Free Out of Focus by Nancy Naigle Page B

work.”
    “Don’t be ridiculous. If you get here and find you’re not up to it, you can leave whenever you need to.”
    “Thanks, Cody.”
    “Thank you . It will be great to get Arty off my back, too.”
    “Yeah, he seemed pretty adamant about the project.”
    “He can be a pain in the ass sometimes, but he’s a good guy. He was my biggest supporter when no one was interested. I owe him.”
    “Then I guess it’ll work out for everyone.”
    “Let me get someone to overnight the full schedule and some materials to get you started. Do you want to fly with me on the jet or tour on the bus?”
    “I thought I’d take the RV and follow you all.”
    “Naw. That won’t work. You’d be mobbed. After the first show, I guarantee everyone will know you are on this gig.”
    “Can I think about it and let you know?”
    “Sure. You’re welcome either way. In fact, you can switch it up from town to town if you like. I could use some good company on the jet, though. Someone recently said I’m antsy and a chatterbox.”
    “You don’t say.” She snickered, shaking her head. The smile felt foreign on her face. This is the right thing to do .
    “It’s true. So I could use an ear,” he teased.
    “So happens I’ve got two not being used much these days.” That dark hole expanded in her chest again.
    “Welcome aboard.”

    * * * *

    On Monday morning, a Federal Express package arrived from Cody Tuggle’s road manager. Kasey glanced at the list of cities, but she wasn’t choosy. She needed an escape and location didn’t matter. By the end of the following week, she’d be packed and headed for a tour with one of the hottest singers in the country.
    When Von and Riley stopped by that afternoon, she told them about her decision.
    “Am I a bad mother?” she asked Riley, hoping for reassurance. “I just can’t sit here waiting and waiting with no way to help. It’s killing me. If I’m working, maybe...”
    “Hon, I don’t know how you’ve done it this long. You’re a wonderful mother. If Jake is out there, we’ll find him. Don’t you worry about that. The best thing you can do is go on that tour. Work will be good for you. Keep your mind busy and yourself healthy.”
    “I’ll check in,” Kasey said. “And you’ll contact me with even the tiniest details, right?” She looked from Von to Riley.
    Von nodded. “We promise, and I’ll take care of hiring a farm manager while you’re gone.”
    One less thing to worry about.
    Von gave Riley the look, and Riley picked up her purse. “You know what time it is, don’t ya?”
    Kasey laughed. “Time for Cops ?”
    Riley nodded. “You know he hates to miss it.”
    “Hey, it’s one show,” Von said, looking insulted.
    “See ya,” Kasey waved and watched them leave, thankful that Von would take care of hiring the farm manager. She braced herself for the arguments that were sure to come when she shared her news with Grem. Calling would be the easy way out, but she owed her grandmother the news in person, no matter how cranky and irrational the old woman was sometimes.
    Kasey gave herself a little pep talk, then headed to the estate before she could change her mind.

    * * * *

    Jeremy opened the front door just as Kasey took the last step up to the porch. “This is a pleasant surprise. I was going to stop by tomorrow.”
    “Thanks. I wanted to talk to Grem.” She reached up and gave him a hug. “What kind of mood is she in today?”
    “Bitching about her arthritis. Didn’t like the brand of apple butter I picked out this time. Normal.” He nodded toward the sun room. “She’s in there.”
    “Great. Thanks.”
    “Can I get you some tea? Juice? Crappy apple butter toast?”
    “Tea sounds good.” Kasey watched Grem from the doorway of the sun room. She looked tiny and frail sitting in her Queen Anne chair overlooking the gardens. But she never seemed either once she started talking.
    Grem turned. “I thought I heard voices. This is unexpected,