Tangled on Tour: A Tangled Series, #2

By Alexandra Holden

Mackenzie Tanner was living the dream.

At least that's what she thought.

When Mackenzie Tanner met world-famous boy band Dear Juliet while songwriting in Nashville, Tennessee, she never imagined it would lead to being the opening act on their worldwide tour, or the broken heart which would follow.

As they play to sold-out audiences across the globe, Mackenzie realizes her dream may not be what she thought it was. Singing with the boy she loves and the boy she's supposed to love leads to a tangled mess.

But Nashville is on the horizon...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Inkspell Publishing
• Release date: Aug 13, 2018
• ISBN: 9781945910852

Book preview

Chapter 1: The Studio

London

’Cause you’ve got the wild west blowing through your veins, and I’m the kind of girl who loves to be blown away. Wanted, wanted those pretty blue eyes. Wanted, wanted, you’re my guy. Mackenzie sang into the microphone, throwing as much attitude and energy into the song as her tired body could muster. I’ll be your shotgun, you’ll be my trigger. If we’re going down, we’ll go together.

When the song was over, she waited for the red light over the door to flash off before reaching down for her water bottle. She heard the track click off in her headphones, replaced with a voice she’d grown quite accustomed to over the past ten hours.

That was great, praised Eugene Worsham, her EP’s producer. You nailed the last chorus and the tag, but I feel like you lost momentum on the bridge...

Declan Collins, manager of the world-famous boy band Dear Juliet, and now Mackenzie Tanner, had flown Eugene in from Nashville to work with her in the London studio. Eugene was a budding producer in Nashville and had the perfect country-pop edge she needed. She and Eugene had bonded immediately over their mutual love for Johnny Cash.

Let’s give it another go, he instructed, in his easygoing Southern drawl.

It made Mackenzie feel less alienated in the sea of British accents she’d been surrounded with since she’d stepped off the plane that morning. I’ll punch you in three bars before the line, okay?

Sounds good, she replied, giving him a thumbs up through the soundproof glass that separated them.

The music started up in her headphones, and when the lyrics began, she sang as passionately as she could. Again, Eugene thought she could do better.

It was tedious work, but Mackenzie loved it—which was a good thing, because she was only one day into her four weeks of intense preparation before joining her friends William Bishop, Cooper Hart, Jacob Turner, and Riley Knight—collectively known as Dear Juliet—on tour.

She still couldn’t believe the series of beautiful events that had led to this moment. She had met Dear Juliet in Nashville that summer and quickly become friends with the boys. After leaving Nashville with nothing but song inspiration and a broken heart, she went to college and was prepared to get a degree and a real job. That was when Dear Juliet had called and asked her to join them on their sold-out, worldwide, stadium tour. How could she have said no?

As soon as exams were finished, Mackenzie had boarded a plane with Declan and flown straight to Nashville to begin the biggest, scariest adventure of her life.

William had met her and Declan at the airport, much to her relief. A familiar face was exactly what her nervous heart had needed. From there, he had taken her to his flat, where she would be staying while they were in London.

After a quick, three-hour nap, he drove her straight to the recording studio to begin work on her EP. It was a tight schedule, and she was exhausted, but they only had two days to finish vocals.

On the sixth time she recorded the bridge, Mackenzie instinctively knew she had finally nailed it. She looked through the glass expectantly, crossing her fingers. Eugene chuckled, giving her a thumbs up in return.

He played back what they had finished recording to make sure they were happy with it. Mackenzie usually didn’t like to listen to her singing voice, but even she had to admit the track sounded amazing. He was a genius.

You did great, he said, editing the final touches to her vocals. Considering it’s your first time in a professional studio, I’m really impressed. It’s a lot different than recording onto a laptop in your closet, hey?

You could say that.

Eugene hit one more key on his control panel before spinning around in his seat.

Finished, he said triumphantly. Then, he added, For today. You’ll be here at seven o’clock sharp tomorrow morning?

Mackenzie nodded. With a pitcher of coffee and breakfast for us. Which songs are we recording tomorrow?

‘Green-Eyed Sunrise’ and ‘We Found Love Here’, he replied, referring to his notebook.

Then we’re done?

You’re done, Eugene corrected with a smile, flipping through his appointment book. I’ve got Edward Manchester coming in at seven to record the piano for the songs. It should be a real treat—apparently he’s the best of the best here in London.

He is the best of the best everywhere.

Mackenzie and Eugene both turned to the door to see Declan.

He looked much more rested than she did, although that was likely thanks to thirty-plus years of experience dealing with the hectic schedule of the music business. A girl trailed behind him, holding a clipboard covered in papers that she made continuous notes on.

