What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection (WTRAFSOG Book 9)

by Kristine Cayne

  When the wedding bells are gonna play

  A little knowing smile sent our way

  That’s what it’s like falling in love

  Love in a small town.

  Stealing a kiss, laughing like little kids

  We’re falling in love

  Love In small town

  Dancing by the creek under the stars

  Sitting in a restaurant surrounded

  by friends of ours

  That’s what it’s like

  when you’re in love in a small town

  They played through the next four songs before Avery walked around introducing everyone. In their usual way they would play a solo. Avery made her way to Randy and he started his.

  “Up on the keyboards, we have Randy Hughes! Give it up for this fantastic guy!” Avery pointed, making eye contact and they shared a smile. She leaned on the edge of the piano, swaying to the beat he pounded out. Then, she moved on heading toward Sean. The audience showed their appreciation through loud applause and cheers.

  “Let’s get some more music flowing!” Avery now stood front and center again, egging on the crowd. “Are you ready?”

  Closing his eyes, Randy thought about Blaine with the next tune. A song about discovering everything you want. He wanted to be with her, to make her happy forever.

  Blaine stood beside Lucas and Randy’s family, watching in awe as the band stole the show.

  “She sure can sing! And look at Uncle Randy on the keyboard! Wow!” Madison squealed. She tugged on Blaine’s shirt excitedly.

  “Avery definitely has one of those voices you can’t forget,” Blaine bragged. As for Randy, she couldn’t take her eyes off of him. Who knew watching a man play the keyboard could be so hot? Randy had passion when he played. She never realized how inspiring it was. His leg moved to the rhythm of the tune and the expression on his face was one of a man who had nothing but big dreams when it came to music.

  “Look at him, Mama!” Madison said to Marsha, pulling Blaine out of her thoughts.

  “He is pretty good,” his sister admitted.

  Pretty good? Randy was amazing. More than that. He wasn’t front and center like Avery or even Jameson, but Randy lit up when he played.

  Baby Stetson took the stage for the next hour, rolling through their songs. It felt like they’d only just begun when Avery announced they were playing their final tune.

  Just as the song finished, Marsha’s youngest started whining. Then it turned into a full-fledged wail. “Aww. I think we’d better go. Will you tell Randy it was an amazing performance?” She shot an apologetic look at Blaine. “I really wanted to stay, but I think Janey’s about had it. This is her tired wail.”

  She nodded. “I’ll do that.”

  Madison hugged her. “Thank you for saying yes to teaching me dance!”

  “You’re welcome. I’m looking forward to it,” Blaine said earnestly, returning the girl’s hug.

  As his family left, Lucas waited for Blaine. “Another great show, right?”

  “Absolutely! I’m happy for every live show I get to see. It’s definitely changed from when Jameson and Avery used to sing on our back porch.” Was that the wrong thing to say to Lucas? After all, Jameson and Avery grew up together, then fell in love. She wasn’t sure what was cool or not cool to say in front of him.

  Lucas’s face lit up. “I think I would have liked growing up in a small town. I moved around a lot, but they were always big cities. Harmony’s Echo is the first small town I’ve ever really spent time in. I love this place.”

  They both jumped out of the way of a handful of teenage boys running through the crowd, wrestling and goofing off.

  “I love it here, too. I can’t think of a better place to have grown up,” Blaine responded, thinking back to all the good times she had here. Music with her family and Avery. Playing at the creek with Jameson, Randy and Avery. Having a sense of peace that she’d lost ever since she moved. It had taken her a long time to realize it.

  They both spotted everyone at the same time.

  “Amazing show as always!” Lucas waved, running to greet Avery. He leaned over, kissed her cheek, then reached for her guitar case to carry it.

  “I agree. You guys had the place jumping. Hey Randy, your sister had to go. Janey was quite upset and wouldn’t stop crying, but she said to tell you what a great show it was.”

  His eyes met hers and he nodded. In one hand, he carried his keyboard case. He wiped sweat from his brow with the other.

