. "Yes, she'll be here late tonight again."
"Oh, good."
"Are you going to tell me why you want to know, Bri?"
"I?m sorry Denise, but not right now. I promise I'll eventually tell you though."? Brian said apologetically.
   Denise gave a mocking sigh, and said with a smile. "Alright honey. I'll talk to you later. Give that darling daughter of yours a kiss for me."
   "Will do. Bye!"   When Brian hung up the phone, he thought for a long moment before picking it up again.
   "Hello, Kev? It's me." He ran his fingers through his hair. "What are you doing tonight? Can you meet me in front of the Club building?... Just meet me around 6:30, and I'll tell you then, okay? Thanks cos'!? he hung up again with a satisfied smile on his face.

   Kevin stood in front of the Fan Club building, glancing at his watch impatiently. It was 6:45 pm, and Brian still hadn't shown up. He sighed. It was bad enough that he had no idea what was going on, but he hated having to wait. Just as he was thinking about leaving, Brian's car pulled up in front of him.
   "Hi, sorry I'm late, Kev. There was a tie-up on highway 4.? Brian apologized as he climbed out of the car and led his cousin to the front door.
   "Brian..." Kevin started, but Brian cut him off to speak to the security guard.
   "Hi Patrick. Is she still here?"
   "She sure is, Mr. Littrell. She usually doesn't clue in to what time it is until 7:30 or 8." Patrick answered. "She comes out of the elevator, her arms full of stuff, spluttering distracted excuses."
   Brian smiled. "Alright, thanks Patrick."
   Kevin looked at Brian suspiciously as they entered the elevator. "Who is still here? What the hell is going on Brian?"
   "Kev, it will all make sense in a minute. When we get up there, don't say a word, just listen. If my calculations are correct, it will be self-explanatory." Brian assured him.
   Kevin shot him another puzzled look, but followed him silently when the elevator doors opened again. At first they didn't hear anything, and Kevin opened his mouth to speak, but Brian held up his hand and gestured farther into the room. Kevin followed his gaze and saw a young woman sitting at her desk. As they watched, she slipped on her headphones and took a drink from the bottle of iced-tea. After a moment, her head began to bob in time to the music.
    "From the first day
      That I saw your smiling face
      Honey I knew that we would be
      Together forever?"
   Her husky voice started out soft, but it quickly grew loud enough that the two guys could hear her clearly.
   Halfway through the song, Kevin looked again at Brian with surprise and questioning in his eyes.
   "Her name is Kaelyn." Brian whispered, then turned back to watch her.
   After a few more minutes, they two men left the office and got into the elevator again. "So, what do you think?" Brian asked immediately.
   "She's very pretty..." Kevin answered hesitantly. "Who... Are you having an affair, Bri?"
   Brian looked at his cousin as if he had lost his mind. "Of course not! How could you even ask me that?"
   Kevin had the grace to look sheepish. "I didn't... It's just with all the troubles you've been having with Leighanne..." he trailed off.
   "I wouldn't do that, Kev." Brian assured him. When Kevin began to speak again, he interrupted. "When I asked you what you thought, I was talking about her voice. What did you think of her singing?"
   "She had a good voice. It was husky, but had a very real feel." Kevin answered, still unsure where Brian was going with his questions. "Why?" he finally asked.
   "Would you give her a chance? Produce some songs for her?"
   Kevin just stared at his cousin and band mate. "Did she convince you to ask me this?"
   "No, this is all my idea." Brian answered. They reached the lobby and walked out of the elevator. "Will you work with her? Please?"
   Kevin sighed. "Alright, but on one condition. She's got to have someone managing her. Neither you nor I have time to do it for her."
   Brian grinned. "Thanks Kev!" he slapped him on the back. "I knew you would!"
   Kevin rolled his eyes. "Yeah, whatever." They walked out of the building. "I'll see you tomorrow at the studio, right?"
   "You bet." Brian was still grinning as the two of them got into their separate cars and drove away.

   Brian and one of his managers, Steve, walked out of the building together. "Thanks for coming Steve" Brian shook his hand.
   "Not a problem, Brian. When you?ve got everything figured out, call me, and I'll be more than happy to help."
   "Great! I'll see you soon." The two men said good-bye and separated.