What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection (WTRAFSOG Book 9)

by Kristine Cayne

  “What song is that?” Randy wondered if he’d missed something.

  “Nothing you know about. Don’t worry. This is something new I wrote. The only one to hear it so far is Lucas. Well, Emily too.”

  “What about Lucas? Who’s talking about me now?” Lucas said from behind Randy.

  “Oh, we all are,” Blaine teased, moving out of the way so he could come inside.

  Lucas laughed. “Figures. Feeling better today?”

  Blaine leaned against Randy and he slid his arm around her. “Yeah, I am actually. I decided that I’m moving forward. We know who hit Frederic. I went and saw him today and let out everything I needed to say. I’m still tired of being front page news, but you know what? I’m over it. I can’t keep caring what everyone thinks of me. I have to get past that. I’m just glad to be home again with everyone.”

  Randy wished he’d been there with her when she went to see Frederic, but he was proud of her for letting it go. She’d told him all of this at dinner tonight. She was really making a comeback. “We’re glad to have you home with us too.” He squeezed her shoulder affectionately.

  “I think before we go play some music, there’s plenty of news to go around.” Avery and Lucas exchanged a smile.

  “Are you pregnant again?” Blaine squealed.

  “Oh my- no!” Avery laughed, her cheeks turning red. “It’ll be a while before we’re ready for number two. Luke, tell them.”

  “With Avery’s guidance and support, I’ve been taking online classes and just received enough credits for a general associates degree,” Lucas announced. He stood behind his wife, his hands resting on her shoulders. “I’m still not sure what I want to do, but this was a big step for me. I wasn’t the best student in school. I struggled, even when I lived with Belinda. I want to set a good example for Emily when she gets older, so I decided to pursue it.”

  “That’s great, Lucas!” Jameson applauded.

  “Thanks guys. I never thought I’d come this far. I’m happy I found my way to this little town and everyone here. You made me feel like I have a real home for the first time ever.” Lucas bent to kiss the top of Avery’s head.

  “I understand the real home feeling,” Melody said softly. “You all welcomed me in your life even after everything. Being in Colorado for the trial made me realize how much I never fit in there. I love Harmony’s Echo.” Then she held up her left hand. “Jameson did give me one last beautiful memory to carry in my heart before we left. He proposed.”

  Avery and Blaine squealed and the guys exchanged high fives. Randy grinned at Jameson. His friend was happy.

  “This is great. Seriously. I just- I’m glad things are looking up for everyone again. It’s been a rough few years,” Avery said in a quiet tone. Randy noticed her looking at Jameson. He understood it was tough on everyone, but especially those two.

  “Now, on to that song. I really want to play this.” Avery turned her gaze to Blaine. “You’re the inspiration behind this one.”

  “You wrote a song for me?” Blaine sounded bewildered.

  “Yeah, I did. I promise it’s not bad. At least, I hope it’s not.” Avery laughed nervously.

  “It’s beautiful, Avery,” Lucas assured her.

  “Let’s go hear it,” Randy said, curious himself. “I had a melody pop up in my head the other night that Blaine loves. Maybe I’ll play it tonight, too. No Marty and Sean?”

  Jameson shook his head. “Both are working. This wasn’t an official band practice or anything, so it’s fine. We’ll just end up making music anyway.”

  Everyone made their way to the garage. Blaine reached for Randy’s bag. “I’ll put this in my room real quick.” He let her have it and she darted off. He followed everyone else to the garage. As promised, Blaine returned quickly. Randy sank down on a bean bag chair. She plopped down with him. He wrapped his arms around her from behind. She leaned back against him. Warmth spread throughout his body. God, he loved having her this close. Knowing that she loved him after all these years of hoping was the best feeling.

  “Okay.” Avery settled on a stool with her guitar, eyes on Blaine. “I had this song pop up since that weekend you, Melody and I went out for that much needed spa time. I know you feel out of place and that you weren’t sure where you belong, especially with a burnt out passion. I just want you to know you have a place, Blaine. I hope you like this song. It’s called Your Place among the Stars. And it goes like this.” She strummed the guitar.

