“That sounds amazing.” Liv beamed. “Thank you.”
“Thanks, Suzanne,” I said, leading Liv to my favorite table in the back by the window. “Look at you being recognized.”
Liv laughed and took off her jacket, slinging it over the back of the chair. “I can assure you, that’s the first time it’s ever happened.” She looked around the dining room, taking in the bright walls and the framed photos of various slices of pie and coffee drinks. Her eyes settled on a movie poster on the wall opposite us, featuring a piece of Red Velvet Chess Pie. “This place is fun.”
It was so cozy in the converted house, it was easy to forget you weren’t in someone’s dining room. That was one of the things I loved most about the pie shop.
“Two Red Velvet Hot Chocolates.” Suzanne placed two giant mugs in front of us, complete with toasted mini marshmallows.
“This smells delicious,” Liv said, scooping up the mug with both of her hands.
“So, two mac-n-cheese pies?” Suzanne asked. “I can also add some jalapeños to that if you’re feeling spicy.”
“Yes, please.” Liv nodded.
“That sounds great,” I said.
“Coming right up.” Suzanne nodded before disappearing back through the kitchen.
I took a sip of my hot chocolate. “You’re feeling spicy, huh?”
She raised her brow, giving me a little shrug. “Maybe a little.” She took a sip of her hot chocolate, closing her eyes. “Life-changing, as advertised. I’m going to want to come here all the time now.”
I smiled. “I could see us in here, coming up with song ideas over coffee.”
“We need to get to work on those songs we started,” she said. “I know you have to get some ideas over to Cash soon.”
I chewed my lip a moment, my eyes settling on the mug in front of me.
“There you go again.”
I brought my eyes back to hers. “What?”
“You had that same far off look in your eye in the car a few minutes ago.” She peered at me curiously. “Are you stressed about the songs? We can go back and work on them tonight if you want.”
I shook my head. “It’s not that.”
“What is it then?”
My gaze shifted for a moment, my foot lightly bouncing with nervous energy. “I started thinking about something today…”
Liv’s face fell. “Were the songs not quite what you were hoping for? I told you I’m rusty, but I’ll—”
“No, no.” I interrupted her. “It’s not that at all. You’re a phenomenal songwriter. It’s just… it’s gotten me thinking I may not want to use all of these ideas for the band.”
“Oh.” She tilted her head and pursed her lips slightly. “What did you have in mind? Maybe a solo side project?”
I leaned in, focused on her. “What if we had a project together? Our own duo.”
“What?” she blurted, startling herself with how loud her voice was. “No way. You’re joking.”
“Not at all. I think we work well together, Liv. I love writing with you, and it comes so easily. It’s like we’ve performed together for years. Do you know how rare that is?”
“Yeah, but I’m no performer.”
“I call bullshit.” I looked at her pointedly. “Maybe you haven’t been on a stage in a while, but you belong on one. Look, I know you think it’s too late for you, but it’s not. You could still do this. We could do this—together.”
“I don’t know, Jax.” She shook her head. “I was a different person back then. That was ages ago. I don’t even know if that woman still exists.”
“Then who have I spent the last couple of days with?” I challenged her. “Because that woman is still passionate about music. That woman belongs on stage, singing her stories for the world to hear.”
Her expression softened, and she stared out the window wordlessly for a moment. Finally, she turned back toward me. “You really think that?”
“I know that.”
“And you really want to do this? With me?”
“Yeah,” I said. “I do. I know it’s a lot to think about, but will you promise me you’ll at least consider it? We’ll keep writing over the next couple of weeks, and you can decide if and when you’re ready.”
“I wouldn’t want it to come between you and the band, though.” She frowned.
“It doesn’t have to,” I said. “Lots of people do side projects or even join other bands while maintaining their original projects. Look at people like Miranda Lambert, Brandi Carlile, and Steven Tyler. Even the Jonas Brothers made it work.”
She eyed me momentarily as if trying to decide if I would suddenly tell her this was all part of some elaborate joke. “Okay. I’ll think about it.”
