Voice of an Angel--A Christian Romance Read online

  “That was kind of you to say that, but there is no woman in my life right now.” Joshua smiled and gazed deeply into her eyes until she broke the connection. “But that could change anytime.”

  “None?” Rachel’s eyes widened at his revelation.

  Joshua shook his head. “But I know she’s out there. Maybe you women can help me out. I could use some pointers.”

  “Well, between the three of us, I’m sure we can help you solve that problem.” Stephanie pulled him closer and gave him a wink.

  Nicole rolled her eyes and shook her head.

  Mary took hold of Joshua’s hand and led him to safety. “Girls, girls. Can you give Mr. Davis some breathing room? He hasn’t even started with us yet, and you’re trying to be his matchmaker. Let the man get acclimated with everything before we worry about fixing his dating life.”

  Joshua could hear the cries of disappointment behind him as he followed Mary out of the room.

  “You’ll have to excuse them. Working long hours and touring on the road most of the year doesn’t leave them many opportunities for dating. And the fact you’re an eligible bachelor reminds them of that fact. So what do you think of my girls?”

  “They’re all beautiful women. I’m very lucky to be working with them.”

  “I saw the way you were looking at Nicole. You like her, don’t you?” Mary persisted.

  Joshua shuffled his feet before answering. “I must admit Nicole does seem fascinating.”

  “Don’t even think about it,” Mary replied without hesitation. “Look Joshua. You and I go way back, and you know how I operate. Work is work, and you know I discourage any kind of romantic relationship on the job. Look at what happened between Charles and me. There is no way I’m going through another disaster like that again. It would destroy whatever harmony and trust is left in the group.” She looked at him with steely eyes. “Do we have an understanding?”

  “Yes, of course.” Joshua had seen that expression on her face several times in the past. When Mary set a firm rule, no one dared to cross it unless they wanted to be kicked out of the group. “You know you would look a whole lot cuter if you weren’t so serious all the time,” he said with a playful tone.

  The tension on Mary’s face softened. “And things might have been different between us if you had made spending time more of a priority.”

  “You know you were different than all the other women. Not only were you classy, you were the sharpest woman I knew.”

  “That obviously wasn’t enough. Isn’t that why you chose Emma over me?”

  Joshua pressed his lips together and said nothing. He had met Emma while working at CMO Music Group, and even though he knew Mary was a respectable woman who had a crush on him, he was distracted by Emma’s flirty personality and irresistible sex appeal. While he later regretted his decision to pass up Mary, the damage to their friendship had been done, and it was obvious she still harbored a grudge against him.

  Mary placed a hand on his shoulder. “Look, I don’t want to rehash the past between us. We agreed to put it all behind us. Tonight is the beginning of a new and profitable future. Go home and get lots of rest tonight. Practice starts tomorrow morning at eight sharp. We have a lot to go over.”

  “Don’t worry about the past. You know I’m dedicated to my work.”

  Mary gave him a thin smile. “Yes, I know how passionate you can be about everything, especially work.”

  Joshua gave her a hug and said goodbye to the other women before leaving La Trattoria for his home in Corona del Mar. As he drove home in his Lexus sports sedan, his mind replayed the warning Mary had given him.

  There was no doubt that he was mesmerized by every woman in the group, including Mary. But the co-founder and he already had a rocky past together, and that was something they agreed to set aside for the sake of work. But he couldn’t help feeling drawn to win the smiles and affection of the other women. It was an irresistible urge for him. And even though he kept a fine line between his professional and personal life, he couldn’t help wondering how much he could get away with if he played his cards right with Mary.

  Chapter 3

  Sam took a bow with the rest of the performers as thunderous applause erupted in The Curtain Call Theatre. She could tell it had been another successful rendition of Cats, and the satisfaction of knowing the audience appreciated her talents more than made up for the meager salary she received.

  Even though she only had a small solo part in the play, Sam was thankful for the opportunity to show off her voice. Working at the playhouse seemed to be a good starting point to launch her singing career, and she hoped that someday, maybe an influential agent or producer would notice her. Then the rest would be history.

  But that someday had turned into a year, and it seemed her singing career was no further ahead than the day she started. As the performers left the large wooden stage, Sam made her way back to the crowded dressing room where she slipped into a pair of blue jeans and a brown and beige striped sweater. She packed everything into a beige duffel bag and headed toward the entrance of the theatre.

  As she stepped past the double doors into the lobby, a slender woman wearing a black mini dress with a plunging neckline greeted her with a disarming smile.

  “You sounded amazing up there. You really have a beautiful voice.”

  Sam returned the woman’s smile. She had lost track of how many times a patron would pay her a compliment. “Thanks, I really appreciate your support.”

  The woman extended her hand. “My name is Stephanie Price. I was in the audience, and I was so impressed with your singing ability that I just had to tell you in person what a fine job you did up there.”

  Sam’s eyes grew wider. “You’re Stephanie Price? The Stephanie Price from Women of Grace?”

  “Yes, that’s me.”