  Randy already had a wave of chills from the music. Then Avery sang the words.

  You lost your way

  When trying to find yourself

  I know you had big dreams

  Until they slipped from your hands

  Don’t you know how great you are

  Even if you don’t feel like a star

  You wonder where you belong

  Where you’re supposed to go from here

  There’s a place for you

  If you reach out, we’re all here

  In a world full of bright lights

  It’s hard to see how important you are

  But you have a place among the stars

  Reach within your heart

  I hope you find your dream

  Let love make it’s way in your new start

  The scars you wear don’t have to be seen

  There’s a place for you

  If you reach out, we’re all here

  In a world full of bright lights

  It’s hard to see how important you are

  But you have a place among the stars

  Avery finished. No one moved. Randy held Blaine close and wondered what she thought of the song. He loved it for sure. Avery did a beautiful job.

  “Avery…” Blaine began, her voice choked up with emotion. “Seriously? I- I have no words. I’m not sure what to say. That was beautiful! I so want to cry! No, I am going to cry!”

  “I hope if you cry they’re good tears,” Avery said as she set down her guitar.

  “They’re definitely good tears. You hit me right in the heart with your words. Thank you. I needed that. It’s been a long struggle, but I don’t feel so out of place any more. For once, I feel I’m where I’m supposed to be. With friends, family, and the man I love.” As she said the last part, Randy’s heart warmed. She turned around to face him. “Play your song next, please?”

  “The man you love?” He wanted her to say it again.

  “Yes, the man I love. You, silly.” She gave him a kiss. “I’m sure you’ve all guessed by now, but I love Randy. All of you have helped me since I’ve been home, but I have the most thanks to give to Randy. I don’t do this show-my-emotion thing very well, but he’s shown me that I still have a passion inside. He’s also shown me that I never had to go so far away to chase a dream I wasn’t even sure I wanted. Most of all, he’s shown me unconditional love.”

  “I still don’t know how I missed his feelings for you all these years.” Jameson laughed. “I think you two are good for each other. I already warned him he better not hurt my big sister, either.”

  “Jameson!” Blaine exclaimed. She stared at Randy. “Did he really?”

  “Oh yeah. The morning we went back to the creek to pick up my truck. Don’t blame him. I’ve said the same things to my sister’s boyfriends. By the way, if I play the song, will you dance like you did the other night?” He wondered if she’d decline.

  To his surprise, Blaine nodded. “Of course I will.”

  “Come on, Randy! I want to hear what you’ve got.” Avery moved away from the stool.

  Blaine moved a few things out of the way as Randy settled down on the bench behind the keyboard. “This was just something I messed with. It doesn’t really have a title, although Blaine and I named it The Key To My Heart.” At his words, she turned around, exchanging a smile only the two of them understood.

  As he started the song, Randy watched the woman he loved prepare to dance. He loved watching her. Blaine had an elegant grace to her wh
en she moved across the floor. One day he’d love to see her in action on a real dance floor. She could still steal his heart and breath with her moves. That passion was there. All she needed was the right push and people to support her.

  “Bravo!” Avery and Melody cheered, leading everyone in applause after the song ended. “I haven’t seen you dance in years, Blaine. That was amazing. I love the stage and music, but I could never dance. Stunning! Randy, that music is perfect!”

  “Do you think you can come up with some lyrics for it?” Stupid question. Of course she could.

  “If you want me to put words to your song, I’d be happy to. I’ll even keep your title if you want. This sounds like a fun new project! Do you have a music sheet I could work with?”

  “Not written yet, but before the night is through I can have it down.” A satisfied feeling settled within him as he stared at the faces of his friends and Blaine. Music had a way of awakening passions and bringing dreams to life.

  What could go wrong now?

