Lady in Red Ch. 18

Not surprisingly, there was a piano located nearby and Gwen and Steve were prevailed upon to perform a few songs. Somehow, an acoustic guitar was found and Steve was pressed into singing 'And I Love Her'. Many of the girls in attendance had seen the YouTube video of Steve singing the song the previous night and were quite vocal in asking him to perform it again.

It was after three when Steve was waiting for the girls to return from the changing room when he saw Clyde Davis approach him. He was chatting easily with a familiar looking blonde girl as he walked up to Steve.

"I want you to meet Jordan Quick. Jordan, this is Steve Hammer. Now tell me what you think. Did I exaggerate even a little bit? Will he do?" asked Clyde of the blonde girl.

"He looks hot enough, but I need him to be able to sing and act. I'm not going to let some amateur ruin my video, or my song," stated the petite blonde as she looked Steve over.

"Well, there's a piano over there, so take him for a test ride," offered Clyde. "Steve, I'm working on having Jordan appear on our TV show, but she's driving a hard bargain. She has to be convinced that you'll be able to carry your end of the deal. She brought some music with her. I want you to convince her that you'll fit the bill."

Steve followed the girl over to the piano and sat down next to her. He began to arrange the music when she snapped at him. "I'll play the goddamn piano! You just try to keep up with me. I've never seen a pretty boy that was worth a shit."

Steve never batted an eye as he looked at the girl's face. It redden a little as she turned away to concentrate on preparing to play. A murmur ran through the crowd as people realized that Jordan Quick was preparing to sing.

"Have you ever even listened to Country music?" demanded the blonde. "This is a great old standard, but if you've never heard it, you won't have any idea how it needs to be sung."

"Don't get your panties in a bunch. Oh, wait! I remember now. You don't wear any. I read the papers and listen to Country music, so don't worry about me," retorted Steve with emotion. "I'll keep up my end. You just worry about yours, especially if you're going commando in that short skirt."

"Aren't you the clever one? I bet you've never even seen anything like what I've got between my legs," laughed the blonde.

"I think everyone's seen it. It's been all over the internet when you were getting out of your limo at an awards ceremony. It loses its allure when every guy with a camera or cell phone can get a shot of it."

"I want you kids to stop arguing and start playing!' interjected Clyde. "Let's see if this dog can hunt."

Jordan glared at Steve as she began playing the song. Lisa, Stephanie, Kate and Gwen were laughing as they came out of the dressing room and headed for the promotion area when they suddenly heard a woman singing. Then they heard Steve join in!

Clyde had to congratulate himself as he watched and listened to Jordan and Steve sing. He knew they'd sound great, and that they were polar opposites. Jordan was a wild child. Her career had peaked when she was sixteen and now at nineteen, she was trying to resurrect it. Her bad choices in men, drugs, songs, and managers had almost ruined her career. What she still had was an incredible voice, a beautiful face, and an amazing figure. That hadn't been enough to overcome her legal and public relations miscues. Her career was pretty much on life support.

The audience had gone quiet as Jordan and Steve sang 'You and I'. Gwen and her group stood off to the side and listened as the two sang the duet. Gwen couldn't help but wonder how well Steve knew the famous Jordan Quick. They sang as if they were in love, and it caused Gwen concern.

When they finished singing, the crowd erupted into applause and cheers. Clyde smiled as he joined the couple at the piano. "Now tell me what you think, Jordan. Is he perfect, or what? That was an incredible rendition of that song.! You two fit together perfectly."

"Okay, he's pretty and he can sing. I'll take a chance on him since you think it'll work. I know you've had a lot of success in the industry, but it still seems funny to have a black man managing a Country singer."

"You've got a lot to learn about music, Young Lady. When you have an ear for music, color makes no difference. You just know what sounds good and what doesn't. I have an ear for tone and pitch. I can hear a song once and play it on the piano. I don't have to convince anyone about my abilities to discover and develop talent. You have the talent, but I wonder if you have the guts to climb out of that pit you've put yourself in and get back on top.

"Gwen, come on over here and meet Jordan Quick. You must've heard of her. She's had three number ones on Billboard's Country charts. She's just auditioned your boyfriend for a chance to record with her and be in her video. I think he may have passed."

"You're his girlfriend?" asked Jordan. "He likes them tall and beautiful. I've been in rehab and only got out a few days ago. We could watch some old movies but no TV. It's a bad influence when you're trying to sober up. That means I didn't see all that wild shit you guys did with those terrorists until yesterday. Somehow I missed that you're his girlfriend.

"Will you be able to stand your Ken doll boyfriend working with me? It's pretty well known that I have a habit of sleeping with the men I work with," stated Jordan matter-of-factly.

"And a lot of men you don't work with," added Gwen as she extended her hand to a surprised Jordan. "Steve has a habit of keeping his word to the ladies he's in love with, so I'm fine with it."

"That's really good, Gwen, because your folks have agreed to put Jordan up for a couple weeks. She'll be staying with you. I just know that you two will be best friends before long," chuckled Clyde as Gwen's jaw hit the floor.