Aileen's Song Read Online Free Page A

widened, and the way her steps slowed to a stop, he figured she was startled by what she read. That was pretty much as he expected.
    “What’s this all about?”
    “You tell me.” He hedged, loving that he left her off-balance.
    Taking a seat on the swing, visibly baffled, Aileen began to read aloud. “Join us for a night of Hollywood glamour. Enjoy some family-friendly comedy skits, songs, dance, and even some old time swing music as the Archdiocese sponsors a fundraiser for Catholic school tuition assistance.”
    Liam settled into the space next to Aileen and looked over her shoulder. Vanilla and jasmine drifted from her hair—subtle and tantalizing. He savored the warmth of her body next to his, and Liam frowned. This was simple. This was nothing more than friends chatting, and sharing. No reason for his imagination to start running wild.
    But when she turned to look at him, his senses froze and then began to hum with energy. Liam forced himself back to task. “I want you to participate. You, Maeve, Kassidy, and Siobhan.”
    “You’re certifiable. This fundraiser, variety show, concert, whatever, takes place in less than two weeks. We’d never be ready on time, and—”
    “Come on. The four of you are professionals. Two weeks is an eternity.” Undeterred, Liam challenged her with a long, direct look.
    “We’re hardly professionals.”
    “Not true at all, Aileen. Remember, I watched a number of your performances at NYU. I sat front-row center when Maeve ended up off-Broadway and took on the lead role in Love Me Always . Kassidy, meanwhile, is a seasoned actress with unreal musical chops, and an ability to interpret lyrics like no one else I know. Then, there’s Siobhan, who has earned her way on to the Westerville ballet troupe and teaches technique. What’s your issue?”
    “But—” There, she stumbled.
    “Eloquent, Ailee.” She scowled when he interrupted; he brushed that off and grinned, knowing he’d win this battle. Music and singing were her God-given call. She wouldn’t be able to refuse. “Wasn’t it you who said, just a few short hours ago, that you wanted to perform with the girls again?”
    “Yes, but—”
    “This would be a great chance to enjoy a reunion. Look at it that way, and say yes.”
    “Why? Why are you pushing?”
    “Because I have a picture in my mind of the four of you on stage, and I know it would be sensational.”
    Silence followed the declaration. Aileen studied him askance. “You can’t possibly be serious.”
    “Oh, yes I can. Furthermore, examine the fine print.” He directed her attention to sponsor names listed at the bottom of the page. “Since I was elected to the committee that’s putting this event together, I convinced the higher-ups at Zion’s Peak Records to step up and help with sponsorship. The event will be held at the Westerville Theater. It’ll be professionally staged, and it’ll even be recorded for local cable. Fun, huh?”
    “Really?”
    Liam nodded. “The venue seats over eight hundred. The stage is huge—you remember that from your stints with the summer theater, right? I’m thinking why not let Siobhan dance while the three of you sing? I know she’d create some amazing choreography for all four of you.”
    In a millisecond of time, he watched skepticism transform to interest. No denying the fact Aileen was now tempted. Liam’s hopes lifted. Considering the turmoil he faced at work these days—the doubts he battled about the path of his life—Liam reveled in the glow of Aileen’s eager hope.
    Now, for the clincher. Pushing at the grassy ground with the toe of his shoe, Liam propelled the swing into motion. “By the way? I even came up with a name for the group.”
    “Oh, and what would that be? Angels We Have Heard on High?” She gave him a flirty wink and waggled her brows.
    “Nothing quite so cumbersome, smart-aleck. Try this on for size.”
    Aileen tilted her head and waited.
    “Sisters in