“Cal’s not with us,” Evan said apologetically. George’s expectant smile fell, a look of disappointment appearing on his face.
“We’ve still got a singer,” I pointed out, glancing at Connor. She shot a frantic look at me, shaking her head as if she was going to refuse.
George’s face lifted in hope as he turned to Connor. “You’re Frank Murphy’s granddaughter, aren’t you?”
“Yes.” Connor flushed beneath the sudden attention we’d thrust upon her.
“Nice to meet you. Your grandpa was a great dude. Used to play here back when my uncle owned the place. Your nan and mom, too. It’d be an honour to have you on stage.”
“I don’t know.” She was hesitating, looking around as if someone would pop out of the crowd and give her hell.
“Oh my God, Connor…you have to do it!” Lara squealed, her eyes lighting up across the table.
Connor looked as if she was trying to find a way out of it. I squeezed her thigh gently, trying to call her out of her head. When she made eye contact with me, I held her gaze, imploring her to take the chance.
“I brought my violin,” Lara supplied helpfully. “It’s in my car. I could go get it.”
“Come on, you know all the songs,” I whispered in her ear.
“Yeah, but they’re Cal’s and he should be the one to perform them,” she whispered back, frowning.
“Cal won’t mind. We’ll play some of our older stuff, and end it with track three,” I told her, and something sparked in the green depths of her irises. “Give them a little something of you to remember.”
“Evan doesn’t know it.”
“He’ll pick up the beat easily enough,” I replied. Track three’s main back track was a powerful piano piece and the violin, with guitar notes carrying through it.
“Track three?! Oh yes, Connor! Let’s do it! I’ve been practicing my part,” Lara said, wiggling with excitement.
“What’s track three?” Evan asked, looking confused.
“A song Connor and I wrote,” I replied, still holding Connor’s gaze. She bit down on her lower lip, eyes moving to the stage.
“All right, let’s do it then.” She sighed, as if coming to terms with the fact that she wasn’t getting out of this.
Lara squealed with excitement and slid out of the booth. She grabbed her coat, fishing her car keys out of the pocket, and went to grab her violin.
Connor shook her head, like she couldn’t believe she’d agreed to do this. George looked relieved that we’d been willing to help—and hell, he probably was. A no-show band could cost the pub lots of money. Most patrons came for the live music, and if there wasn’t a band playing live…they tended to leave and go somewhere else.
“Thank you so much for doing this,” he said, shaking Connor’s hand and pumping it vigorously. “You have no idea how much you’re saving me.”
Her lips twitched, a subtle smile gracing them. “I’m happy to help.”
When Lara had returned with her violin, George led us to the stage. “The instruments are all tuned, you’re welcome to use whatever ones you need. Thanks again for doing this.”
While Lara and Connor got situated on stage, Evan pulled me aside. “We should call Cal.”
“We will, after a few songs. I texted him earlier—he’s still at Harper’s. They are watching a movie and I seriously doubt he wants to leave them right now.” I grinned. I’d had the same thought, not wanting to leave him out either. But he was happy where he was. “We’ll call him in a couple hours, see if he wants to join us later.”
Lara tossed her long hair over her shoulder, capturing Evan’s attention. He swallowed as he watched her tuck her violin under her chin. A wicked smile tempered her lips, a challenge in her eyes. Connor had already told me about Lara’s ability to play along to almost anything, but it’d be the first time I heard her play too.
Evan’s eyebrows rose, a grin replacing the troubled look he’d had over Cal’s absence. “This is going to be interesting.”
He went to the drums and sat down, tossing a grin at Connor as she situated herself in front of one of the microphones. She watched me pick up the guitar. I could play both guitar and bass. Hell, I’d even played a little bit of the keyboard—basic notes—mind you. My dad had taught me a little of everything, but I’d focused more on the bass after joining with Calum and Evan. Cal already played the guitar, we needed someone on bass.
Tonight, though, the guitar riffs were far more crucial, and without Cal, I’d have to step in.
Adjusting the strap, I stood by the second microphone. George was setting up a third microphone in front of Lara. While he adjusted it to the sweet spot, Connor addressed the crowd.
