Graceless (Grace Notes #2)

Cassidy found herself grinning back. The drink was strong and she could already feel the warmth mellowing her body.

“Oh, that’s a knowing look, Miss Cassidy.” Coral pointed a finger at her. “You got someone in your sights?”

“No,” she denied. “I don’t even think about that stuff.” She took another sip. “Honestly, I just want to find a way to get started in music. That’s the entirety of my daydreams.”

“Ohhh.” Coral’s smile widened. “That’s exactly when love grabs you. Look out.”

“That’s what Brynn said, too.” Cassidy was unimpressed.

“Yeah, well, Brynn’s smart. And she speaks from experience.”

“Why is everyone more interested in whether I have a love life than whether I might get to make music?” Cassidy groused. Coral turned on her stool to look at her fully.

“I think because you seem so closed off,” she said mildly, and Cassidy blinked. She hadn’t really expected an answer. “I suspect it would be mighty satisfying to see that tough poise a little rattled,” Coral added, a hint of tease in her eyes. “But you’re right. Tell me about your music dreams.”

Cassidy flailed for the right words.

“I want to be real,” she said vehemently. “I don’t want to be the little sister of a pop star.”

Coral sucked in a breath.

“Maybe don’t let Savannah hear you call her that,” she looked amused. “But sure. I like it so far. Can you sing?”

“I can,” Cassidy raised her chin. “I mean, not like Brynn can-”

“Here’s a hot tip: do not try to compare yourself to Brynn. Or Savannah. Or anyone. You sing like Cassidy sings and that’ll be your thing.”

“Yeah,” she said, trying to project a confidence she didn’t feel.

“What instruments do you play?”

“Guitar, mostly. A little piano. My grandpa taught me banjo too, just like he taught Savannah.”

“It’s a good start. Read music?”

“No,” she admitted. “I play by ear.”

“It’s a good skill. But you should learn it both ways.”

“What else?” Cassidy was eager for any advice Coral could give her. Coral tipped back the last of her drink.

“You look more like a country girl than a would-be country star,” she informed her, and Cassidy flushed. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s cute. But I think you might get a little confidence boost if you dressed the part.”

That afternoon, as soon as she got home, Cassidy found her sister.

“That shopping trip you mentioned,” she started. Savannah looked up, her eyes brightening. “Are you okay if I go with Coral?” Her sister looked at her a moment longer, her smile morphing into something brighter and less real.

“Of course!” she said. “I’m probably too big to squeeze between clothes racks anyway,” she said. Cassidy hesitated. Something akin to regret grew inside her as she considered her sister, the swell of her belly, the charm she was wearing like armor.

“You could come, too?” she tried.

“No, it’s fine,” Savannah shook her head. “I’d just cramp your style. Have a great time.” She heaved herself to her feet. “I’ll give you a credit card; knock yourself out.”

Cassidy moved before she knew she was going to do it. She wrapped her arms around Savannah and gave her a short, almost savage hug.

“Thank you,” she said Then she fled before her sister could hug her back.

They’d whirled through three stores and already they’d picked up some kind of concierge who was storing the mounting pile of bags for them. Cassidy had started out hesitant, choosy, unsure. But Coral had grabbed her chin and made her look her in the eyes.