Eugene gave Declan a crooked smile, raising an eyebrow. I don’t know, Mr. C. We’ve got some talented people down in Nashville...but then again, what’s a patriot like myself know?

Declan crossed his arms. And all the best composers were loyalists to the British Crown.

Until our victorious revolution inspired us, Eugene countered with a big smile, giving Mackenzie a playful wink.

That it did, Declan agreed. I may live in London, but I’m still a Yankee at heart. I’d like to introduce you two to someone, he said, switching gears. He stepped to the side and motioned for the girl standing behind him to step forward. This is Rachel.

Mackenzie stood up to shake the girl’s hand. Hi!

It’s a pleasure to meet you, she replied, giving her a firm but friendly handshake.

Rachel has been working as an intern here at HeartStrong for the past three years, Declan explained. She’s worked very diligently and has been an enormous asset to the company. I thought it was time she get the opportunity to advance in her career, so I am allowing her to oversee, under my supervision and mentorship, your career, Mackenzie.

No pressure... Rachel murmured, giving a nervous smile.

Oh! That’s great.

I can assure you she is quite capable of handling all your affairs. She’ll be in charge of getting you from point A to B and is going to be your advisor on everything. What Rachel says goes, all right?

Mackenzie nodded. Got it.

Now, he said, clasping his hands together, I’m sure we’d all like to leave for home. Let’s hear the tracks you recorded today.

Eugene let Declan sit in the producer’s seat while he played the two songs. Declan didn’t say anything, pursing his lips as he crossed his arms and looked off into the distance.

Mackenzie nervously tugged at the hem of her dress, feeling her stomach twist. It reminded her of a horrible pitch she’d had in Nashville. A publisher hadn’t said anything until the end of their meeting, when he’d torn apart her lyrics. To have something so deeply personal and vulnerable dismissed had been gut-wrenching.

She could almost hear the rain again.

When the two songs were over, Declan spun around in the chair. His face was blank as he looked from Mackenzie, to Eugene, and finally settled his gaze on Rachel. What do you think?

She smiled. They’re so catchy. That one line in ‘Tangled in Tennessee’—‘I wish all the other girls didn’t know your name, then maybe I’d have a chance to be with you someday’—I loved it!

A hint of a smile graced Declan’s lips at Rachel’s approval. Ladies and gentlemen, I believe we’ve got ourselves two hits.

After the brief meeting, Mackenzie packed up her things and said goodbye to everyone. She stepped out of the HeartStrong building in downtown London, pulling on her fuzzy Vancouver Olympics red mittens. She did the math in her head: she had nine hours before she would be back to the studio.

She couldn’t help but marvel at the unfamiliar city around her, getting completely lost in the beautiful old architecture and vastness of it all. She could have stood there all afternoon and still been amazed; London had always been on her travel bucket list. She hoped she’d get the chance to explore before they left on tour.

Mackenzie!

She spun around to see William leaning against his black Lexus. She smiled, feeling a little less alone in the big city.

How are you, love?

Good! she replied, hurrying over to the car.

How was your first day in the studio? he asked, opening up the passenger door for her.

Tiring, she replied honestly. But the good kind of tiring, you know?

Do I ever.

Mackenzie’s heart swelled, not for the first time that day. She still could not get over how lucky she was. Dear Juliet had plucked her out of obscurity and given her the opportunity of a lifetime. Not only was she getting to make and perform music—a dream come true—but she was getting to do it all with the boys by her side.

Thanks again for picking me up, she said, settling into her seat for the drive to the flat. It was forty-five minutes away, but the sights and company were worth it.

It’s my pleasure, William replied, turning on to one of the main roads. All your things arrived at the flat earlier this afternoon, by the way. I put them in your room.

Are you sure it’s okay for me to stay with you? She asked again. I don’t want to intrude...

No! I’ve been looking forward to it, he reassured her. We’ll be spending lots of time in stuffy hotels coming up. I thought it might be nice for you to have someplace to call home while you’re here.

Early that morning when Mackenzie arrived in London, she had received a whirlwind tour of William’s flat on Primrose Hill, one of the posh areas of London. The three-story flat was gorgeous, all floor-to-ceiling windows, stainless steel appliances and white accents, complete with a spiral staircase and, her absolute favorite feature, a grand piano in the living room overlooking the city.

William had even personalized the guest room for her, covering the walls in photos of her and the boys in Nashville. Country Weekly was on the bedside table and the attached bathroom had peach-smelling everything. It was sweetly reminiscent of her time in Tennessee.

