Page 84 of Hideaway Heart

“I did. I’d like to do it. I just have one request.”

“And what’s that?”

“I want to be introduced as Kelly Jo Sullivan. Not Pixie Hart.”

“Why? No one knows who that is.”

“I think it will be obvious when I walk on stage and start singing.”

“But in terms of publicity and everything, Pixie Hart is aname.”

I stiffened. “Kelly Jo Sullivan is a name too. I’ve just never been encouraged to use it.”

“Because it’s not memorable. And you’re famous as Pixie Hart. Why change your name and confuse people?”

“It’s important to me.”

“Let’s not worry about that minor detail right now. I think we should rehearse as soon as possible. How quickly can you get back to Nashville?”

Annoyed that he’d dismissed my request as minor, I said, “I’m not back for another ten days.”

“I know when you wereplanningto be back, but this is big, Pixie. We’ve never performed that song together. We can’t just show up at the televised Music City Awards without practicing. Everyone who’s anyone in the industry will be in the first three rows at Milton Auditorium that night.”

“I’m not saying I don’t want to practice, but I know the song, Duke. We’ll still have a week once I’m back.”

“I want you back sooner.”

I flinched at the edge on his tone. “Maybe this isn’t a good idea, us working together. You should probably find someone else.”

“No, wait. Sorry.” He exhaled and spoke more patiently. “I think you and I have the perfect chemistry for this song, and people love seeing us together. Our arrival alone will cause a media frenzy.”

“Duke, I—”

“Don’t worry, it will be strictly platonic behind the scenes. It’s a musical collaboration between friends.”

“Okay,” I said warily.

“If you decide to come home sooner, let me know. Otherwise, I’ll be in touch with details when I get them. Enjoy the rest of your vacation.” He paused. “How’s it going up there? I saw a few pictures.”

“It’s fine,” I said. “I was hoping to stay under the radar, but it didn’t happen.”

“That’s the worst. You can’t relax when you know you’re being watched.”

“I know, but what can you do? I have to go, Duke. Thanks for the opportunity. I appreciate it.”

We hung up, and I texted Wags, Jess, and my agent with the news, leaving out the bit about performing as Kelly Jo and not as Pixie. There would be pushback on that, but I’d deal with it later. I got immediate replies from Wags and my agent, who were thrilled with the idea and wanted to know when it would be announced. I told them I wasn’t sure but would keep them posted. My assistant responded with more measured excitement.

Wow! That’s big. And you deserve that spot. But are you sure singing with Duke is the right call? Is he going to expect “payment” for this favor?

He says it’s just a collaboration between friends. Strictly platonic.

Okay. I just know how he gets with you. And I could see him using this as a chance to pull you back into his orbit. He wants you to belong to him.

I know. Believe me, if it was anything less than opening the Music City Awards, I’d run in the other direction. I have no desire to let him walk all over me again. Been there, done that.

Okay. Well, I’m happy for you and so excited to see the show!! How’s everything else going? I saw the photos. Is the security guard driving you crazy?

I had to laugh.