“It’s not, but it’s worth it. Thank God for my mom and dad. They’re lifesavers when it comes to Lila.”
“I’m glad they’re supporting you.”
“Mom bugged me for the longest time to move back here. I didn’t want to leave the house that James and I had.” Her eyes dull at the mention of him.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up anything painful.” Son of a bitch. I’ve screwed up now.
“It’s not painful like it was before. I didn’t want to move because it felt like I was leaving him behind. It was the only place we had lived together. It was Lila’s first home. There were a lot of great memories there. I felt like I was abandoning him, abandoning us.” Her voice quiets as she loses herself in the memories.
“Damn. I don’t know what to say.”
“It’s okay.” Her smile is sad. “You don’t have to say anything. I’ve heard it all before. They’re sorry for my loss, yadda yadda.”
“You never were one to take pity from anyone.”
“I don’t think they mean it that way but it’s the way they say it. The look they give you. After a while, I couldn’t take anymore. Lila was a handful, and I was trying to work full time to cover all the bills. When the opportunity presented itself, I jumped at the chance.”
“I bet your mom was over the moon.”
“She was. She got me back home and had a new grandbaby to fuss over. We lived with them while the building was being renovated. It was Nathan’s idea to make the second story into apartments.”
“Living at home not all it’s cracked up to be?”
“Not when you’re a parent yourself. Mom always thought she knew best, and we butted heads often. It became strained at the end.”
“I can only imagine. I haven’t been home that long, but Mom has already resorted to treating me like I’m back in high school. It’s been years since I’ve had someone to tell me to pick up my towels off the floor.”
“Probably because you had someone doing it for you, Mr. Hotshot.” She laughs and my heart lightens at the twinkle in her eye.
“Ha ha funny. My housekeeper only comes twice a week. Once a week when I’m on tour."
“What tour mean?” Lila asks from beside me.
“I go from city to city on a bus to play music for people.”
“That sounds like fun,” she says around a yawn.
“Not as much fun as you’d think.”
“Someone’s getting ready for bedtime.” Dani waves down the waiter.
“Damn, I mean dang, I didn’t realize it was that late.”
“It’s not that late. Her bedtime is around seven thirty. She winds down around seven, so the timing is okay.”
“Then let me get you lovely ladies home.” I throw down enough cash to cover the bill and tip before following the ladies out of the restaurant. Lila walks between us, holding our hands before she yells out swing and pulls up her legs. Her giggle when she swings between us is infectious and we laugh and swing as we walk around the back of the building. Once at the base of the stairs, Lila raises her arms up and I pick her up, depositing her on my hip. Her head rests on my shoulder. My heart melts a little and I can’t help but kiss the top of her head. Dani precedes us up to the stairs and I can’t help but look at her denim encased rear sway with each step. A small hand clenches my shirt, drawing my attention.
“Did you have a good time tonight, Princess?” Her head nods, her eyes drooping heavily. “And you, Dani? Did you have a good time?”
“Surprisingly, yes I did.”
“Why does that surprise you?”
“Because I expected every busybody gossip in town to stop by our table.”
“Oh. Sorry, I didn’t mean…”
“Zach, if we continue to see each other, it will happen. Everyone will have their opinions. Some will whisper behind our back and others will say it to our faces. It’s the curse of a small town. You’re everybody’s business.” She takes Lila from me after we walk in the door.
“True. Okay, I’m going to say goodnight. Can I call you? Take you out again?”
“Zach, don’t you know you’re not supposed to ask yet? Doesn’t it go against the man rule book or something?”
“Man rule book?” I look at her puzzled. “Even if there was such a thing, I don’t give a dam, uh, darn. I want to take you out again and I will not dance around it.”
“Then yes to both questions.” Her smile lights up the room. “But now I need to get this one ready for bed.”
“Good night, princess.”
“Night, Zach.”
“Good night, Dani,” I lean over and kiss her on the cheek. I whisper into her ear. “Sweet dreams and I hope they’ll be of me because mine sure as hell will be filled with you.” I pull back, my lips grazing her heated cheek. Satisfied I turn and walk out the door.
Later that night, I pick up my phone hesitant to call since she goes to sleep early. Maybe I’ll just text tonight and call tomorrow.
Me: I had a great time tonight. How about mini golf on Thursday?
Her: You really want to try mini golf with a three-year-old? Haven’t been around many kids, have you?
Me: No not really. I figure she’ll just take whacks at the ball.
Her: Oh, you’re in for it. Same time?
Me: I’ll pick you up. Good night. Sweet dreams.
Her: Night Zach.
Damn if I can’t wipe the goofy grin off my face.
Chapter Seventeen
Danielle
“Look at that stupid grin on your face. I’ve missed that smile,” Jessa teases as she sips her coffee.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I can’t even say it without giggling. “Okay, I can’t help it.”
“It’s only been a week,” she muses, “You’re both still putting your best foot forward.”
“You forget I already know most of his bad habits, anyway.”