William pointed out a gated community, hidden by tall shrubbery, as they reached the Primrose area.

Cooper and Jake live right in there, he explained. They’re both really keen to see you.

Mackenzie smiled, despite the twist in her stomach.

She missed Cooper and his antics. She and Cooper had been close in Nashville, pulling pranks and being, as Cooper put it in his thick accent, proper tourists. When she returned home, to complete media chaos, Cooper had been her closest ally.

Mackenzie looked back fondly on her memories of Nashville. She was proud of how she’d grown as an artist and a person that summer—for the most part. But it was amazing how one night—one decision—could so deeply mar a memory.

In Nashville, Mackenzie and Riley connected in a way that she had only ever written songs about before. They had agreed to see each other romantically while she was in Tennessee—to embrace every beautiful summer day—and then part ways come September. It was supposed to have been innocent and uncomplicated, and it could have been, if it weren’t for Jacob Turner.

When Mackenzie had read stories of Dear Juliet’s bona fide bad boy Jacob Turner, she had ignored them as salacious click-bait gossip. But Jake, a boy who always got his way, had proved to her that when he decided he wanted something, he took it. The worst part was that she didn’t care; she had been wildly drawn to him since their first ‘hello’.

Everything had combusted on Mackenzie’s final night in Nashville. Right after Riley told her he wanted to make long-distance work, Jake had swooped in and knocked her off her feet. She and Jake had kissed that night, and burned down everything she’d built with Riley.

It had been a tangled mess.

At the beginning of the school year, a magazine published a three-page story about Dear Juliet’s wild night out in Tennessee. Mackenzie’s picture was plastered all over the cover.

Those images had initiated an onslaught of unwanted media attention, making her the target of every gossip magazine and online blog. People were quick to recognize her, and they wanted answers. She deserved every terrifying, heartbreaking moment of it.

Still; Cooper called her every night to make sure she was okay, always telling her funny stories about his day to take her mind off of the disaster, and promising her it would soon become old news. William had also stepped in, defending her at every turn. He fought for her right to privacy, and had done everything he could to divert media attention.

Before leaving Nashville, Mackenzie had spoken to both Riley and Jake about what had happened. Jake had apologized for his behavior, and Riley made it painfully clear that his goodnight meant goodbye.

The only thing more terrifying than being thrust into the spotlight alongside the most popular boy band in the world was knowing she had to face Riley again. She didn’t know when they would first see each other, but she hoped they could move past the entire debacle and be friends again. She was desperate to gain his forgiveness.

With Jake, Mackenzie had no idea what to expect. In Nashville, he had been callous, arrogant and obnoxious—sometimes. Other times he was gentle, understanding, and good. Mackenzie wasn’t sure which Jake to expect this time: the genuine boy from London, or the bad-boy popstar.

As the car pulled up to William’s flat, Mackenzie wished with all her might that everything would be okay. She wasn’t sure her heart could handle going through what she’d gone through that summer all over again.

Chapter 2: Duet

Mackenzie’s fingers glided across the piano keys, the notes echoing in the small recording booth. Her lips grazed the microphone as she sang into it, struggling to keep her voice steady. Do you remember, back in September, when I first caught your gaze? Just another wide-eyed girl with a heart for you to break...

She and Eugene had decided to record her vocals and piano at the same time, and no other instruments would be added to the track. Cavalier was a deeply personal song and they wanted it to be as raw and real as possible. The fans needed to feel like the track wasn’t tightly produced for mass consumption, but rather that she had recorded it specifically for them.

Cavalier was a song about the first boy who had ever broken her heart. It was about someone she had cared about deeply, but who hadn’t cared about her enough to be careful. It was a song about being left in the wake of someone’s warpath, and feeling completely disarmed and vulnerable.

Every time sang it she was taken right back to a lonely bench in the park, watching the first boy she had ever loved walk away from her as if it were the easiest thing in the world.

Tears welled up in her eyes at the final line of the song. And I can’t believe you had the nerve...to be so cavalier.

When the song ended, she hastily brought her hands up to wipe her eyes. A familiar click told her Eugene had stopped the track.

Come inside, darlin’, he said into her headphones, his voice overwhelmingly gentle.

Mackenzie grabbed her notebook with the lyrics scrawled inside and shut the door to the booth, coming into the other room. Sorry, I didn’t mean to get so emotional. Did it ruin the take?

Eugene stepped out of his chair and told her to sit in it. I want you to hear what you just recorded.

Soft music filled up the small room.

When the song ended, Eugene knelt in front of her, his hands clasped together and his voice low. "People are terrified to wear their hearts on their sleeve because it makes them vulnerable and this world has taught us that vulnerability is a weakness, but the courage it takes to be vulnerable is a gift.

