Hollywood Molly here, ready for a little Hollywood Kiss ’n’ Tell. I’ve got the scoop on who’s smooching who, and who’s saying ‘Sayonara.’ Puckered lips and swan songs…I specialize in both. The breakups and makeups have been delicious this week, but we’ve also learned that sometimes rumors are just that…rumors.
My confidential source tells me that Bobby Conrad is definitely not involved with Brenda Valentine, even though she has just been named as his co-star in the upcoming Shakespeare musical. She might be the Juliet to his Romeo, but that’s just onscreen, folks. In the real world, she’s dating a waiter from Mel’s, and Bobby remains unattached. No doubt, teen girls across America will faint dead away at this revelation. As speculated by this reporter in a previous column, the staged appearances by Conrad and Valentine were just that…staged. Probably to get folks hyped about their upcoming movie.
If you want to know Bobby’s real first love, you might have to take a seat next to him in the church pew to get the answer. When asked this simple question, his response was rather startling—something about loving the Lord with all of his heart, soul, mind, and strength. Turns out the Almighty gets top billing. Pretty stiff competition, girls.
Speaking of competition, this reporter is looking forward to the debut of Bobby’s new sidekick, Johnny Hartmann, on Talent Scouts this coming Saturday night. His agent, Jim Jangles—of West Coast Talent— sent this reporter a headshot of Johnny. Yummy doesn’t begin to describe it. Girls are sure to fill the studio audience at this weekend’s show, and the Clap-o-Meter will reflect their enthusiasm. We can only hope this hunk-of-handsomeness can sing.
On the other hand, who cares? If he’s as cute in person as he is in that headshot, we can always turn down the volume and just stare at him.
— Reporting for Hollywood Heartthrob magazine, “Star Chasers” columnist, Hollywood Molly
* * * * *
On Wednesday morning, Debbie stayed in bed extra long. She wrestled with the sheets and tried to pray about the benefit situation. In the two days since Pop had given her the news, she hadn’t told a soul. She’d been operating under the assumption that something would change. But Monday had rolled to Tuesday, and now Wednesday, and still no change. Bobby Conrad would not be singing at Sweet Sal’s on August 17…and there was nothing she could do about it.
Oh, she’d already stormed heaven’s gates, pleading with the Almighty. He’d remained strangely silent, even after Debbie’s heartbreaking pleas. And her reminder that this was all for Pop didn’t seem to sway the Lord, either. Looked like He had something else up His sleeve here, and she’d better jump back into gear, getting ready for whatever it happened to be.
After showering and getting dressed, Debbie put on her bravest smile and headed downstairs to face Laguna Beach’s teens head-on. Today she would tell them. And they would all get through this…somehow.
As she entered the soda shop, Debbie saw her brother at the jukebox. He turned and grinned as “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?” came on.
“Oh, hey.” He blushed. “I, um, well, this song came on by accident.”
Sure it did.
She gave him a hug, realizing he must be thinking of Martha Lou… who was probably thinking of Bobby Conrad. Or Johnny. Or Dick Clark. Debbie sighed. “In case I haven’t said it lately, I think you’re the greatest brother ever.”
“Oh?” He gave her a suspicious look. “What’s up? You need to borrow money?”
“No, goofy.” She slugged him in the arm. “Just trying to be nice.” After a pause, she added, “And one of these days, Martha Lou’s going to see what’s been in front of her all along. She just has to get the star-dust out of her eyes.”
Junior shrugged. “If you say so.”
“Hey, speaking of Martha…” Debbie paused as she heard Martha Lou’s voice ring out from the counter. “I need to talk to her. And the others. Pray for me, Junior. It’s time to let them know.”
“About Bobby?” he asked.
“I’ve put it off long enough. Today’s the day.” She drew in a deep breath, and—like David facing the mighty Goliath—took slow, calculated steps across the soda shop to do business with the giant. Well, the giant that was Laguna Beach’s teen girls.