“Who knows what he does now? Maybe he’s picked up some disgusting habits. Dirty underwear on the floor. Wet towels mildewing in the corner.” She shivers in disgust.
“I’m sure he has a housekeeper that worries about that stuff.” I chuckle.
“As long as he treats you good, I’m fine with him but if he pulls the same bullshit as last time, friend or not, I’m gonna rip him a new one.”
“We’re taking this slow. I’m still not sure I’m even ready for this.” I sink into the couch cushions.
“Slow is good.”
“But what if it’s too slow? Eventually, he will go back to Nashville. He only came home because of Wesley’s wedding.”
“And to get out of the spotlight,” she murmurs.
“What was that?”
“Nothing,” she shrugs. “If things progress, he may not. He could move back here. Permanently.”
“Why would he do that?”
“Dani, seriously? Do you think he’s going to drag you away from your business and family?”
“His business is in Nashville if you recall.” I point my water bottle at her.
“Semantics. He can travel back and forth and when he’s touring; he can have a home base anywhere. He’s on the road while you have a brick and mortar store.”
“That’s not the way things work. He has a home, friends, his agent or whatever he is.”
“Are you giving up on this already?”
“No, of course not. Why would you think that?”
“Because everything out of your mouth is why this won’t work.” She gets up from the barstool and sits next to me on the couch. “I get it. You’re scared. I would be too if I’d been through the hell you’ve been through. Just don’t shut him out before you have your second chance.”
“What if I don’t deserve a second chance? What if I’ve used them all up?”
“Everyone deserves a second chance.” She leans her head on my shoulder.
“What if that was James?”
“Huh?” She tilts her head to look at me.
“What if that was the second? Zach was the first.”
“Uh uh. No way, honey. Fate doesn’t work that way.” I protest. “Hush. Let me speak. You and Zach weren’t the real deal back then and if you look deep in your heart, you know that. The love you and James had eclipsed anything you ever felt for Zach. The old Zach. Maybe new Zach is your second chance. You’re always telling me I need to take a chance and trust my instincts. What are yours telling you?”
“That’s the problem. I don’t know if I can trust them. My head is warring with my heart.”
“And what does your gut say?”
“That maybe this time it’s the real thing.”
“And?”
“That scares the shit outta me.”
“It should. Love is a damn scary thing.”
“It’s not just me I have to worry about anymore. Lila is the most important person in my life. I have to think about what’s best for her.”
“What am I, chopped liver?” The appall in her voice makes me laugh. “I see where I stack up. Best friend for years versus the messy, noisy person you gave birth to.”
“You know I love you.”
“Whatever.” She finishes her coffee. “He knows that Lila’s first in your life. Why do you think every time y’all go out it’s the three of you? Has he once tried to exclude her from anything?”
“No, everything he’s planned has revolved around something that she would like.”
“Maybe that’s the problem. Lila is a buffer for the two of you.”
“What do you mean?”
“You haven’t really talked or explore what’s going on between the two of you. Miss Dynamo is keeping the status quo.
Y’all need to have an adult date to see how things are between you without munchkin interference.”
“Yeah, I think you’re right.”
“Lila can spend the night with me next Saturday and y’all can get your groove thang on.”
“It’s not just about the sex, Jessa.”
“No, but it’s a damn important part. If there aren’t any sparks, then everything else will just fizzle out.”
“Trust me there are sparks,” I reply remembering our kiss on the Fourth of July.
“You’ve kissed. But in the bedroom, it may be a different story.”
“I’m not guaranteeing that I will sleep with him on Saturday.”
“You’re nuts if you don’t.”
“Speaking of sex life.”
“Oh, damn look at the time.” She looks down at her non-existent watch. “Gotta go.” She jumps up from the couch and rushes out the door without a backward glance.
“I wonder what’s going on with her.” I pick up the empty coffee cup and rinse it out in the sink. “I’ll have to keep an eye on that one.”
“Momma, I’m hungry,” a sleepy voice sounds from behind me.
“Okay, love bug, let’s get you some breakfast.”
* * *
“Where do we want to go this weekend? I think the movie theater is showing a kid’s movie.” Zach leans over the counter in the bakery as I box up a half dozen cupcakes for the customer in front of me. Luckily, she’s not a local and not eavesdropping for that latest bit of gossip.
“The lemon chiffon is delicious if you like citrus. Sweet and tangy.”
“That sounds good. Add one of those.” I close the box and ring her up before wishing her a good day. She’s the last customer so I flip the closed sign and lock the door.
“How about we do something without Lila this weekend? Jessa offered to let her stay the night Saturday.” I bit my lip. His eyes light up.
“That sounds amazing. What do you want to do?”
“What if I cook us dinner and we can watch a movie?”
“You’re gonna cook for me?”
“I am a trained chef, Zach. I can cook other stuff besides pastries.”
“I don’t know if I’ve ever had someone cook for me besides my mom.”
“Someone does. You hate being in the kitchen.”
“When I’m home, I have a meal delivery service. On the road, it’s whatever we grab.”
