Summer Serenade

by Melissa McClone

  When she stepped inside her apartment, Pearl greeted her. Ivy swept the cat into her arms, buried her face against the soft, gray fur, and cried.

  * * *

  An hour later, Nash trudged to the physical therapy office. Imagining the hurt expression on Ivy’s face clawed at his heart. He recognized the same devastation from her audition video.

  But what could he do?

  She didn’t want him.

  R.J. had said that if Ivy cared about Nash, she would accept his needing to date Peyton to save his career. He could reinvent himself as a loving, devoted boyfriend to one of the most famous music stars of their time.

  Reinventing himself wasn’t Nash’s first choice, but what could he do except agree because his contract was up? And as R.J. continually reminded Nash, the label was antsy.

  From the early days, he’d lived in fear of his success being pulled away from him. The same way he’d been taken from the apartment he’d called home and made a ward of the state. Oh, he caused trouble and pulled stunts—probably too much—yet he rarely rocked the boat with R.J., his producers, or the record label over important stuff like tours, album content, or branding.

  But now by trying to save his career, he’d lost Ivy. Something R.J. assured Nash wouldn’t happen.

  He kicked a pebble. It flew across the sidewalk until landing on a patch of grass.

  And how long have you been miserable?

  Years. Until he’d found her in Quinn Valley.

  Whose life is it? R.J.’s or yours?

  Nash’s, but Ivy didn’t understand what loyalty meant to him. Only three people were loyal to Nash. Aimee and Sid Bennett. And R.J.

  Nash might give R.J. a hard time, but that was part of their relationship. Nash couldn’t go against his manager’s advice let alone turn his back on him. R.J. was a surrogate father/uncle/friend rolled into one. He’d stood by when things got rough and would never lead Nash astray.

  Or abandon him.

  He entered the physical therapy office.

  Travis sat at the receptionist’s desk. His eyes widened. “You don’t have an appointment today.”

  “I’m leaving town.” The words left a bitter taste in Nash’s mouth.

  The physical therapist grinned. “You finally talked sense into your manager.”

  Nash nodded. Without Ivy, he had no reason to stay in Quinn Valley. R.J. agreed and booked Nash a flight home.

  “When do you head out?” Travis asked.

  “In a couple hours.”

  “That soon?” Travis sounded surprised.

  “Time is money.” Nash extended his arm and shook Travis’s hand. “Thanks for your hard-nosed workouts. I’ll miss them and you. I may even miss this town. Well, parts of it.”

  Travis’s brows furrowed. “Aren’t you coming back?”

  Nash rocked back on his heels. “I’m not planning on it.”

  Travis stood. “What about Ivy?”

  Nash sighed. “It’s over.”

  Travis’s expression hardened. “What did you do?”

  “Nothing.” Nash held up his hands.

  “I know my cousin.” Travis ground out the words. “You had to have done something.”

  “It’s the situation.” Maybe if Nash told Travis, the guy could make Ivy reconsider. Worth a try. “I’m going to fake date a singer who’ll be recording Ivy’s song with me. Ivy has a problem with dating me in secret.”

  Travis’s mouth fell open. “Seriously?”

  Great. Travis was on his side. Nash nodded.

  “I get that you’re rich and famous, but most women would have a problem with that situation. But kudos to my cousin for standing up for herself. Ivy’s never been one to put herself first, so it’s about time she did.”

  Unbelievable. Every Quinn was the same. They protected each other with a fierceness Nash envied. But Travis was dead wrong in this case. “The fake dating is a publicity stunt. Ivy is my real girlfriend.”

  “Are you still recording her songs?”

  That was a strange question. “Of course. They’re great songs.”

  “So Ivy writes great songs you want to sing, and she’s enough for you to date in secret, but not in public, so you need a fake girlfriend instead.”

  “The fake girlfriend is Peyton Rush.”

  Travis sneered. “Am I supposed to be impressed? I’m not. Maybe Peyton is awesome, but Ivy makes you happy.”

