“How about just a plain black coffee then. It won’t break our fast.”
Katie Lyn thought for a moment. It was rare that she got to speak to someone in person that knew all about the keto lifestyle lingo. He definitely was fit and trim and maybe she could get some fitness tips from him, or at least stare at him in his workout clothes just a little while longer.
“Sure, sounds great.”
* * *
Alec was full of nervous energy. He wasn’t sure if it was from his workout endorphins or because Katie Lyn was walking next to him. She seemed so nervous and all he wanted to do was put his arm around her and let her know everything would be okay.
They made their way to the restaurant in the hotel where they stood in line to order their coffee.
She started looking around and it seemed like she was nervous.
“What’s wrong?”
“We’re getting looks.”
Alec immediately surveyed the area. Was he so infatuated with her that he was forgetting his most important job? He looked around and noticed a couple young teenage girls looking at her, but no one that looked like a crazy fan.
“I’ll let you in on a little secret,” he leaned down and whispered to her.
“What’s that?” she whispered back.
“You’re a music celebrity, remember?” He smiled, hoping she wouldn’t be offended like she was yesterday. The young girls that were staring, shyly started to approach them.
“Excuse me. You’re Katie Lyn from Lipstick Outlaws, right?” one of the girls asked.
“That’s me. Good morning.”
“Good morning. We’re sorry to bug you, but could we have your autograph? We were at the concert the other night and love your group.”
“When Karma Comes Calling is my favorite song,” the other girl said.
“Thank you. Sure, you can. I don’t have a pen on me, do you?”
“Here.” They handed her one and Katie Lyn signed the CD they had in their hands.
“What are your names?” Katie Lyn asked as Alec kept his protective stance next to her.
“I’m Jamie and this is my sister, Tina.”
“It’s nice to meet you both,” she said.
“The girls at school are never going to believe we saw you in person.”
“Do you have your cell with you? Let’s take a group selfie so you can prove that you did,” Katie Lyn suggested.
“I’ll take it. You two get on each side of Katie Lyn.” Alec took the phone and snapped a couple pictures, just to be safe, and handed the phone back to the girl.
“Thank you so much, Ms. Katie Lyn.” The girls each got a hug from her before heading out of the restaurant.
“Okay. I guess I was just being paranoid.”
“Don’t worry. I’m here to protect you,” he said before he thought better of it.
She looked at him and smiled but didn’t say a word, to which he was grateful.
They got their coffees and looked around to find an empty seat. Alec spotted one and was about to lead her that way, but she stopped.
“What’s wrong? More fans?”
“No, it’s the smell of waffles. It’s driving me nuts. After cheating last night, I’m craving a huge stack of pecan waffles, with lots of butter melting off them, and drizzling them with hot maple syrup.”
Alec’s mouth began to water.
“Okay, let’s get out of here. The way you just described waffles those has me craving them now.”
“It’s a nice morning, let’s sit outside and enjoy the beautiful view of the beach,” she suggested.
“Sounds good. Let’s go.”
They made their way to the outside area with the view of the Gulf. She was right; it was a beautiful morning, but not as beautiful as her.
“So, how long have you been doing keto and working out?” he asked.
“Ever since the photographers started taking pictures of me.” She laughed.
“Welcome to celebrityhood,” he joked back with her.
“I think some of those looks were for you. I don’t think those girls were just staring at me. How long have you been working out?
“Almost four years now.”
“That’s all? Just four years?”
“Yes, why?”
“You look like you’ve been working out for a long time.”
“Nope. I only started worrying about my health four years ago. Back then, I would’ve been ordering a huge stack of pecan waffles, especially after hearing you describe them.”
“I’m sorry. I’m being a bad influence.”
“Don’t be. It’s a struggle every day, but I wouldn’t change how I eat now for anything.”
“I wish I had your will power. Lately I’ve been feeling weak.”
“I saw how you ran on that treadmill this morning. You didn’t appear weak at all.”
Katie Lyn paused and stared over at him. She was studying him and not saying a word. Could this be it? Was it clicking together for her now?
“I swear I know you from somewhere,” she mumbled.
Alec wasn’t sure if this was the right time to tell her. She already seemed so stressed. He needed to let her figure it out on her own. He was sure it would happen one day.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t get much sleep last night.”
“It’s okay. Did you want to discuss the case?”
“Not really. I still can’t believe he’s doing this, but I guess he’s getting back at me for Waylon.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I guess I can’t hide it forever, and I’m sure you’ll find this out soon enough, but the Country Music Hall of Famer, Waylon Bishop is my biological father. Trevor knows that and he was upset with me because I wouldn’t reach out to my father and exploit him for money.”
“I already knew that, the part of Waylon being your father, that is. I just didn’t want to say anything in front of your friend last night, in case she didn’t know.”
“Cin knows, but she’s the only one.”
“That’s your business, Katie Lyn, and I can keep that part out of any discussions, just say the word.”
“It won’t do any good. I’m surprised Trevor didn’t mention it in his petition. He’s probably saving that card in his back pocket.”