“That’s just sad,” I shake my head. “Around seven?”
“Perfect. Do you need me to bring anything?”
“No, just yourself.”
“I can’t wait.” The sincerity in his voice and the dimple in his cheek make butterflies take flight in my stomach. Gah, I feel like a teenager again. “See you Saturday.”
Pulling the stuffed pork chops out of the oven, I place them beside the asparagus and roasted potatoes. A knock sounds on the door and I’m glad I sat the heavy pan down as my hands tremble. Dropping a sizzling hot, cast iron pan on my foot wouldn’t be a great way to start off the night. Pulling off the apron, I smooth down the blue fabric of my sundress. I debate sliding on the heels beside the door before discarding the idea and turning the handle.
“You look beautiful.” He looks me over and I get goosebumps from the heat. My nipples pucker behind my bra and I thank the lord I chose the padded one tonight.
“You’re looking mighty fine there yourself.” I usher him inside. “For me?” I gesture to the bouquet in his hand.
“Sorry,” his face flushes red as he hands them to me. Roses and Stargazer Lillies, my favorites.
“They’re beautiful,” I say burying my face in the fragrant petals. “I have a vase in the cabinet above the refrigerator. Can you get it down?”
He turns and I stare at his ass in the jeans he’s wearing. Not too tight or too loose, just enough to cup the rounded muscles lovingly.
“The clear one?” His words break my stare.
“Uh what?” he pulls it out and turns. My face heats and he smiles.
“This one?”
“Um, that’ll work.” He takes the flowers from my hand and places the flowers inside. A little water later and they’re placed on the table I have set for dinner.
“I hope you like pork chops.”
“Love ‘em.”
“Good,” I tuck the hair behind my ear. “Let me get it plated up.”
After a couple of minutes, I place the full plate in front of him along with a glass of wine.
“This looks delicious.”
“Thank you,” I beam. Sitting down with my plate, I take a sip of wine waiting for his reaction. He cuts into the pork chop and takes a bite moaning as the taste explodes across his tongue.
“Holy shit, that may be the best thing I’ve ever eaten.”
“That may be one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me.”
“I’m not kidding. I’ve eaten in a lot of high-end restaurants and this blows them out of the water.”
“I worked in a Michelin star restaurant before I moved back here.”
“They lost out when you moved.”
“Yeah but it was a very stressful job with very long hours. I don’t miss it at all.”
“Different from the stress and long hours that come with owning your own business?”
“It’s different when you’re working for yourself. I’m getting all the rewards too. Not someone else.”
“I can understand that. Sometimes I want to do more of my work instead of just singing and having other people work on the final product.”
“What do you mean?”
“More of the production aspect. The fine tuning of the song. Deciding which pieces need more tweaking. That sort of thing.”
“Sounds like you would already do that. It’s your album.”
“No, my manager has someone else doing all those things.”
“Tell him you want to do it,” I suggest.
“I’ve done that.”
“And? What did he say?”
“Basically, that all I needed to do was sing and keep the fans wanting more.”
“That was an asshole thing to say.”
“I agree. I’ve been thinking about setting up my own production company. I have a friend who produces that isn’t happy where he’s at. We’re
thinking about collaborating while I learn the ropes.”
“Why does your manager have a problem with that?”
“it’ll cut down on my singing time. I’ve written a few songs I’d like to record but he shoots me down. He wants the songs written by the proven hit makers.”
“But it’s your career, and he works for you. Shouldn’t he be telling you yes and encouraging you?”
“You’d think so, wouldn’t you? Dad thinks all he cares about is his bottom line and if I release less music there is less money.”
“Why am I picturing some smarmy guy that wears really expensive shoes with his hair slicked back and a pinky ring?” Zach looks at me with wide eyes before throwing his head back in laughter.
“You described him to a tee,” he tells me once he catches his breath.
“Why don’t you get another manager?”
“I’ve been debating on that. Our contract is up in the fall. It may be time to look for different representation.”
“One who puts you first and not his paycheck.”
“You sound like my dad.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“I meant it that way.” He pushes back from the table. “I’m not sure I’ll ever have a meal that beat this one. Thank you for cooking.”
“You’re welcome. It’s nice cooking for someone other than Lila. She’s not quite a connoisseur of cuisine yet. She still prefers macaroni and cheese and pizza.” I pick up the plates and place them on the counter. I turn the water on in the sink and rinse then off.
“Here let me help you.” He takes the dish from my hand and washes them off before putting them in the dishwasher. After a few minutes, he has all the cookware cleaned and the washer running.
“Let’s go in the living room,” he says topping off our glasses of wine.
“All right,” I move to the couch and sit toward the side, tucking my feet up under me. “Wanna watch a movie?”
“How about we talk first?” I down the rest of my glass as his lips tip up in a smile. “Liquid courage, huh?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about” I place the empty glass on the table, trying my best to look innocent.
“Talking isn’t a bad thing, Dani. People do it every day.”
Pieces of a Broken Heart: Whiskey Bend Series Book One Page 13
