Willow’s lips twitched. “You could use those words in a song.”
“If it was that easy, I’d be the happiest person in the world.”
Willow frowned. It wasn’t like Ryan to be concerned about his music. He’d written some of the most beautiful songs she’d ever heard. “How is your next album coming along?”
“Slowly. It’s been more than ten months since my last song was released. If I don’t finish the album soon, my manager will lock me in a dark and dingy room until it’s done.”
Willow knew how difficult it was to balance the creative and business sides of being a musician. Sometimes, in between all the other distractions in your life, finding the time to write new material was impossible.
“Do you think you’ll ever retire?” Willow asked.
Ryan looked around them. “Maybe. I don’t want to be sixty years old and still touring with my band. Living in Bozeman helps me stay centered and to think about a different future. One that doesn’t involve performing.”
“How is your music school going?” A few years ago, Ryan had started a school designed to teach young people not only about music, but how to build a successful career.
“We’re busier than ever. Two of my students have signed recording contracts with good companies. We’re negotiating a third at the moment.”
“Make sure they have honest managers,” Willow warned.
Ryan’s smile dimmed. “I heard David came to see you. Are you okay?”
Willow had no idea how he’d found out about David, but nothing about the music industry surprised her anymore. “I’m fine.” She moved farther toward the lake as a long steel beam was lifted across the grass. “David brought me a draft contract from Sunset Records. They want me to make another album.”
“You’d be better off going directly to the studio.”
“I don’t want to record another album.”
Ryan’s eyebrows rose. “Ever?”
Willow nodded.
“If that’s what you want, then that’s great. But don’t let what happened with David stop you from producing more music.”
Pastor John jogged toward them. “I was hoping I’d see you both. Is one o’clock on Friday afternoon still a good time for the sound check?”
Willow and Ryan both nodded.
“Can we extend the program by ten minutes on Friday night?” Willow asked. “I’d like to organize a surprise for a friend.”
Ryan shrugged. “It’s okay with me. What kind of surprise have you got in mind?”
After Willow told him about Nora and the wonderful song she’d sung with her classmates, he was more than happy to include them in the concert.
John opened a file on his cell phone. “What time did you want them on the stage?”
“How about halfway through the concert? It will give the audience something different to enjoy.”
John glanced through the program and pointed to a time slot. “How about here?”
Ryan looked over Willow’s shoulder. “Looks good to me.”
“Me, too,” Willow said. “Now all I have to do is make sure the children are here on Friday night.”
John glanced at his watch. “I’ll leave that to you. I need to see the stage manager in a few minutes.” He shook Ryan’s hand. “Thank you again for coming to Sapphire Bay.”
“It’s for a great cause. I’ll see you at the sound check on Friday.”
“You will.” John turned to Willow. “If you want someone to look after Nora and her friends when they arrive at the concert, let me know.”