  “Did you see Mom and Chet out there at all, Blaine?” Jameson asked. He’d come from behind Randy, holding his own guitar case, his face a little grim.

  She shook her head as she let out a sigh. “No sign of them.”

  “I think maybe I’ll head home, see if she’s there.” Jameson sounded worried.

  “Probably not a bad idea.”

  “Anyone else staying for more rides?” Marty asked. He jumped from behind the stage, catching up to them.

  “I think Luke and I are probably going to head out. We should get Emily from Mom,” Avery said.

  Sean had already taken off.

  “We’re going to go check on my mom,” Jameson informed him. “You coming too, Blaine?”

  “Yeah. I want to know she’s okay.” She’d been worried all day.

  “Hey Marty, I’ll stay a bit longer if you want someone to chill with,” Randy offered. He held up his keyboard. “Just let me put this in my truck. You wanna walk with me or meet somewhere?”

  “I’m going to get Angie and grab something to eat. I’m actually parked on the opposite side, so it doesn’t make sense to follow you. Want to meet us at the tables near the Ferris wheel?”

  Blaine waved to Marty as she made her way through the crowd. She noticed Randy trying to catch up to her and grinned. “You were amazing up there.”

  “Thanks! I feel like I’m in a whole other world. Marsha stayed almost the whole time?”

  “Yeah! Madison was gushing. I guess Janey got tired. Marsha seemed genuinely sorry that she had to leave early.”

  “I think she was the only one who showed up out of my family.” Randy’s voice went low.

  She reached for his hand. “They’ll come around, or they won’t. I hope one day they do. How can anyone not notice the passion you have up there?” Randy’s fingers over hers made her insides melt. They walked out of the gates of the fairgrounds.

  “I’m glad someone sees it,” he said quietly. “If you want to walk with me to the truck, I’ll walk you to your car afterward.”

  “Deal.” Blaine wasn’t ready to let go of him yet. Changes were definitely in the air. The strongest of changes was the heat growing between her and Randy. While he may have loved her for who knows how long, it wasn’t something she’d ever thought of before.

  A few silent minutes later, they reached Randy’s truck. He let go of her hand to grab his keys, unlock the door and put his keyboard case in the small backseat, then closed the door. As she led the way to her car, he didn’t reach for her hand again, though they were walking so close they brushed against one another. Hot, fiery sparks flowed through her. She was more and more aware of Randy as a man than as her little brother’s friend. He’d found a way into her heart, body and mind and it was something she didn’t know how to process.

  Now by her car, Blaine turned to face him. “I wish I didn’t have to go,” she whispered. “I had an amazing day with you.”

  “I wish I could recreate it again and again.” Randy leaned in and kissed her lips gently. “Go check on your mom. I know you need to make sure she’s okay. Call or text me later and let me know?”

  She nodded. Words died in her throat. With a wave, Randy walked away, heading back to the fairgrounds to meet up with Marty. Blaine stared at his retreating back, wondering what she was going to do about these feelings she had. Falling for Randy, who would have thought?

  Blaine climbed in her car and drove home, her thoughts a mix between her mom and where she could have
been, and Randy.

  Jameson and Melody were already at home, sitting at the dining room table. Neither of them looked happy.

  “No word?” Blaine asked, her heart sinking at their frowns.

  “None. She’s been so good about things. I’m not sure what’s going on.” Jameson pursed his lips. “I called the Callimers to see if she was with them. I called a few other places. I even checked with the bars and liquor stores. No one’s seen her. I guess at least she hasn’t gone there, but that doesn’t say much, really. I’d hate to think…” He shook his head, palming his face in his hands. “Maybe you were right, Blaine.”

  Blaine worried right along with him, but instead of freaking out and blubbering like she normally would, she pulled out a chair and sank into it. “It’s just a misunderstanding. It has to be.” Was she trying to convince herself or Jameson? “I don’t want to be right. I really don’t.”

  “I really want to give this guy a chance. Their relationship seems weird, but you know, maybe it helps them both? Maybe we’re jumping to conclusions.” Jameson raised his head, crease lines of worry etched on his forehead. Melody moved to hold his hand.

