“Ryker!” she shouts at her unexpected visitor. “I didn’t think you could make it.”
She stands and hugs her superstar brother, then moves to hug Jameson, Ryker’s twin, as he comes to join them.
“I wouldn’t miss this, sis. Not just for you, but I mean, it’s food. I don’t turn down food.”
Laughing, Sydney nods her head in agreement, remembering how her mother always comments that the boys eat her out of house and home.
“That’s true. Well, we’re going to start soon if you all want to head outside. Temple Fitzgerald is taking pictures for the newspaper.”
She watches as all three of her brothers and Logan head outside, Austin and Logan going to stand with their significant others, leaving Sydney and Dylan alone.
“Are you nervous?” he asks her as he moves from around the counter and stands in front of her.
“No. Are you nervous?”
“Not at all. The only person’s opinion that matters to me is yours. And you’ve already given me your approval.”
“That’s sweet.”
“And true. Come on, Angel. Let’s get this party started.”
Dylan takes a hold of her good hand and the couple walks out the door, where they are engulfed in a rousing applause. Sydney looks around and is astonished at how the crowd has grown in just a few minutes. It seems as if everyone in Carson and the surrounding counties has made the trip for The Grill’s grand opening.
She suddenly has gone from being excited to being a nervous wreck. Both she and Dylan were asked to give a speech for the newspaper, and now she is suddenly regretting her agreement. Public speaking of this size and magnitude is not something she is entirely comfortable with or prepared for. But as she glances up at Dylan and their eyes meet, she knows that he is there to support her and as he squeezes her hand, she takes a deep breath and begins.
“I want to thank each and every one of you for taking time away from your plans and being here with us today. It means more to me than you’ll ever know.
“Wake and Bake started as a small bakery that my mother Amy began out of her kitchen, the same kitchen where she used to teach me how to bake her creations. She and my father saved every penny that they had and opened up the space you see before us. Wake and Bake has been a staple in this community for over thirty years and with everyone’s love and support, I hope to build onto that legacy through our new expansion. The Grill is a place offering a new take on the quick dining experience and we hope that you enjoy our creations as much as we enjoy making them.
“The Grill’s Head Chef and Manager, Dylan Bennett, would like to say a few words, but before I step back, I want to thank you again for your love and support.”
A second round of applause sounds and Sydney smiles as Dylan squeezes her hand.
“Good morning, everyone. Most of you already know who I am, so I’ll skip the introductions and keep this quick. I am thankful for how welcoming you all have been to me and this brand new venture. Change can be scary, and I know that if I didn’t have this brilliant woman by my side, I probably wouldn’t have followed my dream to become a chef.
“The Grill is going to offer something new and different, but at the same time, remind you of things familiar. I only hope that you give it and Sydney’s hard work a chance.”
Steering his gaze from the crowd, he directs his words to her.
“I only hope you love it as much as I do.”
He guides their still intertwined hands to his mouth and kisses the back of her hand as the crowd’s enthusiasm grows in ovation.
“Go on inside and check out the space. I’ll start taking orders in fifteen minutes.”
As the crowd moves forward, each anticipating their chance to eat in the new restaurant, Dylan tugs Sydney behind him and escorts her past the building to the corner of the block. He turns around and kisses her softly.
Just as he is about to speak, a deafening motorcycle sounds from down the street, heading their way. The bike slows down and eventually stops in front of them and parks.
Sydney watches in awe as the woman on the back removes her helmet and shakes out her wavy blonde tresses.
“Cassidy?” Sydney asks in astonishment.
She rakes her stare up from the painted-on leather pants to the sheer, black silken blouse. The bright red heels are a dead giveaway of her sister.
Cassidy jumps from the bike and tosses her helmet on the back while the driver works to dismount.
“You don’t think I’d miss this do you? I’m sorry we’re late. I really tried to get here on time.”
Sydney stands speechless as she gawks at her sister. The fashion mogul turned…biker chick?
