Close Relations. Lynsey Stevens

there on stage for you, but I somehow can’t see me thrilling everyone if I open my mouth and try to sing.’

      Lockie gave a reluctant laugh. Morgan’s tone-deafness was a family joke and Georgia joined in their laughter.

      ‘If you rang Mandy couldn’t she fly back in time?’

      ‘I tried. She’s not there.’

      ‘Then surely you could find someone to stand in for Mandy till she gets back?’ she said, smiling up at her brother, and his eyes narrowed on her.

      ‘Just a minute,’ he breathed. ‘I’ve got it. We’re saved.’ He raised his eyes skyward in thankfulness. ‘I don’t know why I didn’t think of it right away. You can fill in for Mandy on Friday night, Georgia.’

      Georgia stared at him blankly and then shook her head. ‘Oh, no. Not me, Lockie. We’ve been through all this before Mandy joined Country Blues. You know how I feel about performing in public. And, in case you hadn’t noticed, I already have a job, at the bookshop.’

      Her brother held up his hand.

      ‘No, Lockie,’ Georgia repeated adamantly. ‘I like singingI won’t deny that. I used to enjoy it. But privately, not on any stage.’

      ‘Georgia, please.’ Lockie came over to stand in front of her. ‘It would only be for two nights. Then we’d have all of next week to get in touch with Mandy and talk her into coming back early.’

      ‘Try phoning Mandy again. She could easily be back here by Friday,’ Georgia told him, and Lockie threw his hands in the air.

      ‘I told you she wasn’t there. Don’t you think I phoned her as soon as I got the job? I did. Her mother says she’s gone off touring and then she’ll end up in the back woods somewhere visiting cousins. They can’t contact her until Sunday anyway, so there’s no way she’ll make it back.’

      ‘I’m sorry, Lockie.’

      ‘Georgia, you know all the songs. You know the band. You’ve jammed with us often enough. And I reckon Mandy’s costume would even fit you; you’re about the same size.’

      ‘Well, almost,’ Morgan put in amusedly, and Lockie shot a warning glance at her.

      ‘But I don’t care for singing in front of an audience,’ Georgia reiterated firmly, standing up so that her brother didn’t have the advantage of his height looming over her.

      ‘Look, Georgia—’ Lockie’s hands clasped her shoulders ‘—you’re great, if only you’d realise it. Haven’t we always said that? Almost as good as Mandy. Isn’t that the truth, Morgan?’

      ‘Better than Mandy,’ Morgan remarked, and Lockie decided to let that go and turned back to his other sister.

      ‘I know you can do it. You are great.’

      Georgia shrugged her brother’s hands off. ‘Don’t try to sweet-talk me, Lockie. And don’t pressure me.’

      ‘Sweet-talk you!’ Lockie muttered something under his breath. ‘OK, let me put it like this, Georgia. Friday night is our big chance. And you know what Mandy said. No more two-bit jobs. Well, I’ve pulled off the best-an engagement at the Country Music Club.

      ‘But now I’ve got it we need a female lead. It won’t be Country Blues without one. Surely you can see that? You’re the only one besides Mandy who knows our arrangements. We’d only need to run through them with you tomorrow evening and you’d be right for Friday night.’

      ‘I can’t do it, Lockie. I’m sorry.’

      ‘Morgan, you talk to her.’ Lockie appealed to his younger sister. ‘Make her see sense.’

      ‘Don’t bring me into it, Lockie. She’s the one who has to get up in front of all those people and sing.’ ‘You’re a great help.’ Lockie ran his hand through his hair.

      Georgia sighed exasperatedly. ‘I haven’t got the time, Lockie. And I have late shifts at the bookshop. It would never work.’

      ‘It’s only Friday and Saturday, Georgia. I know you only work late on Thursday nights.’ ‘Substituting singers doesn’t sound legal to me—’ Georgia began.

      ‘I’ll tell them at the club, keep it all above board,’ Lockie put in quickly. ‘And Mandy can be back for next weekend’s gig. So where’s the problem? Two nights only, Georgia.’ ‘Lockie, please!’ Georgia brushed her fingers across her forehead.

      ‘Yes, Lockie, I think you’ve badgered Georgia enough for one night,’ Morgan intervened with an uncharacteristic concern. ‘Why don’t you sleep on it, Georgia? And tomorrow, if you feel the same, then that will be it. Lockie will just have to find someone else. OK?’

      Georgia acquiesced and with a heartfelt sigh Lockie did the same.

      ‘All right,’ he agreed. ‘I need a cup of coffee and then I guess I should be off too. I’ll have to put the other guys in the picture.’ With a last appealing glance at his sister he went into the kitchen.

      ‘What will you do?’ Morgan asked.

      ‘I’ve always held out on this with Lockie,’ Georgia said dispiritedly. ‘Ever since we were teenagers and he formed his first band he’s wanted me to sing with him. I enjoyed it for a while, but-’ She stopped. But then Jarrod had arrived back and singing with her brother’s band had faded into a very poor second behind being with Jarrod, being held in his arms, making love…

      ‘If getting up on stage makes you so nervous—well—’ Morgan shrugged ‘-there’s no point in making more hassles for yourself. Still, I can see Lockie’s point. It’s a pity Mandy had to be in New Zealand now, just when Lockie’s got the band such a big break.’

      Georgia nodded and slowly followed Lockie into the kitchen to begin preparing the evening meal. Lockie sat dejectedly at the table, staring into his mug of coffee.

      He glanced up at his sister. ‘Georgia, we need the money the Country Music Club will bring,’ he said in a low voice.

      ‘Now come on, Lockie, I know we aren’t rich but we’re hardly destitute.’

      Lockie’s face creased in a worried frown. ‘I need the money, Georgia.’ He paused as she looked at him, surprised by his serious tone. ‘You know the van’s under hire purchase? Well, I’m behind with the payments. It will be repossessed if I don’t catch up with it.’

      ‘Oh, Lockie.’ Georgia shook her head. ‘Why didn’t you tell me? I could help—’

      Lockie held up his hand. ‘No, Georgia. It’s my responsibility.’ He sighed. ‘And there’s Mandy. Do you think I like putting off our wedding? She deserves better than that. I want to be able to make it up to her for the last penny-scrimping year.’

      Georgia could feel the tension in him.

      “This is a big-time gig, Georgia, and it pays big time. We won’t have to be counting every cent if we can pull this off,’ he persisted. ‘Not Mandy and me. Not Andy and the boys. And not you. We’ll pay you for Friday and Saturday nights, and as you’re saving for a new car this will boost your bank account, believe me.’

      ‘Lockie—’

      ‘And Dad. Maybe we can send him on a holiday. He hasn’t had one since Mum died. Then there’s Morgan. We could help her out with a secretarial course. It would make such a difference; don’t you see?’

      ‘I see you using emotional blackmail,’ Georgia said tiredly.

      ‘Two performances, Georgia. That’s all I ask. I’ll talk to Mandy and she’ll come back. Please, Georgia?’

      ‘Oh, Lockie.’ She sighed. ‘All right,’ she agreed weakly. ‘But two performances only.’

      Lockie’s thin face broke into a grin. ‘Thanks, Georgia. You don’t