The Melody In My Head (Love and Music in Texas Book 2)

by Nikki Lynn Barrett

  Melody watched the pair, wishing she could have someone to look out for her the way Lucas did with Avery. She thought she had that, once. Damn had she been wrong.

  "Love you too. I'm sorry I'm being whiny." Avery kissed him before letting him go. "Jameson, I appreciate you letting me tag along."

  Lucas waved to Melody and Jameson before taking off.

  "You seriously have to take it easy, okay? You scared us all last night," Jameson warned. "Are you guys ready to go?"

  Melody nodded. "I want to make sure Shelly is okay."

  As they walked down the hall, Avery turned her attention to Melody, finally. "Did it look scary?" she asked in a hushed tone.

  "Did what look scary?"

  "Being in labor," Avery nearly whispered.

  Oh, she was afraid of the labor. Melody would bet any women would be. She wondered if this was her first.

  "Shelly was pretty upset, looked like she was in a lot of discomfort," she replied. Avery's eyes widened.

  "Oh Avery. Don't worry so much," Jameson said. "If you keep agonizing over it, you'll just drive yourself crazy."

  "When are you due?" Melody asked, trying to make conversation.

  "December fourteenth."

  So less than three months away. "Do you know what you're having? Is this your first?"

  Avery nodded, but Melody wasn't sure what she was nodding about until she answered. "We're having a girl, and it's our first. It's been a bit of a rough pregnancy. I think it's due to the stress though."

  "Are you still getting hounded with calls and reporters trying to get the story?" Jameson asked softly. "I thought they were leaving you alone."

  Avery nodded. "Apparently, someone wants to write Belinda's story, and of course, that includes me. I thought after time had passed that it would stop, but I was so wrong."

  She recalled something the woman at the hospital said last night. A story about one of the locals. Had she been referring to Avery? Jameson used to date her? And they were still friends? She couldn't come up with one single ex she'd dated that she was friends with.

  Now that really had her curious. But she wasn't about to ask. Go figure, she would be around people that had prying eyes following. Melody didn't need the cameras catching her. Shit.

  "Speaking of," Jameson muttered. He put an arm on Avery's shoulder. "I see some now. Let's get the hell out of here."

  Melody swore under her breath, ducked her head, and walked faster, staying behind Jameson and Avery. The question she had was who were they following this time, her or Avery? She remembered the woman's words from last night, how reporters had wanted to talk to her. She didn't know the deal with what they wanted from Avery, but regardless, Melody couldn't take that chance. She couldn't be seen.

  "I'm parked right out front." Jameson kept his hand on Avery's shoulder as shouts rang out. Melody heard the sound of shutters snapping. Her heart raced faster, but she focused on getting to where she needed to go. Damn, damn, damn! Not good.

  "There she is! Avery Callimer! Can we get a comment from you? How do you feel about a possible movie being made about Belinda Wainscott that features her long lost daughter?" One of the reporters almost made it to them. Melody had already climbed into the backseat of Jameson's truck. She bent down low so they didn't try and talk to her. Jameson helped Avery into the truck.

  "No comment! Leave her alone, would you?" he snapped, closing the truck door behind him and made an attempt to get to the driver's side of the door. Someone knocked on the window, but Avery must have ignored it.

  "Damn it! They are relentless," Avery muttered. "Mary, I'm really sorry about this. Are you okay?"

  "Yeah. I'm all right. This is crazy!"

  "I know. Again, I-"

  Jameson opened the truck and rushed in, starting the engine and revving it high. He must have been trying to scare off the pack of wild beasts. It worked, as most of them moved away from behind them. As he pulled out of the inn's parking lot, he sighed. "If there's a silver lining to this, it's that the inn is getting exposure. Maybe your parents will get a buyer," he joked.

  Avery laughed. "You and your silver linings. Thanks, Jameson. I needed that laugh."

  "Are you both all right?"

  Melody finally raised her head, catching Jameson's glance from the rear view mirror. "I'm all right." She was about to ask what that was all about, but a phone rang.