“Debbie, where are the posters with Bobby’s picture?” Martha Lou asked as she drew near. “I wanted to take some up to the ballpark, but I can’t find any.”
“There’s a reason for that.” Debbie pulled Martha Lou aside. “We need to talk.” She explained in detail the news she’d received on Monday. As the story took its inevitable turn for the worse, Martha Lou paled. She looked for a moment like she might cry.
“I’m sorry,” the tearful teen said at last. “My ears must be playing tricks on me. I thought I heard you say Bobby Conrad isn’t coming after all.”
“What? Bobby’s not coming?” Cassie Jenkins approached, eyes wide. “Of course he is. We told everyone.”
The jingling of the bell above the door alerted Debbie to the fact that someone had entered the shop. She turned and sighed as she saw Ginny Anderson standing there with her parents. Before she knew what had hit her, Debbie saw Martha Lou approach Ginny to share the awful news.
“What’s this?” Ginny’s father turned to face Debbie. “The fundraiser has fallen through?” His brow wrinkled.
“Oh, no, Mr. Anderson,” she said. “Not at all. We’ve run into a little glitch with our entertainment, but it’s all worked out. We’ve got an up-and-coming star performing. A boy that’s going to knock everyone’s socks off.” I hope. “The girls are going to love him.” I pray.
The dour-faced banker didn’t look convinced. He muttered something under his breath about the mortgage then asked to be seated. Debbie took care of him as quickly as possible, hoping to put his mind at ease. Oh, if only she could put her own mind at ease, then convincing others wouldn’t be such a challenge.
The voices of several teen girls rose to a dangerous level as they discussed—a little too loudly—Bobby’s absence from the concert. On and on they went, each one growing a bit more frustrated than the last. Debbie did her best to keep working…to ignore them, but they were making it difficult.
Martha Lou and a couple of the other girls left abruptly. Though she knew they were off to share the bad news with others, Debbie still breathed a sigh of relief. By lunchtime, half the girls in Laguna Beach would know that Johnny was coming in Bobby’s place.
Oh, well. Just fewer people she’d have to tell herself.
Debbie headed to the cash register where she found her mother counting out change for Clifford. While she waited, Ginny Anderson came up to the counter. She pulled Debbie aside.
“Debbie, I’m so sorry this happened. I want you to know that I feel really bad for you.” She paused, her gaze shifting to the ground. “I know I always make fun of the girls for being so gaga over Bobby, but I also know how much you were depending on him coming. This has to be hard.”
“It is.” Debbie fought back tears. “Harder than you know.” She leaned over to whisper the next words. “I was counting on this fundraiser to bring in enough money to actually pay off the mortgage. I’m so worried about Pop.”
“I’m so sorry.” Ginny’s eyes reflected genuine concern. “And I’m sorry about my dad. I don’t know why he is the way he is.”
“He’s running a business,” Debbie said. “You can’t blame a person for wanting his business to succeed. If all of his customers stopped paying, the bank would go under.”
“The bank’s not going under.” Ginny rolled her eyes then shot a glance in her father’s direction. “Are you kidding me? It’s doing great. He could extend a little mercy. Wouldn’t hurt more than a pinch. But he’s just stubborn. He likes things the way he likes them.” She sighed.
Debbie rested her hand on Ginny’s arm. “I’m sure God has an answer for this problem. He’s a big God.”
“Still…” Tears welled up in Ginny’s eyes. “I wish my dad was different. It’s so hard living with someone who treats people so…” Her words drifted off.
Debbie shrugged, unable to relate to Ginny’s situation. After all, her pop had never been anything but kind and gracious—to everyone.
“I wish my dad would come to church with Mom and me,” Ginny added. “I’ve been praying about that for years, but he’s not interested. I think he would be a completely different person if he, well, if he came to know the Lord like we know Him. It’s so much easier to extend mercy once you’ve received it.”
“Kind of like you’re doing now?” Debbie asked.
Ginny gave her an inquisitive look. “What do you mean?”
