Resonance (A Golden Beach Novel)

by Kim Loraine

  A tightness gripped her throat. “Right.”

  “Angela, I . . . this is too much. They’re taking this too far.”

  Her heart broke at the pleading in his voice, the hurt on his face. “Stop. Just stop.”

  He grabbed her hands and pulled until she was almost pressed against him. “This isn’t about me. This is about you. You can’t just pretend that marriage means nothing to you. I know you better than that.”

  “I’m not actually going to get married.”

  “Oh, really? What if Backbeat tells you to?”

  His words caught her off guard. She wanted to say there was no way she’d go through with it. Aiden had said to follow the label’s lead. What if they really wanted them to get married? There had to be a line drawn somewhere. With five days and three shows left before the end of the tour, her nerves were shot.

  She couldn’t concentrate on even the small things. Half the time she forgot where they were until the moment they took the stage. There was always a handy sign posted in the wings that read You are in _____ in large bold font. Apparently she wasn’t the only one who forgot.

  “What are you going to tell your mom tonight?” His eyes took on a sympathetic cast.

  Her heart lurched. “Oh, I don’t know.”

  His warm hand cupped her cheek. “You’d better figure it out. In her eyes, both of her girls are getting married in the same year. You know she’s going to be freaking out.”

  He dropped a soft kiss on her forehead and left her standing in the middle of the backstage corridor, her heart in her throat, head spinning. He was right. Her mom was not going to understand this, no matter how she spun it. If she continued the lies she’d be chastised for making a rash decision, but if she told the truth her mother would be ashamed she was selling herself for fame.

  Her phone buzzed in her pocket and she pulled it out, glancing at the screen with unease clawing at her belly. She sighed in relief when Valerie’s name and picture showed on the screen.

  “Val, I’m so glad it’s you.”

  “What the hell is going on with you?” Her sister launched into an immediate attack.

  She leaned against the cool cement wall and tilted her head back, focusing on the hanging halogen lights. “I don’t know.” The tears in her voice were barely disguised.

  Valerie’s voice softened. “Oh, Angie.”

  Tears spilled down her cheeks but she had no idea why.

  “I think you need to tell me everything,” Valerie demanded.

  “I can’t.”

  “You can.”

  She shook her head and cleared her throat. “Not over the phone.”

  “Can we meet halfway? There’s that little roadside diner off the freeway.”

  “Country Cousins? Yeah.”

  “I’m leaving in five minutes.” Valerie’s voice held all the strength that Angela needed.

  “Me, too.”

  Valerie was waiting in the parking lot. Her light hair swept into a messy bun, tiny body bundled up against the early spring chill. A bright smile spread across her face as Angela got out of the rental car.

  “Nice car, fancy pants.”

  Angela rolled her eyes beneath her sunglasses and grinned. “It’s a rental.”

  “You’re not old enough to rent a car.”

  She held a finger up to her lips. “Shh, don’t tell anyone.”

  Country Cousins was all the name implied. Kitschy country style complete with wagon wheel light fixtures, taxidermy nightmares on the walls at each table, and plastic menus with pictures of the food instead of descriptions made up the small roadside restaurant. If Angela had discovered it as an adult she would’ve run the other way. Since they’d moved to the east coast as kids, her family stopped here every time they road tripped. It was cheap, entertaining, and the kids could color on the tablecloths without getting them kicked out. The appeal for families with small children wasn’t lost on her.

  “This place hasn’t changed.” Valerie’s eyes roamed the walls and they giggled together at the sight of the terrifying opossum which stood behind the register.

  “That thing is awful.” Angela grimaced as they walked by, feeling like its glass eyes were watching her.

  They ordered without looking at the menu. Chicken-fried-steak and cherry cokes. Always the same.

  As soon as the waitress left, Valerie began the interrogation. “You ready to tell me what’s going on? You barely know Aiden, and I know you’re not in love.”

  “That’s what Garrett said. I don’t know what to do.”

  Her sister shot her a level look. “What are you talking about? You’re the one who agreed to marry him.”

  “I’m going to tell you something, but you can’t tell anyone else. Not Mom, Dad, or even Donovan.”

  Valerie’s eyes went wide.

  “Backbeat is trying to repair his image and boost our sales. They thought the publicity of a whirlwind romance would be perfect.”

  “Sure, but marriage? Seems a little premature. You’re venturing into seventy-two hour divorce territory.”

  “We’re not going through with it. Someone tipped off a journalist that the relationship isn’t real. Backbeat told Aiden a grand gesture was needed. He went as grand as it gets.”

  Valerie blew out a breath. “Man, this is crazy.” She chewed her straw and frowned. “Is Garrett doing all right with this?”

  Annoyance uncurled in her subconscious. “Why are you so concerned with Garrett? I’m the one getting fake married. Mom is going to be impossible.”

  “Garrett has been in love with you since the seventh grade.”

  Angela didn’t want to admit the truth in her sister’s statement. She didn’t want Valerie to know how torn she was, how she felt when Garrett’s lips were on hers. The heat of a blush crept up her neck and she worked to fight it off.

