Home Is Where You Are

by Melissa Grace

  “So? What happened?” Dallas prodded me.

  I filled them in on the night before, beginning with how captivated I’d been when I first saw Liv, to taking her home and asking her to have dinner with me. They listened intently, and when I finally fell quiet, they both studied me for a moment. “You think I’m crazy, don’t you?”

  Dallas shook his head and chuckled. “Man, I’ve known you’re nuts. That’s not news.” I wadded up my napkin, throwing it at his head, and Cash laughed.

  “I don’t think it’s crazy,” Cash said tentatively. “I guess my question is, do you think she’d even consider letting this be anything more than a friendship?”

  “I honestly don’t know,” I admitted. “I know there’s a connection there. I know she feels it too, but the age thing really freaked her out.”

  “I don’t think the age thing is a big deal.” Dallas shrugged. “I think she could get over that with a little time.” He pressed his lips together, hesitating.

  “What is it?” I narrowed my eyes at him.

  He chewed the inside of his lip. I got the distinct feeling he was trying to choose his words carefully. “I don’t want to be a downer, but let’s say she does get past the age difference. Man, this life isn’t for everybody. That’s one of the reasons so many of us are single, or we end up dating people in the industry. Not everyone likes having their entire lives under a fucking microscope. Not to mention having to choose between being apart or living on the road. It’s a lot.”

  “It is,” Cash agreed. “But don’t let that stop you. When it’s right, it’s right. Somehow you find a way to make it work.”

  “I’m really not trying to discourage you, man.” Dallas’s face softened. “I don’t want to see you get hurt, and I can tell you’re already crazy about this girl. I’ve never seen you like this, so it worries me a little. I don’t want you to get attached and things not work out.”

  “I agree.” Cash nodded. “I think you have to go into this knowing she may never let it go beyond friendship.”

  “Even if she does, you could still face a completely different set of challenges,” Dallas added.

  “I know.” I sighed. “I do know that. I can’t explain it, but I think she could be worth the risk of getting hurt.”

  “Where are you taking her?” Cash asked.

  “That’s a good question,” I said. “I was thinking I might go over to her bakery in a bit and surprise her. Maybe I can get her to have lunch with me too.”

  “Mind if I tag along?” Cash asked quickly.

  “You want to see Ella?” I raised an eyebrow at him.

  “I wouldn’t mind seeing her,” he replied casually, averting his gaze. “I’ll have Brady take us.”

  “I can drive,” I offered.

  “Negative, Ghost Rider.” Cash smirked. “That Lamborghini isn’t exactly inconspicuous. We’ll need to be a little more incognito at this hour. I’m dropping the car at the rental place on my way to the airport, remember? My flight is at seven, and I don’t want you to lose track of time.”

  “Where are you headed? I don’t think you said.”

  “I’m going to spend some time with the in-laws, but I’ll be back in a couple of days.” His face fell a bit. Part of me wanted to reach across the table and hug him.

  “No way are you two jerks leaving me here.” Dallas leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. “I want some of these cupcakes. Are you guys ready?”

  “Actually, there’s something else I need to talk to you guys about,” Cash said.

  I groaned inwardly, already anticipating what he was going to say.

  “Have you guys listened to any more of those songs the label sent over?” Cash looked at me expectantly.

  “Yes.” I sighed. “They were all terrible.”

  “Look, I know most of that stuff is shit.” Cash leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “I also know nobody writes a better song than Jaxon Slade, but the label is breathing down my neck for a new single. I can’t put them off much longer. Yes, your contract is up next year, but the reality is, this is going to be a problem no matter what label we go with.”

  I shifted uncomfortably in my chair, and Dallas shot me a sympathetic glance. Though our songwriting process was collaborative, I wrote almost every single lyric of our songs. The guys and I had come up with some promising new beats and melodies, but for the past six months, I’d not been able to write anything worth listening to.

  I knew it, and the guys knew it. What they didn’t know was why, and I wasn’t ready to tell them. They thought I was merely suffering from a massive case of writer’s block. At that moment, that was all I wanted them to know.

