Mags: Bitch! Don’t ignore me!
Mags: I have news.
I dialed her number right away.
“Hey!” my best friend answered on the first ring.
“Is everything all right?” I asked quickly.
“Better than all right! Fucking amazing!”
“Are you going to make me fucking wait?” I barked at her.
She finally spit out, “Walker proposed last night!”
“Fucking about time!” I yelled, jumping out of bed, too excited to sit still.
“Check the text I just sent you.”
I looked to see the most gorgeous square haloed diamond ring I had ever laid eyes on.
“Well done, Walker!”
“I know, right?”
“I am so happy for you, Mags.” I was bubbling over with joyous elation for my two best friends. They had fought so hard to be with each other, and I was excited that they were living out their happily ever after.
“Now, the big question is…will you be my maid of honor?”
I shrilled before responding, “Of course I will!”
“We’re going to do this quick, like six months from now type of quick. Simple, beach, easy, small.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything else from the two of you.”
“I am so excited. So much planning to do, but I think it’s going to be fine. Will you be home soon?”
I looked over my shoulder to where Maverick was still passed out in bed. I hadn’t really talked to Mags since everything started happening. “I don’t know.”
“How are we supposed to plan a wedding with you all the way up there?”
“We’ll figure it out.”
“True. How is it going?” she asked.
“Really great, actually.” I couldn’t resist the smile that was taking over my face.
“That’s all that matters.”
“Actually, do you think you can send me the boxes I stashed in your guestroom?”
“I guess it’s going better than great, huh?” I could hear her excitement for me in her voice.
“I just think I’m going to stick around for a while, see where this crazy ride takes me. You were right—I need to start living my life.”
“I’ll put it all in the mail ASAP.”
“Thanks, Mags.”
“Anything for you,” she said with a chuckle.
“I am going to start getting ideas for your wedding,” I said, diverting the attention back to her so she wouldn’t ask me more details about Maverick with him still only a few feet away from me.
“This is going to be the best.”
I climbed back in bed, wrapping my arms around Maverick from behind.
“Mags is getting married and you’re still gonna stick around?” Maverick turned to me, a huge grin plastered on his face.
I shoved his shoulder. “You little shit. I thought you were still asleep.”
“It’s easier to eavesdrop that way,” he teased before kissing my forehead.
“After last night, how could I ever think of leaving?” I pursed my lips.
He shrugged. “You could have just been faking it.”
I gasped. “There’s no way to fake that shit.”
“Good.” He kissed me again. “I guess we should start looking for a job for you up here then?”
“I want to work at Mountain Breath,” I stated.
“Done—you’re hired. That was easy.”
“I should probably start looking for a place up here.”
The look that washed over Maverick’s face shocked me. “Why? You have a home right here. I feel like that is moving backward.”
I didn’t know what to think or say. It just seemed like the right thing to do. “Are you ready to live together?” I asked.
“Aren’t we doing that right now?”
“I guess?”
Maverick
Sitting at the dining room table, I scribbled in my notebook. It had been over a week since I had written, and for me, that was too long. Writing poetry and lyrics, filling notebook after notebook was the only true sanity I had.
Cali was at the bar filling out her paperwork to start her new job. She really didn’t waste any time.
With a deep sigh, I read over the words that just had bled from my pen.
The warm breeze blows
An ease creeps in
Unexpected and not particularly welcome
There is an edge to nerves
They heighten the sense
Bringing up my guard
Keeping me armed
I am not ready to open
Not ready for trusting
There is a wall that has started to crumble
In the darkness cloaked
My heart has been left exposed
The words were so real. The resonated in my brain as I stared at them. I was finally opening up. I was completely exposed, and for the first time in my life, I wasn’t afraid of it. I welcomed it. No matter what happened between Cali and me, at the end of the day, she had finally broken me out of my shell. She had seen the real me and hadn’t cut and run. That was priceless.
Chapter 10
You Can’t Keep Him Down for Long
A few weeks later
Maverick
Cali had become one of the best bartenders Mountain Breath had ever had. My dad was even impressed, and that said a hell of a lot.
Finally, my old man was discharged from the hospital, and we figured an open mic welcome home party was just what the doctor should have ordered.
I spent most of the day running around, making sure everything was perfect for the surprise we had been planning for the return of the great Marty Steele, and before I knew it, I was picking him up to drive him over to the party where everyone was waiting.
“Ready for your first shift back behind the bar, old man?” I asked as my father buckled his seat belt.
“I can’t wait to finally get back into the swing of things.” He looked like a kid on Christmas.
“Just remember to take it easy tonight.” I was still worried it was too soon, even if he wasn’t actually going to be working a shift; that was just the lie I’d told him so he wouldn’t suspect us.
As we drove past the fully packed bar, my dad’s eyes got wide. “There’s one hell of a crowd for open mic night tonight. I guess those fans of yours caught wind that you boys have been around more than normal lately.”