  Sam couldn’t help feeling self-conscious as she noticed how perfectly aligned the singer’s teeth were. Her dog had eaten her retainer two years ago, and because she wasn’t able to raise enough money for another set, her teeth had shifted.

  “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe this. My friends will die when I tell them I saw you in person.” Sam fumbled through her duffel bag and pulled out a crumpled theatre score. “Please, if you don’t mind, can I have your autograph?” She offered the paper to Stephanie.

  “Of course.” Stephanie took out a pen from her purse and scribbled onto the sheet. “How do you like singing here?”

  Sam shrugged her shoulders. “Oh, I like it. It helps pay the bills. But what I really want is to become a famous Christian artist like you.”

  “You do huh? Any luck out there?”

  “Not really. I dream about it. But a part of me is afraid I won’t be good enough. Not like you, you have such a beautiful voice, and it sounds so natural.”

  “Thanks, that’s very nice of you. It wasn’t always so easy. It took me years of practice and knowing the right people to get to where I am today. But you, Sam, you have a unique voice that really moved me. Not many singers can do that. I encourage you to follow your dream and don’t give up.”

  “After meeting you, I definitely won’t.” Sam pushed a few strands of hair behind her ear.

  Stephanie tilted her head and thought for a moment. “Say, what do you think about grabbing a bite to eat. Maybe I can give you some pointers that will get your singing career off the ground.” Stephanie handed the paper back to Sam.

  “You want to have dinner with me?” Sam couldn’t believe her ears. It was as if God had given her the break she had been waiting for. What were the odds of a famous singer like Stephanie asking her out to dinner? It couldn’t have been a coincidence.

  “Of course ... I mean yes, I’d love to go to dinner with you.”

  “Great, there’s a great pizza kitchen around the corner from here called Mario’s. Do you know where that is?”

  Sam looked up to the right. “Yes, I’ve never eaten there before, but I pass by it often.”

  “Great, the
n I’ll meet you there in ten minutes.”

  Sam watched as Stephanie made her way over to a good-looking man wearing a black blazer over a pair of blue jeans. They exchanged a few words before the man shook his head and turned to exit the building. Sam could tell by the look on her companion’s face that he wasn’t pleased with the sudden change in plans.

  A part of her felt guilty for disrupting Stephanie’s evening. But this was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and nothing could get her to pass it up. Sam set off for her car, her mind going in a million directions as she tried to figure out the most important questions to ask Stephanie.

  Minutes later, they were seated in a booth with burgundy cushions and photos of stars who had dined at the popular hot spot. Sam scanned the menu, skipping all the fancy combinations until she found her favorite, pepperoni pizza.

  “See anything you like?” Stephanie set her menu on the table.

  “I like pepperoni. That’s my favorite.”

  “That used to be my favorite too until I started coming here. Now the Brussels sprouts and smoked pancetta is my go to pizza when I’m in the mood.”

  Stephanie set the napkin over her lap and looked into Sam’s eyes. “If you want to get your foot in the door as a Christian artist, it’s important for you to build connections.” Her gaze strayed toward a handsome man sitting alone in a booth on the other side of the restaurant. “I hate to say this, but sometimes that means kissing up to the power players in the music industry. Christian or no Christian, that’s the only way you’re going to find an opportunity that could lead to something big. You get what I mean?”

  Sam nodded her head in silence.

  “Do you know how to handle a guy?”

  “Handle a guy?” Sam gave her a confused look.

  “Yeah, you know, like can you get a guy to like you so much they’ll be putty in your hands?”

  Sam shook her head with embarrassment. Even at the ripe age of twenty-four, she still felt self-conscious around a guy. Of course, the fact that she only dated twice in her entire lifetime didn’t help. It seemed Stephanie knew her way with guys, and she wondered what tips she could learn from the star.

  “I’m not very good around guys. I don’t know why, but my mind goes blank, and I literally don’t know what to say.”

  Stephanie leaned over and slipped her fingers through Sam’s straight hair. “First of all, looks are everything when you play this game. Guys like a hot woman. Right now, you scream stay at home telemarketer with no life. You need a new hairstyle and some makeup.”

  “But I like my hairstyle,” Sam said as she ran her fingers down her straight hair. I’ve kept it his way since I was a little girl.”

  “And where has it gotten you with men?” Stephanie pulled her lips down into a frown.

  “Not very far,” Sam said with a low voice.

  “Exactly. Second, when you talk to a guy, get them to talk about something they like. Men love to talk about work or sport. All you have to do is listen. They’ll do all the talking for you.”

  “Really?”

  “And don’t make it so easy for him to impress you. Make him work to earn your attention.”

  “Won’t that discourage him?”

  “Nope. Let me tell you, guys love a challenge. They actually want to win your heart.”

  “Wow, I didn’t know there was so much strategy to flirting with a guy.”

  “Well, now you know. And girl, you’re getting it from one of the best resources out there.”

  “Thanks, Stephanie. I really appreciate all the help. Now I have to practice what you’ve taught me. I just wish there were an easier way to become a singer.”

  Stephanie was lost in thought for a moment. “There is no easy way to become a singer. But I do know someone who might be able to help you. My friend Charles has some experience in the music biz. He might have some contacts that can help get your foot in the door.”