That song, he pointed to the soundboard, "is going to change lives because you had the courage to write about something that broke your heart. It’s gonna hurt like hell to sing because it means something to you, but I promise that every single person who hears it is going to stop feeling isolated and lonely, even if just for a moment, and you are going to change their lives.

I didn’t say yes to producing your EP because I needed the money, or owed Declan any favors. I said yes because I heard ‘Cavalier’ on a demo tape, and I knew that the girl who wrote those lyrics was going to do something incredible with her music. I didn’t know who you were, what you looked like, or what your story was. All I knew was that I was being offered the opportunity to be a part of something magical, and I wasn’t about to pass it up.

A smile broke out over Mackenzie’s face and she threw her arms around Eugene’s neck, her heart bursting at the seams. Thank you.

He saved the track. That take was perfect. I’ll do some minor touch-ups, but you nailed it.

So we’re done? she asked, staring into the empty recording booth. She felt both relieved and disappointed that it was over.

Not quite...

But all the songs for the album are recorded now.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

Rachel stuck her head in. Are you finished ‘Cavalier’?

They nodded.

I can’t wait to hear it. Mackenzie, Declan wants to see you in his office about...something. She shared a look with Eugene that Mackenzie couldn’t quite decipher.

Mackenzie stood up, smoothing down her messy hair. All right...

Rachel remained with Eugene, and as Mackenzie walked down the hallway to the elevators, she could hear ‘Cavalier’ being played. She rode the elevator to the sixth floor of the building, waving at Declan’s secretary before walking around the corner to his office. The door was slightly ajar, but she knocked anyway.

Come in! said a familiar voice, though it didn’t belong to Declan.

She poked her head in, and froze.

Sitting in Declan’s chair, his feet propped up casually on the desk, was none other than Jacob Turner.

Tanner. He greeted her with a smirk.

She shook her head, clearing it of the shock it was in. She hadn’t expected to see him until the press release on Friday.

Hi, she finally replied.

His gaze swept over her appearance and his smirk grew wider. You look lovely today.

She looked down at her oversized, burgundy knit cardigan and mustard yellow you and tequila make me crazy tank top, complete with leggings and boots. She hadn’t exactly planned on seeing anyone other than Eugene and William that day.

She tried to be as discreet as possible as she straightened her cardigan from where it had slipped over one of her shoulders, mentally chastising herself for giving a damn about what Jacob Turner thought about her appearance.

They stared at each other for a long moment before she broke the silence. How have you been?

Good, he responded, crossing his arms and surveying her. He seemed to be calculating something, though what it was, she couldn’t tell. How’s recording?

Good, she replied, forcing herself to relax.

She didn’t know why it felt so strange and awkward to be around Jake. Maybe it was that while they’d moved on from everything that had transpired between them in Nashville, this was the first time speaking in person since. She had to remind herself that she wasn’t speaking to Jacob Turner, world-renowned pop sensation. She was speaking to a colleague—a friend.

Eugene and I just finished recording the last song for my EP.

Jake smiled, sounding genuinely interested. Mackenzie had forgotten about the dimples in his cheeks. Which songs did you record?

We did ‘Tangled in Tennessee’, ‘Wanted’, ‘We Found Love Here’, ‘Cavalier’, and ‘Green-Eyed Sunrise’. She watched him closely at the last title, waiting for a reaction.

Something flashed deep in Jake’s eyes, but it was quickly replaced with the familiar sparkle she had missed so much. Brilliant! I can’t wait to hear it.

Mackenzie smiled, finding herself settling back into the friendly banter they’d had at the start of her time in Nashville—before things got complicated.

Excellent. You’re both here. The door shut with a thud, and they both turned to see Declan coming into his office. He eyed Jake in his seat. I see you’ve made yourselves comfortable.

Jake snatched a mint from the bowl on Declan’s desk, popping it in his mouth before putting his hands leisurely behind his head. Quite comfortable, Uncle Declan.

Declan took a seat next to Mackenzie, apparently deciding getting Jake’s butt out of his chair wasn’t worth the battle. We don’t have much time to talk so I’ll make this simple. He turned to her. You two will be recording a song together this afternoon.

Her jaw went slack. Pardon me?

A duet, he continued, handing them each a lyrics sheet.

She looked down at it, finding the title extremely familiar. This is one of my songs.

One of your better songs, Declan agreed. I left it out of the list for your EP specifically for this purpose. You will be recording it this afternoon and it will be released on the opening night of the tour as a precursor to your EP. You and Jake will also sing it as the first encore song of the boys’ set on tour.