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  The next morning, Blaine drove Randy to the newspaper office. Last night was amazing. Her brother was engaged and happy. Avery and Lucas had a bright future with each other and with their careers. She’d found a reignited passion for dancing and had a great idea of how she could work it into her new life here in Harmony’s Echo. And Randy, well, she couldn’t imagine how she could love him more. He’d brought her back from her self destructive phase where she’d hid her feelings so no one would know how bad things were. She knew now she didn’t have to do that. Sure, the people in town still looked at her strangely and she knew they were talking, but it didn’t matter. Self respect took over, and Blaine slowly learned to let it roll. She would hold her head high and just be herself. Why hadn’t she learned this earlier?

  “How long are you working today?” Randy asked as they walked hand in hand to his desk. Everyone had their eye on them, but Blaine was used to it.

  “Until one o’clock.”

  “How about I take lunch then?”

  “I’d love that. I’ve got a few things I want to do this afternoon.” They stopped at his desk. Was it appropriate to kiss him here? Nah, probably not.

  “Sounds good. Don’t work too hard,” Randy teased, brushing a finger on her cheek. “Get out of here before I kiss you senseless and we both get in trouble.”

  Blaine giggled, feeling all weird and warm inside. “Yes sir. Love you.”

  “Love you too. Come get me when you leave so we can have lunch. I’ll be watching you.” He wiggled his eyebrows at her, making her burst into another fit of giggles. Oh, this working at the office around Randy was turning out great. She handed him her purse, as she’d been doing recently since she had no desk of her own to keep it safe.

  Blaine walked away feeling good. The first place she stopped at was Randy’s father’s office to find out what kind of things he had in mind for her to do today. This wasn’t the most appealing job, but it kept her busy and kept her cash flow going. Hopefully in a few weeks she’d have her new idea set up. She’d miss being around Randy at work, but she had a ton of excitement for her new plan.

  “Morning. I’m glad to see you and Randy came to a good agreement.” Mr. Hughes peered at her through his glasses from behind his desk. “Come on in.”

  What was he talking about? What good agreement?

  “Agreement?”

  “Why yes. For the exclusive.”

  Heart slamming against her ribcage, Blaine feared the worst. What exclusive? She’d never agreed to it. Oh no. No!

  Randy’s father handed her a newspaper. The headline on the bottom portion screamed her name. Big, black letters.

  Hometown girl Blaine Grant opens up about her quiet marriage to Frederic, the secret tapes she never knew about, and coming home.

  She couldn’t tear her eyes away from it. Bile rose in her throat. What killed her the most was the byline. Randy’s name was there.

  No. No way. He wouldn’t do this to her! Not Randy. She’d trusted him!

  “Blaine? It’s all right. Thank you for clearing the air and telling your side.” Mr. Hughes softened his tone.

  “I didn’t agree to this.” Her voice came out strangled. “I didn’t know about this! I mean other than you telling me the other day. He- Randy-.” Blaine clutched the paper tight in her hand, crumpling it where she gripped. “I’m sorry. Excuse me.” She didn’t give him time to say anything. Blaine stormed over to Randy’s desk, a flood of emotions in her mind. He looked up startled when she approached him. In a fit of anger, Blaine slammed the paper down in front of him. “What the hell is the meaning of this?” She couldn’t breathe. A strong tightness formed in her chest. “Why, Randy? If you’d given me time- I just. Why?”

  “What are you talking about?” Randy jumped up and tried to reach for her. “Blaine! Honey, calm down.”

  “Calm down? You write that and tell me to calm down? Damn you!” The room ordinarily had a little buzz of noise chattering, computer keys clicking and printers printing. Right now it was quiet. Pure, eerie silence. Everyone had their eyes on them, wondering what was going to happen next. “After all those exploits I’ve dealt with, you know how I feel. I know you were under pressure, but why did you have to do that?” Tears overtook her. No, crying wasn’t on the plan right now. Trying to catch a calm breath, Blaine bent down, opening the cabinet door to his desk and grabbed her purse. The best thing to do was get out of here. Now. She didn’t care. She couldn’t think. She didn’t even want to see the rest of the article. She’d seen more than enough.

  “Blaine, wait! I don’t know what this is! I didn’t write it.” Randy pleaded with her.