  “Let’s hope,” Blaine muttered, a million scenarios running around in her mind.

  Ten long, tense minutes passed, or maybe more. Blaine couldn’t be sure. They all heard a car door slam at the same time. The three of them jumped to their feet, staring at the door.

  The strong scent of liquor wafted through Blaine’s senses first. She wrinkled her nose. Jameson and Melody must have picked it up too, because they all exchanged wide eyed, worried glances.

  Mom hurried through the door, a frown on her face. Chet came in afterwards. Her light blue shirt was wet, stained with a dark liquid. She noticed all three of them standing there and gasped. “I can explain. This isn’t what you think.”

  “You weren’t drinking?” Jameson was the first to speak, sounding anxious and upset.

  “No! This isn’t mine! Look, please give me a few minutes to change and clean up. Yes, you smell alcohol. Yes, it’s all over me but there is a reason for it. Just give me a few minutes.”

  Blaine nodded.

  Unsure of what to say, Mom bolted. A door closed seconds later.

  Chet stood in the middle, looking from one face to another. He seemed very uncomfortable. Blaine had so many things she wanted to ask, but she figured she’d just wait. Right now, her heart raced and her mind was overcome with mixed feelings.

  “Was it you? Were you drinking?” Blaine lost it, looking over at Chet. So much for calm. “I swear if you take my mom down that road-”

  A round of gasps followed.

  “Blaine!” Jameson exclaimed. “Will you stop?”

  “What? It’s a fair question. You mean to tell me neither of you had it on your minds?” Blaine snapped, feeling the anger spin out of control. “I’m sorry. I know I don’t get much of a say any more because I wasn’t here, but this just doesn’t seem right!”

  “Chet wasn’t drinking either, Blaine! Didn’t I tell you there’s a good explanation?” Mom stormed back into the dining room, her eyes full of fury. “I didn’t know you guys were going to be home! I know I missed your show and I apologize.” Mom went to stand beside Chet, who immediately put an arm around her, still bewildered.

  “Tell us your side, Mom,” Jameson requested, shooting a smoldering look at Blaine.

  Okay, maybe she should have waited. She had a big mouth, and once again, it got her in trouble. Damn it, she had a right to worry!

  Didn’t she?

  “Chet is someone’s sponsor. A woman. She had a setback tonight and I went with him because her situation was similar to mine. I wanted her to know it gets better. She was angry, tried to reach for her drink at first and in a moment of haste spilled it all over me. I could have gone to change right then and there, but talking this woman down from self harm was the better solution. I swear, I wasn’t drinking. I know I probably should have called, but I had to make sure she was okay.”

  “Your mom really does speak the truth. It wasn’t easy for any of us to walk in there to help, but we have to do what we can to support others who are going through what we’ve been through,” Chet finally spoke up.

  Well shit. Blaine really should have waited before she blurted things again. Total open mouth, insert foot syndrome. Sometimes she wished she carried a roll of duct tape to keep herself from spouting crap sometimes. “I’m sorry.” She heaved a sigh. “My mouth gets the better of me sometimes. I was worried. I’ve been scared and I let myself jump to conclusions.”

  Tears formed in Mom’s eyes. “I’m not gonna lie. It hurts that you all think I’d just jump back in and go down that path. Then again, I can’t blame you either. We have a lot of sorting out to do, don’t we?”

  Jameson reached out and hugged Mom. “Yeah, we do. But we all worry.”

  “Why don’t we go outside and have a cup of coffee and talk?” Mom suggested, a smile lighting up her face.

  Melody nodded. “I like that idea.”

  “I really am sorry, Mom,” Blaine whispered in her ear as she hugged her. “I want you to be happy. I’m just processing.”

  “I love you, Blaine. I’m glad you’re home for a while, but you really don’t have to worry so much,” Mom insisted.

  “I’ll try to calm down,” she promised. Keyword being try.

  As they all filed out on the porch and settled in the chairs, Blaine looked around her. Even surrounded by family, she felt a little alone. She wished Randy was here.

