Free Tate by Barbara S Stewart Page A

knowing smile.
    “I believe it is,” I declared. “She’s just a little tiny bit of nuthin’, but she wrecks me. I mean it. One look and I was a goner.”
    Reflective a moment, Andy said, “I remember that feeling.”
    “She’s got me all wound up inside thinking about her.”
    “Let me hear the one you were playing with this morning.”
    “ Thoughts of You ,” I told him.
     
    In just one day, everything changed
    It happened with a glance, a look in your eyes
    Things I felt and thought just couldn’t be denied
    Nothing’s the same - dreams changed
    They’re filled with thoughts of you
    When you opened up, things changed
    Every single thought of you left me mystified
    In time, I felt my heartstrings come untied
    My heart’s desire – it’s like a burning flame
    It’s filled with thoughts of you
     
    “Tate, this is honestly one of my favorites. I think you should release this one next. It needs nothing – it’s perfect. I’m telling you, I can see this one running the charts, country and contemporary. Can you stick around another week?” he asked, but paused, remembering. “Oh wait, your lady friend…”
    As he said the words, I had a thought. “Excuse me just a minute.” I stepped around the corner and dialed Maisie’s number. “I know you’re probably up to your elbows in silk or satin or whatever the hell fabric you’re excited about, but I had an idea. Andy wants me to stick around another week. Things are going good! I know it’s short notice, but if you’d like, I’ll have an airline ticket waiting for you in Nashville to join me here for a long weekend. Temps are going up into the eighties. I’ll have you back to your sewing machine Tuesday morning. Will you join me?”
    When she didn’t say anything, I quickly added, “Your own room.” Still nothing. “Did you hang up and I didn’t hear the click?”
    “I’m here. I’m trying to get past feeling like the rope in a tug-of-war…”
    “Maisie,” I interrupted, “I didn’t mean for this to cause you turmoil. I’m sorry. I’m not asking you for anything you aren’t ready for. I just thought it’d be good for you to get away for a few days. A break from the cold and dreary.”
    “Shh,” she said, softly. “It’s not turmoil. I’m stuck between holding on and letting go. I’m thinking of all I have to do, but my gut is saying GO!”
    “Go with your gut,” I urged. “You can call me later.”
    “NO, TATE. NO!” she blurted out. “No, don’t go! I’m ready to feel the sand between my toes. I want to feel something again. Tate, I want to join you.”
    “I’ll send you the information in an hour or so,” I said, and had to suppress my emotions.
    I told Andy she was coming, and asked if we could start later on Friday so that I was the one meeting her at the airport.
     
    ***
     
    On Friday, when she came down the ramp from the gate, it was all I could do not to run, lift her off the floor, and smother her with kisses. “Hey! I’m so glad you’re here!” I said instead.
    “Hey, yourself!” she replied, and came closer for a hug.
    “Come on, Andy’s waiting,” I said, grabbing her bag. “Do you have a suitcase?”
    “No, just this.” She gestured to her side.
    The dang bag was as big as she was. It made me wonder how she’d even carried the damn thing on the plane. After I grabbed it, she surprised me by slipping her hand in mine. I wanted to say something, but I didn’t want to change her mood, so I walked to the car with her, holding her hand in mine.
    We chatted about the last few days as we made our way to Andy’s studio. When we arrived, he wasn’t there yet. Marco let us in, and I introduced Maisie.
    “It’s a pleasure! Have you heard this guy sing?”
    “Only on the radio,” she told him, and added, “Oh, and on the phone. Not really in person.” I saw her look my way and somehow I knew she was thinking about sharing the moon the other evening. “We’ve only known each other a short