“You’re going out of your way to console me on a day when I’ve let you—and all of the others—down. You’re such a good friend.”
“No, you’re the one who’s a good friend, Debbie. You keep me in the circle, even though I’m a little different from the younger girls.”
“Different?”
“Well, not quite as giddy. And a little on the quiet side.”
“Trust me, with all the chatter from the others, I could use a little quiet every now and again.” Debbie grinned. “And I think they get a little silly sometimes.”
“True.” Ginny nodded. “They’re dreamers, all right. You would think Bobby Conrad was going to sweep in here on a white horse and carry them off into the sunset.” She giggled. “Can you imagine?”
Ouch.
Ginny headed back to the table to eat with her parents. When “First Kiss” came on the jukebox, she shot a glance at Debbie, who shrugged. No point in getting worked up about things. No, she’d better release her problems into the Lord’s capable hands.
That’s exactly what she determined to do all morning long. Long after Ginny left, Debbie contemplated her words: It’s not like Bobby Conrad was going to sweep in here on a white horse and carry them off into the sunset.
As much as she hated to admit it, Debbie had been just as giddy as Becky Ann and Martha Lou over Bobby’s arrival. Oh, she hadn’t let it show to others, but in her heart she really had been hoping he would sweep in on his white horse and save the day.
Even as the words flitted through her mind, she was reminded of her chat with Pop. The one about idols. What would he say in response to all of this? Surely he would remind her that the only one worthy to be worshiped was the Lord. Only He could fix this situation.
For the first time all day, Debbie actually felt a glimmer of hope. Still, she needed to get alone for a while to think. She needed time and space to pray. After that, maybe she could put together some sort of plan.
About ten minutes after twelve, she approached her mother at one of the booths. “Can I take my lunch break, Mom?”
“Sure, honey. Going upstairs?”
Debbie shook her head. “I’m tempted to go up and take a nap, but I need a little away time.”
Mom gave her a curious look. “Away?”
“The cliffs.” She gestured toward the ocean. “I like to go to the pocket beach just beyond the cliffs. It’s private. I, well, I pray better when I’m there.”
Her mother smiled. “You are your mother’s daughter, that’s for sure. I know just the spot you’re talking about. Spent a lot of time there when I was your age.”
Debbie smiled. “Do you think you can do without me for an hour?”
“I feel sure we can handle that. Let me fix you a sandwich to take with you. Ham and cheese?”
“Mm-hmm.” Debbie nodded, but didn’t really have food on her mind. She wanted to get out of here—away from the crowd of teens who’d spent the morning peppering her with questions about the concert. Getting away—alone—would do the trick.
Minutes later, with a wrapped sandwich in hand, she headed outside. No sooner had she crossed the street and stepped onto the sand than she found her tensions begin to release. She could breathe again. Think clearly. Yes, away from the crowd, she could finally gather her thoughts. Deal with her doubts and fears. And maybe, once gathered, she could wrap them in a tight little bundle—and toss them out to sea.
* * * * *
Johnny entered the soda shop, pausing at the door to drink in the aroma. “What is that wonderful smell?”
From the opening into the kitchen, Mr. Carmichael’s happy-go-lucky voice rang out. “Burgers?”
“Mm-hmm.” Johnny drew in a deep breath. “And onion rings. And…” He paused, trying to place it. “Bacon?”
“You’ve got it.” Mr. Carmichael smiled. “Just plated a bacon cheeseburger. Good nose, kid.”
“Thanks. Smells great.”
Debbie’s mom stepped up to the counter and hit the little silver bell to let Junior know he had an order up. Johnny gave her a nod. “How are you?” he asked.
“Fine and dandy. What brings you down this way?”
“Jim sent me with new posters.” Johnny held up one with a large photo of him posing with his guitar.
Mrs. Carmichael let out a whistle. “Well, look at that. You really are a pro, aren’t you?”
He felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him. “Don’t know that I’d say that, exactly. But I’m making headway.”
