by Vega, W. H.
“Hi Mrs. Evans,” I say, giving her a kiss on the cheek as I sit down.
“I told you to call me Josie,” she says smiling. “And you look so pretty!”
“Thank you,” I say politely, taking a seat.
“Thank you for meeting me for lunch,” she says. “It’s so nice having you back in town and I hope we can be friends.”
“I would really like that,” I say sincerely. We order a breadstick appetizer and a salad each. Once our food order is placed, Mrs. Evans turns to me.
“Blake seems really smitten with you.”
I laugh nervously. “I’m smitten with him too.”
“It’s nice to see you two together again. He was so sad when you moved away.”
I drop my gaze, I really don’t want to talk about that period of my life, and Mrs. Evans seems to pick up on it.
“Blake told us he put his house up for sale.”
Uh-oh. I didn’t want her to think that I was the driving force behind this.
“Yes, I think he was hoping to find something else,” I say evasively.
“Something else with you?” she asks, her eyes twinkling.
I squirm in my seat. “Well, perhaps one day. But we’ll go about things properly,” I hastily add. “I’m not in any rush – we just started dating. And of course we wouldn’t share a house together unless we were married.”
Mrs. Evans smiles widely. Clearly, I’ve said the right thing.
“I knew I always liked you,” she laughs.
We move away from talk about my future with Blake, and instead she fills me in on what Blake was doing over the past thirteen years. Even though I feel somewhat sad listening to Blake’s years without me, it makes my heart happy to hear about what he did during the rest of high school and his college years. She glosses over his time with Savannah, and tells me about family vacations they took and a funny story about how Blake once tried to cook dinner for his parents on their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary.
The hour quickly passes by, and Mrs. Evans snatches the check before I can.
“Don’t even think about it,” she teases. “I invited you here, and I most certainly intend to pay. And it was my pleasure to spend my lunch hour with you; I’m sorry to go back to the office.”
“Thank you so much. This was fun.”
She smiles warmly at me. “It was,” she agrees, “Promise me that we’ll do this again sometime.”
“Yes, I would love that.”
“Well then, that’s settled.” She pays the bill and we head out of the restaurant. I give her a hug goodbye and get into my car. Aside from Savannah’s nasty little visit earlier in the week, I have to admit that I’ve had a pretty great week so far, and now that my lunch and meeting with Liam are over, I can focus on seeing my mother and grandmother.
I head home and pack a bag for my long weekend and then I pour over my notes from my meeting with Liam as I wait for Blake to come over. He’s putting the finishing touches on his album today, and then we’ll get some alone time before I go away and all hell breaks loose with dropping our singles.
I finally get a text message that Blake is on his way, and I excitedly head into the main part of the house to wait for him. I can barely contain myself when I hear him outside and I throw the door open to greet him.
“Hey, baby! What a greeting,” he says, pulling me in for a kiss. I kiss Blake as if I haven’t seen him in months. “Mmm, that’s a hell of a kiss.”
“I can’t help myself,” I admit, pulling him inside. “How was your session?”
“It went really well. The guys and I are real pleased with things. How was lunch with my mother?”
“It was really great. I enjoyed spending time with her.”
“I’m sure she enjoyed it too.”
It’s too hot to even sit outside, so we head back to my part of the house and cozy up on the couch together, taking advantage of the AC.
“What’s in store for your weekend in Bristol?” Blake asks, intertwining his fingers with mine and pulling my legs up onto his lap.
“Not sure really. We’ll probably just spend some time together and cook. Maybe do some shopping.”
Blake nods, running his hands up my calf.
“The house has two showings this week,” he says absentmindedly.
“Really? That’s good.”
“Yeah, it’s good. I think it will be easy to show as my schedule gets crazier, since I won’t be around much.” He pulls out his phone and starts scrolling through his calendar.
“Let’s not talk about how busy we are,” I say quietly, taking his phone out of his hand.
“Okay,” he agrees as I crawl into his lap and straddle him.
Blake places his hands on my shoulders and slides down the straps of my dress. His hands travel across to my collarbone and slowly move towards my breasts. I hike my dress up around my waist and arch my back. My body hums to life under his touch.
It’s hard to imagine that I was ever so frightened of Blake touching me again.
“Oh, Paige,” Blake groans, and I roll back onto him, pushing my lips hard against his.
“I love you so much,” I whisper to him, “I never thought I would feel this way about anybody. I never thought I’d have another chance with you.”
Blake’s eyes are wild with lust, and I can see how much my words move him.
“Paige,” he chokes.
He kisses me back, and we become a tangle of limbs and hands as we make love on my couch.
Ten
Paige
“Paige honey, I’m so glad you came this weekend,” my mother says, pulling me in for yet another hug.
“Me too, Momma. I’m sorry it took so long,” I say, squeezing her back tightly. She pulls away and dabs at her eyes. “Momma! Don’t cry.”
“I know! I’m such a big baby! It’s just that I miss you so much!”
“I know, and I miss you too. But I promise you, going to Nashville was the best decision I ever made.”