  The waitress came back with two steaming plates and Angela’s mouth watered at the sight of the crispy, golden fried deliciousness.

  “He knows it’s not real,” Angela said, grabbing her knife and cutting into the food.

  Valerie gave her a skeptical look and dug in.

  “So, you’re not upset about the fact that it’s all fake? You’re worried about Mom?”

  “Right . . . I think. I don’t know.”

  “Do you even like Aiden?”

  “Yes. I do. I really like him. Not to mention, he’s gorgeous.”

  “Well, looks aren’t everything,” Valerie offered.

  Angela shot her sister a pointed glare. “Really? This coming from the woman who’s engaged to a ridiculously hot firefighter?”

  “Point taken.”

  “I mean, when we kissed . . . not just for the cameras, but really kissed, it was so good. But it wasn’t anything like it is with Garrett.” She realized her slip up as soon as the name left her mouth.

  “Garrett? I knew it!” Her sister’s eyes were bright. “When?”

  Angela rolled her eyes, kicking herself for her stupidity. “New Year’s.”

  “What? That was almost six weeks ago. Why didn’t you—”

  Holding up a hand, Angela stopped her. “There’s more, before my first date with Aiden, and a few weeks after the tour started.”

  “So there’s something going on?”

  She shook her head. “No. We’ve always had an understanding. He and I are off limits. It’s done.”

  A sad smile crossed Valerie’s lips. “Whatever,” she muttered.

  “What?”

  Her sister’s glare was so fierce she almost shrank away. “I said, whatever. You keep lying to yourself if you want, lie to everyone, but don’t expect not to lose people over this.” Valerie shoved her chair back and dropped some cash on the table, leaving a ful
l plate of food. “I’ve got to go. I’ll see you tonight at the show.”

  Angela reached out and grabbed her sister’s arm. “Promise you won’t tell?” The fear in her voice embarrassed her.

  “Fine.”

  “Gare-bear!” Garrett’s mom ran at him—full throttle—no holds barred. She flung her small, soft body into his and crushed him to her.

  Face flaming with humiliation, he looked around the green room to see if anyone else heard her. They had. The guitar tech was chuckling as he played a video game, and Parker was busting a gut from the other end of the room.

  “Hi, Mom. Did you like the show?”

  “Oh, baby, it was so amazing seeing you up there. Hearing you three finally performing for the kind of crowd you deserve.” Her plump face took on a concerned expression. “I’m sure surprised about Angie and that Aiden guy though.”

  He shifted uncomfortably. “He’s a good guy, Mom.”

  “I’m sure he is if Angie would have him. I guess I just always thought you two would end up together.”

  An ache gripped him and he took a steadying breath. Let it go. In truth, he’d come to feel the same way his mom did. He’d started to hope that one day Angela would be his, but, as he continually had to remind himself, she’d shut him down on no uncertain terms.

  They had three more dates on this tour and then they could go back to life as they knew it. Aiden would break up with her, the band would start on a new album, and things would go back to normal. At least he hoped so.

  Angela breezed in, her skin glowing with the euphoria she only found on stage. Her bright smile sent a tingle down his spine and when her gaze landed on him he felt it, the spark, under all of the pretense. By the look on her face he knew she felt it, too.

  “Good show, Angie.” He wrapped her in a hug, breathing in her scent.

  “It was, wasn’t it? The crowd really loved us tonight. I’m sad it’s ending.”

  “A lot of things are ending in a few days.”

  She stiffened. “Ears,” she warned, casting a look over the now crowded room.

  “Sorry, right. Where are your parents?”

  She shrugged. “I’m sure they’ll be here soon. God, what am I going to say to them?”

  “Did you talk to Aiden?”

  “No, he’s been busy. I’ve actually only seen him a few times outside of the shows.”

  That news was like a small victory. He felt petty and childish, but there wasn’t much he could do about it.

  Raking a hand through his hair, he winced as his fingers caught in his tangled curls. “Maybe you should tell them.”

  Her hazel eyes went wide, betraying a spark of fear. “You think? That’s a lot of people to tell.”

  “Don’t tell your brothers. Just Mom and Dad.”

  She nodded. “Yeah, maybe that’s okay. Mom won’t like it.”

  “No, she won’t.”

  She rose on her toes and kissed his cheek, the barest brush of lips, but it left a burn that seared its way down his body.

  “It’ll be okay,” he rasped.

  “Promise?”

  He grabbed her hand and squeezed. “Cross my heart.”

  Chapter 17

  Angela’s parents stood waiting for her in the lobby of the nondescript hotel. After almost six weeks of staying in hotels up and down the east coast, they all started blending together. At this point she was done with opulent lobbies and fancy penthouse suites. She was just happy to have a non-smoking room, a comfortable bed, and a Jacuzzi tub.

  “Great show, honey.” Her mom’s smile was carefully composed. Angela knew that face. It was the I-don’t-know-how-to-deal-with-this-child face. She’d seen it lots of times over the years.

  “Thanks, Mom. I’m really happy to see you guys.” Hot tears stung her eyes and her chest ached. Why was she so upset?