“No kidding. Say, isn’t this the week that you’re going to be on Talent Scouts?”
“Yes, this coming Saturday night. Jim’s been running me ragged all week, doing promo gigs.” He couldn’t seem to get anything else out past the sudden lump in his throat. He forced a smile and spoke around the lump. “I…I’m excited.”
“A little nervous, too, I’d guess,” she said.
He nodded. “Very.”
“My knees would be knocking, for sure. But then again, I’m not a singer. I hear you’re really good. Jim sure sings your praises.” She chuckled. “Sings your praises. That’s funny. I don’t think Jim Jangles sings a note.”
“No, he doesn’t,” Johnny concurred. “And as for all of those praises he’s been sharing…well, he’s probably exaggerating. He is my agent, after all.”
“I hope he’s not too far off-base,” she said with a sympathetic look. “Because the girls of Laguna Beach are going to come out in force to hear you sing on the seventeenth.”
He tried not to let his embarrassment show. A new song began to play on the jukebox, and Johnny paused as the familiar introduction to Vic Damone’s song, “On the Street Where You Live,” came on. It reminded him of Debbie. Looking around, he tried to figure out why he hadn’t seen her yet. Was she sick, perhaps?
Becky Ann approached with a handful of menus. “Hey, Johnny. What’s up?”
“Just came to deliver some new posters.”
She sighed. “Yeah, we just found out this morning that Bobby’s not coming. The girls are all devastated.”
“Sorry about that,” he said. “But I’m going to give it my best shot. If I make it through this Talent Scouts thing.”
“Oh, I forgot about that,” Becky Ann said. “Are you nervous?”
A wave of nausea hit him. “Mm-hmm. Let’s don’t talk about it.”
“Don’t talk about it?” Becky Ann laughed. “Are you kidding? Of course we’re going to talk about it.” A look of excitement came over her. “Oh, I have the best idea. Why don’t we go to the taping of the show? We could be part of the studio audience.”
“Really?” Mrs. Carmichael looked intrigued by this idea. “Oh, I think that would be a lot of fun. The audience decides who wins, right?”
Becky Ann clasped her hands together at her chest. “Oh, then we should bring everyone we know. If Johnny wins, then the people really will want to come to the fundraiser to hear him sing.”
“First he has to win.” Mrs. Carmichael gave him a pat on the back. “But I have a feeling he’s a shoo-in.”
All of this flattery was really starting to get to Johnny. He was more than ready to change the subject. “Where’s Debbie?” he asked, looking around.
“She’s in a mood.” Becky Ann rolled her eyes.
“A mood?” He wasn’t sure what to make of that comment.
“Yes, she’s upset because Bobby can’t come.” Becky Ann sighed. “We’re all upset.”
“Ah. I see.” He paused a moment. “Do you mind if I ask where she is?”
“Same place you’ll find her every time she gets upset. Walking at the beach.”
“Any particular spot?”
“Beyond the cliffs at the pocket beach. When you cross the highway, walk out to the edge of the water and go left. That’s south. You won’t have to go very far to find the cliffs. She likes to hide away in there and talk to God when she’s upset.”
“Sounds like a scripture,” Johnny said.
“Oh?” Becky Ann looked confused.
“You know that one, about God hiding us away in the cleft of the rock,” Johnny said. “I think it’s from Psalms. It’s a scripture about getting away from things. Finding a quiet place to get alone with the Lord.”
“Well, that’s what she’s doing,” Becky Ann said. “Only, let me warn you, she’s not in a good mood. I’m afraid if you go there…” She paused.
“What?”
“She’s really upset about not getting to meet Bobby.”
“Ah. Guess I’ll take my chances.” As Johnny left the restaurant, the afternoon sunlight beamed down, warming him from the outside in. He squinted, looking toward the beach. Somewhere over there Debbie had hidden herself away from the crowds. Would she mind if he interrupted her private time? Would she send him packing because his name wasn’t Bobby Conrad?