My smile stretched to my ears. “Thank you.” At least I knew I’d have the next couple of weeks to hopefully convince her that we could have a future together, both on and off the stage.
“Two jalapeño mac-n-cheese pies.” Suzanne appeared at our side, placing our plates in front of us. “Can I get you guys anything else right now?”
“No, thank you.” I smiled, looking over at Liv. “I think we’ve got everything we need.”
Chapter 11
Liv
My mind felt like it had been on a Tilt-A-Whirl ride. First, I’d kissed Jax, and then he’d suggested we start our own musical act. My head kept telling me what a bad idea this was. I was far too old, and I could never be good enough for a man like him. He was a handsome, successful, and much younger rockstar. Yet I felt my heart being pulled more and more in his direction. I loved the way his eyes always seemed to find mine and how easily we fit into each other’s lives. I found I was having to remind myself about the age difference and the fact that he’d be back on a tour bus soon, but I’d still be here.
Writing songs with him was one thing, but becoming a bonafide performer? That was entirely different. I was still grappling with the idea of even being with a rockstar, let alone becoming one myself. Part of me wanted to say yes on the spot. This had been my dream for so long, but I was a different person back then. Now, I had the bakery and Ella and Grace. I had different responsibilities than I did all those years ago. Add to that the potential complications of us having feelings for each other, and you had a recipe for disaster.
Though I’d told Ella I was helping Jax write some songs, I hadn’t been able to bring myself to tell her about the kiss or his crazy business proposal. I could tell she suspected something was up by her knowing glances, and I already knew what she would say. But could I really risk going all-in with someone only to be replaced again?
Despite how much I tried to deny my feelings for Jax, I wanted to soak up as much time with him as I could. We spent every day that week together. He hung out with me in the kitchen at work for more baking lessons, and we went to the pie shop a couple more times.
Nearly a week after we first met, Jax and I were at a fall festival at the local botanical gardens with Ella, Grace, Cash, and Dallas. Jax and Dallas sported beanies and sunglasses in an effort to disguise themselves, but Brady came along too, just in case they got recognized by any crazed fans. It was a sunny but chilly day and that meant it was even busier than usual. People were scattered everywhere, taking in the beautiful fall flowers, pumpkin houses, and live bluegrass music. Families picked out pumpkins to paint, and carts were staggered along the gardens serving delicious and overpriced fall fare.
“What do you ladies want to do first?” Cash directed his question to Ella, Grace, and me.
Grace beamed. “Let’s go watch the band.”
“I like the way you think, Grace.” Dallas sniffled, tugging his beanie further over his ears. We moved to the stage area and found an empty space in the grass to sit. Jax sat just behind me, close enough that I could almost lean into him. I noticed Brady sat a little off to the side, presumably to give us some privacy.
“Brady, come sit with us.” I waved him over.
“Yeah, man,” Jax agreed. “I know you’re here to help us in case anything crazy happens, but we want you to hang with us too.”
Brady scooted over closer. “I just didn’t want to intrude on your date.”
Despite the chill in the air, a simmering heat rose to my cheeks. Ella raised her brow at me.
“You’re not intruding on anything,” I assured him.
“So, Grace, tell me about school.” Cash cleared his throat, changing the subject.
Grace shrugged. “School is fine, I guess, I’m just ready to graduate.”
“Hey.” Ella reached out and squeezed her arm. “Don’t rush it.”
Dallas laughed. “Sounds like you’ve got a case of senioritis.”
“It doesn’t seem possible.” Ella shook her head. “My little girl is all grown up, and now she’s going to leave me all alone with an empty nest.”
“You won’t be all alone.” Grace laughed and rolled her eyes. “You’ll still have Aunt Liv.”
“But that’s not the same as having my little baby bird.” Ella wrapped her arms around Grace, covering her head in kisses.
“Mom!” Grace tried to wriggle free from her mother’s grasp. “You’ll be fine.”
