“I know, trust me, I’ve spent the last couple of years trying to fix your relationship with him. It was my fault, and I’m so sorry. If I could turn back time, to change this, I would. But that’s one of the reasons I’m calling, Daisy. I don’t want you to make the same mistakes I did. From what you’ve told me, Trevin has treated you really well, and I think you should give him a chance to explain things before you give up on him.”
“You should apologize to Dad,” Daisy said.
“I already have. And I will again. Someday, he might actually forgive me. But listen, I don’t mind you staying with Rosa and Slim, but you need to get ahold of your dad soon, too. Okay?”
“Yeah.”
“I love you, Daisy.”
“Love you, too.” Although, right now, all she wanted to do was scream at her. To make her feel the hurt she’d gone through. Let her see how screwed up she’d been because of this.
When she hung up, Daisy wiped her eyes. Everything she’d thought was true was a lie. Her mom and dad. Trevin.
Daisy got up from the chair by the phone and, when she grabbed her purse, a magazine fell out. And there, plastered on the front cover of it, was Trevin’s picture. Her fingers trembled as she picked it up. Her chest tightened.
“Who’s the boy?” Rosa said, glancing at the magazine in her hand.
“He was my boyfriend, but I kind of messed things up. Said some things I didn’t mean.”
“Ah, honey, you aren’t the first one to let your mouth get ahead of your mind, nor will you be the last.”
“He’s the first guy who’s ever given me flutters in my stomach. It’s like I want to smile every time I’m around him. I don’t know, it’s just that he gets me. And he loves music as much as I do…”
“Uh-huh.” Rosa smiled. “I’d say someone is smitten.”
“That’s an understatement.” She laughed. “I can’t eat, sleep, or concentrate without his face popping into my head. Kind of like popcorn kernels left over the fire too long.”
“Hmm… Sounds to me like you’ve been bitten by the ‘love bug.’” Rosa patted her hand. “True love is like that, it latches on and won’t let go. It makes you crazy, it makes you laugh, and sometimes it even makes you cry. But that’s the thing with love—it makes you feel, Daisy. And it sounds to me like you’ve got all kinds of feelings going on in that head and heart of yours.”
Oh God, was she right? Daisy sat there staring at the magazine cutout of Trevin. All this time, he hadn’t really stood her up. But what about the bet? She sighed, replaying the scene in her mind. Him hanging out in the courtyard with the guys. Chatting and joking like the bet was no big deal. As her memory flashed to that day, Daisy went still. How could she have forgotten? When Trevin had been talking to Ryder, he’d told him he wanted to end the bet. Did that mean Trevin had feelings for her, too? Or was he just trying to spare her any more humiliation?
Her chest warmed and tingles shot from her toes to her head. She missed him. But it was more than that. She didn’t feel whole without him. Crap. She did love him. However, she’d screwed up royally, which meant she had no choice but to try and win him back. But it couldn’t be something small. She had to put herself out there—be willing to make a fool of herself. But would that be enough? Maybe it was too late. Or maybe not.
Then it dawned on her.
“Hey, Slim,” she said.
“What’s up, baby girl?”
“You’d mentioned singing a couple of modern songs at the concert?”
“I sure did. Why, you got something in mind?”
“Actually, I do. There’s this awesome song I know, and it has some great harmonies and leads in it. I just have to find the piano parts for it,” Daisy said.
She pulled out her iPod and let Slim listen to it. He hummed along with the chorus. “Oh, there are some nice runs in here. I like it. Hey Merle, come hear this.” The guys passed it around, and to her surprise they all loved it.
“There’s one more favor I need to ask. Can I sing lead on it? I know I have a horrible voice, but I’m kind of trying to win someone back.”
“Don’t tell me our little Daisy is in love?” Foxy teased. “Do you think your grandpa would approve of him?”
Daisy laughed. “Yeah, I do.”
“Well then, by all means, we need to help our girl,” Merle said. “We can back you up—trust me, we can make anyone sound good. Ain’t that right, boys?”