He approached Coastal Highway and ran across the road. What was it Becky Ann had said, again? Ah yes. Turn left. South. Keep walking until he got to the cliffs.
When he reached the beach, Johnny pulled off his shoes and wriggled his toes in the warm white grains of sand. He was reminded of that day when he’d stopped to build a sand castle. No doubt, it had been carried away by the waves by now. Just like any hopes of winning Debbie’s heart.
Was that what he’d been trying to do?
Instead of walking, Johnny picked up speed and began to run. His heart raced nearly as fast as his feet. What would he say when he finally saw Debbie? Surely she realized he felt drawn to her. He’d sensed the same feelings from her, as well. Or had he just imagined it? Was she just treating him nicely because of his ties to Jim Jangles— and to Bobby Conrad?
Johnny slowed his stride as the idea settled in. He hated to admit it, but how could he deny the possibility?
Up ahead Johnny saw the outline of the cliffs against the backdrop of the blue sky. He kept walking until they were in full view. From here, waves pounding the cliffs sent off a spray more than a dozen feet high. And the ocean had an unfamiliar sense of foreboding.
He looked around but didn’t see Debbie.
“Hmm.” She must be on the side facing the water.
Johnny glanced down at his bare feet, trying to figure out how to maneuver the rocky cliffs. Looked like the shoes were going to have to go back on. After putting them on, he took his first slippery step, then his second. About halfway to his destination, he slipped, nearly falling into the water below. Johnny breathed a prayer and asked God to help him make it to Debbie, safe and sound.
Rounding the cliff, he finally saw her. She sat alone on a private sandy beach, secluded from everyone and everything. Here, the pounding of the waves subsided. They lapped the sand in a quieter way. No more the roar of the water. No more spray. In this peaceful place, the water seemed more friend than foe.
Would Debbie seem more friend than foe? Only one way to know.
“Debbie.” He called out her name as he moved in her direction. She looked up, her red-rimmed eyes widening in surprise as she saw him.
“Johnny? What are you doing here?”
He drew nearer, stopping as he realized she’d been crying.
“I…well, I was worried about you.”
Silence greeted him. She stood, brushing sand from her skirt. “I…I’m fine. Really.”
“No you’re not.” He reached for her hand. Thankfully, she didn’t pull away. He gazed into her eyes. “This thing about Bobby has really upset you.”
“I just…” She stopped. “I feel like a fool, if you want the truth. I made such a big deal out of this. And we promised so many people that he would be here. I got everyone’s hopes up, and now they’ve been dashed.”
“It’s a big problem,” Johnny whispered. “But we serve a big God.”
Debbie gazed out at the ocean. “Whenever I come here, it’s so easy to see just how big He is. How big His plans are. No wonder He doesn’t ask me for my opinion about things.”
“He cares what you think, though,” Johnny said. “He really does. And what hurts you, hurts Him.”
She released another sigh. “I hardly think the Lord is in heaven right now thinking about a rock-and-roll concert at a soda shop in Laguna Beach. He’s got far more important things to take care of. Like the Cold War, for instance.”
“True, but He does care what happens to Sweet Sal’s, Debbie. He wants to see your dad healed and whole and able to rest. So, maybe He is in heaven right now thinking about a rock-and-roll concert at a soda shop in Laguna Beach. And surely He’s got this all figured out, even the parts we can’t see yet. You know?”
He gazed into her eyes.
She glanced down at their hands. In that moment, he almost let go. Almost released his hold on her.
Oh, but he didn’t want to release his hold on her. Why would he have braved the cliffs only to let go of her hand?
No, if he risked his life, he might as well risk his heart.
* * * * *
Debbie glanced down at her hand, still gently cradled in Johnny’s. Talk about a perfect fit. But maybe he just felt sorry for her. He’d seen her tears.
His gorgeous eyes gazed into hers, startling her with their tenderness. And with the wind blowing in his hair like that, he looked like he was ready for a close-up shot. She suddenly forgot what they’d been talking about.
