Chapter

1

    “How many major cities in the U.S. does your Farewell Tour cover, Larry?”

            “Quite a few.” America’s sexiest heartthrob sat with ease in the guest chair.

            The large, flat screen television over the ornate marble fireplace broadcast “Morning Now” and piqued Taylor Allen’s interest immediately.

            “Larry, you’re known the world over as a superstar singer and composer, famous for haunting melodies and dramatic lyrics, not to mention your overwhelming sex appeal with women. Your performances are never short of explosive, generating a wealth of emotions from the audience.” Kimberly Johns was warm and approachable. She was the perfect interviewer to represent the interests of his female fans. Kimberly looked Larry over as if he’d be the main course as well as dessert. The effect he had on women was incomparable.

            “Thanks for the compliment, but I’m just another singer who writes music.”

            His humility was met with oohs and aahs from the live audience. Larry smiled in response.

            “You’re very modest, but you’re far from just another singer. You’re Larry Davis. What are some of those cities on your tour?”

His smile made Kimberly giggle. “The tour is called ‘Larry Davis—A Night to Remember’ and it’s really quite extensive. I have scheduled performances in thirty-five cities.” His voice defied his New York roots and spoke as a person well traveled. “To name a few…I have already performed at fifteen cities in Great Britain. I toured New England…now I’m here in New York at Madison Square Garden. Next the East Coast, including Tampa and Miami, many cities in the Midwest and the West Coast ending in Las Vegas.” Larry handled interviews with the style and grace of a trained public speaker, the same qualities that he demonstrated during his performances. “We purposely chose an arena venue for these concerts, to allow as many fans as possible to see the performance.”

Larry exuded charm and an easygoing manner. Taylor was intrigued. She turned away from her laptop and the weekly July sales’ reports for Gérard’s clothing stores, stood up, and walked to the television for a closer look at the amazing entertainer with his breathtaking good looks.

“That sounds like an exhausting concert schedule. Won’t it be tiring for you? Are you looking to retire when you finish this tour?”

Larry raised his eyebrows in a boyish fashion. No interviewer could intimidate him. “Yes, it’s an ambitious tour schedule, but not exhausting. I want to reach as many fans as possible as my way of saying good-bye to touring and to thank them for all the years they’ve been there supporting me. I’ll do concerts from time to time, but I’m not going on the road anymore…not on a real tour. Retirement? Not in the least—I’ve signed a three-year contract with the Chambord Hotel in Las Vegas. I’ll have plenty to keep me busy, coming up with new arrangements, new ideas for production numbers, and maybe some new songs. I have an amazing group of talented people, all excellent musicians. My wonderful background singers are invaluable to me.”

Taylor listened and watched intently. She always liked his music. His soft, sparkling, clear blue eyes, and sensual mouth awoke her primal instincts. Her stomach quivered as her pulse quickened.

The interviewer continued. “How do you feel emotionally? Since this is your last tour, do you feel sad at this point in your performing career?”

“Yes, I do feel a little sad. This last tour is a bitter-sweet experience for me. When I arrive in each new city, I’m saying hello to that city and all my fans there, but after these performances, I’ll also be saying good-bye since each stop will probably be the last time I’ll visit that city for a long time. If they want to see me perform again, they’ll have to come out to Vegas.” Larry spoke sincerely, and expressed his deep affection for his fans. “It’s like saying good-bye to faithful friends—and that’s sad. My fans won’t have long road tours to look forward to. Any future concerts will be sporadic, depending on my commitment to the Chambord.” Larry’s focus never wavered from the interviewer. His voice was strong and gentle. “Going on the road as I’ve done all these years, is a young man’s gig.” He sighed. “I’m tired of not having a place to call home. Every city is a different hotel, but the same routine. If I never see another piece of luggage again, that’ll be fine with me.”

Taylor thought, Larry Davis, there’s nothing old about you! You’re sexier now than you’ve ever been! What a man!  Shivers ran down her spine.