  "There's Lucas." Avery answered the phone. "I'm fine, honey, I promise. Jameson spotted them early on and we're away from the inn now. Yes, I'll call her later. I know. I love you too. Go concentrate on work. I'll be okay."

  Melody longed for that kind of person to worry so much about the person they loved. Lucas and Avery seemed to have that. She'd noticed how much he hovered over Avery. What did that feel like? Having someone who truly loved you? After her mom left all those years ago, she'd been protected by her father and brother, but that was different.

  The odd thing was that Jameson also seemed to do the same thing to Avery. What the hell was their story?

  It wasn't her business, she knew, but still. Something was off.

  "I guess you're probably curious about the drama this morning," Jameson said, looking up at her from the mirror again.

  "Well, I'm not going to pry, but yes, the curiosity bug has bit me."

  "It's been all over the news for months," Avery said softly.

  "I haven't had much time for news watching." No, she'd been too busy being blind to what had been going on around her. Damn had she been foolish.

  "I met my birth mother about six months ago. Belinda Wainscott," Avery stated.

  Melody widened her eyes. "You're Belinda Wainscott's daughter?" People would have to have lived under a rock not to know that woman. She was only one of today's most successful singers. How had she not heard any of this? She really did have her head elsewhere lately. Damn, no wonder the media were hounding this town. Of course they'd want a glimpse of the daughter of a woman that entertained the world with her songs and acting. She actually had heard a little bit about it, the woman connected with her long lost daughter, then something about a man from her past. Melody had never paid much attention.

  Avery nodded, turning her head to look at her. "It was a shock when I found out, too. I'm glad to finally know. I just wish the media would lay off."

  At least that explained why Avery had looked at her oddly earlier. Poor woman didn't know who the hell to trust. Melody sympathized with her. "I hate the media. And It can't be easy, especially when you're pregnant."

  Avery shook her head. "No, it's not. They are everywhere. I've already been in the hospital a few times. Now I have to take it easy. No work for awhile. I've got restrictions on what I can and can't do. I have to cut back on the band performances, too. I know it's best for the baby, so I understand, but laying low isn't easy. But with Lucas and Jameson teaming up against me..." She laughed.

  "Oh you hush." Jameson chuckled, pulling into the hospital parking lot. "You love us."

  "That's debatable."

  "Whatever. I know better. I've known you too long."

  As they entered the hospital, Melody wished she could figure these people out.

  *****

  Jameson definitely didn't fail to notice that Mary did her best to keep the media from seeing her face. Even though they were feasting over a story from Avery, she didn't want to be seen. Why was that? What was she holding back from?

  He waited outside Shelly's room with Avery while Mary went in to see her. It wasn't his place to barge in on the woman, especially when she needed her rest and strength. The baby was smaller, but at least he was okay.

  He looked over at Avery, who was surveying her surroundings. She bit her lip, something she always did when she was annoyed or nervous. "Hey. How are you doing?"

  She raised a brow and met his stare. "Do you want an honest answer?"

  "This is me you're talking to. Whatever answer you give me, I'll be able to read between the lines anyway."

  "With a
ll the new arrivals in town, it got me thinking back to everything. I have this uneasy feeling. I can probably chalk it up to my pregnancy hormones going wild, but I don't know." She flicked her gaze to the door.

  "To be honest," Jameson kept his voice low. "Something is odd about Mary. She's got something to hide. I noticed her fidgety attitude last night, and then this morning, as the reporters bombarded us, she freaked. She doesn't want to be seen. She has no money, no place to go. I don't know, Baby Stetson, but I feel the need to help her."

  "She is a little skittish," Avery agreed. "It makes me nervous, but I can't say much. Lucas noticed it too. He mentioned it to me when he got home last night."

  "If anyone can pick up on those things, it's Lucas."

  "I know." Avery bit her lip again, looking up at him. "Just be careful, okay?"

  Jameson smiled. That was Avery. Always looking out for everyone. He was lucky to have her in his life, even if they weren't together anymore. He loved that she'd found happiness after all the hell she went through. Even if he couldn't be with her, he would always be grateful that they'd managed to maintain a friendship. It took awhile, but the awkwardness had slowly faded.