The breeze off the water caught a loose piece of Debbie’s hair and whipped it across her face. Before she could push it away, she felt the touch of Johnny’s hand against her cheek. With the tip of his finger, he brushed the loose strands out of her eyes.
After a few seconds, she stopped trying to make sense of her thoughts and simply gazed at him. His hand never moved from her cheek. As Johnny narrowed the gap between them, Debbie’s heart began to dance in anticipation. She realized she actually enjoyed being this close to him. More than she cared to admit. She could read the sweetness in his eyes and suddenly felt like a fool for going on and on about Bobby.
Johnny’s breath grew warm against her face, though he didn’t say a word. He didn’t have to. Unspoken messages traveled back and forth between them. The waves crashed off in the distance, the perfect backdrop for this unexpected but lovely moment. Debbie closed her eyes as Johnny traced her cheek with his index finger. Her heart now pounded in her ears, and she could barely think straight.
What had started as a tear-filled afternoon had magically transformed into a scene from a movie, one she happened to be living out…for real.
For a moment, they stood in silence. Then she dared to open her eyes. When she did, she could clearly read the message Johnny was sending with his smile. Debbie gently reached up to rest her hand against his, and before she knew it, he’d swept her into his arms. Her heart pounded in steady beats, and her eyes fluttered closed once more.
Debbie melted like a chocolate bar in the sun as Johnny’s lips met hers. His kiss was intense, yet gentle at the same time—if such a thing were possible. It certainly topped every kiss she’d ever witnessed on the silver screen. She was lost in the wonder of the moment, enjoying its sweetness.
After a few seconds, Johnny leaned away and gave her a shy smile. Debbie wanted to say something, but nothing sounded right. Instead, she slipped an arm around his waist and pulled him into a cozy embrace.
They stood in silence for a few seconds, watching the waves crash against the shore. And in that moment, Debbie suddenly understood the lyrics to Elvis’s beautiful song, “Love Me Tender,” firsthand. In her twenty years of living, she’d never known the tenderness of such a beautiful moment…until now.
Debbie rested in Johnny’s comforting embrace. Her mind began to reel at all that had happened. Already she could see God’s hand at work in this situation. And with that revelation fresh in her mind, she was suddenly struck by the most amazing idea. One that would truly save the day for everyone involved, including Johnny.
“Johnny! I have a wonderful idea.”
“Oh?” He gave her another gentle kiss on the cheek.
She took his hand and began to walk along the water’s edge as the idea rooted itself. “Let’s call Joe Davies at the Laguna Beach Times to see if he’ll write an article about you. Maybe he can play up your appearance on Talent Scouts this weekend. That might work.”
“It might.”
She found herself distracted by his beautiful green eyes but finally managed to get a few more words in. “Oh, and tell me what you think about this idea.” Her voice grew more animated as she explained. “Talents Scouts is open to the public, right?”
“Right.” He nodded. “From what I understand, anyway. You might need tickets, but I’m sure Jim could get them for you.”
“I wonder if he could get lots of them,” she said, the plan still percolating. “Lots and lots of them.”
Johnny gave her a curious look.
“Maybe if I put together a group of girls to sit in the audience, we can all cheer you on. Make a really big deal out of your performance. We’ll clap so loud that the Clap-o-Meter will go off and you’ll win the whole thing. No one else will stand a chance. We’ll outsmart them by bringing a lot of fans.”
“You’re saying we should rig the show by filling the audience with people who’ve been told to clap for me whether they think I’m worth clapping for or not?” His expression reflected his displeasure at that idea.
At once, Debbie realized just how awful her words had sounded. Shame washed over her. “Johnny, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I’m not saying we’re going to have to do anything special. I just want to be there to support you.”
He didn’t look convinced. “So, you think the only way I could win is to fill the audience with people who are there to support me.”
“Oh, I, well…” She paused as she attempted to figure out how she could redeem this. “I’m not saying that, really.”