  “We’ve been working on a couple of good hooks,” Dallas lied. “We’re not quite there yet, but we’re getting close.” His eyes flickered over to mine. I knew he was stalling for me, and I was grateful.

  I felt the muscles in my neck stiffen. The band was my family, and I hated disappointing them. I knew what it was like to be let down by the people you were supposed to be able to count on the most.

  “That’s great.” Cash nodded. “I can’t wait to hear them.”

  “Soon,” Dallas promised. “We’ve still got some work to do, but we should have them in the next couple of weeks.”

  My mouth went dry as I considered whether or not I thought that was a promise we could keep. “For sure.”

  Dallas expertly changed the subject. “I know we just had breakfast, but ever since you guys mentioned going over to Liv’s bakery, all I can think about are those cupcakes.”

  “I’m ready.” I gulped down the last of my coffee. “I’ve been ready.”

  “I need to make a couple of calls before we go,” Cash said, rising from his chair. “I’ll go tell Brady the plan and make my calls, then we’ll head out.”

  “Hurry up,” Dallas called as Cash left the table. “I want cupcakes.”

  “Thanks for saving me,” I said softly.

  “I’ve got you, brother.” He reached out to fist bump me. “Now, we just have to come up with those hooks.”

  “I know.” I ran my fingers through my hair. “I’ve been trying.”

  “I know you have,” he assured me. “The inspiration will come. Try not to put so much pressure on yourself. It happens.”

  “Thanks, Dal.”

  “So,” he said. “You ready to see her again?”

  I smiled and nodded. My heart lurched into my throat, and my mind drifted to her beautiful face illuminated by the twinkly lights outside the pie shop. Dallas’s cautious words still echoed in my mind, but I knew that sink or swim, I had to see what we could be.

  Chapter 7

  Liv

  I fell into a comfortable groove, working alongside Katie. Though I enjoyed the company of the other girls that worked with us, I loved the days where it was just the two of us and Ella the most.

  Within a little over an hour, we’d gotten mostly caught up on our orders while dancing to Katie’s favorite playlist. She loved bouncing around the kitchen to Taylor Swift, Beyonce, and Billie Eilish. Her honey-colored ponytail bobbed as she moved and softly sang along to the words of the songs. I caught her glancing at me curiously over the cake she was icing a few times, though she never asked questions.

  Katie took a step back, eyeing her handiwork approvingly. “I’m going to step out front and check on the cases.”

  “Thanks, girl.” I smiled at her and took a moment to stretch my arms when she disappeared through the door. I pulled my phone out of my back pocket and checked our business email before scrolling to my recent calls. Jax’s phone number stared back at me. I knew, in reality, I needed to cancel this dinner thing, but I had to admit there was a part of me that was curious. He sees you, Liv. I ruminated on Ella’s words.

  I chewed my lip as I looked at his number. This was
crazy. I was being a crazy person. I needed to call him and get this over with, or perhaps a text was better. At least I wouldn’t have to hear the heat of his voice that could easily melt me through the phone. Yes, a text was a much better idea.

  “Ummm, Liv.” Katie reappeared in the doorway, closing it behind her before continuing. “Jaxon Slade and Dallas Stone from Midnight in Dallas are here. Right now. In our store.” Shit. Her eyes were wide with shock, and her voice squeaked. “And Jaxon asked to see you.”

  Shit. Shit. Shit.

  “Okay.” I took my apron off and hung it back on the hook. I ran my fingers through my hair, smoothing my hands over my jeans. “Do you mind locking the door and flipping the sign to ‘closed’ while they’re here?”

  “Ella already did it,” she replied, still looking stunned.

  I took a deep breath and started toward the door. “How do I look? Do I look okay?”

  “You look great.” I knew she’d have said that regardless of if it were true, and I loved her for it. She stepped aside to let me through the door, following close behind me.

  “Look who came to visit us.” Ella beamed at me from where she stood talking to Cash. Brady hung out near the door and waved in my direction.

