~Mia~
My phone buzzed against the nightstand as I stared at the ceiling. It was Andi. The chirping tone was the one I set for her texts so I’d know when she was sending me a message. If the one I just received were anything like the ones from the night before, I already knew what she wanted.
I grabbed a tissue from the box beside the lamp and blew into it. Between losing the battle with my emotions and my newfound allergies, I could barely breathe. I hated crying, but it’s the only thing I’d managed to do last night.
Gripping the phone in my hand, my stomach rolled as I brought it closer. I tapped the screen a few times and pulled up Andi’s message. Scrolling over each word, I wasn’t surprised by what she had to say. It was just as I suspected.
Ayden isn’t giving up on the idea of joining you. He knows I have the address and he won’t stop asking me to give it to him. How long are you going to be gone? Please text him. He needs to hear from you.
The knots in my stomach grew. I left our text conversation to find the one between Ayden and me. As I glanced at the messages we’d sent each other, my eyes began blurring.
It’s not what you think. I don’t care about Izzy. It’s the baby. I feel sorry for the child. It’s innocent, but I still don’t believe it’s mine. I’m not taking care of Izzy. Please, Mia, tell me where you are. I’ll fly out and join you. I can’t stand being apart like this. Please. Call me.
There was no denying how tempted I was to let him know the address to the estate of my associate and family friend, Greg. I’d been so excited to bring Ayden along. If he had come, we would have taken the train down to New York City. Niagara Falls was another place I considered going, but none of those plans worked out.
Stroking my phone screen, I exhaled deeply as I thought of our last few minutes together. If I’d just invited him on the trip a few seconds sooner . . . No. Even if I had asked him, it didn’t mean he’d be here right now.
A knock on my door drew me back to the present. I flung the covers off my legs and grabbed my robe. Greg and I weren’t supposed to have our meeting until later today. He’d been a gracious host, making sure my things were brought to my room and preparing an extravagant meal to welcome me.
I hope I hadn’t offended him by not eating much. After leaving Music Haven under the circumstances I did, my nerves remained frayed. The knot in my stomach grew in size, making it impossible to consume anything.
Before I reached the door, it cracked open. “Mia, are you decent?”
The familiar sound of his voice made my heart seize. “Dad?”
He slid past the door and into my room, spotting me once he did. A smile swept over his face as he opened his arms to me. I didn’t hesitate to rush into them.
“Hi, baby girl.” He squeezed me. “It’s been too long.”
“Way too long, Dad. I thought you were coming home on the Fourth of July?”
“The manager for one of the bands I’ve been hoping to sign had a barbecue, and he would only agree to the meeting I arranged if I came.” When he pulled away, he studied me. “After Greg told me you were coming, I knew I’d be able to see you since my next meeting is in Syracuse. I just left Toronto this morning.”
“He didn’t mention anything about you coming here.”
My father laughed and hugged me again. “That’s because I wanted to surprise you.” When he pulled away this time, he gave me a stern look. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, just having allergy issues.”
My nasally response caused him to smirk. “Greg mentioned you didn’t feel well when you got off the plane. When I told him I would be by to see you, he asked me to convince you to see his doctor if you weren’t better.”
“I’ll be fine.”
One brow raised in my direction. “Then what else is troubling you? I know something is.”
Even as a little girl, my father always knew when something was bothering me. I used to think he could read my mind. Guess it was just part of being a parent.
“It’s nothing, Dad.” I walked back toward the bed, but instead of sitting on the edge, I lowered myself onto the chaise lounge. He joined me a second later.
“Is it Izzy again?”
I nodded. Although I wasn’t happy about Andi calling him when I left Music Haven a few months ago, I was glad she had now. He knew the gist of what had happened with Wesley and Izzy. In fact, he was the one who reminded me about the clause in my ex-boyfriend’s contract, the one that allowed me to fire him from his position and force him to leave Music Haven.