  Sam’s face lit up. “Really, you’d do that for me?”

  “Sure, why not. You seem like a good kid.” She smiled at Sam.

  Sam clapped her hands as she bounced in her seat. “Oh, thank you so much, Stephanie. You don’t know how much this means to me. I knew God would give me the break I needed.”

  Stephanie held out her hand at Sam. “Whoa, not so fast. I said I would ask my friend about it. He might want to hear you sing first before he decides to help.”

  “But you can persuade him to help me, can’t you? Isn’t that what you’re good at?”

  Stephanie shook her head and gave her an amusing smile. “You learn quick, girl. Okay, I’ll see what I can do. Send a CD to this address, and I’ll be in touch.” She handed Sam a business card.

  “I wish you best of luck in your career.” Stephanie got up from the table and shouldered her black Rebecca Minkoff feed bag. “Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s time to work some of my magic.”

  Sam watched the singer strut smoothly up to the booth and engage the man in a conversation. She admired how quickly Stephanie broke the ice, and soon the sexy singer was sitting across from him, laughing as if they had known each other forever. Sam was awestruck at the woman’s ability and could only hope that with time, she would be half as good. But for now, her main focus was building her singing career. Anything else, including guys, would have to take a backseat to her dreams.

  Chapter 4

  “Mary, you need to think this through. You’re making a big mistake over such a little thing. Can’t you see how ridiculous you’re acting?”

  Charles Webb recognized the familiar scowl on her face and knew he had crossed the line of mutual respect. Two years of dating had taught him that no one disrespected Mary and got away with it. Even his soothing denim-blue eyes weren’t good enough to save him from the tongue lashing that was about to take place.

  “A little thing?”

  Charles could see her electric blue eyes fade to grey.

  “You call dumping me for Stephanie little? How dare you treat our relationship as disposable. After all the time and effort I spent over the last two years trying to make you happy, you decide I’m not good enough and flirt with my best friend.” Mary’s breathing began to quicken as wetness began to form in her eyes. “You’re nothing but an insensitive womanizer.”

  “Womanizer? That’s not fair. You know I was faithful and dedicated for two entire years. Two years, Mary. I warned you that I was unhappy and that this relationship wasn’t meeting my needs.”

  “Yeah, but you never said you were going to date someone else.”

  “What else did you expect me to do? Stay in something I wasn’t happy with? I told you I needed more time from you. How can you expect to build a relationship without spending quality time together?”

  “But Charles, you know how hard we worked to get to where we are today. Don’t you remember how much we struggled in the beginning to get Women of Grace off the ground?”

  Charles nodded his head in silence. How could he forget the long hours he and Mary had sacrificed on press releases, phone calls, faxes, and begging a long list of Christian radio stations to give their first release Heavenbound airplay. For months, it seemed every station rejected their single until God finally gave them the break they were hoping for. It wasn’t until June 16, three years ago when they received the landmark call from KBBW in San Francisco that would launch the women’s group into instant stardom and fame.

  That was also the time that he and Mary decided to court each other exclusively. What had started out purely as a business partnership quickly blossomed into a romantic relationship, one that all the members of the group thought would end in marriage. But as the group’s fame grew, so did the pressure on Mary to maintain a stream of hits that would keep Women of Grace in the limelight. Soon, their relationship began to suffer as Mary devoted more hours to the business leaving him to feel neglected.

  Did Mary think he would sit around forever waiting for her to make their relationship a priority? No, he had been patient long en
ough. “Look, I know it’s been a crazy ride getting to where the group is today. All I can say is that I’m proud of how hard you ... I mean we, have worked together. I know you had to make sacrifices. I’ve made sacrifices. But all I wanted was some regular time together. That’s all. I don’t think that’s asking too much.”

  Mary pressed her lips together in silence as he continued.

  “It wasn’t like I was purposely trying to hit on Stephanie. You know we were just friends. But when I needed someone to talk to, you weren’t there, and she was. I wasn’t trying to cheat on you. It just happened.”

  “Did you ever think how I would feel about this? Charles, you know how much blood, sweat, and tears I put into our group. I was doing it for the girls ... for us. And now you’ve thrown it all away.” Mary’s body began to tremble as a line of tears ran down her face.

  “We can get over this. I know it might be awkward, but we’re all mature adults aren’t we?”

  “No, Charles, we can’t get over this. I can’t get over this.”

  Charles stepped closer. “Mary, you just need to calm down. You know you can’t run this group without my help. I helped you lay the groundwork. You can’t just kick me off that easily.”

  “Get out.” Mary pointed at the door.

  Charles creased his forehead. “I’m not going to leave until you come to your senses.”

  “If you don’t get out, I’m going to call the police.” Mary reached for her cell phone, but Charles clamped his strong fingers around her arm stopping her short.

  Before Mary could cry for help, the door to her office swung open, and Joshua walked in.

  Charles turned his head quickly to see who had interrupted their discussion.

  “I’m sorry,” Joshua apologized. “I didn’t know you were meeting someone.” He pointed toward out the door. “Should I come back another time?”