All I Ever Wanted(32)

Grady loved the simplified routines that kept the boy-band vibe but felt more refined. In an effort to save funds, Arabella took on the job of wardrobe mistress. Devin approved of the black fedoras Arabella bought for them, adding another touch of class. Skinny ties, crisp white shirts, and black suits replaced the colorful baggy attire so popular during their teenage boy-band days. And even though they couldn't hit some of the high notes, Grady felt as if their voices blended better and had a richer sound than in their heyday. And they'd been working their asses off.

"Okay, break's over," Arabella said. "Let's take ‘I Love You More' from the top. And remember to show emotion when you do the side turn and point to the audience at the end of the song. This is about drawing the audience in and making them feel as if you are singing to them individually," she said, and patted her chest. "I want some major swooning going on, guys."

"I'm a major-league swoon getter," Jesse said.

"I think you mean spoon getter." Oliver made scooping motions toward his mouth.

"Hey, hold on." Jesse patted his stomach. "I now have abs of steel." He turned around and pointed to his ass. "And buns of steel too. You can bounce a quarter off my butt."

Jimmy groaned. "If you start twerking, I'm outta here."

Grady rolled his eyes at Arabella, and she grinned. "Okay, you sexy beasts, let's get back on track so we can knock off early," she added, grabbing their attention. She raised her finger at their round of cheers. "Not too early. We've only got a few weeks before the show, so every rehearsal must count. But the progress you've made is amazing."

"Thanks," Grady said with a smile. "I fully admit that we'd be lost without you."

Arabella smiled back, and something warm passed between them. But then what looked like worry flickered in her eyes before she walked over to the sound system. "Okay, from the top!"

Grady turned his concentration to the song. Singing was one thing, and dancing was another, but doing both could be killer. By the last spin, they'd all worked up a sweat.

"Guys, that was awesome," Arabella said at the end of the song. "Everything is coming together. You're going to blow the audience away at the concert. I think you sound even better now than you did when you were at the top of the charts." 

"Hell yeah!" Oliver nodded and executed a perfect spin move. "I think so too." He'd made no secret of the fact that he'd like to do an entire reunion   tour. "Maybe we should think about heading back into the studio too."

"Sorry, Oliver." Jimmy took a swig of water and then shook his head. "I'm having fun doing this, but I like my simple life."

"Ah, come on." Oliver sighed. "Can't we at least give it some serious thought? Grady, we could give a portion of the revenue to the foundation."

Grady heard the hope in Oliver's voice and hated to shoot him down yet again. "We made a pact that this was going to be a one-off concert. After six weeks, we're finally getting our groove back. Let's not ruin it by throwing this out there again."

"Yeah, but who knew we were going to be so damned good after all these years?" Oliver persisted. "What will we do if we get some killer offers?"

"Turn them down," Jimmy said bluntly.

"Jesse?" Oliver asked. "What do you think?"

"I think we should just get through this reunion   concert and not think past that," Jesse replied, mopping the sweat from his forehead with the edge of his T-shirt.

"You know it doesn't work that way," Oliver said. "We would have to strike while the iron is hot. That's how this industry works." He looked over at Arabella. "I wouldn't have brought this up in the beginning, when we sucked, but now Arabella has done a kick-ass job of whipping us into shape. If we can get you to stay on board, I think we'd have a chance at Vegas."

Grady looked at Arabella to get her reaction.

"Hey," Arabella said, "I always knew that you guys were so much more talented than you got credit for, but unfortunately that treatment goes with the territory of being in a boy band. You weren't manufactured for a talent show or put together by an agency. You're brothers from a gifted, musical family. And I also agree that Heartbeat is better than ever."

"Are you saying that you'd be in?" Oliver pounced on her positive response.

"Oliver, I have a business to run."

"You're the owner," Oliver argued. "Someone else can manage the day-to-day operations. Obviously, just like they're doing right now. And Grady, you could easily add to your staff at the foundation."