“I wouldn’t doubt the jerk would pull a stunt like that.”
“I probably should tell the other girls, don’t you think? Just in case Trevor opens his mouth.”
“Entirely up to you, but I think you owe it to them to be honest.
“I know. I just don’t want them looking at me differently.”
He was lost at what else to say to her. She was falling back to the unsure and scared girl he met years ago.
“So, where’s the next concert?” he asked to change the subject.
“My hometown of Dothan, Alabama. We’re headlining this time.”
“Where at?”
“The National Peanut Festival. Madison is so excited. She can’t wait to ride around town and find all the peanuts.”
“What? Do you mean peanut fields?”
“No, they have statues all around the town of peanuts dressed like people. Policeman, firemen, postal carriers . . . you name it.”
“That’s cute. I bet she’s excited for Disney World, too.”
“No, she doesn’t know. I want to surprise her, so if you see her again, you have to make sure you don’t say anything.”
“Mum’s the word,” he said as he pretended to button his lip.
“Speaking of which, I really should get back to the room and help Mom pack up.” Katie Lyn stood and walked over to the railing to take a closer look at the beach. Alec stood and walked joined her.
He watched as the cool morning gulf breezes softly blew a strand of blonde hair near her face. He flexed his hand by his side, aching to move it back behind her ear and then to lean in and kiss those gorgeous pink lips of hers.
“It’s breathtaking, isn’t it?” she said, looking o
ut at the white sands and blue, green water.
“Absolutely breathtaking,” he said but his mind wasn’t on the beach before them.
She turned and smiled, and he blushed at the thought she caught him staring at her.
“I gotta go. Thank you for the coffee and the pep talk.”
“My pleasure. Would you like me to walk you back?”
“No, I can manage. You enjoy the rest of this beautiful sunrise.”
He nodded as she started walking away but then she stopped once more.
“Alec.”
He turned to face her.
“Yeah?”
“Do I stand a chance of winning this? Be honest, please.”
His heart ached to hear her question her chances. He was failing at reassuring her that he had this handled.
“You just worry about singing those songs and taking that little girl to Disney World. Let me worry about Trevor Howell. I promise you, I won’t let him get away with this.”
She didn’t say anything, just smiled, nodded, and then slowly walked away. He hoped she believed in him. He also hoped he could keep the promise he just made.
6
On the bus ride home, Katie Lyn sat by herself. The other girls were doing their own thing, playing music, writing lyrics and joking around. Usually, she’d be right in there with them, but right now she wasn’t in the mood. She was jealous that they could relax, and for the most part, be carefree. She was one of the youngest members in the band, but sometimes she felt like she was the oldest. That’s what being a single parent at such a young age will do to a woman.
As she looked at her daughter and mom watching The Little Mermaid for the thousandth time, she immediately regretted her thoughts. She wouldn’t trade that baby girl for anything in this world, including a music career. Madison was her life.
Maddie was curled up and lying next to her nana, looking content. She was happy about the close bond between the two, but she had to admit she was a little jealous of it, as well. On one hand, she was jealous that Maddie was spending more time with her nana than she was with her. She knew when she signed up to join the band there might be some sacrifices. That’s why she was thankful that Val agreed to let Maddie and Lynette join them on the tour bus. She knew deep down that there would be times where they would have to stay behind, and it made her sad to think about it.
She even found herself jealous of her own daughter for having all these precious moments with her mother that Katie Lyn never had. When she had been young, her mom had been too busy working her butt off to support them to be able to sit and watch a movie with her. Again, she tried to shake her jealous thoughts. Play the cards you’re dealt, Katie Lyn, her mother used to say to her growing up.
The one highlight of today was her morning with Alec O’Donnell. Even though most of the conversation was about how to respond to Trevor’s petition for custody, it was just nice to be in the company of someone who was an adult, someone who wasn’t family or a band member, and someone who was of the opposite sex.
Alec’s charm, not to mention good looks, were awakening feelings inside Katie Lyn that she thought she’d buried deep inside all those years ago when Trevor Howell broke her heart. Over coffee, she found herself smiling and giggling at his funny jokes, especially when he’d made off color remarks about the ridiculous demands her ex-husband was petitioning for. It was nice to hear a man confirm what Trevor did was wrong. For a long time, she had been convinced that guys stick together, and they all thought the same way. Alec was proving her wrong.
She should’ve known not to sign those papers. She should have known that getting Trevor Howell out of her life wouldn’t be that simple. She’d give it all up to keep the precious little girl with her blonde curls, clutching her teddy bear tightly.
She remembered the day she told Trevor that she was pregnant with Madison. They had been distant for a few weeks, especially after she refused to contact her father. It made her wonder, even then, if he was only seeing her as a meal ticket.
“We could have a house by now, buy anything we want or need. We could travel. But no, you don’t want to bother with contacting him. That’s just stupid, Katie Lyn.”
“Trevor, I don’t feel right about it. If we’re going to make it in Nashville, we have to pave our own way.”
