Skyrocket (Love and Music in Texas Book 6)

by Nikki Lynn Barrett

  This dream of mine

  Came out of the blue

  I used to think the sun wouldn't shine

  But I'm followin' the truth

  I used to cry when you sang me broken lullabies

  Wish you were here to see how I shine tonight

  With the words from a song

  And the strings played just right

  I see past your broken lullabies

  Andrew's voice was shaky and unsure at first, but by the end of the song, his tone came out strong. Matt had to grip his phone tighter, taken by surprise by how well his son was doing up there. Hearing him the other day with Kyra had already been a shock, but to see how comfortable he was on stage with some of the biggest names in music during a sold out show completely blew him away. Tucker quieted down a lot to let Andrew's voice shine, and during the chorus, Kyra and Quinn jumped in.

  His thoughts were all over the place, but one thing rang true. He was damn proud of Andrew. Who would have thought they'd be here right now, doing this? That he'd be okay with his son on stage pursuing music?

  It was all Kyra. She'd shown him throughout the last few months that not all was bad in the music world. Even with today's events and the concern over the fall out, right here, right now, was a moment where dreams came true.

  When Broken Lullabies ended, everyone erupted in thunderous applause. Matt stopped the recording after Kyra wrapped Andrew in a hug and he fist bumped Tucker. Matt continued to cheer and holler. It took a long time for the wave of excitement to die down.

  Thank you, Kyra, for showing me so much more. I will show you everything's all right, no matter what.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Matt never got to talk to Kyra alone after the show. Between meet and greets and an after party which included all of Baby Stetson, Tucker, and Quinn, there was no good time to pull her aside and talk. Not privately, anyway. Oh well. The adrenaline high still sizzled in the air hours after the end of the concert. Everyone crowded on Kyra's tour bus and were laughing, talking, and playing music. Not a dull moment to be found.

  Andrew plopped on the seat beside him, opening a bottle of water. “You made your old man real proud tonight, Andrew,” Matt told him.

  “Really?” Andrew's voice held uncertainty.

  “Really. You took that stage like you owned it. I never thought I'd see the day where my son performed with country music icons. It's a moment that will stay with me forever.”

  “I never thought I'd see the day my dad accepted me wanting to play music,” Andrew admitted.

  “I think we both know who we have to thank for that.” Matt eyed Kyra again. She was a picture of perfection. Even with a glint of sweat on her face and her hair pulled up in a messy ponytail, she resembled an angel.

  “Dad?”

  “Yeah?” He focused on Andrew again.

  “I'm still in shock that you got up on stage to sing. You're really good. I can't believe I've never heard you sing before. Even though I know you don't want to ever make a career out of it, you should sing more often.”

  He let out a small laugh. “I'll think about it.”

  “Do that, and if you ever think more about it, it'd be cool do pair up as a father and son duo. It'd be pretty epic. And you should do at least one duet with Kyra.”

  “Who are you and what have you done with my son?” Matt nudged him. “Quit sounding so grown up. I can't take it.”

  “Yeah, well, I could say the same about you. Who are you, and what have you done with my dad? I mean, come on! Do you know many of my friends are watching your video? They're talking about your stage performance more than mine!” Andrew exclaimed. “Not that I'm complaining, I don't want all the attention like that, but you're trending with Kyra on social media.”

  “I know. I didn't think about all that would come with me stepping in to make sure she was okay,” Matt admitted.

  “Sometimes I wonder if you were taken over by aliens.” Andrew held up his hands. “You're so different. So, you know, maybe one day, even if it's just us, you'll sing with me.”

  “How can I say no? I'll sing with you. We'll sit down and jam on the guitar and sing, or we'll go for a ride, crank up the music, and belt out a tune. I promise.”

  “Awesome. You rock, old man.” Andrew fist bumped him.

  Matt wanted to follow up with a good comeback to Andrew's old man, but a blend of harmonies caught his attention. Kyra, Avery, and Melody were singing a song, something Matt recognized as the one they wrote with Taryn and Blaine a few months ago.

