Hero Worship (Music City Moguls Book 6) Read online

  “Still, you were one of their hottest new artists. They treated you like royalty.” Rolling her eyes, she said, “I can’t believe how little I knew about country music back then. It was a miracle Ryan saw fit to give me a chance.”

  “Were you friends?” Clint asked, digging into the deep dish pizza. “Is that how you came to work at Titan?” He didn’t know why it hadn’t come up before, but he knew very little about her life before she’d started working for his record label.

  “Uh, no, not exactly.” She shot a quick glance at Austin. “Ryan was friends with my former employer. That’s how we met. He knew I was looking for a day job so I could be home nights with Austin, so he decided to give me a chance.”

  “Nice.” Clint sensed she wasn’t anxious to talk about her previous employer in front of her son, but he hoped they would have time to talk later, maybe after Austin went to bed. He wanted to know everything about her, to talk to her in a way that wasn’t possible during business hours. “So you became part of the Titan family.”

  “It wasn’t smooth sailing though,” she said, laughing. “I’m afraid Bri didn’t care for me too much.”

  “Bri? As in Brianna, Ryan Spencer’s wife?” He frowned. “But y’all seem so tight.”

  “Oh, we’re friends now, but it wasn’t always that way. She’d just started working at Titan too, in their legal department—”

  “Yeah, that was around the time they signed me.” Clint had his own history with Ryan’s wife. They’d dated a couple of times before he realized Bri only had eyes for Ryan.

  “It seems she and Ryan were just finding their way back to each other. They’d been friends forever since their families are so close, but Bri wasn’t sure she could trust Ryan.” Natasha smiled. “He was a bit of a player, so when I came on the scene, Bri questioned the nature of our relationship.”

  “And the claws came out?” Clint asked, grinning. He figured they could joke about it since the two women had obviously cleared the air.

  “Something like that.” Natasha looked at her son when he reached for his third piece of pizza. “Are you planning to leave any for the rest of us?”

  He grinned. “I know you made two pizzas.”

  “I did because I knew you could eat one all by yourself.”

  Clint nudged Natasha’s elbow with his. “Leave him alone. He’s a growing boy. I was the same at his age.”

  “Were you taller than me when you were my age?” Austin asked.

  Clint glanced under the table, sizing up the length of Austin’s folded legs. “What are you? About five feet, a hundred pounds? Yeah, I’d say I was just about your size.”

  “Hey, how’d you guess my height and weight?” Austin asked. “You nailed it.”

  “I have a nephew your age. About the same size too. He’s my brother’s son.” He took a bite of pizza before adding, “They moved to Nashville a couple of months ago. They’re staying with me at the ranch ‘til they can find a place of their own or decide to take me up on my offer to build them a place on my land.”

  “Clint’s sister-in-law was killed in a car accident,” Natasha explained to her son.

  Clint reached for his wine and took a sip. It was still difficult for him to talk about. Julie had been a light in all of their lives, and they all missed her. “That’s why Den and Ryland decided to move here. Too many memories there, and I needed a hand on my ranch, so the timing was perfect.”

  “I’m sure they appreciated your support,” Natasha said, touching his arm. “It must have been terrible for them to lose her that way.”

  “Yeah, it was rough.” His expression was grim when he said, “Julie was the best. Still hurts like hell to think about that boy growin’ up without his mama.”

  “Yeah, it sucks not to have both parents,” Austin piped up. “I kinda know how he feels.”

  Natasha looked surprised by her son’s statement, but she merely cleared her throat instead of responding.

  “Maybe you’d like to meet my nephew?” Clint asked. “You could come out to the ranch anytime, as long as it’s all right with your mama? Ryland’s been ridin’ horses ever since he could walk. Maybe he could teach you.”

  “Seriously?” Austin asked, his eyes wide. “That’d be awesome. Can I, Mom?”

  “Maybe.” She took a bite of pizza. “But you know how busy I am with school, and Clint is just as busy. It might be kind of tough to coordinate.”

