Steve and Gwen woke up early the next morning, but lost track of time while they showered together. Steve finally managed to dry himself while Gwen remained in the shower, singing as she washed her hair.
Just as Steve pulled his shirt on, a light knock sounded on his door. Steve swung the bathroom door closed and went to see who was knocking. He immediately recognized Charlie Burns. He was the band member that had approached him about jamming with his group the night Gwen sang with Jack Timberline.
“Charlie? In Paris? I’m really surprised to see you, but come on in and have a seat!” invited Steve warmly.
“Thanks, Steve. Yeah, we’re doing a gig here in Paris. That night you played with us at the hotel helped get us some more recognition. Our drummer’s cousin works here in Paris. She showed a small club here the video from the night you played with us. Naturally, they liked it a lot and hired us. They were a bit upset when we showed up without Steve Hammer. We still did pretty well and it worked out okay.
“Last night as we finished up our final set, we were approached by a guy from the Olympia Theatre. I don’t know if you’re familiar with that place, but they’ve had some great acts play there. The guy told us that you were in the city this week and if we could get you to play with us, we’d get to do a set of six songs. That offer’s good every night that you’re willing to perform with us.”
“Wow! That’s some deal. I’d love to do it, but I need to talk with Gwen first and see how she feels about it. Would she and Jordan Quick be included?” asked Steve thoughtfully.
“My God! You can’t be serious! You’re asking if two of the best singers in the world can join us? Of course we’d love to have them, if they’d be willing to appear with us. Can you talk them into it?”
“You just did,” interjected Gwen from across the room. Neither of the two men had seen Gwen emerge from the bathroom and sit down on the bed. They both stood immediately.
“Gwen Anderson! I don’t know if you remember me but we met briefly.”
“Of course I remember. You had that really good band that Steve played with the same night I sang at Jack Timberline’s concert. You guys are very good. If you don’t think I’d embarrass myself or your band, I’d love to perform with you, Steve, and Jordan. It’d have to be in the evening since we’re booked up for three more promotions and taping some commercials this week.”
“Are you kidding? I’ve heard your songs and I saw the ads for your TV shows. The guys would be honored to have you perform with us. Is Jordan in there?” asked Charlie as he nodded toward the bathroom.
“No,” laughed Gwen. “In spite of all the stories you may have seen on TV and the internet, Jordan does not spend nights with us. She’s a great friend, and we love her, but Steve and I are in a very monogamous relationship. I’ll call her right now and see if she can come over.”
“I didn’t mean to suggest anything! It was a stupid question. I shouldn’t believe the crap I see on TV, although it has to be true if it’s on the internet,” chuckled Charlie. “I can’t believe that I’m going to meet Jordan Quick. She’s one of the best singers and most beautiful women I’ve ever seen.”
“Good, because she just heard every word,” stated Gwen with a grin. “I was on the phone with her and she was listening to what you said about her. There she is now.”
Steve opened the door when Jordan knocked and ushered her inside. “This is Charlie Burns. I jammed with his band once back in the states. He has a chance to play the Olympia if he can persuade us to join his group for a set or two. Interested?”
“Are you kidding?” demanded Jordan. “That was one of the places I wanted to see while we were here! It’s had some great performers appear there over the years. I’d love to play that house! I hope I don’t disappoint you.”
“Your modesty is very becoming, but hardly necessary. You’re one of the best talents I’ve ever heard! I can’t wait to perform with you live!” enthused Charlie. “Steve, can we all get together to go over some songs, and maybe practice a little? The club we’ve been playing at will let us practice there until they open at eight.”
“We’re available today, aren’t we, Gwen? I know your family wanted to sightsee, but Kate, Steph, Diane and your mom can have a good time doing that while we work on this gig.”
“I should think that would work,” acknowledged Gwen. “We’ll need to spend some time rehearsing our numbers. We don’t want to make total asses of ourselves. Normally, we’d practice for a few weeks at least.”
Gwen, Jordan, and Steve joined the rest of their group for breakfast a short while later. “Don’t tell me that Jordan spent the night with you guys. I thought you’d stay exclusive for a few more nights, at least. This’ll be on the evening news, won’t it, Amber?” questioned Kate with a devilish grin.
“No, it won’t. Nor will your comment about Steve’s talents that you made last night,” assured Amber with a sly grin of her own. “I know where my bread is buttered. If Gwen and Jordan want to share Steve, it’ll go unreported by me.”
“See how rumors get started!” moaned Gwen. “Jordan stopped in our room to discuss business. If you recall, she was in your room when you woke up this morning, Amber. Keep up this teasing and I won’t tell you about the amazing opportunity we have to perform at the Olympia Theatre this week.”
Everyone became serious as Jordan and Gwen explained the opportunity presented to them that morning. “It’s one of the coolest places for an artist to play,” stated Jordan. “They often have five or six different acts play in a night. Each act may be allowed six or eight songs in their set. You get to play with some pretty cool acts. We’re going to play a set there each night for the rest of the week!”
“We’re going to rehearse all day to be prepared, or at least be more prepared, for this opportunity. That means that Mom and Diane and the girls will be sightseeing without us today, if that’s okay?”
“We’ll be disappointed that you kids aren’t with us, but we certainly understand your reasoning. Diane and I will be able to have some sisterly bonding and we’ll even bond with our daughters, too. We’ll be fine, but be sure to get us in to see the show tonight. Amber, you can come with us if you want to see the sights, or more likely, shop all over Paris.”
“Thanks, Paula, but this sounds too good to pass up. Can I watch you guys practice today, and play tonight? I’ll try to keep out of the way, but I know my station will be interested in this. It’s the reason they sent me to Paris with you guys.”
Gwen, Jordan, Steve, and Amber took a taxi to the club that Charlie had mentioned. Paula, Diane and the girls went out to shop in some of the famous stores of Paris. While the rehearsal was important, what Kate and Stephanie would discover later that afternoon while shopping would have far reaching effects on Steve and Gwen.
“Stephanie! Look over there at that tall girl in the green top!” insisted Kate as the girls browsed in a shoe store later that afternoon. “Wait until she turns around.”