  “Don’t blame me.” Nash held up his hands. “Ivy’s the one who walked out. I care about her.”

  “Dude, you have a funny way of showing you care because you gave her no reason to stick with you.”

  “Being together is reason enough,” Nash countered.

  “Together, but only in secret?” Travis shook his head. “Put yourself in her place. You left her in an impossible situation.”

  “How so?”

  “Two days ago, you were lovey-dovey in front of our entire family. You also paid for an expensive, extravagant fireworks show. Now you’re dating someone else? Doesn’t matter if it’s real or fake, my family will consider you a cheater. Though whether Ivy is called a cheater will depend on when you started ‘fake’ dating Peyton. Ivy won’t be able to defend herself or you because she signed an NDA.”

  My family won’t understand.

  Nash rubbed his chin. His fingertips ran across smooth skin, not wiry hair from his beard. “She mentioned her family, but…”

  So I become your secret girlfriend? A guilty pleasure? Not good enough to be out in public with you? Please tell me you’re joking.

  That wasn’t all she’d said.

  I won’t be a secret. Your “other” woman. Because that’s what I’d be called if the media and fans found out even though I was here first. I deserve better, and the fact you don’t realize that when you say you care about me breaks my heart.

  The words replayed in his head. Over and over again until they finally sank in.

  What had he done?

  Nash felt as if he’d gotten hit by a truck or was catching the flu. Sweat coated him. His stomach churned. His face heated with…shame. “I’m an idiot.”

  “You said it, not me.”

  He’d been so focused on R.J. saying Ivy would be fine with the scenario, Nash was confused why she wasn’t. He should have listened to her, heard her concerns, and agreed dating her in secret was a horrible thing to ask her to do.

  “You see the problem now?” Travis asked.

  “I listened to the wrong person.” R.J. not Ivy. Nash’s shoulders sagged. His knees went weak. He clutched the counter to keep from falling to the carpet. She was everything he needed, but he’d messed up so badly. “I don’t think she’ll forgive me this time.”

  “You may be right, but you won’t know unless you try.”

  The thought of her rejecting him made Nash nauseous. But if he didn’t do something, she would be out of his life forever.

  Travis was correct.

  What did Nash have to lose? He’d already lost her, and she wasn’t coming back on her own. “I have to finish packing.”

  Travis tilted his head. “You’re still leaving?”

  “I have to take care of business in Nashville.” That was the only way Nash stood a chance with Ivy. He didn’t know how he knew that. Okay, he did because she’d told him. Well, hinted at it. “I’m going to have to fight my way back into her life, which means I need to stack the odds in my favor.”

  “Good luck.”

  “Thanks, man. I have a feeling I’ll need it.”

  On Nash’s way out of the office, he pulled up his contacts and hit call.

  After the second ring, the line connected.

  “Howdy, boyfriend,” Peyton joked.

  It was now or never. Nash gripped his phone. “About that…”

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  In her apartment the next day, Ivy lay on her bed. She’d cried so much no more tears remained, but that had left her eyes swollen, red, and achy. Somehow she’d scribbled the words runnin
g through her mind, but she wondered if she’d be able to decipher them later to write a breakup song.

  The worst part?

  She kept hoping Nash would come after her. Tell her he was wrong and make everything better.

  A knock sounded.

  Her breath caught in her throat. Was it…?

  She scrambled out of bed, ran to the door, and opened it.

  Her grandmother stood with a concerned look on her wrinkled face. She also held a bag.

  No doubt filled with Ivy’s favorite things to eat. Grams always brought food when she visited.

  Grams walked into the apartment without waiting for an invitation. “Let’s get a wet rag on your eyes. Though it might be too late to keep your head from hurting later.”

  “Thanks.” Ivy wouldn’t try to tell her grandmother she was fine. Anyone could see she wasn’t. “How did you know?”

