Grace Unplugged: A Novel by Melody Carlson

“I’m not used to getting a star that’s as naturally gorgeous as you.” As she was going on about her plans, the waiter came by with his tray of champagne again. But Kendra just waved her hand. “I have no interest in glorified grape juice,” she told him. “I’ll have a vodka martini, three olives, please.”
    Grace couldn’t help but be impressed—not only with Kendra’s beauty and style but this was a woman who knew what she wanted and knew how to get it. Grace wondered if that was something she could learn. So sophisticated. So grown-up. Wouldn’t that blow away everyone in Homewood. Particularly her dad. Well, on second thought, even a hundred-mile-an-hour hurricane couldn’t blow that man away.
    Grace was having such a good time at the Reynolds’s mansion that she barely noticed that Renae Taylor hadn’t shown up. Oh, well, there would be time for that. Besides, it might be nice if Grace had a little more confidence before her first encounter with her idol. Grace didn’t want to embarrass herself any more than was necessary.
    She was just coming back inside after admiring the city lights from the big back deck that overlooked a sapphire blue swimming pool. This place was to die for. She wondered if she’d ever become successful enough to buy a house like this. Maybe that would impress her dad. Although she doubted it.
    Mossy was waving to her now. She went over to see what he wanted. “Something to show you,” he said quietly. “But not out here.”
    She followed him into what looked like a library and waited as he handed her a large envelope with the Sapphire Music logo in the corner. “What is it?”
    “Congratulations,” he told her.
    “Huh?” She started to open it.
    “No, Gracie, don’t open it here. That would be bad manners. Wait until you get home.”
    “Oh.” She folded it to slide down into her small evening bag. “Okay.”
    “It’s your first advance from Sapphire,” he explained. “Should be enough for a car. And to get you by for a while.”
    “Really?” She fastened her bag securely closed. “Cool.”
    “You’re on your way, Gracie Trey.” He was leading her back out to where the other guests were visiting. The atmosphere seemed even louder and merrier than before.
    She laughed happily. “This is like a really cool dream, Mossy. A totally cool dream. And if I’m dreaming, please, do not wake me up.”
    “While I have your attention,” he said, “you’re scheduled to record the single on Tuesday. Then on Wednesday you’ll be with Kendra getting styled.” He waved at someone across the room. “End of the week you’ll be doing a showcase at—”
    “Stop—stop,” she told him. “My head is already spinning.”
    He laughed. “That’s just the champagne.”
    “No, it’s not.” She frowned. “I barely touched it.”
    “Good. Johnny will be relieved to hear that.”
    “Are you reporting to Dad now?”
    He solemnly shook his head. “I work for you, Gracie. Not your dad. And don’t you forget it.”
    She shook her finger at him. “Don’t you forget it either, Mr. Mossy.” She sighed as she looked around the crowded room. “The only reason my head was spinning was because you were throwing too many dates and things and people at me. Can’t you just have your assistant e-mail me a schedule or something?”
    He chuckled. “Sure. That’s exactly what I planned on doing. I was just trying to give you a little heads-up. Your career is taking off, Gracie Girl. Hold on for the ride.” As if to make his point, he linked his arm in hers. “And now I want to go show you off to some of these fine people. Part of being here tonight is about being seen. So just play along with me, Gracie. Show these folks that you are a force to be reckoned with and that you are here to stay.”
    She looked up at him. “You really think so?”
    He nodded. “I know so. I can feel it in my old bones.”
    She held her head high as Mossy led her around, working the room, and