Mackenzie looked to Jake, who didn’t seem concerned about learning the lyrics, or fazed in the slightest. Strange, considering they were about to record it in five minutes.

The realization hit. Wait, you knew about this?

He looked up at her with wide, green eyes, nodding. Of course.

She turned back to Declan, feeling like she was missing something. The schedule was so tight—Declan had been clear that they were only recording those five songs for her EP. Where was this coming from?

Don’t get me wrong, she began, looking over the music sheet. I’m excited, it’s just...why?

Declan and Jake exchanged a glance. They seemed to make some silent agreement before Declan turned back to her. It’s a safety net.

The fans are going to love you, Jake said firmly, cutting in. However, whether you’re attached to us or not, sometimes it takes a lot of time for momentum to build up.

Time is not something we can wait on, Declan added. Either way, a duet with Jacob Turner will do nothing but benefit your career.

Mackenzie eyed them both suspiciously, feeling increasingly uneasy about the duet. It would be fun singing with Jake—not to mention an honor—but it felt like more of a battle strategy than one artist wanting to work with another. So it’s a PR move?

Declan stood up, effectively ending their meeting. You’ll find that ninety-nine percent of the career choices you make in this industry are a PR move, Miss Tanner.

***

Mackenzie sat next to Jake on a stool in the recording booth, an acoustic guitar track filling her headphones with the music to the song she’d written two years ago, sitting in math class.

Jake started it off, leaning expertly into the microphone set up between them and gazing at her with those sparkling green eyes of his. I know that it’s you before I see your face, just by the way you say my name...it’s a melody.

He didn’t lean back as she leaned forward, looking down shyly at her hands and singing. Running into you is a cruel trick of fate I’ll curse that smile I could never hate, and my shaky knees.

Jake’s eyes squeezed shut as he belted out the high note, his voice raw and perfect, as always. It’s been forever!

I wonder if you still care, she sang, watching him closely.

You’ve never looked better. He winked at her, dimples piercing his cheeks.

She rolled her eyes, wrinkling her nose at him. And I can’t help but stare.

When the chorus hit, both closed their eyes and sang. The song was meant to be a powerful balled, and while she would have normally struggled with hitting the notes, she found his presence gave her vocals the extra jolt they needed. Perhaps it was just her wanting to impress him.

She had to admit: they sounded good together. More than good, actually. They sounded amazing, and judging by the way Eugene was staring at them through the soundproof glass, with his jaw slightly dropped, Mackenzie knew that he thought so, too.

It took them until nine at night to finish recording, and then Mackenzie was really, truly, officially done recording her EP. It was exhilarating and terrifying all at once.

Are you hungry? Jake asked as they pulled on their winter jackets, preparing to leave.

I’m starving. She moaned.

Cooper just texted to see if we’d like to join him and Daisy for pizza at our place. What do you think?

Mackenzie’s stomach grumbled loudly in consent. She flushed pink, hoping he hadn’t heard it.

But he smirked, and she knew instantly that he had.

I’ll take that as a yes.

They said goodbye to Eugene, who promised to send Mackenzie each track, as it was finished, for her approval. She thanked him again before following Jake out of the studio. When they came around the corner to the double glass doors at the entrance of the building, she could see half a dozen paparazzi waiting for them.

Mackenzie hesitated, pulling on the back of Jake’s jacket to stop him. He turned around, shielding her from the flashes that had already begun. You’re going to have to face them sooner or later, Tanner. Might as well be with your favorite person on the planet.

She raised an eyebrow. That’s quite a stretch.

Fine. Favorite person in England. She was about to object to that, too, when he interrupted her. Just keep your head down. I’m parked right outside, we’ll go straight to the vehicle. If worst comes to worst, I’ll trip you and make a break for it.

She made a face at him, but found comfort in how nonchalant he was acting toward the situation. And he was right—sooner or later, she would have to face the cameras.

Stay right behind me. Jake instructed before turning around.

The second they stepped outside, cameras were shoved in their faces and people started shouting questions. Jake walked in front of Mackenzie, plowing his way through the paparazzi toward a shiny silver Mustang parked on the side of the road.

How was the recording?

Is Declan mad about your recent club crawl, Jake?

Who’s the pretty girl?

Jake, over here!

What’s your name, love?

It was over before Mackenzie could blink twice, and soon they were speeding away in the warmth of Jake’s car. Her heart rattled just as hard as it had the first time she had encountered the paparazzi, with the boys back in Nashville.

Jake turned on the seat warmers. Rock music played softly from the radio as he pulled away from