  “Ruby saw you hurrying down Main Street yesterday. You’ve never been the type to work out, let alone jog, and it’s hot outside. I knew something had to be up.” Grams removed a dishtowel from the drawer and wet it in the sink. “Then Betty texted that your boyfriend had a new girlfriend who is going to sing your song with him. Maude checked out a few gossip sites while Nellie baked you brownies. And here I am.”

  Ivy sat on the edge of her bed. “I—”

  “Lie down.”

  She did.

  A cool, wet cloth covered her eyes.

  “Nash had me fooled,” Grams said. “I was sure he was the one.”

  “The one?”

  “Your one.”

  Ivy’s breath hitched. “He still wants to be with me.”

  Grams gasped. “While he’s dating someone else?”

  “It’s complicated, but I said no. That I deserve better.”

  “You do. I’m proud of you for recognizing your worth. Nash is an idiot and doesn’t deserve you.”

  That made Ivy laugh. “Thanks, Grams.”

  “What about your songs?”

  “I have a contract. He’s still planning to cut…record…three.”

  “And your other songs?”

  Ivy shrugged. “I’ll try to find a music publisher again.”

  “You tried before.”

  She nodded. “But that was before…”

  Nash.

  “Nash Bennett singing three of my songs will get me noticed,” she continued. “That should help me this time around.”

  That was something positive from all this, right? Guess she would find out.

  “You should go,” Grams said.

  “Where?”

  “Nashville.”

  Ivy bolted upright. The damp rag fell onto her lap. “But—”

  “Nash may be an idiot, but he opened a door for you and your music. Maybe more than one. You don’t need him or anyone else to make your dreams come true. You can do it yourself. We all believe in you. It’s time you believe in yourself. Go to Nashville. That was what you wanted to do once.”

  “What if it’s too late for me?”

  Grams sat next to Ivy and smoothed her hair. “It’s never too late to chase your dreams.”

  Ivy wanted to believe her.

  “Did your parents ever tell you why they added live music at the pub?” Grams asked.

  “Mom said it was to bring in more business on the weekends so they could compete with the bars.”

  “That was one reason, but there was another.” A wistful smile formed on her grandmother’s face. “Your dad loved music. It was part of his soul, the way it is yours. Having live shows at the pub kept his passion alive.”

  When Ivy thought about it, that made sense. “I never made that connection.”

  “It’s not something your dad shared with many people.” Grams opened her purse and pulled out a notebook, one that had seen better days. “In high school, he wrote music and poems. Maybe they were one in the same to him, but he dreamed of making it big someday. Well, until he met your mom, and then a new dream took hold. One that involved her, the pub, your brothers, sister, and you.”

  Ivy’s lips parted. “I didn’t know.”

  “I’m not sure how much your mom knows, but years ago, I asked your dad if he had any regrets for setting aside his music dreams.”

  “What did he say?”

  “No regrets because everything he needed and wanted was in Quinn Valley. But you’re not your father. Your path isn’t the same as his. This town—and all of us—have been holding you back. It’s comfortable and safe, but it’s not where you belong, Ivy Quinn.”

  She sniffled. “I thought I belonged with Nash.”

  “Oh, baby.” Grams hugged her. “It might feel like the end of the world, but someday you’ll look back and it won’t hurt as much or at all.”

  “I wish that day was today.”

  “So do I.” Grams let go and placed the notebook in Ivy’s hands. “Your dad would have wanted you to have this. I would have given it to you a long time ago, but I lost it. Finally found it in a bin tucked away in a closet when I was searching for something your grandfather wanted. I was saving it for your birthday gift, but you need to have this now.”

  “Thank you.” Ivy wrapped her fingers around the notebook, careful not to bend the cover. As she paged through the yellowed pages, she glimpsed poems and lyrics. Some short, others long. All written in blue ink. On the last page with any writing, there was only a date and a title: “Summer Serenade.”

  She glanced at her grandmother and pointed to the date. “Why does it stop then?”

  Grams squinted to read it. “That’s around the time your dad met your mom. Maybe he planned to come back to the song or poem but never did. I’m not surprised, given how hard and fast he fell for Marcia.”