I smirked. “We can always get you a cat like Mama.”
Ella snorted. “Don’t you think we’ve got enough hostile kitties around here?” She mimed a cat scratch. “Me-ow.”
Cash choked on a laugh, turning his attention back to Grace. “What are your plans after graduation?”
“I’m not really sure.” Grace shrugged. “I kind of want to study abroad, maybe somewhere like London. It’d be nice to have a change of scenery.”
I grinned. “And I’m sure the boys with British accents are an added bonus.”
Ella grimaced before turning to Grace. “I don’t even want to think about it. You’re not allowed to date till you’re fifty.”
Grace giggled. “I thought it was till I was thirty?”
Cash chuckled, clearly amused.
“If you keep on, I won’t let you date till your next life.” Ella ruffled Grace’s hair.
The wind picked up, causing a chill to rip through me. I tugged the sleeves of my sweater over my hands.
“Are you cold?” Jax slid closer, wrapping his arms around me.
I noticed Ella watching with a goofy smile plastered on her face.
“Actually, I think I’d like a coffee or something.” I started to get up, but Jax stopped me.
“I’ll go get it,” he said.
“What about you two?” Cash asked Ella and Grace, rising to his feet.
“I’d love a hot chocolate.” Grace grinned.
Ella flashed him a dazzling smile. “I’d love a hot chocolate with alcohol in it.”
Cash chuckled. “I’ll see what I can do.”
Brady and Dallas both stood.
“You guys have got the right idea.” Dallas nodded with a sniffle. “I’m going to go get something too. I can’t seem to shake this cold feeling.”
“We’ll be right back.” Jax grinned down at me before they disappeared into the crowd.
“I love that you’re dating a rockstar.” Ella sighed. “I could get used to hot men waiting on me and bringing me boozy cocoa.”
“We’re not dating,” I insisted. “We’re friends.”
“Friends.” Ella rolled her eyes, a slight smile playing across her lips. “Right.”
“What?” I narrowed my eyes at her.
“You keep telling yourself that,” Ella sang, turning to watch the band. I opened my mouth to say something to try to refute her, but every reason I could up with seemed weak, even to me.
The band was playing bluegrass covers of popular songs. They’d covered The Beatles, Lady Gaga, and The Backstreet Boys by the time the guys returned with the drinks.
“I’ve got hot cocoa for Grace and a Monster Smashed for you, Ella.” Cash handed Ella her cup, and Brady gave Grace hers as they returned to their seats.
“A Monster Smashed?” Ella laughed.
Cash cocked his head. “Let’s just say, I’m glad you took an Uber here.”
Dallas sat and took a long pull from his cup. He grimaced. “I got a Hot Toddy, and it tastes more like whiskey that’s been set on fire.” He coughed into his elbow.
Jax settled next to me, handing me my drink. “And Jack-O-Lattes for us, which is their fancy term for an Irish Coffee.”
“Yum.” I took a sip, savoring the warmth of the styrofoam cup in my hands.
“We should see if we can get the band to sing an early birthday song for Aunt Livvie.” Grace grinned mischievously.
“Absolutely not,” I laughed. “I’m perfectly content with bluegrass Backstreet Boys. It’s the version of ‘I Want It That Way’ I never knew I needed.”
“Wait a minute,” Cash said. “It’s almost your birthday?”
I nodded, but Jax answered for me. “On the 17th.”
Dallas beamed. “We need to—”
“Excuse me,” a voice said from above us, “but are you Jaxon Slade and Dallas Stone?”
We looked up to see two girls, who couldn’t have been much older than Grace, staring eagerly down at the guys. One had colorful mermaid hair, and the other could have easily been Jessica Rabbit’s sister.
Brady’s posture hardened immediately, his arms crossing over his chest as though he were ready to jump into bouncer mode.
Jax laughed but stiffened slightly. “Yeah, we are.”
“Are Luca and Derek here too?” The mermaid girl’s eyes widened.
“No,” Dallas said. “It’s just us, I’m afraid. They had something else going on today.”