  “I could have my driver pick him up anytime,” Clint suggested. “Lenny’s been with me for years. You can trust him with Austin, Tash. I could send Ry along too, so he won’t have to ride back to the ranch alone.”

  “Um, let me think about it,” she said, giving Clint a tight smile.

  Austin groaned. “She always says that when she doesn’t want to come right out and say no.”

  “That’s not true,” Natasha said, giving him a warning look. “I said I’ll think about it, and I will.”

  “Hey, I just had a great idea,” Austin said, dropping his pizza crust on his plate. “Since you can’t afford a real birthday party this year, maybe Clint would let us use his place. It’d be a lot better than trying to cram everybody in here. Besides, there’s nothing to do here. At a ranch we could—”

  “Austin, stop,” Natasha said, looking mortified. “That’s incredibly rude and presumptuous. You can’t ask to use someone’s home to host a party.”

  “I wouldn’t mind,” Clint said, looking from mother to son. He didn’t want to get in the middle of a family squabble, but he’d do anything to make things better for them. “It’s really not a big deal. I host a lot of parties. I have a great service I use and…”

  Natasha shook her head abruptly. “That’s very generous of you, Clint, but you’re already doing so much, helping Austin with the guitar. We couldn’t possibly impose on you that way. We’ll figure something out, won’t we, Austin?” She clearly clenched her jaw as she looked at her son.

  “Whatever,” he said, pushing back from the table. “Can I be excused?”

  “Not if you’re going to go to your room to sulk. Clint came here to give you a guitar lesson. I don’t have to remind you how valuable his time is, do I?”

  “No, ma’am.” He sighed. “I was just gonna give you guys time to finish eating. I remembered something I need to do for school tomorrow.”

  Natasha’s raised eyebrow indicated she didn’t buy his excuse, but instead of arguing, she said, “Fine, give us twenty minutes to finish up. I’m sure Clint has better things to do than hang around here all night.”

  “Not at all. I’m happy to stick around as long as you need me to.” He knew Natasha was still annoyed with her son, him too perhaps, but he admired the way she’d handled the situation. She’d been firm but fair, which he supposed was necessary when raising a son by herself. Clint waited until he heard Austin’s bedroom door close before he said, “I don’t want to overstep, but I really wouldn’t mind if y’all wanted to use my place for his party. In fact, it might be kind of fun. It would give my nephew a chance to meet some more kids his age too.”

  “Has he had a difficult time settling in?” Natasha asked, clearly intent on ignoring his offer.

  “He came in in the middle of a school year,” Clint said, raising a shoulder. “The other kids already have their groups, and Ry’s been pretty withdrawn since he lost his mama, so I’m not sure how much of an effort he’s made to fit it. I get the feeling things like that don’t matter to him as much anymore. You know, being popular probably seems pretty trivial after losing one of your parents.”

  “I’m sure it does.” Natasha sighed. “I think it would be nice if the boys could become friends. Austin hasn’t said anything to me, but I get the feeling he’s having a bit of a hard time at school too.”

  Clint frowned. “You mean he’s being bullied?” Although he’d only spent a short time with him, Austin seemed like a happy, well-adjusted kid.

  “I’m not sure exactly.” Natasha stacked her empty plate on top of
her son’s before wiping her hands on a paper napkin. “He’s at the age where he doesn’t tell me a lot.”

  “Yeah, my brother says the same thing about Ryland.” Clint got the sudden, uneasy feeling that Natasha may have a lot in common with his older brother. “Being a single parent has got to be tough, trying to figure out how to handle all these challenges without having anyone to bounce ideas off of.”

  “It can be pretty lonely sometimes,” Natasha admitted. “But I manage.”

  “Has Austin’s father ever been in the picture?” After the comment the boy had made during dinner, Clint was curious.

  “No.” She tucked a lock of blond hair behind her hair. “I got pregnant when I was really young, the year after I finished high school. I was working full-time at a truck stop, trying to make some money for college. That’s when I met Greg.”