  It didn't mean that he didn't still love her, because he did. Would he ever be able to get past his own stupid mistake and find someone else? Much as he and Lucas got along, it was a little difficult sometimes to watch how he was with Avery.

  She used to look at him that way, with loving eyes. It still hurt.

  Damn. Why did he have to go there now? He'd been doing so well. Jameson looked away from Avery, pretending to look around for Mary, just so that he didn't have to meet her gaze.

  "Jameson?"

  Too late. He knew that tone. Avery caught on to him. He turned back to face her. Worry filled her green eyes.

  "You went off in la-la land. Are you all right?"

  Maybe she hadn't caught on. Still, she knew something was off. Jameson sighed. "I'm fine. There's so much going on, I spaced out. Sorry."

  "What are you- ow!" Avery moaned, moving her hand to her belly.

  Jameson snapped to attention fast. Alarmed, he took her other hand. "Are you okay? What is it?" Oh hell, she better not be going into labor now. It was still way too early! At least they were already at a hospital. Did he need to call Lucas?

  "She's feisty today. She's just kicking. Relax. I'm sorry I startled you." Avery smiled, but her eyes told a different story. Was she in pain? "It was sharper than normal. I swear, she's going to run a marathon. While inside me!"

  Jameson chuckled.

  He did not need any crazy stuff happening with Avery and the baby on his watch. No way. That made him way too nervous.

  Someone cleared their throat behind them. Jameson let go of Avery's hand and they both turned. Mary had come back.

  "Hey. How's Shelly and the baby?"

  She still gave him an odd look, and stuffed her hands in her pockets. "She's good. The baby … he's so tiny, but they think he'll be just fine. They both will probably be here for awhile. She doesn't seem as scared anymore, but very tired."

  Jameson nodded. "Are either of you hungry?" Why wouldn't Mary quit looking at him like that?

  "I'm always hungry. I just can't ever eat. I'm definitely willing to try," Avery grumbled, then grinned. Jameson shot to his feet and helped her up.

  "I'm starving too," Mary said, taking her intense stare off him. "As long as it's inexpensive."

  That was added as an afterthought, Jameson could tell. And she said it so softly.

  Jeez. What would make someone run without having a well thought out plan for what they would do? No money for a place to stay, hardly any money to eat. Acting very strange. It bothered him, but intrigued him at the same time. What would he have to do to get her to talk to him?

  "We can go to my house. I'll make something quick and easy, and we can chill there for a few hours until I have to go to work." He slid his gaze from Avery to Mary.

  "Sounds good to me." Avery nodded. Mary agreed as well. So that was settled. Maybe she would open up a little more when she wasn't around so many other people. At the house there would only be the three of them, and Mom, if she was awake already.

  The drive to the house was awkwardly silent. Jameson didn't have much to offer. Avery was quiet and Mary didn't say a thing either. Finally, Jameson turned on some music. He drummed the steering wheel with his fingers.

  He was relieved when he pulled the truck into his driveway. "Home sweet home."

  Except it wasn't.

  Some days, it was difficult to stay at the house. Jameson had too many memories that were just that, memories. Nothing was the same anymore. Damn, he missed his father. He missed the way his mom used to be. He understood the grief, and the downward spiral, because damn it, he'd been there too. But he had gotten past it. Mom hadn't found that path yet. It killed him a little more each day. He couldn't even get Blaine down here to help. Everything fell on his shoulders.

  It sucked, having to be the strong one.

  But he wasn't strong. He'd been stupid and weak. That's why he lost Avery. And he still couldn't forgive himself. How could he, when he'd hurt the one woman that had always been there for him?

  How many times had she told him to forgive himself? But it wasn't that easy.

  He and Avery were over. Yes, he knew that. He accepted that. He was even glad that she'd found love with Lucas. Despite their troubled beginning, Lucas definitely turned things around and would do absolutely anything for Avery.