“Oh, this is…” Cassidy gestures to the man moving off the bike, but her attention turns to someone coming down the sidewalk towards them, and her eyes widen in fear.
Suddenly, Ryker appears and shoves the man who has come to stand beside Cassidy.
“What the fuck, Harlan. What are you doing with my sister?”
Sydney watches as Dylan steps in before Harlan has a chance to retaliate towards Ryker, separating the men. He says something to them both, and Ryker stalks off, back to the bakery, while Harlan remains in his place, hands shoved deep in his pockets.
The man looks at Cassidy from beneath his eyelashes and only then does Sydney finally recognize him as the lead guitar player for Ryker’s band, Exoneration. And suddenly Sydney understands Ryker’s frustration. He never mixes business with family. Most of the world has yet to figure out that he and Cassidy are even related, though they traveled in the same celebrity social circles.
Minding her manners, Sydney crosses over to Harlan and extends her hand in greeting, “Hi, I’m Sydney. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Thanks, you too. Congratulations on your opening,” his deep timber resonating around Sydney.
Yes, besides his unruly good looks, Sydney could definitely see the appeal from his voice alone.
“Cassidy, did you two meet while on tour?”
The couple glances at each other and then shares a small secretive smile.
“Not quite,” Cassidy replies. “I’ll explain it to you later because I have a feeling we all might be staying here for a while.”
“Oh, ok,” Sydney responds as the two new arrivals head towards Sydney’s parents, who are standing at the entrance greeting guests.
“Well, that was unexpected,” Dylan says, verbalizing the same thoughts Sydney is having.
“Yep.”
Dylan takes a hold of her hand once more and she turns to face him, smiling softly.
“I just wanted to take the chance to tell you that I’m proud of what you’ve done, and I’m thankful every day that your mom stepped in and hired me. I can’t imagine doing this with anyone else but you. I love you, Angel.”
Reaching up and wrapping her good arm around Dylan’s neck, she brings her soft body against his rigid one and whispers in his ear
“I love you too, Dylan. My heart is yours.”
Twisting his head to kiss her temple, Dylan replies, “I’ll protect it with everything I am, Mrs. Angel Bennett.”
Sydney laughs at Dylan’s use of her hospital pseudo name, which is now a running joke between them.
“Mrs. Bennett has a nice ring to it.”
“Mrs. Sydney Bennett sounds even better.” Sydney leans forward and rests her head against Dylan’s chest. “One day soon, when all of this craziness has died down, I’ll make you mine.”
Leaning back once more, Sydney adds, “Didn’t you know? I became yours the moment you applied.”
Dylan looks at her and smiles. “And here I thought you didn’t even like me.”
More Books by Renee Harless
The Stone Series
Stone Shattered
Stone Unhinged
Stone Mended
Welcome to Carson
Coming Alive
Coming Together
Coming Consumed
Coming Altere
d
Writing Coming Consumed was a journey in and of itself. It was re-written a half dozen times to make sure that Sydney and Dylan received the best story for them.
I have a long list of people I want to thank for helping me on this journey. I am truly sorry if I leave anyone out.
Renee: I’m pretty sure that you’ve read this story about as much as I have. It’s because of you that Sydney and Dylan got the story they deserved.
There aren’t enough words to say how much your friendship means to me. I love you and I am so happy to have you as my best friend.
My Street Team: Teri, Susan, Stracey, Sandra, Michelle, Lynette, Loralie, Jennifer, Diana, and Amanda. I am so grateful to have you all in my corner. Your support amazes me every day.
My Risqué Readers: You all are my reason to wake up every morning and continue to write. If for no other reason I will continue to create stories that you all will love.
Emily and my Betas: You all are my master of words and I know that this book would not have existed without you. I’m pretty sure that I wrote half of it hoping to make you laugh…and sing.
Renee, Heather, Teri, Misty, Colleen, and Christina: I don’t have enough words to describe my love for you all, just know that it’s all buried somewhere deep inside me with a slew of 90’s pop hits and movie quotes – very close to my heart.
