The Neighborhood Series (The Neighborhoood)
Page 47
“I don’t know how to navigate this; I don’t know how to be in a relationship with someone of your stature.”
“Yes, you do. I’m the same guy you loved back in high school, I’m just wiser, older and better looking now.”
She looks up at me under her dark lashes and offers me a hesitant smile.
“I think you should tighten up your security if you plan to do shows in Mercy,” she tells me firmly.
“I think that would probably be a good idea. So, we’re good, right?” I ask.
“I trust you, Caleb. I just need to remember that.”
“Good, because after shows I get a wicked rush and now that I don’t need to take care of myself in the shower after shows, I would like to give you a preview of what the rest of your life will be like.” I place my hands on her waist and begin walking her back inside her house with a devilish grin.
Epilogue
The first day of summer brings a lot to the town of Mercy. There’s a street party that takes place on Main Street, more visitors appear and now the newest endeavor is that Mercy is now the destination for promising young musicians to come and spend the summer learning from some of the best in the industry.
We’ve built dorms on one side of the massive estate, two additional studios, and turned the garage into an auditorium for performances and longer practices. Each space has its own schedule and there hopefully will be music of all kinds pouring out of here.
The Mercy Foundation is one step down from Juilliard, but at much less of a cost. I’ve coordinated with some of the biggest names to donate their time during the summer months to come and teach a selection of classes ranging from music theory to being a vocalist.
Parents and their children are arriving at the property in carloads, filling up the side streets and the side parking lot that I had to create by taking out the tennis courts.
I’m looking over the notecards that I’ve worked on for the past few weeks to address the group of students who will be joining us. We’ve granted one hundred students for this first year and even though I’ve spent so much time on stage in front of thousands, I’m scared shitless for this moment.
“You’re going to be great; you’ve put in so much time for this that you’re going to kill it.” Leslie says, gently massaging my shoulders from behind, then trailing her arm around my shoulders to stand in front of me. She straightens my tie and then wipes something off my chin.
“You know you have to speak too,” I remind her.
“Honey, I’m introducing you. That’s easy peasy, lemon squeezy,” she smirks.
I place my hand on the small bump on her slender body. “Already working on your kid languages, I see.” I smile.
“Speaking to a kid is a whole new level, I want to be prepared,” she nods seriously.
“I love you, have I told you that lately,” I pull her closer.
“I think I could withstand being reminded again,” she smiles.
“I love you. I love you. I love you,” I tell her, leaning down and brushing my lips against her gently.
“Alright, are you ready for this?” she asks.
I take a deep breath then nod my head as she walks through the curtains and to the podium in the center of the stage.
My wife looks spectacular in the spotlight.
That’s right, my wife. We got married in a small ceremony on the property, and then I knocked her up on our wedding night. Life couldn’t be much better.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here today and for trusting The Mercy Foundation with your children for the summer.” She pulls the microphone out of the podium like an expert and steps aside. “I want to tell you that you’re offering your children the opportunity of a lifetime. They will train with some of the most influential artists of today, and some incredible professionals in the industry, one of those artists is my husband, Mr. Caleb Mercy. We’ve worked hard to bring his idea to light and I’m proud to announce the first summer session here. Please join me in welcoming, Mr. Mercy himself, from Mercy’s Grind as well as the namesake of this town, Caleb Mercy.” She sweeps her hand to the side and that’s my cue to start walking. Except my feet are planted to the ground.
Damn Nerves.
“Get out there, you goof,” Pete pushes me, as I basically trip out on the stage.
The crowd laughs and Leslie covers her mouth, but I see her smile behind it as I take the microphone.
“Imagine that, me a man who has been out on stage a million times, with stage fright.” I say into the microphone as the crowd erupts in cheers.
This is a new beginning.
The End
Also by Tarrah Anders
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Sinful Secrets Boxset
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THE MELTED SERIES
Frozen Over
FROZE
Freezing
THE NIGHT MOVES SERIES
STRIPPED
The Night Manager
Tapped
(The Night Moves Boxset, includes missing part)
STANDALONES
New Year, New You
The Brute
Summer Fling
CLUTCH Endgame
Change of Scenery
The MORE DUET
More than Friends
No More Heartbreak
WHAT HAPPENS IN…
What Happens in Vegas
Dear Friends,
I love this series.
This year long project came randomly to me one afternoon when talking with Jess Bryant and Maren Lee.
I put myself up to the challenge and loved every second of it.
Thank you for reading my words.
I write for you.
Please check out my website at: WWW.TARRAHANDERS.COM
All my best,
Smooches ~ Tarrah
Acknowledgments
Without you guys loving my words, I don’t think I would have it in me to continue this series.
We’re coming to a close soon, but haven fear there’s still more to be read.
Also, thanks to one of my besties, Jess Bryant for going along with my crazy idea and helping me create these covers.
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About the Author
I am a contemporary romance author who is all about the feels, with the twists of sexy mixed in between. I have been writing since before I can remember. Writing has always been a passion, that was kept it under wraps, stayed on the back-burner and never vocalized or followed through with my desire to be a writer, until I read a horrible book and thought: ‘I could do better than that!’
I am originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, but living in beautiful San Diego with my little family while working during the day as a social worker within Program Management
In other words, I’m a freaking superhero!