“Something like that.”
I parked around back and helped my dad out of his seat. “I got it. I got it.” He shooed me away.
Holding up my hands, I backed off. “Sorry. Just trying to be a good son.”
“You already are, but stop treating me like I am geriatric.”
“Whatever you say, Pop.”
Right as we walked in through the back door, the entire bar erupted in cheers of, “Welcome home, Marty!”
Turning to me, my dad shot me a knowing grin. “You really know how to keep a secret.”
I leaned down so he could hear me over the loud crowd. “I knew you wouldn’t want a big fuss, but everyone has been worried, and they deserve to celebrate with you.”
All of my dad’s regulars were there, shaking his hand and clapping him on the back, and the band was all set up to play for his homecoming, too. The whole family was there.
Cali bobbed around behind the bar, slinging drinks. I stood back for a minute to watch her in her element. The shit-eating smile, the laughter that escaped as she joked with her customers, the twinkle in her eye—it was stunning. Passion of any kind was sexy as hell, and all I wanted to do right then was drag Cali into the back room and take complete advantage of her.
“Marty, what’ll it be?” Cali sang out, putting a coaster in front of the stool my dad was climbing onto.
“Jamison and ginger,” he responded.
“Make it a single tall,” I mouthed at her, and she nodded. “And I’ll have one too,” I said louder.
Rodney came up next to me. “
We’re going on in ten.”
“I get a show, too?” Marty’s eyed grew ten times with excitement.
“Only the best for Papa Steele,” Dane added in as he hugged my dad. “It’s good to see you back here.”
“It’s definitely good to be back.”
As we all stood with my father, a tall man walked up to us. My dad immediately shook his hand.
“Son, I want you to meet Aaron. He was one of the EMTs that responded when I had my episode.”
Without thinking about it, I wrapped the burly man into a hug. “Thank you for saving my dad. I honestly don’t even know what to say right now.”
Aaron was a little stiff as he shrugged once I finally let him go. “All in a day’s work. Kind of have a soft spot for this place and the gruff bartender that makes the best drinks in town.”
After chatting with my father’s rescuer for a few minutes, Rodney motioned for the stage, and Dane and I followed as Colt trotted up from the other side of the bar. Everyone jumped to their feet instantly.
“Give it up for the man of the hour, your favorite bar owner and bartender, Marty Steele! Without him, we wouldn’t be a band. We would have never been able to find a place to let us hooligans with instruments play a gig all those years ago. Marty, we salute you and thank you for everything.” Rodney pointed to my dad as he stood and took an exaggerated bow.
Colt grabbed the mic, yelling, “This one is for you, Marty!”
We dove into a rocked-out version of ‘For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow’ as my dad danced and laughed along. It was one of the most fun times I could remember on stage. I loved my dad, and seeing how many other people cared that much about him really meant something to me.
Diving right in, we kicked off with one of our newer hits. I loved the lyrics Dane had written right after he met Fallon, and the behind-the-scenes for the song was even more beautiful than the lyrics it produced.
Stop my heart
Inspire me
Take my breath away
Make me believe
I know there is beauty
I want to see yours
Be raw, open up
Let me see everything
Walk along the thin line of sanity
Dark and deep
Cool and damp
The caverns of your soul
Ones left unexplored
That’s where I belong
Cloak me in your imagination
Let me take it all in
Stop my heart
Inspire me
Take my breath away
Make me believe you love me
Back when that song was first written, I was jealous of Dane. I longed for those feelings when I was completely empty. My eyes stayed glued on Cali as she swayed and made drinks. I’d found her. I had actually found the one I had been yearning for all those years ago, and finally, I was seeing it.
After a few more songs, we closed out our set and offered up the mic to the rest of the crowd. As a raspy voice sang Etta James’ “At Last”, I scooped Cali into my arms and sang the song into her ear behind the bar.
Smiling and giggling, Cali melted into me. We danced our first dance behind that bar with everyone watching us, but I didn’t care. Anyone could watch, and everyone could see I was falling hard; I wanted to scream it from the rooftops. Three minutes of bliss whisked my heart into hyperdrive, and I couldn’t have been happier about it.
“You’re amazing,” Cali whispered in my ear as the song ended.
“You make me amazing, Cali. It’s all you,” I replied sincerely.
My dad slammed his empty drink onto the bar and called over to Cali, “Welcome to the Mountain Breath family, my dear.”
Cali blushed. “I couldn’t be happier to be here.”
Chapter 11
Play Nice
About six months later
Cali
Marty was feeling almost normal. Working at Mountain Breath was incredible, especially with that silly man by my side. The Hysterics rebooked the tour dates they had canceled for right after Mags and Walker’s wedding. As soon as we got home from their nuptials, all of us were hitting the road.
