Leo

Dani, I sounded out.

I smiled. It suits her. She's got fire in her. A quality I admire in a woman. I guess that's why I fell in love with Andi so quickly. She's the strongest person I know.

I shook my head. I shouldn't be thinking about her.

"Here you go, Darlin'.". Lyn. She placed my placed my beer in front of me. "Dani's off the floor now," she said as if reading my mind.

"Right. She said she was going to be," I said, as unexpected disappointment filled me.

"Stick around and you'll see her sooner than ya think."

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Like I said, stick around," she said. "It's good to see you again, Leo. Your mom and pops would have been proud of ya."

Great. Remind me of what I lost will ya?

Just then, I saw Jim walk up the stage.

He tapped on the microphone, making me cringe at the sudden noise.

"In just a few moments, you'll be hearing from the beautiful and talented, Dani Williams."

Dani? Could it be? I shook my head no.

Cheers erupted from everyone.

I took a large swig of my beer. Great. A woman who wants to advance her career. I knew she was trouble. Brushing me off and coming off as unimpressed and dismissive... turns out it was only a fucking strategy to keep me interested.

Women. They know exactly just how to keep us wanting more.

Suddenly more cheers and hoots from the crowd sounded. I looked back up and saw Dani walking up the stage.

"How are you all doing tonight?"

Everyone cheered and yelled.

"Awesome, let's get this night on the road then," she responded. "The first song for tonight is called, Long Way Home from Here. I hope you all like it," she said and began to strum her guitar. I took one last swig of my beer and began to get off my chair, when I heard her sing the line of the song. I stopped in my tracks and looked back at her.

I'm letting it all go

I've been walking in the dark

I'm getting off this road, I'm gonna follow my heart

Not gonna waste another year

I dropped in my chair and was stunned speechless. Her voice.

"Amazing, isn't she?" Lyn nudged me.

I ended up staying through her whole set and became a fan instantly. She's mesmerizing. They she sings, the way she moves, the way she reaches her audience. She's a fucking pro. She's incredible.

Just like Andi.

She could be the one to help me get out of this pit I'm in. I need to write new songs and she can help me do that. She might just be the distraction I need. The wake up call to get my head screwed on straight.

The trouble I thought she is, may just be the kind of trouble I need.

Dani

"Nice gig tonight, Dani."

"Thanks," I said, as I was walking out of the bar.

"You didn't tell me you could sing," a familiar voice said as I was unlocking my car, making me jump in surprise.

"Jeez! You almost gave me a heart attack!"

"Sorry," Leo said.

"What the heck are you doing? And how did you know this is my car?" I didn't even see hi.

"Lyn was only too happy to help,' he said smugly.

"Why am I not surprised?"

I put my stuff in the back seat and was about to get inside my car, when he stopped the door with his hand.

"What are you doing?"

"You seem to ask that question a lot," he observed.

"Because I like to know what's going on," I retorted.

"Come on, Dani. Don't play coy. All this act, I know it was only to keep my attention on you long enough for me to hear you sing. I know how hard life can get and you just want an opportunity..."

I scoffed, interrupting him, not wanting to hear anything else. "You really are full of yourself."

He shrugged. "Just calling it as I see it."

"Then let me set you straight. I had no intention of you hearing me perform tonight, nor did I even know that your smug self is coming into this bar. So if it's all the same to you, get your hand off my door, because honestly, I can't wait to get the hell away from you."

He laughed. "Come on, drop the act, Danielle."

"You really do think so highly of yourself, don't you?"

He shrugged again.

"Do me a favor. I know your from this town and I don't know how the hell long you're planning on staying or if you're just passing by, but whatever your plan is, count me out, because I have no intention on playing your little games or be your source of entertainment. I came to this town to find some peace and for some time to myself, and not to be acquainted with the likes of you. I don't care how famous or how much money you have, I'm still not interested in what you're playing at."

"Wow, you've really got a stick up your ass," he retorted.

"I do, and I like it just where it is," I said, and yanked my door hard catching him by surprise and I took the opportunity to slide inside and slam the door.

Of all the chauvinistic, egotistical jackass!

I started my car and pulled out the parking lot in a hurry.

Leo

I watched as Dani pulled away and drove off.

I chuckled.

I guess I was wrong.

I pulled out my phone and dialled a number.

"Carson."

"Hey, it's Leo. I need a favor."

"What is it?"

"Get me all the information you can get on a Danielle Williams."

"Do you have more information than that?"

"No. A name is all I've got."

"When do you need it?"

"As soon as possible."

"Alright. I'll get it done, but it would make my job a hell of a lot easier if you can get me anything else on this woman."

"Would a picture do?"

"Hell yeah."

"I'll send it to you now," I said, before ending a call.

I pulled the picture I took of her while she was on stage and sent it to Ben.

A few moments later, I got a reply.

"Got it. Talk to you soon."