Grace Unplugged: A Novel by Melody Carlson Read Free Book Online Page B

“play.” And despite the fact that the girl had recorded this song from what appeared to be her own bedroom, the sound quality wasn’t too bad, and it took only moments for the Sapphire folks to see that she was really good.
    “Good looking too,” Larry observed.
    “Nice work, Mossy,” one of the associates told him.
    “When can you get her in here for a recording session?” Larry asked. “The sooner we get that record rereleased, the better it’ll be for everyone, and I’m sure you know what I mean.”
    “Let’s go over the contract details first,” Mossy told them. And knowing he had them in the palm of his hand, he specified what he felt his client needed, and he wasn’t afraid to push them a little. After all, that was his job. Besides, he wanted her to be comfortable and happy. And if this turned into more than a one-song deal, like he hoped, it would pay off. But even if it was just a single, having “Misunderstood” out there in the marketplace again wouldn’t hurt his bank account any.
    “Can you get her in here by the end of the week—or early next week at the latest?” one of the associates asked.
    “You get me an offer,” Mossy told them, “and I’ll get her in here.”
    “Good work, Moss.” Larry gave him a fist bump as they were wrapping it up. “I’m guessing this’ll be way better than just a dusted-off Johnny Trey record. That little girl is marketable—as well as a name. We play it right, and we can make her a star.”
    As Mossy walked down the hall to the elevators, he admired the sleekly framed music posters adorning the wall. He paused to imagine his new client’s pretty face right up there next to Renae Taylor. Heck, if this went the way he hoped it’d go, little Grace might be opening for Ms. Taylor before the year was up. Now all he had to do was get her signed. And since she was eighteen, he wasn’t too worried about Johnny interfering. Well, he was a little worried. But he knew that Grace was hungry for this—he’d seen that look before. Nothing was going to stop that little girl from chasing her dream. He was banking on it.

Chapter 6
    G race felt like she’d been walking a tightrope these past few days. Carefully gauging each step, guarding her thoughts, watching her words, trying to contain her excitement and trying to figure this thing out. And her behavior had not gone unnoticed by her parents either. Both of them had mentioned together and separately that she seemed more mature and reasonable lately. Oh, if only they knew.
    Several times she had almost opened up to them. But each time Dad had blown it by saying something overly protective or judgmental or even joking at her expense. Sure, he was just being Dad, but if he had any idea how many times he’d shut her down, and she’d closed them out. . . . Well, it was probably better this way. This wasn’t the kind of thing she could expect them to be reasonable about. She knew her dad too well. And even though Mom would be hurt, she would understand in time.
    By Sunday morning Grace knew it was high time to blow the lid off this thing. And she knew just the place to do it—and how. It wasn’t that she wanted to hurt her mom or embarrass her dad. She simply wanted him to back off and give her some space. Sometimes the only way to get space was to blast everything apart. Besides, she reassured herself as the band assembled on the stage, getting ready for worship, the congregation would probably appreciate this. Some of them might even thank her later. And it would give them a performance to remember her by.
    So the worship began as usual, with everyone in their places just like they’d been at rehearsal, with her dad in front leading them—controlling their every move. And for the opening song, Grace did as she’d been told. But right before the second song began, she picked up her guitar, which she’d stashed behind an amp, and, quickly strapping it on while Dad was encouraging the congregation to