#Tribesquad –
Jesse: You are my own personal Dylan, not just in looks, but in personality and protectiveness. You are my ultimate muse. Thank you for pushing me to finish this book and keeping me company when I was up until all hours working on finding words. It’s because of you that I get to fulfill my dreams.
My kids: You are my everything. Your dreams are mine. Your heart is my heart. I’ll love you eternally.
Keep reading for a look at Book Four in the Welcome to Carson Series, Coming Altered, featuring Cassidy and Harlan.
Renee Harless
(Unedited version – subject to change)
HE DARKNESS OF THE room wraps around Cassidy, cloaking her in its presence. The smoke, though unappealing to her, engulfs her in a bubble of solemnness and calm. Her own private solitude where no one knows her and no one cares.
That’s how Cassidy prefers things. Though she loves her job, the public side of her career has her wanting to scurry off to the hills. She will never understand how people, celebrities, can tolerate being in the public eye. It is disdainful.
Cassidy tucks herself against the corner of the booth hoping to sink further into its cheap vinyl. She found this little piece of heaven tucked away on the outskirts of New York City and she frequented it whenever she was in town, just like now. No one paid her any attention or recognized her for that matter. She was just a random woman that ordered a whiskey neat or two and kept to herself. She didn’t cause trouble or bring any with her. She was safe here and that is why it became her little haven when the world became too much. There is only one other place that made her feel the same way and that place is home – a place she tried her best not to rush off too whenever she found herself overwhelmed.
Her family believes that she is this level headed, only slightly neurotic, grown woman capable of taking care of herself. And in most instances they weren’t wrong. Cassidy had watched as her business thrived and she found herself along of the ride. Only now when the ride became overwhelming did she find herself needing a break.
The waitress with a voice about five octaves too low for a woman of her stature, most likely due to years of smoking cigarettes, brings Cassidy another whiskey and sets it on the table with a clink and asks if she needs anything else.
“No, I’m good. Thank you,” Cassidy replies and then watches as the woman heads over to a table filled with older men looking like they just crawled away from their seedy jobs.
Cassidy doesn’t allow her gaze to settle for too long, not wanting to draw attention to herself. Instead she grabs her phone and reads through the reviews of her latest fashion show as they start to trickle in.
She is becoming a household name in the fashion world and held a headlining spot in the infamous New York Fashion Week. Her designs and selection of models brought her attention and the Press were beginning to swarm like the vultures that they are. Fortunately for Cassidy, she knew her way around the city and is able to outsmart them. The moment she walked the catwalk to end her show she jumped into a cab waiting in the back of the pavilion and she made her way here to her little paradise of wood and smoke.
Cassidy Does It Again!
Headliner, Cassidy, Shuts Down New York Fashion Week!
Cassidy Offers A Refreshing Experience During New York Fashion Week.
She smiles inwardly as she reads each of the articles and cringes when she notices that more than most inquire about her background – something she keeps so tightly wrapped inside her she prays that she’s able to keep it private. It’s not the first time the press has inquired about her private and personal life. The bottom feeders tried to dig up whatever they could about her. Luckily, she made a smart move and followed the likes of Beyoncé and Madonna and only used her first name. Not even her agent knew her last name and she planned on keeping it that way.
Cassidy sets her phone down on the table and takes another swig of her drink, savoring the oaky taste as it trickles down her throat.
“Can I get you anything to eat?” the waitress asks as she stops by Cassidy’s table once more, almost looking relieved to be serving a female.
Cassidy looked up at the woman and inspects her hesitant gaze.
“Actually,” Cassidy says with a smile, “I’d love an appetizer to snack on. What would you recommend?”
“Oh, well,” the woman who seems close to Cassidy’s mother’s age begins as she tucks a loose piece of ashy gray hair behind her ear. “I’d recommend the cheese fries. It’s one of the things I can make for you myself,” she adds as if she realizes that the location is below most people’s standards.