  Her father had understood Ivy’s passion for music unlike anyone else in the family. Now she knew why. “Thanks, Grams. I’ll treasure this always.”

  “I know you will.” Her grandmother covered Ivy’s hand with her own. “Dreams change, but if yours hasn’t and you want a music career, go for it. The last thing you want is to have to live with regrets.”

  That was great advice. Though putting it into action might not be so easy. “I wish I hadn’t auditioned for that reality show.”

  Grams sighed. “I know.”

  “Do you have any regrets?”

  “Other than some of you grandchildren still being single?” Grams joked. “No, dear. I have no regrets. I have a wonderful life despite this body getting older. I miss your dad. There’s not a day I don’t think of him, but he left me the greatest gift—the five of you to remember him by. I’ve been blessed many times over by all my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Which is why I don’t want you to have any other regrets.”

  This was so much to take in, especially when Ivy’s heart was hurting so badly. “If I leave Quinn Valley—”

  “You can always visit. Especially around holidays. That way you can see everyone in one place.”

  Ivy smiled. “You always have the best answers.”

  Grams lifted her hand from Ivy’s. “That’s because grandmothers are the most intelligent creatures on this planet. Dolphins are a close second from what I hear.”

  As Ivy laughed, possibilities streamed through her mind. She clutched the notebook to her chest. “I’d be no worse off if I tried, right?”

  “You’d be where you are now only you’d know you gave it your all, but you might find things working out in ways you never imagined.” Grams patted Ivy’s shoulder. “There’s no need to decide today. You know the option is there, so think about it. If it makes you more comfortable, set a time limit of how long you’ll stay there. Or just daydream to get used to the idea. Only you know or can figure out the answer.”

  “Thanks, Grams.”

  Her grandmother stood. “I brought you brownies, your favorite jam, peanut butter, and a fresh loaf of bread. Make sure you eat and take a nap.”

  Ivy didn’t think she could eat or sleep, but she found herself nodding anywa
y.

  Grams picked up her purse. “I need to get back to the ranch.”

  “Before you go…” Ivy took a breath and another. “I’m sorry Nash wasn’t my one, and I won’t be the next grandchild to get married. I know how much you want to see us all settled.”

  “Don’t you worry about that. I’m relieved you discovered the truth now instead of later.” Grams squeezed Ivy’s hand. “Your match is out there. I know you’ll find him. Who knows? He might be in Tennessee instead of Idaho.”

  None of them stood a chance against Gertie Quinn. Ivy grinned. “You never give up.”

  Grams kissed her forehead. “And neither should you.”

  “I love you.”

  “I love you, too.” Grams hugged her tight. “No matter what you decide. Go. Stay. That love will never change. And I know your dad would be proud of the woman you’ve become.”

  “Even though I never became a star?”

  “You’re our star, Ivy Quinn. And that will never change, either.”

  * * *

  You won’t know unless you try.

  As Nash sat in his house waiting for R.J. to arrive, Travis’s words echoed through Nash’s head. He’d been in Nashville for two days and was miserable without Ivy. He’d called her but had been sent straight to voice mail. Probably for the best because he didn’t know what to say.

  I miss you.

  I made a huge mistake.

  Come to Nashville.

  No, that wouldn’t be fair to ask her to do. He needed to go to her. But first he needed to take care of business. He’d believed loyalty was the most important thing in his relationship with his manager. He’d wanted R.J.’s input on everything. He believed R.J. had his best interest at heart, but after speaking with Peyton before he’d left Quinn Valley followed by phone calls to his producer and the record exec who handled him, Nash had learned a hard truth…

  R.J. didn’t care about him. His manager only cared about making money off Nash.

  Everything Nash thought to be true about their relationship hadn’t been. His career wasn’t over like R.J. kept saying. Maybe Nash’s star wasn’t shining as brightly as it once had, but every career had highs and lows. His was on a lull.