  It didn't stop the pain he still carried for messing up. Damn stupid regrets. Why couldn't they just leave him alone? Hadn't he suffered enough? Avery forgave him, Lucas befriended him, so why couldn't he just let go of his past?

  "Home sweet home, yet you're clinging to that wheel for dear life. Jameson, snap out of it!" Avery's face came into view, and he realized he'd gone into his own little world again.

  He shook his head, releasing the wheel. "Sorry." He was a broken record. He knew it, and by the looks of it, so did Avery.

  "It's getting harder for you to stay here, isn't it?" she asked softly.

  Jameson nodded, stepping out of the truck to let Mary slide out from the backseat. He held his hand out for her as she struggled to climb out. She watched him again, her eyes wide and curious, but she took his hand. Her skin was soft and smooth. Jolts of awareness bolted through him. Whoa. That was odd. Once she had both feet planted on the ground, Jameson let her go, moving away from her. Avery was already on the driver's side of the truck, still giving him a concerned look. He avoided her stare and led them inside.

  He took a quick look around the kitchen. Damn it, what a mess. Mom had apparently made something to eat and left the remnants out once again. He swore under his breath and quickly cleaned up the mess, tossing the empty cans and box away.

  This was getting worse as time went on. Something had to be done, but what? He couldn't just desert his mom. They only had each other. He found it to be difficult to take care of her when she didn't care anymore.

  "My feet are killing me," Avery muttered.

  "Get off your feet then. I'll find something to eat and you just relax." He waited for her to argue, but instead, Avery stumbled toward the living room.

  "Can I help in any way?" Mary asked. Jameson looked up from his spot in the kitchen. She stood at the edge of the doorway, hesitant. He took that moment to really get a look at her. She had an interesting hair color. A mix between blonde and red, she had it swept up in a ponytail, and had the most intriguing eyes. She had full lips, her skin barely kissed by the sun. She was a good height, actually she looked taller than Avery. Her baggy clothes didn't do any justice for her figure, and she seemed to hold back. What he wouldn't give to understand.

  Not that he needed any new distractions. His plate was overfilled as it was already.

  It didn't stop the curiosity that swarmed around him though.

  What was it about Harmony's Echo lately that appealed to troubled guests?

  "No,
I've got it all under control." Jameson smiled. "You can make yourself comfortable. If you want something to drink, feel free to invade the fridge. I've got a variety in there." He pointed, as he reached up in the cupboard to see what was there he could make real quick. "Avery knows where everything is. She's been over here plenty of times."

  For the first few minutes, Jameson could hear Avery and Mary talking. He wasn't sure what they said, but it sounded like constant conversation. Then nothing. Mary reappeared in the doorway again.

  "Poor thing must be exhausted. We were talking in the living room and the next thing I know, she's out." Mary laughed.

  Jameson looked up from the plate he was fixing. "I guess on the bright side, she's taking it easy." He chuckled at the image of Avery curled up asleep on his couch. "I made tacos, if you like. And they're ready. I hate to wake her."

  "Maybe you should just let her sleep," Mary said softly. "She looked pretty worn out."

  "Yeah, I guess I'll do that. Let me just peek in on her." Jameson handed a plate to Mary. "Dig in, and I'll be right back." He brushed past her to head to the living room. Sure enough, Avery was out. She rested her head on the arm of the couch, her arms crossed over her chest. She looked comfortable enough. He grabbed a blanket that hung over the back of it and covered her up.

  Mary had seated herself at the table when he came back. "Yeah, I think it's best to let her sleep. Do you need anything?"

  She'd already filled her plate. She'd barely put anything on it. Jameson made his own plate and covered the rest to save for later. Pulling the fridge door open, he grabbed a bottle of water for himself and waited for Mary's response.

  "Water is good. Thank you. I appreciate this, Jameson."

  "It's not a problem. Oh, damn. I have to call the other band members, let them know there's no practice after all. I guess I can just text them in a little while." He didn't need to be rude while sitting at the table with Mary. He slid the bottle to her, and sat down across from her. She looked up at him.

  "How long have you guys been playing together?"