  Boys like to toy with our hearts

  They tell us one thing but show us another

  “Hold up, hold up.” Chris interrupted the women. “I know where this song comes from, and I think the men should have a say here.”

  “Oh really? Can't take the heat?” Taryn teased, flashing a saucy grin at him. Those two were always bantering back and forth. They were a perfect pair together.

  “I don't know. He might have a point here. You write a song about what women go through. I think the males in here need to write a counterpart,” Randy added. “We go through just as much, too.”

  Avery giggled.“I sense a challenge coming on.”

  “Ask Taryn. I like a challenge.” Chris stood behind her, resting his hands on her shoulders.

  “Is this one of those infamous after party on the bus songwriting sessions that eventually turn into a fun show later?” Matt inquired. He totally wanted to be a part of this!

  “I guess you'll find out tonight!” Kyra's eyes twinkled. “Let the fun begin!” She moved to sit beside him on the longer couch.

  His mind went to places like having his way with her on this couch if they had the bus to themselves. One day.

  Matt covered her hand with his. “You were stunning tonight. I needed to say that before we get lost in hours of men vs women debate. You know, in case it gets a little heated.” He winked to show her he was kidding about the heated part. “When you knelt on the stage in front of me with Bare My Soul, I was full of feeling.”

  “I felt bad that we didn't get a chance to finish our discussion,” she admitted, the concern in her eyes showing full force. “My focus has been off all night.”

  “I know. I noticed when you were doing sound check and at parts of your show. You always feel guilty when it comes to your time in the spotlight. I don't like that.” Matt palmed the side of her face. So many words needed to be spoken. So many feelings to put out there. So many-.

  “Oh yeah? Well what about when women play hard to get?” Jameson's voice broke through his thoughts.

  With so many people in this bus, there wasn't much else Matt could do right now. Instead of talking, he kissed Kyra's lips, told her he loved her, and joined in on the battle of the sexes song they were apparently going to write tonight.

  “Hey, guys play hard to get, too!” Quinn exclaimed. Her eyes were on Tucker.

  “Why are ya lookin' at me?” Tucker raised a brow at his wife. “It was you I had to convince to give us a chance.”

  Kyra covered her face with her hands in mock horror. “I think we're all going to cause some trouble tonight.”

  “Yeah, but it's gonna make for one heck of a live performance. If we're still talkin' that tour next year, I think fans would dig this. As long as we make it fun.” Tucker leaned close to Quinn, and a smile lit up his face as he adjusted his hat.

  “There's songs like A Girl in a Country Song out there, so why not something that showcases both sides in the tune?” Avery tapped a pen on a pad of paper. “I like it!”

  “Someone better record this. I have a feeling we'll need some bloopers and other things that we can use for extra footage later on.” Kyra rubbed her hands together. “Let the songwriting battle begin!”

  *****

  The remaining days Matt and Andrew stayed on Kyra's tour, the three actually had a lot more time to spend together. The day after the incident with Andrew, they sat down with her publicist to discuss things. Right now, the best th
ing to do was to lay low and not talk about what Andrew said. If Kendra made a move, then they'd work from there. It left an unsettled feeling in Matt's gut, but what else was there to do?

  Andrew learned his lesson, but he did feel better now that everyone else knew the truth. He'd admitted that at first it embarrassed him. Looking at Andrew now, Matt wouldn't be able to tell. His son was really growing up, learning to take adult situations and handle them, even though a fifteen year old should still be enjoying the times of his youth.

  Hanging out at Waterfront Park on their final day together before Matt and Andrew flew home was full of mixed emotions. He had to hand it to Kyra. This was an on-the-go life, full of good and bad, and Matt was consumed with exhaustion. Hell! He'd only been out with her for a week, and Kyra was the one on her feet and working hard. But getting to see how much this meant to her, and how fans and people she worked with alike reacted to her, he couldn't deny this was the perfect career for her.