“Sure is,” Slim said.
“Do you think I could use your phone a second?” Daisy asked.
“Of course, you know where it is,” Rosa said, taking her plate for her.
Daisy dug in her purse and searched for Will’s number. She’d written it on the back of a receipt when he’d helped her call in the order for cookies for Trevin. She hoped she hadn’t thrown it away. After digging around, she finally found it. She dialed, hoping he had service, because she needed his help to pull this off.
He answered on the third ring. “Hello?”
“Will? Hey, it’s Daisy.”
“Holy shit, where are you?” he almost shouted.
“Did you just cuss?” she asked. “You never cuss.”
“Yeah, sorry. It’s just everyone has been worried sick about you. Your dad has been working with the hotel security in Nashville and the cops to find you. He hasn’t slept at all in the last twenty-four hours. And Trevin is a hot mess. He actually missed some dance moves during the concert last night.”
“They’re worried?”
“Yeah, we all are. So you need to call your dad and let him know you’re okay.”
“I will, as soon as I’m done talking to you. Because I kind of called to ask for a favor.” Daisy chewed her bottom lip, then told him about her plan. “So what I need to know is if you might be able to either bring Trevin out here, or if you can make sure to get Trevin in front of the TV to see the video I post.”
“Well, we have a concert that night, so I wouldn’t be able to get out there.”
“I’ll be making a huge-ass fool of myself, but it’s necessary.”
“Dang, I’m almost sorry I’ve got to miss it. But I promise to get Trevin in front of the TV or online if you can let me know when it’ll be aired.”
“I will. And Will, thanks for everything. One day you’re going to make an awesome boyfriend for some girl. And you’re not as shy as people think you are.”
“Now you made me blush. And I am pretty shy, so don’t blow my cover, okay?”
She laughed. “Fine, I’ll keep your secret that you’re really not as introverted as you pretend to be.”
“Hey, seriously though, please call Beau.”
“I will. Thanks again.”
When she hung up with him, she knew she needed to get ahold of her dad. She just prayed he would let her perform. She pressed the buttons on the phone and listened as her dad’s cell rang.
“Hello?” His frantic voice came on the other end.
“Dad?”
“Daisy, thank goodness. Where in God’s name are you?”
“I’m in Michigan. I—I’m with Slim and Rosa. I’m safe. And I’m sorry I didn’t call sooner.”
On the other end, she heard her dad’s voice crack as if he was crying. “I’ve been worried sick.”
“I know, I’m sorry. And, you should know, Mom called me earlier. S-she told me everything, Dad. That it was her fault you didn’t come around.”
“Oh, it wasn’t all her fault. I still should have fought harder for you. I never should’ve let the affair keep me away.”
“But I understand now. And I didn’t before. I love you, Dad. I feel horrible for treating you so badly at the beginning of the summer.”
“Look, what’s done is done. I forgive you, and I hope you’ll forgive me. I love you, and I hope you know that.”
“I do.” She sniffled. And for the first time in forever, she realized her dad truly cared about her. That maybe things could really be patched up.
“Can you put
Slim on for me?”
“Yes, um, I didn’t exactly tell him that I’d left on my own.”
“I figured as much, otherwise he’d have called,” Beau said.
“Slim, my dad wants to talk to you,” she hollered.
He lumbered into the kitchen and took the phone from her. “Hi-ya Beau… No, I didn’t know that… Don’t worry, we’ve taken good care of her.” He went on to tell him about the concert and the times and such. “You’re welcome to come up and stay on with us if you’d like.” Slim waved her back over and handed the phone to Daisy.
“Dad?”
“I’m catching the first flight available. You can stay for the concert tomorrow, but after that we’re heading out. And we’re gonna have a really long talk when I get there.”
“I understand,” she said.
When she let him go, Slim shook his head at her. “You, young lady, made your father sick with worry. I’m not sure where you got the idea to run off like that. But I promise you, that man is a good guy. Always has been. You need to give him a chance, Daisy. That’s what your grandpa would want.”
