Chapter 1
Fall in New Orleans was pleasantly warm during the day and cool at night.It was mid-October and the leaves on the trees were vibrant colors.When Cadie Ladd wasn't rehearsing or playing at a performance, she loved to stroll down the streets and in the parks.It was a busy season, with many festivals and events, and she looked forward to participating, as she had for many years.Playing piano for a blues band, she had a front-row seat.
Her best friend was Genevieve Dumas, the lead singer.The band had been through a lot together but had thrived despite the challenges.New opportunities with a lot of potential were available for the group.Yet Cadie wasn't fully satisfied, though she should have been.
The band was like family and Genevieve was more a sister than a friend.There wasn't much to complain about, because Cadie had a successful career.When she moved to New Orleans, that had been her dream.
Recently, her quiet walks and alone time sparked creativity, but not only new ideas for Genevieve's arrangements.Cadie had begun to develop songs of her own, but she didn't see where that would lead.Going out on her own would be foolhardy.She supposed that the performer in her sought to share the songs that poured from her soul.
She needed to put that aside and stay focused on rehearsal.
The blues progression flowed from Cadie's fingertips over the piano keys.She closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the rhythm pulse through her body in sync with the steady heartbeat of drums behind her.
Music was a way for Cadie to express emotions, from hardships to happiness.The blues wasn't sad, but instead provided a sense of catharsis, even joy.She felt a deep connection to the vibrant music culture in New Orleans.The only missing ingredient was her own songwriting, and she just might have to do something about that.
Genevieve's booming voice filled the room, rich and full of soul that made audiences lean forward in their seats.Her best friend could sing the blues like no one else.Cadie smiled as she played, feeling the music from deep inside.
"Hold that last chord, Cadie," Genevieve said when the song ended."Let it ring out a little longer before you resolve it.Give me space to breathe into the silence."
"Got it."Cadie made a note on the sheet music in front of her.
She stretched her hands, then repositioned them on the keys.They had been rehearsing for two hours, and her shoulders were starting to protest the familiar ache of holding one position for too long.But this was the work she loved.The music that poured from the piano spoke things she couldn't put into words.
Mickey twirled one drumstick between his fingers."Shall we take it from the top?"
Genevieve shook her head."Let's take five.I need water, and I want to talk through the bridge before we run it again."
The band members scattered toward the small kitchenette in the back corner.Cadie stayed at the piano bench, running through a few scales to keep her fingers loose.She rolled out a melody that had been on her mind for days.It was just forming into what could become a full composition.Someday she would write it properly, when she made time for her own music and not just the band's arrangements.
As she practiced at the piano, her mind wandered.She was forty years old, and that should mean something.It was true that she had a good life and a career doing what she loved.Still, she longed for more.
The band was important to her, and she wouldn't trade it for anything.But maybe there was more in her future, a way to achieve personal recognition without sacrificing what she had.
Genevieve appeared with two bottles of water."You look like you're a thousand miles away."
Cadie accepted the water gratefully."I was just thinking about that bridge section.I might have an idea for a countermelody that could fill out the sound."
"You have good ideas."Genevieve's smile was warm and knowing.She probably saw through Cadie's deflection but didn't push, seeming to understand when to press and when to let things rest.
They had met twenty years ago when Cadie first moved to New Orleans, two young women trying to make their way in the blues scene.Genevieve had been singing in dive bars for tips while Cadie played piano in hotel lobbies for tourists who barely listened.They had both been hungry for more, something with a future.
Genevieve had found it.Her voice and presence commanded attention now, drew crowds that packed venues and paid covers worth charging.Just this summer, she had married Abe Stewart, a detective with the New Orleans Police Department who looked at her like she hung the moon.Her life had shape and purpose.
Cadie had found steady work and financial security.She lived in a nice apartment in the French Quarter and had respect from her peers in the music community.But she hadn't done so well in dating.For some reason, a guy rarely lasted past a couple of dates.Even if he called again, Cadie usually lost interest.She supposed her career took priority—or she wasn't meant to marry.After all, she hadn't found the right guy and might be destined to be alone.
"Cadie?"Genevieve's voice pulled her back to the present.
"Sorry.What did you say?"
"I asked if you're feeling okay.You seem distracted today."
Before Cadie could answer, the door to the rehearsal space opened.A courier in a brown uniform stepped inside, looking around at the scattered instruments and music stands.
"I have a delivery for Cadie Ladd?"
Cadie was puzzled."That's me."
The courier approached with a clipboard and a large envelope."I need your signature here."
