Singing in Seattle by Tracey West Read Free Book Online Page B

I help you?”
    The person stopped and stepped out of the shadows. It was Heather!
    â€œOh, it’s you two,” she said.
    â€œWhat are you doing here?” AJ asked.
    Heather let out an exasperated sigh. “You know, we all had a life before Aly and AJ came to town. I know everyone here, remember? I came to see how they did in the competition.”
    Aly shook her head. “I didn’t think you were tight with any of them,” she said.
    â€œWe are a small community of poets and songwriters. I was curious to see who made it to the next round,” Heather said. “And you know what? I still think I’m better than all of them. You had the chance to sing one of my songs. Too bad you blew it. Later.” She turned and stalked off the stage and toward the theater doors.
    â€œForget songwriting. She should really enter a Miss Congeniality contest,” Aly said sarcastically. “I hope this is the last time we run into her!”
    AJ looked thoughtful. “Did you believe that’s why she was here? I think she might be trying to cause trouble.”
    â€œShe definitely seems to have it in for this competition—and you and me!” Aly said.
    Just then, a loud cry filled the air.
    â€œWhat was that?” Aly asked. They pushed open the door and walked backstage.
    Claire was standing over her open guitar case. In her hand was a purple notebook!
    â€œMy notebook!” she said. “Someone put it back in my guitar case!”
    Aly and AJ hurried over.
    â€œAre you sure it’s yours?” AJ asked.
    Claire opened the book and flipped through the pages. She looked up and smiled at the sisters.
    â€œIt is!” she said. “All the pages are here, too.”
    Austin patted Claire on the back. “I’m glad it turned up,” he said.
    Everyone began to talk as Amber and Josh came over to see what was going on.
    â€œMaybe you just misplaced it,” Josh suggested. “Like, it was stuck in the lining of your guitar case or something.”
    Claire shook her head no. “There are no holes in the lining and no room for something to get lost. Whatever the reason, I’m just glad it’s back!”
    â€œI’m so happy for you, Claire,” Aly said.
    â€œEven though I was able to remember my songs, I’m glad to have it back,” Claire said. She smiled at Aly and AJ. “Thanks for all your help. Maybe whoever stole it got nervous when they heard you guys were helping me look for it, so they returned it.”
    â€œI really think it just must have been stuck in your guitar case,” Josh insisted. “I don’t think any of us would have taken your notebook.”
    â€œWe’re just glad it’s back,” AJ said. “We’ve got to get going. We’ll see you guys at the studio tonight, right?”
    The finalists had been invited to watch the girls rehearse for their concert and share their songs with Aly and AJ’s band.
    â€œI’ll be there,” Austin said with a big smile. “I wouldn’t miss it for anything in the world.”
    After saying their good-byes, Aly and AJ walked out of the theater and caught a cab.
    â€œThat’s a relief,” Aly said as she sank back into the seat.
    â€œEven if Austin did take it, the notebook was returned, so there is really no crime, is there?” AJ asked hopefully.
    â€œOr maybe that’s what Heather was doing there sneaking around,” Aly said. “Returning the notebook.”
    â€œEither way, the problem is solved,” AJ said. “And we can concentrate on the contest—and our concert!”

    After they relaxed for a little bit at the hotel, Jim dropped Aly and AJ off at a rehearsal studio for practice.
    â€œHey, guys!” Aly greeted the band as she walked into the room. “Did you miss us?”
    â€œThe bus was empty without you,” the bassist, Malcolm, said. “But luckily we had Hello Kitty to