  At the moment, they sat at a table playing cards and talking. Cards, of all things. But what mattered was the three were together and having a blast. Kyra's hair was piled up under a cap, and she wore her sunglasses so she'd not be easily recognized.

  “You're quiet,” she noted, setting her gaze on him.

  “Thinking about you.”

  “Me? What about me?”

  Andrew groaned. “You two aren't going to get all mushy right now, are you?”

  Matt laughed. “Maybe. I was thinking about this week.”

  “I know, there's been a lot of things that went wrong-”

  There she went again.

  Scooting closer to her, Matt kissed Kyra silent. “A lot of things went right. Your stage fright faded. Your tour is a success, so far. Each night this week has been a sold out show. Your newest song just went number one- the third from the new CD to do so. You've taken Baby Stetson's dreams and brought them to life. You took my son's dream and brought it to life. I knew your career was going to skyrocket, and I was right.” He brought her hand to his lips. “Thank you for showing me your world.”

  “I...” Kyra's lips moved, but no words came out. “I really thought you were going to say something else right now, especially with everything that happened that we're avoiding talking about.”

  “I'm not avoiding. I'm having a great last afternoon with my son and the woman I love before I don't get to see her for another month.”

  “I think I'm going to get some scenic pictures and leave you two alone.” Andrew stood up. “Love you together and all, but you're too much.”

  Matt peered over at him. “Hey. Later on, maybe the two of us can sit down and you can play me your song.”

  “What? Seriously? You want to hear it?” Andrew didn't hide his surprise, even though they'd had several conversations about his music and the promise to sing together at some point.

  “Yeah, I do. I'm not a hundred percent sure about the idea of you going into music, but it's obvious you have a real love for it. So, I want to be involved however I can. If you'll play me that song you're too nervous to show me, I'd be really honored to sit and listen.”

  Red dotted his cheeks again. “Thanks, Dad. I'm nervous about all of this, but I can't deny how it feels to be on stage.”

  “Don't go too far, okay? But get some great pictures.”

  “I won't, and will do.” Andrew waved, then took off.

  Matt watched Andrew fade from view. “He's really learning to find himself,” he mused.

  “Yeah, he is.” Kyra sniffled. “Wait till you hear the song. It's powerful, Matt.”

  “I'm a little jealous you heard most of it before I did, but I love that he has someone to turn to in the business.”

  “I'm going to have to get a list of all of his choir concerts and special dates so that I can clear my schedule. Nothing will keep me from being there,” Kyra promised. “I want to see every highlight.”

  “He's going to be a sophomore. Damn, where did the time go? He's got three years and he'll be out of high school!” Matt tapped the top of his head. “And I don't have a single gray hair on my head!”

  She giggled. “You've done a fine job with Andrew, Matt Greer.” She toyed with a lock of his hair. “It's been a pleasure spending the last few months with you two.”

  “Kyra.” His heart thudded against his chest as he leaned in for a kiss. Right now, he should ask right now. Sink to one knee and make sure she knew that she was his forever. Claiming her lips for a searing hot kiss first, Matt prepared to do just that.

  But of course, his blasted phone rang. Thinking it was Andrew, Matt had to check and immediately wished he hadn't.

  “What the hell is the meaning of you and Andrew slandering my name?” Kendra's angry voice rang in his ear. “Do you realize what you've done? I'm just about ready to make my debut, and now I have this hanging over me!”

  “You have no right to call me, Kendra. You've made your stance in our lives perfectly clear,” Matt snapped into his phone. “None.” The nerve. Of all the damn nerve! She didn't ask how they were. It was all about her. How had he not realized her selfishness all those years ago? But then again, he wouldn't have Andrew if he'd avoided Kendra completely.

  “And you have no right to allow Andrew to ruin my career. Do you know many threats I'm getting because they claim I abandoned my son?”

  “Well gee, you did give up your rights to him.” Matt shot to his feet as a surge of anger rushed through his veins. He paced the length of the shaded picnic area.