He also knew Izzy had played a part in it. I had no evidence to prove she’d drugged me, which was the only reason I hadn’t tossed her sorry ass out of my family home. At least my father believed me. So did everyone else, but without proof of what she did, I could do little.
“Izzy’s pregnant, Dad. You’re going to be a grandfather.”
His nostrils flared as he began shaking his head. “That girl has no business having a baby. She can’t take care of herself, and I know what kind of life she leads. You know as well as I do that you can’t hide stuff in this industry. A lot of bands refer to Izzy as the anything-goes-groupie.”
My dad’s cheeks flushed. Over the last few years, I had heard some of the gossip about my sister through the rumor mill. She’d worked her way through many bands sleeping with different members, earning her scarlet reputation. I knew for a fact she’d been the cause of at least five groups splitting up.
“So who’s the unlucky bastard that knocked her up?”
My stomach did a somersault. “I don’t know for sure, but Izzy’s claiming my boyfriend is the father.”
His face darkened. He looked toward the window and grew quiet. I hadn’t forgotten how upset he was when I told him about the argument Ayden and I had. He wanted to come home, find him and Wesley, and knock their heads together.
“Did he cheat on you?”
“No. Ayden said the baby can’t be his. Izzy snuck into his suite after the fight he and I had, the one that caused me to leave. He was drunk, but he swears he didn’t sleep with her.”
My father faced me again. “What do you think?”
I swallowed against the lump in my throat. “I believe him. Izzy can have a paternity test through blood work and prove if he is the father. Yet she keeps stalling.”
“First this guy accuses you of cheating on him. Then he possibly gets your sister pregnant. Why are you with him?”
His words incited my anger. I jerked my head back as I stared at my dad. “I love Ayden. We would have a perfect relationship if our exes would quit playing games. I’ve been through this once already.”
“Yes, and Darius Stone cheated on you with your sister. You’re saying this guy didn’t?”
“Ayden isn’t D.” I hesitated when my dad rolled his eyes.
“Why do you still call him that?”
Ignoring his question, I shook my head. “Don’t change the subject. You wanted to know why I’m with Ayden. I love him, Dad. He’s a good guy. If Wesley and Izzy hadn’t interfered, we’d be happy.”
I swiped a tear from cheek and lowered my hand until my dad caught it in his. He pulled it closer as I realized why.
“What is this?” He shifted his eyes from my ring to my face.
“You know exactly what it is. Ayden asked me to marry him. I said yes.”
His face grew red. I waited for him to go on a rampage of why I shouldn’t marry Ayden and how I was too good for anyone. He never liked either of my exes, but Ayden wasn’t like them. I believed that with every part of me.
After a moment of silence, my father glanced at me again. His face softened, and he blew out a deep breath. “All I want is for you to be happy. I hate that my mistakes are part of the reason you’re suffering. If Izzy hadn’t . . . ” He faced the floor as his shoulders slumped. “What’s done is done. I can’t change the past, but I am sorry that you’re paying for my mistakes.”
“Everything will work out. I have faith.”
> He smiled at me. “You remind me so much of your mom sometimes. The older you get, the more of her I see in you. That includes those allergies.” He found the box of tissues on the stand beside the chair where we were sitting and handed it to me. “Get yourself dressed for the day. I’m taking you to the doctor.”
“I have a meeting—”
He dismissed what I was about to say with one wave of his hand. “Greg’s son has a game his secretary forgot to put in his planner. He needs to reschedule for tomorrow, so you have no excuse. Get dressed, princess. We’ll go out for lunch after your appointment.”
The thought of food made me sick. Everything did. My heart was in such a mess. Maybe it was the miles separating Ayden and me that had me so emotional. Jet lag didn’t help nor did being sick. What I needed was a vacation.
As soon as my father left the room, I went toward the closet. My phone buzzed when I was halfway there. It wasn’t Andi’s unique ring I heard this time.
This particular tone was assigned to Ayden.
