Read Online Siobhan's Beat by Marianne Evans - Free Book Online Page B

prompted Siobhan to check her watch. “Matter of fact, I’ll be meeting her at the studio in about an hour so she can take me home.”
    “Has your car been repaired yet?”
    “No, it was a write off. I’ll have to get it replaced. Eventually.” Why was he pushing her about driving? Driving was the last thing she wanted to do—and think about.
    AJ set his mug aside after another sample. “Sooner or later you have to get behind the wheel again. Don’t be afraid of that, OK?”
    Siobhan squirmed. “Like I said. Eventually.”
    Tearing the corner off a sugar packet, she dumped and swirled, using the stick to dissolve the crystals. If only that gut-tightening fear she faced whenever she thought about navigating an automobile again could be as easily absorbed.
    “How are rehearsals going? Any news on the tour front?”
    Grateful for the topic shift, Siobhan’s shoulders eased and she settled more comfortably in her chair. “Actually, the girls have been in the studio, singing their hearts out for the past couple of weeks. I’m so proud of them. Liam had a meeting this morning with the tour promoters, so I’m interested to hear how that went.”
    “Wow—your brother is meeting with management at the record label?”
    AJ’s startled comeback reminded Siobhan of a need to fill him in on basic Sisters history.
    “Liam is tied to the group professionally as well as personally.” AJ’s focus pulled at a soft spot in her chest; she admired the smooth glide of his fingertips against the rim of his coffee cup. “Liam works for Zion’s Peak as a producer and recruiter, but lately, Sisters in Spirit has kind of taken over his schedule since he’s taken it upon himself to act as our manager as well.”
    “So the meeting you’re talking about—does it involve what to do about you and your role in the group and upcoming performances?”
    “You’re right on top of it. Yes, and they also need to decide whether or not any videos can be included on the release they’re putting together. As of now, everything comes down to how quickly I can dance again. There’s also a cover shoot in the works, but at this point, my role is uncertain. I don’t know what, if anything, I’ll be able to contribute to the group.”
    Immediately his brow furrowed. Siobhan reached out to touch his hand in an automatic gesture of reassurance; when the circuit was completed, the jolt of electricity she received was startling. She definitely carried all the symptoms of crushing on her physician…her ex-physician. Siobhan lifted her hand away and blinked.
    “They can’t just replace you, can they?”
    Though abhorrent to Siobhan, the idea remained a distinct possibility. What choice would they have? “There are a lot of talented dancers out there.” She fought an urge to gag on those words.
    “But a stranger wouldn’t have the kind of chemistry and interplay that you bring. The point of Sisters in Spirit is the four of you. From what I understand, the group is about your friendship and the way you relate to one another, right?”
    Siobhan planted an elbow on the table top and rested her chin in her hand, giving him a full-on smile meant to reflect her delight. His body language—the intimate way he leaned in, the way warmth and pleasure lit his eyes—spoke to her and her alone. The recognition fluttered through her senses. Being the object of his focus left her feeling treasured.
    “I think I should sign you on as my agent, because that’s exactly what the powers that be need to hear and understand.” Her smile wavered. “That being said, I do understand this is a business. I refuse to become a handicap to the group.”
    Silence followed. “What will you do in the meantime?”
    Siobhan’s fingers drummed against the curved handle of her cup. She shrugged. The answer to that question was precisely what she was trying to figure out for herself. “Even though I can’t teach right now, running the studio keeps me busy. You should