“I know. And I’m really sorry for putting you and Rosa in the middle.”
“What’s done is done. Now come on. We’ve got a new song to practice.” Slim led her back into the music room.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Trevin paced in his room. He hadn’t been able to sit still since they’d found out Daisy was missing. Miles, Ryder, and Nathan glanced up at him.
“You guys, I need to do something big to get Daisy back. I fucked up badly.”
“Well, I should definitely help, since I’m the asshole who talked you into taking my bet,” Ryder said.
“Just so you know, I paid up in full. I’m no longer Lester’s bitch. And I don’t care what you guys do. If you want to sneak off with your girlfriends, by all means, do so.”
Ryder grinned. “Aw hell, did you tell Lester off?”
“Kind of.”
“Well shit, mate, why didn’t you let us come along? I would’ve paid to see that,” Miles said.
“Okay, back on topic. What can I do to get her back?” It had to be something big. To show her he loved her and wasn’t going to back down.
Just then, Will busted into the room, half out of breath. “Okay, so I know we have a concert tomorrow, but we really need to take a road trip.”
Trevin glanced at him. “What are you talking about?”
“Here’s the thing—there’s this charity concert in Michigan I just found out about. And it’s for a really great cause. One close to my heart.” He glanced at Trevin. “I never ask you guys to do anything for me—but this, we need to attend. And Beau’s already agreed to go with us. Ain’t that right, Beau?”
Beau stepped in the door behind him. “Sure is.”
“What about our concert tomorrow night?” Trevin glanced at them.
“You’ll be back in time,” Will said. “I’ve already got our flights booked coming home. But we really need to do this. Trust me. Just pack an overnight bag and come on, or we won’t be there in time.”
“Great, but that means you guys have to help me come up with a plan on the trip to Michigan. I need to win Daisy back.”
Beau shot him a surprised look. “Don’t worry, kid, you’ll get your chance. Now come on.”
…
Daisy smoothed down her S2J T-shirt, which had Trevin’s face on it.
“You ready?” Slim asked, coming up behind her.
“As I’ll ever be. Jeez, I can’t believe how nervous I am.”
“That’s normal. We get butterflies before every show,” Slim said.
She peeked out at the crowd and couldn’t believe how big it was. “You guys can really draw in the fans.”
“You know it.” Merle grinned.
“Daisy?”
“Dad!” She spun around and hugged him. He’d gotten in last night, and they’d had a chance to talk some more. If nothing else good came of this summer, at least she’d gotten a chance to repair their relationship. He promised he’d come around more, and she promised she’d make more of an effort, too.
“Good luck out there, sweetie. I’ll be sitting front and center.”
“If the crowd starts throwing vegetables at me when I sing, you might have to use your bodyguard skills and save me.” She laughed.
At last, someone from the chamber of commerce came out to introduce Jive Times Five. “As you all know, the band lost one of their members, Gerald, a little while back. So they have his granddaughter filling in on piano for him. I hope you all enjoy the show.”
With that, Daisy gripped Slim’s hand and went out onstage with them. He gave her fingers a squeeze. “Your grandpa is looking down from heaven and smiling today—I just know it.”
Daisy nodded. She took a seat on the piano bench and waited for Merle to signal for her to start. Once he did, her fingers flew over the keys. She watched the guys stand in a line and shimmy left then right then left and right. Their rich doo-wop song sent chills over her skin. She was not only doing this for Trevin, she realized, she was honoring her grandpa and Jive Times Five, too. A tribute to how great they were, how great their era was. And how their music could transcend time.
They did several songs, until it came time for Daisy’s moment.
“Now, tonight, we have something kind of special in store,” Slim said. “We may be old dudes with white hair, but we still like modern music. So, we’re going to ask Daisy to step away from the piano for a second so she can tell you about the song we’re gonna sing.”
Daisy’s legs quaked beneath her as she made her way across the stage. There were far more teens here than she’d expected, which seemed kind of odd. “How many of you are familiar with Seconds to Juliet?”