“Mmm, that sounds good. I’ll take an order please. And does the TV there in the corner work?”
“It does. I can get it turned on. Anything in particular?”
“That would be great. Thank you. Maybe just some sports channel. I don’t want to upset everyone else in here,” Cassidy adds as she realizes that the place has begun to fill up with more men all looking like they’ve their heavy handed jobs.”
“Sure thing. And I’ll get these right out to you,” the woman adds with a friendly smile that Cassidy is sure she keeps reserved for times she isn’t on premises.
She watches as the petite woman walks over to the area behind the bar and grabs the remote, flicking on the television and drawing a bit of unwanted attention to herself. Cassidy stares at the dimly lit screen as it blips between different images. Startling her, the television pauses on an entertainment channel as video of her walking across the catwalk with two of her favorite models comes front and center. Her breath hitches and she looks away from the screen and watches as the waitress’ attention is taken away from the remote and to that of two new arrivals at the bar requesting a drink.
Cassidy can feel the sweat pooling at the base of her neck as she slinks farther into the corner of the booth, weary of the eyes scoping across the room.
Please no. Don’t recognize me. Don’t take me away from this solitude, she thinks to herself.
After what seems like hours, but is truly a few minutes, the waitress is able to make her way back to the remote and sets the station on ESPN. Cassidy breathes a sigh of relief and reaches for her drink before soothing the dryness of her mouth with another sip.
Deciding to take a chance to relax Cassidy places her back against the cool wood of the wall, not even caring that the smell of smoke is going to be so far ingrained in her clothing that she most likely will never be able to get rid of the scent. She turns fully and props her feet on the cushion of the bench and grabs her phone, intent to do some catching up with her family. In her line of work s
he quickly learned that it was best to keep everyone at a distance, they can’t hurt you if they are kept at an arm’s length. So Cassidy is truly grateful for the relationship she has with her family, her sisters, otherwise she would be a hermit.
Sending a group text to her sisters she asks what they’re up to and as she waits for a response she scrolls through some more headlines about the show, secretly smiling as she reads another positive review claiming her as the next big thing. Opening the article she brings her stiletto covered feet closer to her body, taking a second to admire the gleaming red patent leather cover and ankle straps; a luxurious gift to herself for signing a contract to share space in an exclusive shop in Manhattan and Los Angeles.
Two years ago she had done the same with a buyer who promised worldwide recognition if she sold her items in their stores located in Paris, London, Rome, Berlin, Barcelona, and Milan. New York and LA were last on her list and as she signed her name on the proverbial dotted line three weeks ago Cassidy had to keep from simultaneously crying and jumping for joy. She had purchased the beloved heels the day her copy of the signed contract arrived.
All of her dreams were coming true.
Feeling eyes on her, Cassidy watches as an overly bearded man with a pot belly bigger than her table walks by her booth and manages to both sneer and smirk in her direction, giving what Cassidy coldly refers to as the willies. Tugging the brim of her green camouflage baseball cap farther down on her face she focuses again on the phone in her hand.
Sydney: Where are you? I see the reviews for your show are great! I’m sorry we couldn’t be there.
Cassidy: It was such an amazing experience. I’m still in NY finalizing a few things.
Everleigh: Will you be home next weekend?
Cassidy: E, you know I can’t go that long without Sunday dinner at Angie’s.
Sydney: Can’t wait to have you home!
Cassidy: Love you <3 See y’all in a week.
Cassidy’s smile reaches past her eyes, she can feel the muscles pulling tightly as the warmth and happiness flows through her body. When they were younger Cassidy and her sisters, though close in age, fought like cats and dogs. It wasn’t until the girls got older that they began to appreciate their family dynamic. All the siblings were close now it seems, well except for Cassidy and her youngest brother Ryker. The two constantly butt heads. Cassidy attributed it to the fact that Ryker acted more like a father than the twenty-one year old he is, except when he is on stage.
Coming Consumed: Welcome to Carson, Book Three Page 17