  “And you go out on tour with your tweenie bopper, get on stage and sing with her, then allow Andrew up there to play guitar and sing. So what was it about me, huh? Oh, let me guess. You didn't want me to have any of the fame because you were going after it yourself,” Kendra sneered. “That was it all these years, wasn't it? I never once heard you sing before, and you hated the whole music scene until her.”

  Matt snorted. “Are you hearing yourself right now? You're being ridiculous. Andrew never meant to say what he did, at least, not with malicious intent. You're the one who decided to cut off all ties. You gave birth to him, Kendra, and not once have you had the heart to be a mother. It's a little suspicious to me that you get signed to a record label and then give up rights to your son. Did you ever think about how he feels? It's always been about you. But you know what? You aren't my problem any more. You want your career? You've got it. Leave me and Andrew out of this. You can find honest ways to get your name back into good graces. The only thing Andrew did was speak the truth, because he was tired of holding it in. He was so hurt and embarrassed, so he stepped up to protect me and Kyra when someone turned a stupid photo into lies. Don't call me again. I have nothing more to say to you. You made yourself perfectly clear with your actions.” Matt hung up the phone, never more satisfied with telling her what he wanted to say than he was now.

  Kyra waited for him with a deer in the headlights look. “That bad? You're clenching your fists so tight, your knuckles are white.”

  He shook his head. “I don't know what it is about people like her, but she makes me so damn mad. Enough about her. Kendra doesn't get to ruin my last day with you.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Kyra dreaded this moment. She didn't want Matt and Andrew to leave. The week flew by, and she felt like there'd been too much left unsaid. Every time she'd tried to find the time to sit and talk, someone needed something, and they were things she couldn't ignore.

  Matt and Andrew were about to take a cab to the airport and catch a red eye flight home to Sunset Hills now that the concert ended. They'd said their goodbyes to Randy and everyone else, and now standing outside Kyra's waiting tour bus, Matt wrapped her in a big hug. “This week went by way too fast,” he whispered against her hair, cradling Kyra close.

  “Yes, it did. I'm going to miss you both so much. We'll keep you in the know if anything comes up about Kendra.” She hated bringing it up, but after Matt's conversation with his ex earlier, Kyra had to. “I'm so sorry for how things wen
t.”

  “Kyra, stop. You asked me a while ago to stop calling myself the ordinary guy, well now I'm going to tell you to stop feeling guilty for this being your life. Things happen, and we can't stop them. It doesn't change how I feel. I love you,” Matt murmured before stealing one last kiss. “I don't want to, but I have to go.”

  “See you in Dallas. I'm sure the time will fly.” She tried to sound convincing. Leaving Matt became more difficult each time.

  “And we'll video chat as often as we can.” Matt kissed her again. “Go take the world by storm. By the way, I can't wait to see how that Battle song comes out.”

  She practically snorted. That night with Tucker and Quinn held some great memories, especially when they all bonded over writing a fun song. “You and Andrew added quite a bit to it. Call me when you land. I don't care what time.”

  “Will do. Regular guy life, here I come.” Matt saluted her. “Thank you, Female Singer of the year, for making this a great week. These are the moments I'll hold dear to my heart forever.”

  She choked up at his words.“Thank you, small town mechanic and amazing dad, for believing in me. Now get out of here before I cry again. I still have to get through a goodbye hug with your son.” Kyra wiped her eyes.

  “I might even cry!” Andrew announced when he got to hug Kyra. “This week … I won't ever forget it. This was really, really neat, Kyra. I love you, and I can't wait to see you when you get home.”

  “Love you too, kiddo, and yes, I'm going to call you kiddo right now. I don't like the thought of how much you're growing up. Keep writing, okay? And if you need help with your lyrics, any of them, call me. I'll get back to you as soon as I can. And be good to your dad, especially with all that's going on.” She tousled his hair. Andrew wasn't hers biologically, but she loved him like he was her son.

  “I promise I will.” To her surprise, Andrew hugged her again, then gave her a kiss on the cheek. There were tears in his eyes when he waved and followed his dad to the cab.