  “He was a truck driver?” Clint asked.

  “Yeah, just passing through.” She smoothed her hands down the sides of her jeans before settling against the wooden chair’s backrest. “I tried to contact him to tell him about the baby, but he wouldn’t return any of my calls. I found out later from another driver who worked for the same company that he already had a wife and baby at home.”

  “You didn’t know?”

  She shook her head. “No. I didn’t get to know him all that well. I had no business sleeping with him, but I was young and stupid back then. I’m certainly not proud of it, but I don’t regret it either.” She smiled. “Had it not been for him, I wouldn’t have Austin, and he’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Even when he gives me a hard time.”

  “I know how close you two are.” Clint smiled at the brightly woven bracelet on her wrist, no doubt a treasured gift from her son. “I really admire that. It wasn’t like that in my house. My old man was pretty tough on us, and my mother didn’t really try to run interference. It’s the reason I only talk to them a couple of times a year now.”

  “I’m sorry.” She touched his forearm. “I guess now I know why you’ve never mentioned your parents.”

  “It’s okay.” He looked at her hand. It was soft and dainty. Her nails were neatly trimmed and free of polish. She didn’t wear any jewelry except for a small pair of silver hoop earrings she never seemed to take off. “I figured out how to make it on my own. I sure as hell don’t need them anymore.”

  “Still, they must be proud of your success. Music is an incredibly competitive business, yet you’ve made it.”

  “I guess they like to brag about me now, but I made it in spite of them, not because of them. They tried to convince me I was wasting my time with music, that I should stick to ranching.”

  “I’m glad you didn’t listen.” Her eyes softened. “The world would have missed out if we’d never gotten the opportunity to hear your incredible voice. And your songs…” She shuddered slightly. “Some of them give me chills every time I hear them.”

  He’d never tire of hearing that his music had touched someone, especially when it was someone so important to him. “Thank you. I make it a point to only write when I’m inspired, when it’s coming from a real and genuine place. I hate writing because I have some deadline. It doesn’t feel genuine if I’m doing it because I have to.”

  “I’ve heard that a lot. That’s what I try to tell the new artists we sign.”

  “It’s good advice.”

  She turned toward Austin’s closed bedroom door when they heard the sound of a guitar coming from behind it. “I guess that’s his not-so-subtle way of letting us know he’s anxious for his lesson.”

  “Why don’t I head on in there? Maybe he’d be more comfortable without an audience the first time.” Clint realized he may have offended her when her hand clenched on the tabletop. “Not that you’d—”

  “It’s okay,” she said, laughing lightly. “You’re right. I’m sure he’d much rather have you all to himself. Why don’t you head on in, and I’ll make a pot of coffee and bring in some brownies in a bit? It’ll give me a chance to do my homework while you guys are practicing.”

  “Sounds great.” He gestured to the plates. “Dinner was great. You sure I can’t help you clean up before I see what Austin’s up to?”

  “Thanks for the offer, but I’m just going to put the dishes in the sink. I’ll deal with them later.”

  “Okay.” He stood, surprised when she reached for his hand.

  “I know I’ve said this before, but I thank you for doing this, Clint. I can’t tell you how much it means to me.”

  He leaned over and kissed her on the crown of her head. “Believe me, it’s my pleasure, Tash.”

  Chapter Four

  After teaching Austin two new chords and a couple of easy songs that would allow him to practice, Clint asked, “How’d you get interested in the guitar? Do you have a friend who plays?”

  “Uh, no.” Austin dipped his head, focusing on strumming the guitar. “I’ve just always liked music. I’d watch guys like you play and think how cool it would be to be able to play like that. How about you?” Austin met Clint’s eyes. “Why’d you want to learn to play?”

  “Same reason you did, I guess.” He smiled. “I’d get into trouble after school, so the old man thought he’d better find something to occupy my time before I burned the house down or drove my mama crazy.”

  Austin chuckled. “I know what you mean. It gets pretty boring with nothing to do.”