  “Then why the hell does it have your name? Just fess up, okay? Don’t feed me lie after lie. I’ve lived enough of that. I trusted you. I gave you my heart!” She ran as fast as her legs would carry her out of the building, back into the abundance of sunshine that was the opposite reflection of her mood.

  “Blaine! Would you stop?” Randy shouted, hurrying to catch up. She fumbled for her keys and unlocked her door, quickly starting the engine and peeling out of there. Randy’s waving arms in the rear view mirror grew smaller and smaller as she drove away, her heart breaking and head pounding all the while.

  She thought things were getting better. How wrong she’d been.

  Randy tried to wave her down, but Blaine was in a rage of fury and didn’t stop. She drove away, taking his heart with him. He’d barely had time to look at what she shoved in his face, but whatever it was pissed her off badly. He just wished he knew what she was accusing him of. He tried to call her phone, but got voicemail three times in a row.

  Trudging back inside the office, he walked past curious faces all wondering what happened. “Stop watching me like I’m some damn show!” he snapped, stomping back to his desk. The crumpled paper awaited him. As he sank down on the chair, he picked it up. His heart practically stopped. Who the hell did this? The article byline had his name, but Randy knew for a fact he didn’t do this. No wonder Blaine was so pissed! She thought he betrayed her! And how did they get all this information, let alone get it to the newspaper and make everyone think he wrote it?

  He picked up the paper, shot up from the seat and headed for his father’s office. By the time he sat in front of him, Randy was shaking with his own rage. He slammed the paper down. “I didn’t write this.”

  “What do you mean you didn’t write that? It has your name.”

  “And that’s supposed to mean something? Dad, I didn’t write this. Blaine never agreed to anything, and I wouldn’t do this without her consent. What is going on?”

  Dad stared at him, mouth agape. Then he looked down at the paper as if it was going to have all the answers. “You didn’t write this?”

  “No! Come one Dad. This could be some serious trouble. Someone wrote this using my name. Blaine is devastated. She was just getting better about things! This needs to be fixed!” A muscle strained in his neck. Who would writ
e this and put his name down? “Hold on.” Randy ran back to his desk, remembering the oddity of things minimized on his computer. He’d chalked it up to wanting to get out of there with Blaine, but something did strike him as odd. With a few clicks of the mouse, he checked his browser history. A few sites and some things about Blaine and Frederic popped up, things he never looked up on this computer.

  Footsteps approached from behind. Randy turned to see his dad standing there.

  “There’s stuff in my browser history that I never looked at. From yesterday,” Randy pointed.

  That question of what could go wrong from last night? Well, he’d just received his answer.

  “We’d better hope we don’t get sued over this,” Randy’s father said a little later, talking on the phone to his mom. At least he believed Randy that he hadn’t written this. Everyone in the office was being questioned. No one confessed, and so far no one saw anything out of the ordinary yesterday.

  “I don’t think having our son talk to Blaine to make sure she’s not going to pursue anything against us is a good idea,” Dad said.

  Randy’s blood boiled. Hell no. He wasn’t about to talk to Blaine about not doing anything. If he talked to Blaine, it would be to get her to realize he had nothing to do with this. No matter how many calls he made to her, she didn’t answer. The last try, he finally left a message. “Blaine, you’ve got to answer. I know this looks bad. I know you’re pissed. I did not write this! I wouldn’t ever do that to you, and you should know it. I know you feel betrayed. Call me, please. Let’s figure this out. I- I love you.” He ended the call, defeat settling in his heart. Where did she go? Knowing Blaine, she was having an OCD moment and there was no telling what she’d do. “I’m going to check some of the places I think she’d be.” Randy didn’t even wait for an okay from his father. He was going to do this no matter what. Getting to Blaine and having her listen was his priority. She wasn’t the only one who’d been wronged.

  The first place he checked was the house. Her car wasn’t parked in the drive, but it didn’t mean anything. Randy parked, killed the engine and ran out to knock on the door. Jameson answered, looking a little surprised to see him. “Is Blaine here? Have you heard from her?”