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less.”
    With that, she looked around and engaged those gathered with a smile. An open, blue-eyed gaze took in each member at the table. Liam’s pulse reacted in an up-tempo rhythm. Once again, Aileen and her friends answered the challenge of accountability, flawlessly obliterating any sense of anxiety amongst those gathered. No divas would ever be found in this group.
    “I’m not afraid to say it. I’m impressed.”
    Liam’s attention shifted from Aileen to Dan Ruthenbeck, the CEO.
    “I’m willing to secure studio time toward the production of a high-quality demo. Liam, that’s your forte. Line up a group of top tier musicians and producers. After the demo is in place, I want to meet again and review. From there, if we like what we see, we’ll discuss the merits of a small scale, local venue performance. Maybe Westerville Theatre again. This time, the full performance would belong to the four of you. It’s a thousand-seat venue. Plenty big enough to test the water. The skill-set is there, without question. What I want to determine—and I mean this with all due respect—is whether or not this group can carry a two-hour show comprised of the music envisioned.”
    “I agree, Dan, but I believe Sisters in Spirit will strike a chord.”
    That opinion came from the head of marketing. Keenly attuned, the girls sat back and let the suits have their way toward determining next steps. They were attentive and composed; Liam gave them credit for restraint and professionalism as their collective fates were decided.
    At that moment, Aileen caught his eye. In a private, intimate exchange, she simply held his gaze. Liam battled to stay steady against her impact and delivered a quick, assuring wink.
     
     
     
     

7
     
    Aileen shivered, shaking off a cold wind that sent leaves and small branches skittering down the sidewalk into the pathway of fast-striding pedestrians. Cars whizzed past. Yanking open the door of Zion’s Peak headquarters, she stepped into a welcome blast of warmth. Even a short walk from the public lot where she had parked her car was a battle against the elements. Her fingertips were wrapped around a large-sized beverage holder from Cuppa Café. In deference to her throat, today’s selection was peppermint tea.
    As she crossed through the simple but elegant lobby, she received a text from Kassidy.
    The troops r assembled. U here yet, General?
    Aileen grinned while she checked in with security and handed over her ID so they could create a pass. While she waited, she typed. Just walked in. I’m crossing the moat. Should be scaling the tower momentarily. Stand strong.
    She received clearance just as Kassidy responded. Endangered villagers now weep with joy. Hurry.
    Snickering, Aileen tucked her cellphone in her purse and stepped into the elevator. She took a moment to rest against the back of the lift. For the tiniest interlude, she allowed herself to simply absorb.
    This was it. This was the culmination of an intensive, two-week rehearsal period. Today Sisters in Spirit would put that hard work into motion and record four songs for their demo.
    “Take it from here, God. Take it where You want and need it to go.” Aileen closed her eyes and breathed the words as the elevator slowed to a stop on the fifth floor. To the right, four doors down would be Studio H.
    The only thing that helped still her jumbled nerves was the knowledge that Liam would be there as well—ready and waiting.
    Cautious and silent, she tiptoed into the control booth, immediately drawn to the image of Liam. Bent over the sound panel, intent and focused, he listened to music coming from the studio just beyond. The simple act of entering Liam’s space and being near him caused warmth to flow.
    He bent to study monitor levels and converse in low tones with a member of the crew. She moistened her lower lip, continuing to stare. What a handsome man, thoroughly in his element. Aileen released a soft, involuntary sigh.
    “Enjoying the