“Oh, honey, I know. I can see it. You’re like a changed woman and it makes me so happy. Gosh, I never thought I would see you like this.” She smiles again and shakes her head in amazement.
I try to imagine how I must come across to my mother now. Before I moved to Nashville, I was just a shell. Just existing and going through the motions, like a hamster spinning on a wheel.
Now, I feel like I have purpose and I feel like I’m truly living a life now. For the first time in thirteen years, I feel like I can really put the past behind me.
“I’m going to get down to Nashville soon so I can see you in your element. And I want to see Blake too,” she says winking.
“Actually,” I say slowly, “Blake and I are set to perform at Bicentennial Park next week.”
“You are? Goodness! Why didn’t you say something?”
I shrug sheepishly. “I don’t know. I didn’t really want to talk business.”
“That's a big deal! When?”
“Friday afternoon.”
“Well, there’s nothing else to discuss. I’ll be there!”
“Daddy says you’re welcome to stay at the house anytime.”
My mom makes a face. “Well, that’s very nice of him, but I might opt for a hotel just the same.”
I laugh. “I figured. Just thought I’d pass along the message.”
“Well, I’ll work things out at work and then I’ll get in touch with you. I know you’re going to be busy promoting your album, so you let me know how much you’ll be around and I’ll make my plans accordingly.”
We walk out of my mother’s house and down the driveway to my car. It's refreshing to be back in Bristol this weekend and I hadn’t realized how much I missed my mother until I was actually with her again.
We spent Friday afternoon at the spa together, getting massages, manicures and pedicures before heading out for a nice dinner in town. After sleeping in on Saturday, my grandmother came over and we did some baking using my grandmother’s secret family
recipes. I had three containers filled with sweets already packed in the car, and I knew Blake and Daddy were going to be thankful for those. My grandmother made her famous ribs Saturday for dinner, and I had a cooler bag filled with those leftovers, too.
We all went to church on Sunday morning, and then had brunch in town. I said my goodbyes to my grandmother and Momma and I did some shopping Sunday afternoon before bringing home take out from one of my favorite restaurants. Of course, my mother had asked if I wanted to visit any friends, but we both knew that I had none in Bristol anymore.
On Monday morning I packed up my car and was ready to head back to Nashville.
“I’m so proud of you, Paige,” my mother says, pulling me in for one more hug. I hug her back once more and kiss her on the cheek.
“Thank you, Momma. I’ll see you real soon and we’ll talk soon too, okay?”
“You got it, sweetheart.”
I get into my car and pull away, looking at my mother in the rearview mirror. She was already dressed for work, and I knew she would be getting into her car moments later to head to one of her meetings.
It was good to visit Bristol, but it also reminded me of how sad and empty my life had been here. I leave Bristol behind me and set my sights back on Nashville, my mind already focusing on the upcoming weeks.
Eleven
Blake
We head out of the radio station, and I scroll through my phone. I have two missed calls from my realtor, Cici.
“Great job!” another DJ calls out.
I smile and wave, as Ben and Ryan yell out a thanks. It’s only the first week of doing press for our CD, and already the band is getting some major hype. Of course, Paige is doing great too, her single which dropped four days ago, is already making its way towards the country top 100.
“Hang on,” I say to the guys, as I pause to listen to the voicemail.
“Hi there, Blake. Just wanted to let you know that a couple made an offer on your house today. It’s a little lower than we were hoping for, but rumor has it that another potential buyer might make an offer, and that could start you off on a nice little bidding war. Give me a call when you get this.”
No shit! My house has been on the market for less than two weeks and I already have an offer? I’m not sure how low the offer is, but a bidding war definitely sounds like a good thing.
“Hey, I got an offer on my house,” I say, catching back up with Ben and Ryan.
“That’s great,” Ryan says, as we make our way out to the parking lot.
“Yeah man. Good luck with that,” offers Ben. “You off to see Paige now?”
“Nah. She’s in Memphis for the day promoting her stuff.”
“Damn! Memphis!” Ben whistles.
“She’s a hot chick who can sing,” Ryan reasons, “it’s no wonder she’s there. What do they have her doing?”
“I think she started out on a radio show this morning and then she's supposed to be doing a live performance on one of the morning talk shows. Then I think she has to make a few other stops around town. She should be back later.”
I was proud of Paige. She was working hard and she had hardly blinked at the demanding schedule we'd been given. At least I got to go around with my buddies to promote, but Paige had to promote by herself. Except for the few instances where she was booked with the band.
I say goodbye to the guys and get into my truck. Before I even have the chance to call Cici back, she calls again.
“Hey Cici, I was just getting ready to call you back. I’ve been tied up at the radio station all morning.”
“No problem!” she says, her voice excited. “I’m sorry to bug you again, but I just had to tell you that you’ve got a second bid on the house!”
“No way! That’s great!”
“I know! The second offer is still lower than what we wanted, but better than the first. So I’m going to get the ball rolling now, but I think you’re going to sell your house in no time!”
“That’s great, Cici! You’re the best! So, what do I need to do now?”