* * *
Trees lined the paved path that led to the Robinson Estate. I admired each of them as my father drove us back toward the main house. The leaves danced in the breeze, blocking part of the setting sun from my view. Music played from the speakers, but the volume was down far enough that I couldn’t hear the lyrics.
If I hadn’t earned the responsibility of Music Haven, I would love to live in a place like this. Fate had different plans for me. My home was in Arizona amongst the sand, rocks, and tumbleweed.
When the car slowed, I peered out the windshield as my father made room for another vehicle to pass. As soon as I saw the bright yellow paint, I realized it was a taxi. Greg had mentioned something about his eldest daughter, Gwen, coming home for the weekend. We hadn’t seen each other in several years, but I liked the thought of seeing her and catching up.
Once my dad parked his car, he rushed around it and helped me out. “Dad, I’m fine. The doctor said it was just allergies.”
“Then why did he take your blood?”
I was hoping he wouldn’t mention that part. “It’s standard procedure. He wants to make sure nothing else is affecting me. It’s been a year since my last physical, so he thought it would be good to check.”
“I don’t get to see you often, Mia. Let me be your dad when I’m with you.”
Guilt gnawed at me as I nodded. I was the reason he was away so much. After my breakup with D, I told my grandfather I didn’t want to scout any more bands. Only one other person could.
My dad.
It was his opinion and mine that my grandfather trusted. I wasn’t in a great place at the time and needed the break. Now we had talent scouts both my dad and I trusted. Still, my dad had the edge over them. A lot of the old-school agents and managers preferred to deal with him.
Giving in, I accepted his hand and exited the car. When he wrapped his arm around me, I leaned against him. It was nice having someone take care of me for a change.
The sweet scent of lilacs filled my nose once we walked into the foyer. I inhaled deeply, savoring the way the tension in my body eased. It was getting late. The trip into town led into an all-day outing for my dad and me.
After struggling to eat my lunch, I assumed he would bring me back. Instead, we’d spent the day driving around, catching up on what he’d been doing aside from work. Part of me was curious if he’d met someone new.
He spent years grieving my mother, refusing to date again whenever someone brought up the subject. As much as I didn’t like the thought of him being with someone else, I wanted him to be happy. I’d learn to accept whomever he chose.
“Mia, I enjoyed our day together.”
“So did I, Dad. I’m sorry I haven’t been as energetic as usual.”
He patted my shoulder. “You’re under a lot of stress right now. I understand what that’s like. This is why I worry about you, sweetheart. You take on so much. It would do you some good to get away from the homestead every once in a while.”
“Trust me. I’d love to go on vacation. It’s been a while since I’ve been to the Caribbean. Maybe over the winter, I’ll take some time off.”
“If you do, I will fly in and help Andi with anything she needs.”
I nodded as we strolled through the foyer toward the staircase. “Thank you. I hope by then I can take you up on your offer.”
“Mia, even your grandfather knew when to take breaks. He didn’t work himself into the grave. If you don’t take better care of yourself, you aren’t going to be around to run Music Haven.”
“Don’t worry so much. I’ll be fine. You raised a strong woman.”
“Even strong women need time away. You’re human. Don’t try to be a superhero.”
Just as we drew closer to the staircase, I spotted something in my peripheral. The butler was walking toward us. “Good evening, Mr. Brooks, Miss Brooks.”
“Good evening, Samuel. Has Greg made it back yet?”
“No sir,” Samuel’s eyes shifted from my father’s face to mine, “but you have a guest, Miss Brooks.”
Confusion flooded through me. “A guest?” I peered at my father, who was frowning and then regarded Samuel again. “Who is it?”
“It’s me, Mia.”
My stomach didn’t just roll this time. It knotted so tightly I thought I’d be sick. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t speak. All I could do was stare. Guess Andi had given in to his pleas.
It was the only answer that explained why Ayden was standing in front of me.
Chapter 16
~Ayden~
The old mansion reminded me of a castle more than anything the moment I saw it. I wasn’t familiar with the man who owned it, but Andi swore it was one of Mia’s families’ oldest friends. He’d known Mia since she was a child.