She went on and on, listing all the things they could do to sway people. Funny, the more she talked, the more she wished she could just close her mouth and put an end to this nonsense. Why was she making things so hard on him? Johnny was a great guy. He didn’t deserve her condescension. Still, the more she tried to explain things, the deeper the hole she dug. By the time she finished, the pained expression on his face told her all she needed to know. She’d hurt him. And she didn’t know how to undo it.
* * * * *
Johnny drew in a deep breath and stared into Debbie’s eyes. Her words had stung, whether she meant them to or not.
“I’m going to do my best, Debbie,” he reiterated. “Whether the audience likes me or not. Whether they vote me off the show or not.”
“I–I know.” She gave him a sheepish look. “I guess I’m just so worked up about this fundraiser because it’s so critical for my family.” She paused and her eyes filled with tears. “Johnny, my dad almost died last spring. We almost lost him. And I won’t rest until I’ve figured out a way to help him through this.”
“He’s a grown man, Debbie,” Johnny argued. “He knows what’s best.”
“He thinks that working hard is what’s best,” she said. “The doctor wouldn’t agree with that. I think he needs to take it easy, but that can’t happen if this event isn’t successful. How will we ever get caught up on the mortgage?”
“Who said it won’t be successful?”
The expression on her face wasn’t easy to read. Did she really think this whole thing would crater because of Bobby’s absence? Was that why she felt she had to fill the audience at Talent Scouts with people to cheer him on? So that he wouldn’t let everyone down?
Obviously so.
Well, he would prove her wrong. Johnny gave her a hopeful smile. “I’m going to be there, Debbie. I’ll sing every song I know, if it will help.”
“Oh, I’m sure you’ll be great,” she said. A sigh rose up between them.
“What?” he asked.
“There’s no way to say this without hurting your feelings.”
“I’m not as popular as Bobby, so you think people won’t come to see me?”
She sighed again. “Y–yes.”
“Well, instead of worrying about that, let’s just put together the best show we can. I’ll do my best. You do your best. That’s all God requires of us, right?”
“I suppose.” Her lengthy pause worried him. What was she thinking? “I’m…I’m never going to get to meet Bobby,” she said at last.
“Ah.” He paused. “Is that what you’re really upset about?”
“Well, it’s all of the other stuff, too,” she said. “But I can’t help saying that I was looking forward to meeting him.”
“What is it about Bobby Conrad?” Johnny asked.
“Well, he’s handsome, of course. And you’ve heard his voice. But there’s more to it than that,” she said. “He’s a great guy. You know how you can tell by looking at some people that they’re the real deal?”
He nodded.
“Well, Bobby Conrad is the real deal. He’s not just a big star or a famous singer. He’s a good person. And I wanted to get the chance to see that for myself.”
Johnny wanted to ask her if she’d secretly longed for something more, but didn’t dare. Had she been pining away for Bobby, hoping he would take an interest in her?
Would Bobby be interested in her?
The very idea set the hairs on the back of Johnny’s neck straight up in the air. He couldn’t bear the idea of Debbie and Bobby as a couple. Then again, why wouldn’t she choose Bobby over him? Bobby was popular. Famous. Girls fawned over him. No one even knew who Johnny Hartmann was. And unless Debbie somehow rigged this weekend’s appearance on Talent Scouts, maybe they never would.
Slow down, Johnny. Don’t get ahead of yourself.
He released a couple of slow breaths, willing himself to think more clearly. If he wanted to win Debbie—and he did—it couldn’t be done through jealousy. No, this was one battle that could only be won through prayer.
Why, then, did he suddenly feel like punching Bobby Conrad’s lights out? Bobby didn’t even know Debbie Carmichael. Johnny suddenly hoped he never would.
Drawing in a deep breath, he forced his thoughts to Toby’s new motto: “Sing now. Fight later.” Perhaps that was the only way to deal with this one.
Hmm. Looked like he had a lot of singing to do.