  “Hey, fellas,” I greeted them with a casualness I did not feel. “Did you guys come to load up on some cupcakes?”

  “You bet your ass I did.” Dallas smiled broadly as he moved to hug me. “Long time no see, Liv.”

  “Good to see you again, Dallas.” I returned his hug, and Jax caught my eye as I did. “By the way, this is Katie. She’s a dear friend and one of our top pastry chefs.” I gestured toward Katie, whose smile was plastered on her face in a way that told me she was internally freaking out.

  “Katie, I’m Dallas.” He introduced himself and sauntered over to her. “Clearly we need to be friends, Miss Top Pastry Chef.”

  “Liv.” Jax’s voice was soft as he approached me. “Donut look so surprised to see me.” His lips curled into a smile.

  “Jax.” I pressed my lips together, laughter threatening to escape me. “Donut come in here with your cheesy donut jokes.” We both burst into a fit of giggles as he closed the distance between us, pulling me into his arms. I inhaled his delicious scent, and my heart fluttered inside my chest. “What are you guys doing here?”

  “Dallas wasn’t going to rest until he got his hands on some cupcakes,” he joked.

  “It’s true.” Dallas looked up from his conversation with Katie.

  “Then cupcakes you shall have, my friend.” I stepped behind the counter. I began to pluck cupcakes and a few pastries from the cases, placing them in our signature Tiffany Blue colored boxes. “What else are you guys getting into today?”

  “I’m meeting with a realtor this afternoon,” Dallas answered.

  “Really?” Ella asked with her hand on her hip. “Wait, does that mean you’re considering moving here?”

  Dallas nodded. “Most of us are. Well, all of us except Luca, because he’s a stubborn ass. We’re all here so much, and the city is great. Derek is out exploring right now, in fact. I really wanted to get the ball rolling, maybe look at a few places while I’m here with time to kill.”

  “What about you, Cash?” I asked as I closed the boxes, sealing them with our logo stickers. “Are you making the move too?”

  “I’ve thought about it,” he admitted, crossing his arms. “My work has me here a lot, and it’s such a great town. Nashville has a much slower pace than LA. I could get used to that.”

  “It’s a pretty great place.” I scooted the boxes across the counter. “I’ve loaded y’all down, so there’s plenty for the other guys too. Would y’all like a drink or something to have now?”

  “This is more than enough,” Dallas said. “What do we owe you?”

  “It’s on the house.” I smiled.

  “I love this woman.” Dallas gestured at me with his thumb before scooping the boxes off the counter, returning to his conversation with Katie.

  “Is there a good coffee shop over here?” Cash asked. “We’ve been here a lot, but not to this neighborhood.”

  “Frothy Monkey,” I answered quickly and moved around the counter. “If you make a right out of our store, it’s across the street a few yards down. They have a full menu too. It’s a great place for lunch.”

  Ella nodded in agreement. “We order from there at least a couple times a week.”

  “Speaking of lunch,” Jax said, stepping closer to me. “I know we have plans for dinner, but any chance I could steal you away for lunch too?”

  “It’s so crazy you should ask,” Ella spoke up before I could even respond. “Liv was just saying she was about to take off early since we’re a little slow today.” I shot her a warning look before turning my attention back to Jax.

  “Then I guess it’s my lucky day.” Jax grinned.

  “I was, uh, saying how tired I was.” I pulled the sleeves of my sweater down over my hands. “I was going to, uh, go home and get some rest.”

  “You should go with Liv,” Ella carried on, knowing full well what she was doing. “Order up some delivery and relax. You’ve both got to be exhausted.” In true Ella fashion, she wasn’t going to let this go.

  “Now that is a great idea.” Jax looked over at me expectantly. “What do you say, Liv?”

  Ella gave me an encouraging smile, and I couldn’t help but notice Cash looked thoroughly charmed by her antics.