I’d been anxious to meet him when I arrived, but the only people inside the house were staff. The butler greeted me, explained Mia was out and would be back soon, then invited me to the parlor.
Liquor bottles sat inside a cabinet against one wall. Glasses filled another. If I hadn’t had a few drinks on the plane, it would be hard to resist having one now. My muscles ached from the tension they carried.
As I paced the floor, I heard a car pull up the driveway. It was impossible to see who had arrived. The window inside the parlor faced the west, and the hedges along the front of the house blocked all view of the parking area.
With my luck, it would be Mr. Robinson coming home, but I hoped like hell it was Mia. Every text she’d sent me since she left was short. I wasn’t sure how she would react when she saw me.
Andi thought it was a good idea for me to come. At least that’s what she said. I figured I’d bugged her enough for the address, forcing her to cave. Either way, we could both be in trouble if Mia wasn’t pleased to see me.
Crossing my arms over my chest, I did my best to force all the negative thoughts from my mind. It wasn’t easy, especially when I spotted the butler standing outside the parlor door, staring toward the foyer.
What was the proper etiquette for something like this? Did I wait inside this room for someone to come to me? Did I wait by the door? If Mr. Robinson had arrived, I didn’t want to offend him by ignoring whatever instructions he’d given his employee when it came to accepting guests.
Damn it, I was out of my league.
Voices carried from the front of the house. I crept closer to the parlor door just as the butler walked away. With each passing second, I struggled to hear who was talking. The harder I tried, the more steps I took.
By the time I realized it was Mia, the butler had greeted them. I listened to him call them by their given names. The man standing next to Mia appeared older in age, and if I heard the butler correct, he referred to him as Mr. Brooks.
It couldn’t possibly be . . . Was this Mia’s father? If so, that meant he was Izzy’s father too.
Shit.
“You have a guest, Miss Brooks.” The moment the butler uttered the word
s, I ambled closer to the foyer.
“A guest?” Mia glanced at her father, but he appeared as confused as she was. “Who is it?”
The curiosity in her voice had me holding my breath, but I continued forward and cleared my throat. “It’s me, Mia.”
Her face paled when she saw me. She worked her mouth as if to speak, but no words came out. At least she didn’t frown at me like her father. When I glimpsed at him, he was staring. I felt like I was being scrutinized. Maybe it was just paranoia. Either way, it made me uncomfortable.
Once the butler walked away, her dad studied me a moment. “Sweetheart, are you going to introduce me to your guest?”
Curiosity rang in his words. It did little to settle my nerves. He didn’t want to appear rude, but it was bugging the hell out of him not knowing who I was.
“Dad, this is Ayden McAllister . . . my fiancé.”
Mr. Brooks’ face tightened. When I noticed him shaking his head, I prepared for the worst. Had Mia told him about our relationship or had Izzy? If it were the latter, God only knew what she’d told him. Most of the things that came out of Izzy’s mouth were lies.
The moment he advanced in my direction, I braced myself and prepared for the worst.
“So, you’re the elusive Ayden McAllister.”
“Elusive, no, but yes sir, I’m Ayden.”
His eyes narrowed. “Consider yourself a lucky man to be engaged to my daughter, especially after the way you treated her a few months ago.”
My face grew hot. I should have known this topic would come up. Andi had contacted him while Mia was missing. As much as she hated doing it, at that point, we were desperate for any information we could get.
“Sir, you couldn’t possibly hate me for my actions toward your daughter more than I do. I was a fool blinded by jealousy and lies. You’re right about one thing, though. I know how lucky I am that she forgave me.”
“Is that why you knocked up my other daughter?”
I wanted the ground to open and swallow me. It would be better than standing face to face with Mia’s father, getting grilled about every mistake I’d made with his daughter. I respected him for protecting his children. What else could I say? I would be the same if I had a daughter.
Love Damaged: Rock-N-Roll Heiress Book 2 Page 16