Life was going amazingly well. I was happy. Maverick was amazing. I couldn’t believe I had been so lucky.
Sitting on the plane with Maverick and the rest of the guys and their women heading to Orlando for Mags’ and Walker’s wedding, I couldn’t stop my nerves. I hadn’t been back since I left all those months ago, running away from a life that was never meant for me. I wasn’t ready to see Mitch, but I knew it was inevitable, and Mags was worth it—there was no doubting that. I was just glad I had everyone with me.
“It’s going to be fine,” Maverick reassured me, reading my expression perfectly.
Gripping his hand, I smiled. “Yeah, I know.”
We only got stopped by fans a few times walking through the airport, and finally I was wrapping my arms around Mags and Walker, who had come to greet us when we arrived.
“Holy fuck, I missed you guys.” I couldn’t contain myself. I started balling on the spot.
“I can’t believe you’re finally here,” Mags exclaimed, pulling me away from her fiancé so she could hug me tighter.
“Good to finally meet you, Maverick.” Walker shook Mav’s hand before Maverick introduced him to the rest of the group.
Mags whispered in my ear, “Don’t worry, Mitch is going to be fine. We already had a talk with him.”
“I probably should too.” I bit my lip as nerves crashed into me again.
“That might be a good idea.” Mags grabbed my carry-on from me. “Now let’s head to the beach and get this wedding started!”
We climbed into the stretch limo Maverick had arranged to take all of us to the hotel. I pretended to be jubilant, sipping champagne with Mags and carrying on with everyone, but I was failing.
Maverick pulled me into the back row with him. Whispering, he asked, “What’s wrong?”
He knew me too well.
“I have to talk with Mitch when we get to the hotel.”
I thought he was going to get mad. I was so scared of it, but he didn’t. He just kissed my cheek and said, “I think that is a very mature way to avoid conflict.”
I took a deep breath when I saw Mitch checking in as we climbed out of the limo. My heart thudded in my ears and I marched in.
It’s now or never.
“Mitch,” I called out as he took his room key from the woman behind the desk.
He whipped around, wide eyed. “Cali.” His shoulders deflated as he started to walk up to me.
“We should talk,” I said, my voice cracking.
“Fine. Talk.” He rolled his eyes, setting his bags down beside us.
“I’m sorry for everything.”
“I don’t need this right now.” He turned to walk away, but I grabbed his wrist.
“You can hate me—you should hate me, but we’re here for Mags and Walker and I just don’t want to fight during their wedding. Please, Mitch. You used to be one of my best friends. Can’t you just pretend for one weekend?” I searched his eyes as they welled with tears.
“Is he here?”
“Yes.”
“Do I have to play nice with him?”
“You don’t have to even acknowledge him or any of them if you don’t want to.” My entire body was shaking.
“I’ll be civil for Mags and Walker.”
“Thank you.”
I watched as he grabbed his stuff and stormed off for the elevator.
“How’d it go?” Mags asked as she came up to my side.
“Fine, I guess. I don’t know what I expected.”
“He’s still hurt. He just needs more time.” She hugged me again.
Chapter 12
They Really Do
Cali
“Are you ready to become Mrs. Eastman?” I asked as we started to walk toward the aisle arm in arm.
With tear-filled eyes, Mags smiled at me. “I have never been
more ready for anything in my entire life.”
As the music began, we walked up the sandy path. All I could do was watch Walker staring at Mags. The love in his eyes crashed into me as tears already threatened to assault me. I glanced to my best friend as her dark brown hair danced in the wind and her loving round eyes gazed at her true love. I loved how Mags had picked a dress with the slightest hint of pink that glistened in the afternoon sunlight. She always did have to be just slightly different, and it was one of my favorite things about her.
“Walker, will you have this woman to be your wedded wife? Will you love and comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?”
“I will.” The words flowed from deep down within as the biggest smile took over his face.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd, and even Maverick kept wiping his eyes as the ceremony went on.
I was so engulfed in my happiness for my best friends, it sounded muffled when the minister shouted, “I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Walker Eastman.”
“Now, let’s party!” Mags yelled joyfully.
The dinner went off without a hitch, but I couldn’t help but notice the subtle glances Mitch kept shooting at me.
If looks could kill…
I tried to ignore it while I danced with Maverick. Dane, Rodney, and Colt came up to us with Mags rushing behind them.
“Please, oh please, will you guys play something for us?” Mags automatically gave her best puppy dog eyes, and Maverick laughed.
“How could we ever say no to the blushing bride? After all, you might be one of our oldest fans.” Maverick shot me a quick wink as Mags scurried away to tell the band to take a break for a bit.
In the front row, with Mags’ hand in mine, we cheered as The Hysterics took the stage.
Steele: A Standalone Rock Star Romance (The Hysterics Book 4) Page 5