  I gazed up into Jax’s eager eyes, and my resolve completely broke. “Yeah, let’s do that.” The relief that spread across his face was so cute, I almost forgot why I was thinking about canceling our plans in the first place.

  “To the Batmobile,” Jax joked

  “Sorry, Bruce Wayne.” I chuckled. “I live down the street, so I walk to work.”

  “It looks like it might rain,” Brady mentioned as he peered out the door. “I could drop you guys off. It’s no trouble.”

  “I think we’ll be okay,” Jax said, his eyes not leaving mine. “Thank you, though.”

  “We should probably head on out,” Cash said regretfully to Ella. “I’ve still got a few things to do, and I know Dal needs to get to his meeting with the realtor. I was going to go grab a coffee first, though. Can I bring you back anything?”

  “No, but you’re so sweet to offer,” Ella replied.

  “Well, ladies, it was good seeing you both again. Tell Grace we said hello.” Cash hugged both me and Ella. He waved over in Katie’s direction. Dallas squeezed her with one arm, balancing the cupcake boxes in the other. She gaped at me over Dallas’s shoulder.

  “It was nice meeting you, Top Chef Katie. I hope I get to see you again sometime.” Dallas said, turning to embrace Ella. “Tell Grace we may be neighbors soon.”

  “She will be thrilled.” Ella laughed. “I know she’ll be sad she missed you guys.”

  “I’m sure we’ll be back plenty.” Dallas winked at me, pulling me into another hug. “And I’m sure I’ll be seeing you soon, Liv. Thanks for all the goodies.”

  “Anytime,” I replied. “If you need any insight into the neighborhoods around here or anything, we’re born and raised Nashvillians.” I plucked a couple of our business cards from the holder on the counter and handed them to Dallas. “Now y’all have both me and Ella, and you can stop in any time you’re in the neighborhood.”

  “Thanks, Liv,” Dallas said, before fist-bumping Jax. “And we’ll see you later.”

  “If you guys get any songs written before I see you again, send me some audio.” Cash’s eyes settled on Jax.

  I noticed Jax’s jaw tense and his body stiffen slightly. It was clear he was uncomfortable, though I wasn’t entirely sure why.

  “See ya, ladies.” Dallas waved, and Brady unlocked the door, flipping the sign back to ‘open.’ Brady nodded at us, and Cash threw one last smile over h
is shoulder at Ella.

  “Bye, y’all,” Ella called cheerfully, as the door closed behind them. She turned her attention to me with a shit-eating grin. “Now, you two skedaddle on out of here. Katie and I have everything under control here.” She turned to Jax, leaning in to hug him. “Take care of my girl.”

  “You know I will,” Jax replied. “Tell my favorite accomplice, Grace, I said hi. It was nice meeting you, Katie.”

  “It was nice meeting you guys too,” she said, still starry-eyed.

  “Text me later,” Ella sang, and I started back through the kitchen with Jax on my heels.

  “Ready?” I asked over my shoulder, grabbing my purse off the hook by the door.

  “You donut even have to ask.” He waggled his brow as he moved to open the door for me. “After you.”

  As we set off on the short walk to my house, I noted that Brady had been right. It looked like we were about to get an autumn thunderstorm. We walked for a couple of moments before I finally spoke. “So, you’re really thinking of moving here?”

  “It’s something I’ve been considering.” Jax smiled at me as we strolled down the sidewalk. “The idea is getting more attractive by the second.”

  I averted my gaze, looking down at my boots as I walked. “How long are you in town for?”

  “At least for a few days. We’re on a break for a couple of weeks.” I caught him looking at me out of the corner of my eye. “I guess it all depends on if you get sick of seeing me or not.”

  “What about Cash? It sounded like he was leaving.”

  “He is,” he replied. “He’s going to Charleston, but he’ll be back in a couple of days.”

  I nodded. “What’s in Charleston? Does he have family there?”

  “He’s going to spend some time with his in-laws.”

  “Wait. What?” I snapped my head in his direction. “Cash is married? Wow. I thought he kinda had a thing for Ella. I misjudged the heck out of that.”