  Well hell. There went her thoughts again, right back to him.

  “Since we missed your show, how about a concert right here on the porch?” Mom’s eyes sparkled, awaiting an answer from Jameson.

  Jameson nodded. “I think we can arrange a little something. Let me grab my guitar.”

  “And you, Blaine? Show off a few of your fancy dance moves?” Mom turned to her.

  She shook her head. “Oh no, not for me.” She held up her hands, hoping they’d forget about the idea fast. Mom gave her a strange look.

  Jameson returned with his guitar and so far, the request was forgotten about. He and Melody launched into a few songs, and for a while Blaine forgot about everything else. She closed her eyes and got lost in the music, reminiscing.

  “You sound good!” Chet clapped after Jameson and Melody finished.

  “The band is amazing,” Mom said proudly. “Their lead singer is the daughter of close family friends. She and Jameson used to sing and play out here all the time. I was real excited when they formed a band, and it seems this year Baby Stetson is really going to be put on the map.”

  “I sure hope so.” Jameson set down his guitar and pulled Melody closer.

  “And Blaine has a long standing career working with a great dance choreographer,” Mom boasted.

  Blaine froze. Mom sounded so proud. And to think, she hadn’t told anyone else she was done. “Well, I haven’t mentioned this before, because I’ve been trying to find the right way to tell you guys. I had a dance career, but it’s over. I’m home for good.”

  Three surprised faces stared back at her. Mom, Jameson and Melody were all flabbergasted.

  “You’re done? Why? I thought you loved your job?” Melody asked tentatively.

  Blaine fought back the tears that threatened to fall. “I did for a while. I just- I’m ready for a change.”

  “Why did you wait to tell us until now? I mean, I love that you’re back in town and you aren’t leaving, but I thought this was your passion?” Jameson inquired. Why did he continue to stare at her like that? It was almost as if he could see right through her. Randy did say Jameson was on to her. She wondered how much or how little he knew.

  “It was.” For a while, anyway. “I burned out. I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want my news to overshadow all the good things going on.”

  “Well I’m sorry to hear that, honey. I hope you find a passion and chase your dreams again, but you know you’re always welc
ome home.”

  Was she? Did she still have a place? She’d missed so much. Everyone thought she was selfish and avoided everyone because she could.

  I really do need to tell everyone. They deserve the truth. I’m tired of hiding.

  But she couldn’t force the words out.

  The conversation changed soon, and Blaine knew she couldn’t say any more. She wasn’t fully comfortable with Chet around, so she held back on the marriage to Frederic and what happened when she went back. This was a good start.

  An hour later, Mom walked Chet to his car and he left. Then she disappeared to her room, ready for bed so she could get up the next morning early for work. Jameson and Melody sat out on the porch still talking, laughing and playing a bit of music. Blaine took that moment to slip away.

  She wondered if anyone noticed.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Randy opened his door to take out the overflowing trash can and stopped in his tracks. Blaine’s car was parked in front of his house. He ran to the cans with the bag, dropped it in, and hurried to her car. She stared straight ahead, hands on the wheel. Randy knocked on her window. She glanced at him, then climbed out of the car.

  “What are you doing just sitting out here?” he asked quietly. “Is your mom okay?”

  Blaine nodded. “She’s fine. I thought she was drinking because she came home reeking of alcohol, but it turns out they were both helping someone who had a setback. We sat around on the porch for a while talking. I- I finally told them I was home for good.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.” Randy took her hands in his. She was shaking.

  “That’s about as far as I got. I couldn’t tell them about the marriage or the emotional abuse. I just- I couldn’t.”

  “Hey, it’s okay. You made progress, and that’s good. So what brought you to the curb in front of my house?” Randy slid an arm around her, leading her inside.

  “I can’t stop thinking about you in ways I’ve never thought about you before,” Blaine admitted. “Somehow, you manage to get me to talk and keep me calm. I drove over here needing that, then realized how selfish I’m being about it. I can’t keep running to you, knowing how you feel when I don’t know what I feel.”