“You don’t do a thing. I’m going to get this started, and then we’ll see what we can get. Once we get possible counter offers, I’ll let you know.”
“Sweet.”
I’m excited but terrified because I wasn’t planning on the house selling so soon. I definitely don’t want to rush Paige into anything, and right now we’re way too busy to even house hunt or discuss our future. My parents already offered that I could move in with them in the event that the house sells before Paige and I take the next step.
I drive home thinking about the three weeks we have leading up to the release of our albums. Usually, singers release their single a good month or two before their actual album, but since we’re not well known, we’re only doing three weeks. And Kenny has just about solidified a tour that is set to start in late October and run until mid-December, with a two week break for the holidays, and then to continue for the month of January.
I’m lost in my thoughts so much so that I don’t notice the sleek black sedan parked across the street. I park my truck and get out, smiling at the For Sale sign in my neatly mowed yard, hoping that I can take it down soon.
“Blake!” a deep voice calls out, and I’m startled as I turn around and see Jeffrey Devlin emerging from the black sedan.
What the hell is he doing here?
My mouth presses into a thin line. “What can I help you with Jeffrey?” I ask abruptly as he strides up to me.
He’s dressed in an immaculate three-piece suit, with gleaming cufflinks that probably cost more than my truck.
“I’d like a word with you,” he says formally.
I don’t move a muscle. “Sure.”
“Can we go inside?” he asks, eyeing my front door.
“Right here is just fine.”
He nods, and takes a moment to gather himself. I’m not sure what he has come for, but I’m sure it’s nothing good, and I’m not going to make him comfortable in the process.
“You hurt our daughter deeply,” he begins and I hold my hand up to stop him.
“If this is about your daughter, I’m not interested in hearing it. Savannah and I broke up nearly two months ago, and I’ve moved on with my life. I suggest your family does the same.”
I’m not listening to this bullshit. Doesn’t Jeffrey Devlin have a corporation to run?
“Well, that’s just the problem. Clearly you’ve moved on because you had another woman waiting in the wings,” he draws. “Savannah, on the other hand, can’t seem to get over that fact.”
“Then I suggest you find her a good therapist,” I say coldly.
I highly doubt Savannah is a having a hard time getting over things. I’ve heard the rumors, and it seems Savannah is doing just fine and making her rounds through the beds of Nashville’s most eligible bachelors. I may be an asshole sometimes, but I’m not about to inform Jeffrey of his daughter’s sexcapades.
Jeffrey gives me a shrewd look. “I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised by your callous attitude. I thought you might feel a little sorry about what you had done, clearly I over-estimated you.”
I give him a hard look. “I am sorry that I hurt your daughter, but Savannah and I both knew we were not a good match. I think she’s more upset about the fact that she was ‘embarrassed.’ And let’s be honest here, Jeffrey, did you really want me for a son-in-law?”
Jeffrey makes a sour face and I don’t need any answer other than that.
“Exactly. So, let’s drop this and move on with our lives. We all know that I never had any intention of giving up my music and coming to work for you.”
“Be that as it may, I don’t like to see my little girl hurting. Now, I’m going to offer you one last chance to make things right.”
Is he fucking serious? He must be out of his damn mind.
“I have made things right,” I say furiously, and I take a moment to calm myself down. The last thing I want to do is have a heated physical altercation with Je
ffrey Devlin outside on my lawn.
“Savannah doesn’t think so. I’m offering you one million dollars to leave your girlfriend and get back together with Savannah. I’m prepared to purchase any home that you and Savannah should desire. And on top of that, I’m going to set up a bank account for you and Savannah, and deposit three million dollars on the day after you marry. For each yearly anniversary you celebrate, I will contribute an additional three million dollars to your joint fund.”
I stand there staring at Jeffrey, my mouth hanging open.
He smiles smugly. “Impressed aren’t you? Hard to turn down an offer like that.”
“Are you serious?” I sputter. Does he really think I’m speechless because I’m so impressed by his offer? “I. Don’t. Want. A. Dime. Of. Your. Money,” I spit.
Jeffrey clearly wasn’t expecting this, and he pulls at the cuffs of his suit, and straightens his shoulders.
“I’m sorry. Come again?”
“You heard me. I don’t want one cent of your dirty money.”
“You’re out of your mind.”
“No, Jeffrey, you’re out of your mind. I can’t believe you have the balls to show up at my house and offer me that kind of money to marry your spoiled, selfish daughter.”
“Watch your tongue!” he warns.
“You’re just as disgusting as she is. Coming over here to bribe me. I. Don’t. Love. Your. Daughter. Do you understand? You really want her to marry someone that doesn’t like her, let alone love her? You’re willing to bribe me with millions of dollars because you know that I don’t want your daughter. Want kind of scum do you take me for? And how can you think so little of your daughter?”
“You damn idiot!” he hisses, “Don’t try to tell me that I don’t care about my daughter. I’m doing this because I love her!”
“Bull shit! You should be ashamed of yourself. Now get back into your chauffeured ride and stay the hell away from me. And the same for your daughter! I want nothing to do with any of you!”