  “Come on. You guys have the Internet, video games. How can you possibly get bored?”

  “My mom’s pretty strict about stuff like that.”

  Clint hadn’t noticed a TV, computer, or even an iPod in Austin’s room, so he suspected Natasha kept a tight rein on her son’s activities. “Homework first, huh?”

  “Something like that.” He shrugged. “We don’t have a lot of money for gaming systems and cell phone bills.” He blushed. “Not that I care. I don’t really like video games anyhow.”

  “Still, it’s tough to feel like you’re out of the loop, isn’t it?” Clint was starting to understand some of the problems Natasha thought Austin may be having at school. “Are your friends gamers?”

  “Some.” He bit his lip, looking at the worn carpet. “Others are more into sports. I don’t really have a thing. I play soccer, but I’m not very good. Mom says there are more important things in life than being athletic, but she doesn’t get how hard it is.”

  “That’s why you want to learn how to play the guitar?” Clint asked gently. “You thought that could be your thing? Then you’d be able to do something the rest of your friends couldn’t do?”

  “How’d you know?” Austin asked, looking surprised.

  Clint smiled. “I was your age once. Technology may have changed, but nothing else has. Being a kid is tough, no matter the generation.”

  “My mom doesn’t get that,” Austin said, closing his eyes briefly. “She doesn’t see why I need a cell phone or an iPod. Everybody’s texting and doing the Face Time thing, and I’m left out, but she doesn’t care.”

  Clint couldn’t pretend he understood either Natasha or Austin’s position. He’d had challenges growing up, but none that had revolved around fitting in, and he’d been earning millions of dollars a year for so long he’d almost forgotten what it felt like to be a struggling musician.

  “If it’s any consolation, my nephew doesn’t have a cell phone yet either. My brother thinks he’s too young.” He laced his hands, resting his elbows on his knees. “You’re just turning twelve, Austin. I don’t want to be condescending or talk down to you, but you have a lot of time to grow up and figure these things out.”

  “I guess.” He hesitated for a minute before asking, “What’s it like being rich?”

  Clint chuckled at Austin’s wide-eyed expression. “I’ve been poor, and I’ve been rich. I can honestly say I like rich better.”

  “I bet.”

  “But that old cliché is true. Money can’t buy happiness. You have to be happy doing what you’re doing, love it so much
that you’d do it even if you weren’t getting paid.”

  “I guess.”

  “Any idea what you might like to do when you grow up?” Clint asked, resting his hands on Austin’s double bed as he leaned back.

  Austin’s face lit up. “I wanna be rich so I can take care of my mom and Nana, so they don’t have to work so hard.”

  Clint loved that he wanted to be rich so he could help his family, not because he wanted a big house or fancy cars. “That’s a good goal, but any idea how you might achieve that? I’d say getting an education is a good first step, wouldn’t you?”

  He appeared thoughtful, curling his upper lip. “I do okay in school, but Mom says I could get straight A’s if I worked harder.”

  “It may not seem important now, but getting a good education is one of the best things you can do for yourself. I used to hate when my parents lectured me about school. I thought I’d become a famous musician and never have to worry about learning algebra or Shakespeare.”

  “And you were right. You did become a famous musician.”

  “Yeah, but it could all be gone tomorrow.”

  Austin shook his head emphatically. “No way! Every time you release a new album, it always tops the charts.”

  “Right now it does, but that’s not to say it will ten years from now. This business is changing. Country music fans are changing. So far I’ve figured out how to go with the curve, but it’s not to say that’ll always be the case.” He shrugged. “Even if my days are numbered, I’m cool with that. I can say I got paid to do what I love. There’s no better feeling than that.” When he was sure he had Austin’s attention, he said, “That business degree I got before I made it big has come in handy more times than I can count. I have a good team, but I have enough common sense to know I can’t trust anyone completely. I have to know how to manage my own career and finances.”

  “I guess so.” Austin set his guitar in the stand by his bed. “You really think getting an education made a difference for you?”