  “Baby, are you all right?” her dad asked, placing a hand on her shoulder and pulling her in for a hug.

  She sniffed and forced herself to gather her composure. I will not lose my shit in the middle of a hotel lobby. “Come on, let’s go to my room. You guys hungry? I can order room service.”

  Her mom shook her head. “It’s too late for us to eat.”

  “I could eat,” her dad said, earning him a disparaging look from her mom. “What? I could.”

  “You can always eat. Why is it you’re slim and trim and can eat whatever junk you want and I gain ten pounds if I even look at a piece of cheesecake.”

  Her dad wrapped an arm around her mother and squeezed. “You’re just lucky to have found me, I guess.”

  Her mom turned shrewd eyes to Angela. She almost wilted under the scrutiny. “Engaged. You got engaged on national television and didn’t even call me after?”

  Angela cringed. “I’m sorry. I actually need to talk to you about—”

  “Hey, baby doll, there you are.” Aiden intercepted them as they headed to the elevator.

  Her parents stared openly at the rock star as he strode to her and pulled her in for a kiss.

  “Aiden, these are my parents. Kelly and Hank Peters.”

  He released her from his arms and greeted them both, a handshake for her dad and a light hug for her mom.

  “Mr. Peters, Mrs. Peters. It’s nice to meet you.”

  “You call me Mom. That’s what all my boys call me and you’re marrying my daughter so let’s just get that out of the way.”

  “Okay, Mom.” Aiden grinned.

  “We were just going up to my room to talk,” she muttered.

  “Oh, you should come up to my room. It’s loaded with food and drinks. I was actually hoping you’d all want to come, the whole band. The show was awesome tonight and I can’t seem to come down from it.”

  She turned to her parents, offering them an out. “I don’t know. I’m sure they’re tired. Are you guys up for partying with a bunch of rock stars?”

  “Hell, yes.” Her dad’s exuberance startled her, making her laugh out loud.

  “All right, then. Come on up.” Aiden snaked an arm around her waist and motioned for her parents to lead the way toward the elevator.

  “I need to tell them the truth, Aiden,” she whispered in his ear.

  “Why?”

  “Because, this isn’t like me. I’m not the kind of person who has a whirlwind romance in full view of the public. They know that.”

  He kissed her again as she heard the soft shutter clicks of cameras around them.

  “We’ll talk about it in a minute. Right now, we’re deliriously in love,” he murmured against her lips, his fingers playing with the diamond ring on her hand.

  She felt Garrett’s eyes on her before she saw him. It was a tickling sensation on the back of her neck that sent shivers of awareness through her. The elevator doors opened and their group crowded in, making room for Garrett and Parker as well.

  “Garrett, Parker, great show boys,” her mom crooned. “I’m so proud of you.”

  “Thanks, Mom,” Garrett said as he turned to face them. His arm brushed Angela’s as he enveloped her mother in a tight hug. She could smell his clean scent, it mixed with the leather of his jacket and sent fire over her skin.

  “Look at you, so handsome. If it weren’t for those tattoos Hank might have something to worry about.”

  “There’s a reason I never got inked up. I love my wife too much to risk her running away with a rock star.” Her dad chuckled as he was elbowed by her mom.

  “Are you boys coming to the party in Aiden’s room?” her mom asked.

  “Uh, I guess. Are you going?” Garrett sounded amused and Angela found herself wishing she could see his face.

  “We are. My first after-party.”

  Angela rolled her eyes. She didn’t have the heart to
tell her it was a party for the record execs, not really an after-party. Her mom, the wannabe groupie. Yuck.

  If Angela’s mom was expecting a raging party filled with groupies, drugs, and hotel room destruction she would be sorely disappointed. People milled about the large room, casually sipping on drinks, snacking, talking, and laughing. A couple of people sat around the coffee table playing Cards Against Humanity, but that was the most raucous this group got. They were more into relaxing and winding down after a good show.

  She got her parents settled in with drinks and took Aiden’s hand. “We need to talk,” she whispered.

  He grinned, made a show of kissing her before they headed back to the bedroom where they could be alone.

  “Why do you need to tell them?” he asked, sitting on the bed and toeing off his shoes.

  “First, this behavior is so out of character. Second, my parents aren’t going to understand why I would break an engagement after being so public about my love for you.”

  “We don’t have to break it right away. We can keep it going as long as it’s good for us. Marcus is already talking about extending our tour dates, maybe getting Panic Station in on the European leg.”

  Her heart flipped at the prospect of a tour through Europe. “We can’t keep this up and not expect it to get out.”

  “I’ve told you before, it doesn’t have to stay pretend. I like you, you like me. We’ve got chemistry. Why don’t we try for more than pretend?”

  “Aiden, I like you. I do. There’s definitely chemistry between us, but . . .”

  “Garrett.”

  “What?” Her gaze snapped up from the floor to his eyes.

  “Baby doll, it’s obvious to anyone who knows you.”

  A hot blush crept up her cheeks. “I don’t know how to be this . . . person.”

  “What person?”