“Can we take a picture with you guys?” Jessica Rabbit’s sister asked.
“Sure,” Jax said, giving me a sympathetic smile as he and Dallas stood to take a picture with their waiting fans.
I felt my body tense as I watched Dallas and Jax interact with the two girls. Jax’s idea to start our own duo ping-ponged in my mind. As much as I wanted a career in music, I wasn’t sure this was something I could get used to.
“Thank you so much,” the mermaid girl gushed as Jax and Dallas sat.
“Are you guys famous too?” Jessica Rabbit’s sister looked at me, Grace, and Ella expectantly.
A feeling of unease bloomed in my chest. A meet and greet was one thing, but I wasn’t so sure I was ready for people to approach me out in the wild. I liked my privacy and being able to do something as simple as enjoying a day out with friends without being scrutinized. Ella furrowed her brows with concern in my direction, clearly in tune with my nervousness.
“We’re a new punk rock girl group,” Ella said without missing a beat. “Josie and The Hostile Pussycats.”
I snorted, and Cash nearly choked on his coffee.
“Oh my God!” the mermaid squealed. “I’ll look you guys up on Spotify.”
“Thanks, ladies.” Dallas laughed as the two girls scampered off into the crowd.
“Josie and the Hostile Pussycats? Really?” I swatted Ella’s arm.
“Ow!” Ella recoiled. “Fine, you can be Josie.”
Dallas sneezed, narrowly avoiding spilling his drink.
“You okay, Dal?” I asked. I started digging through my purse until I found my mini-pack of tissues, passing them to him.
“Yeah, I’m okay. Thanks,” he said. “I think I’m just a little run down from the tour. I’m sure I’ll be good as new in a few days.”
Jax put his arm around me, rubbing my arms to warm me. Ella flashed me a knowing smile, and I took a deep breath, Jax’s delicious scent mixing with the sweet smell of the coffee. I allowed myself to rest my head on his shoulder, vaguely aware of the conversation the others were ha
ving beside us. The band began to play a slow melody, a twangy version of an Ed Sheeran song.
Jax kissed the top of my head and softly sang the words in my ear, causing my insides to turn to mush.
Without thinking, I covered his hand with my own, our fingers intertwining for one sweet moment. Maybe Jax and I were a bad idea, but I had to admit, I loved this song.
“Okay, how does this feel for the second verse?” I looked down at the notebook I’d been writing in as I strummed the guitar in a slow, melancholy rhythm and began to sing. “I wonder if you ever wonder about the man that I’ve become. If you ever think about the dreams I dreamed or the battles that I’ve won.”
Jax nodded his approval. “Perfect.”
“I was thinking something like this for the chorus.” I changed keys, my eyes closing as I half-spoke, half-sang the words. “Do you think we ever look up at the same midnight sky? Do you ever think about the guy…” I pursed my lips in thought, trying to find the right words. “...do you ever miss the man…”
“You let become a stranger.” Jax finished for me, the emotion in his eyes illuminated in the soft glow of my living room. “Damn, Liv. It’s like you’re inside my head. You’re taking all these feelings I’ve had about my mom for so long and turning them into something beautiful.”
He looked at me with such intensity, I felt as though my insides might catch fire.
“I can’t explain how or why, but you understand me in a way nobody has before.” He gently brushed away a piece of hair that fell into my eyes. “It feels good to get all this out… cathartic, even. Like I can finally let go of some of this anger and hurt I’ve been holding on to for so long.”
Goosebumps rushed over my body. “I’m glad.” His eyes locked with mine, and my heart began to race, pulsating so hard I could hear it thudding in my ears. I focused on placing the guitar in its case in order to stop myself from kissing him like I had the first night we’d written together.
“What do you say we break for dinner?” I stood, motioning for him to follow me to the kitchen.
“Let me take you out,” he said, falling into step behind me.
I laughed. “We’ve existed on going out and take out all week. Let me cook for you.”
Home Is Where You Are Page 11