“He owes you.”
“We can do it without him,” she said as she gently touched his arm, trying to encourage her husband. He brushed her off and walked away.
“I think I’ll call one of those entertainment shows. I’m sure they would help”
“No, please don’t. Trevor, I’m begging you, please don’t. We have other things to worry about. More important things.”
“Yeah, like rent and food.”
“And a baby,” she added
He stopped pacing and looked at her. For a brief moment she was scared. The cold look on his face made her wonder if he’d snap and do something to hurt her and the baby.
“You’re pregnant?”
“Yes.”
“You told me you were on the pill.”
“I ran out. I told you that a few months ago. You wouldn’t let me pay to get more.”
“So, this is my fault?”
“It’s no one’s fault. It’s a baby. Aren’t you happy?”
“Happy? Why on Earth would you think I would be happy? In fact, I wonder if it's even mine.”
“I’ve never cheated on you.”
“How do I know that? You’re always talking about that guy at work. What’s his name—Chuck. Yeah, Chuck. Maybe it’s his baby.”
“How could you stand there and accuse me of that? This is your baby, Trevor. No one else’s.”
“I’m outta here.”
“Where are you going?”
“I need some air.”
And then he left and didn’t return.
Katie Lyn went into work the next week as normal, hoping that she and Trevor could discuss the baby more. She’d come home from work only to find he still hadn’t returned. She just got paid and was in the grocery store trying to use her ATM when it was denied for insufficient funds. She tried calling Trevor and got no answer. She checked their account and it was zero balance, including the little bit they had in savings. Her check had gone in, but a withdrawal was made earlier in the day. She raced home, fearing what she already knew she’d find. The apartment was practically empty. Only for her clothes and personal items remained. He even took her jewelry, or what little she had.
Then she noticed he took one more thing. Her guitar.
He enticed her to the lawyer’s office using her guitar as a pawn. Only to find out once they were done that he lied. He didn’t have it anymore.
“I’m sorry. I knew it was the only way you’d come. I had to sell it. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have the money for a divorce.”
“I can’t believe you’d do that. You knew how much I loved that guitar how much I loved . . .” she stopped.
“Katie Lyn, I wish you the best of luck. I do. But I have to pursue my music.”
“So, you don’t even care to know about your child. The child inside me right now.”
He shook his head and walked away.
Katie Lyn vowed that was the very last time a man would break her heart.
She never saw or spoke to him again. She signed the papers just to be rid of him. If he didn’t want the baby, she’d do it alone. Just like her mother.
Her mother moved in with her and refrained from the I told you so’s. She had warned her time and time again, but she hadn’t listened. Those days were over now. Everything she had done, and still did, from that point moving forward was to take care of Madison, her mom and herself. She didn’t need a man
“Honey.” Her mom interrupted her thoughts
“Yeah, Mama.”
“You’re awful quiet. Are you all right?”
Katie Lyn looked over to see that Madison was no longer watching TV.
“I put her to bed in the back,” her mam
a said as she sat down beside her.
“I just have a lot on my mind.”
“I’m sure you do. It’s been a crazy few months.”
“It sure has.”
“You know, I was thinking maybe it’s time.”
“Time for what?”
“Time to call your father.”
“No! Absolutely not. I went to him once and I swore I would never do it again.”
“But, honey, times are different now. If anyone would know how to handle something like this, it would him.”
“I said no, Mama. All I need is for Waylon Bishop to come barging in. The paparazzi would have a field day. I don’t want the band or Val getting mixed up in all this. Besides, after what he did to you. I’m shocked you’d even suggest it.”
“What does Waylon Bishop have to do with your ex-husband?” Mac was standing right there and probably overheard everything. It was just as well. She needed to come clean to them about it all.
“Mac, will you ask everyone to come over so we can talk?”
“Sure, just give me a sec.”
Katie Lyn and Lynette waited for Rissa, Taylor, C.C., Mac and Val to join them. Cinnamon was already there and sat off in the corner to have eye contact with Katie Lyn. She was thankful because she was going to need all her strength to do this.
“There’s something I’ve been keeping from all of you.”
The girls all looked at each other but remained quiet.
“Please, before you judge me, I just didn’t want you guys to feel I was trying to drop his name to get into the band. But what the paparazzi is reporting is true. I’m Waylon Bishop's daughter.”
You could have heard a pin drop on the bus
Katie Lyn looked at Cinnamon, who smiled and nodded her approval.
“What’s the big deal about not telling us? I think it’s cool. Waylon Bishop is a legend,” Rissa said.
“So, why the secrecy?” Taylor asked.
“I’d better explain this part,” Lynette chimed in. “You see, I met Waylon when I was sixteen years old. Back then he was just a struggling musician, but he was quite the charmer. My daddy was a minister and forbid me to date him because he was a bit older, and a lot wilder, than boys my age. So, I did what any rebellious young infatuated girl would do, I ran off and eloped.”
Katie Lyn’s Guarded Heart: Sweethearts of Country Music, Book 4 Page 6