Girls screamed from the audience, almost deafening her. She laughed. “Good, I’m glad there are a lot of fans out there. Tonight, Jive Times Five is going to let me sing ‘Let Me Make You Smile’—and to forewarn you, I’m a great piano player, but a horrible singer. This goes out to the guy who wrote the song, Trevin Jacobs of Seconds to Juliet. I know how much this song means to you, and I just wanted to apologize for everything. I hope you’ll forgive me for being a complete jerk. And I’m willing to publicly humiliate myself to show you just how sorry I am.”
She put the microphone back in its stand and sat down at the piano again. She played through the chorus once before she started singing. When she got going with it, Jive Times Five joined her, blending their voices with hers so it didn’t sound as screechy as it had when she first began. But as she glanced toward the side of the stage, she saw Trevin standing there. For a moment, she couldn’t move. Her eyes welled. Her heart beat so hard against her chest, she thought it might break her ribs. She’d forgotten how gorgeous he was. His dark eyes sparkled, his lips curved up into his infamous perfect-teeth smile. His tall frame blocked out everything else around her. His gaze met hers and even from here, she felt the heat of the sparks between them.
Oh God, he was here. Watching her sing. Why had he come? Did he want to get back at her? Or was he here for some other reason? She turned back to the piano, determined not to screw this up. He had to know what he meant to her. She had to finish this song, and it had to be awesome. But it was hard to focus, knowing he stood several feet from her.
Girls in the crowd screeched louder, and Daisy peered up to see Trevin sauntering onto the stage with a microphone. He sat down on the piano bench with her and joined in the song, never once taking his eyes off her. He leaned in, letting his voice fill her ears. Not only was he sitting beside her, helping on piano, but he was singing his song to her. Her lip trembled as she fought to keep from crying.
He’d come for her.
When they finished, everyone clapped and hooted and hollered.
“You’re here,” she whispered.
“I’m here.” He took her hand and gave it a squeeze before leading her away from the piano.
Daisy and Trevin joined the r
est of the band at center stage and then bowed. As they made their way off the stage, Daisy stopped in her place, seeing the rest of Seconds to Juliet standing there as well. Why were they here? At last, she turned back to Trevin.
“Daisy—”
“Trevin, oh God, I’m so sorry for everything. I never meant a word I said. It’s just, you hurt me when I thought you’d stood me up, and then again for the fifties dance, and I was mad. But I never even gave you the chance to explain. I swear, I didn’t mean any of it,” she said without taking a breath. “Look, I hope we can at least still be friends. I mean, I’d like to be more, but I screwed up.”
Trevin touched her face. “Actually, I’m the one who should be apologizing. I’ve been the world’s biggest asshole. They don’t make toilet paper big enough to wipe me. But here’s the thing, I honestly didn’t intentionally stand you up for homecoming. Lester told me that you’d canceled for the dance because you had a boyfriend. I—I didn’t know differently, and I’m sorry I didn’t remember your face. But when you’d initially won, Lester had sent around a memo. I didn’t really pay much attention to it. Which was totally shitty of me. Honestly, I think Nathan is the only one who pays attention to that stuff.” Trevin took a deep breath, as if he couldn’t get this all out fast enough. “And the fifties dance, again, Lester dragged us straight from the recording studio to a fashion show to perform. I didn’t have a phone on me and neither did any of the guys. But LJ said he’d call and let you know what’d happened and, as you remember, he didn’t bother doing it. I came by to apologize the morning that all hell broke loose, but you weren’t in your room. And God, where do I begin about the bet? Look, it was an asshole thing to do, and I don’t care about winning it. In fact, I already dropped the bet and paid Ryder in full by telling LJ off. I also gave up the writing collaboration.”
“But it was important to you.”
“Not as important as you are. So please, forgive me.” He tenderly stroked her cheek.
“I forgive you, as long as you forgive me for handing that video over and for saying those crappy things.”
Daisy and the Front Man (Entangled Crush) (Backstage Pass) Page 22
