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beamed up at him, and he barked out a laugh.
    Katie couldn’t believe it. Her mother was flirting with this man.
    “Carter, what do you think about the benefit concert?” Shirley asked, changing topics like a light switch.
    “I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for the music community to show how much they care about wounded veterans. It would show solidarity with each other and with the people who risk their lives for our country,” he answered.
    It was a nice speech. Like he’d been practicing it.
    “Yes, but Duchess doesn’t care about American soldiers, remember? What’s in it for a heartless, brainless person like her?” Katie couldn’t resist butting in.
    “A chance to find a heart, and maybe a brain, too. Hey, maybe while we’re at it, she could find some courage.”
    “What are you? The Wizard of Oz?”
    “I’m definitely not the one with the flying monkeys.” His smug look gave her the sudden urge to drop a house on him.
    Shirley cut in before Katie could respond. “Let’s go somewhere more comfortable, Carter.”
    “Fine,” Katie huffed, slamming the front door and turning toward the white living room. The walls and carpet glowed in the sunlight filtering in through the glass wall on the opposite side. The modern red couch and love seat stood out like blood on a vampire’s face. It was the type of room people expected when they went to a famous person’s house.
    As she entered the room, she realized no one had followed her. Turning back, she heard her mother’s tinkling laugh coming from the entertainment room, which was furnished with their beat-up couch and scarred coffee table from the old apartment. With the exception of the new flat screen TV, she could almost imagine they were back at the apartment before her mother had been diagnosed with cancer, before Duchess had taken over her life.
    Chase and Shirley were already sitting on the couch when she walked in, exchanging friendly banter and smiles. She tried to think about the last time she’d sat down with a friend and just relaxed and laughed. Of course, it was easy to figure it out—it had been at least two years. A longing in her chest tried to take hold, but Katie crushed it before she had a chance to think about it. Having friends meant sharing secrets. She couldn’t have that.
    Katie decided it was time to find out what this guy wanted and send him on his way. “Mr. Chase, I thought our earlier conversation was clear. We both agreed that Duchess probably isn’t the best act for your concert.” Jutting out her chin, she sent him a stern look.
    Chase stood up and returned her gaze with an easy smile. “Yes, Ms. Murphy, I thought about that, and I realized my opinion isn’t as important as what Veterans’ Aid is doing for the people who need their help. Look, ma’am, I know I was a real jerk, but please don’t take it out on the charity. I’m sure you can deal directly with Amber from now on. You won’t ever have to see me again. Please just ask Duchess if she could possibly do this concert.”
    Katie tried to keep her face emotionless, though her eyes did want to stray to his biceps. Seriously, how much time did he have to work out? “I’m not sure this is the right opportunity for Duchess.”
    “Come on, Katie Bug. You were just telling me that part of a great marketing plan includes kissing puppies and donating to charities.” Even Katie’s mother turned against her.
    “Yes, donating. Not becoming the poster girl. Like Chase said, this is too important for the likes of m… of Duchess to taint it.” Katie couldn’t believe she’d almost slipped again. She’d never done that before, and now in less than thirty minutes, she’d done it twice.
    “Normally, I would agree with you.” Chase put his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “But unless Amber knows anyone else who’s the manager of a major pop star, I’m afraid you’re our only hope.”
    “You have a funny way of showing it.” She