"Wait—is that Austin Boone, the singer?"
"Yes, but how do you know that? You don't listen to country music."
"No, I don't, but his manager is a friend of mine. What's he doing here?"
"He's stalking Chelsea."
His father gave him a confused look. "Why?"
"Because Chelsea was involved with Austin. She's also a country music star in her own right, but she quit a little over a year ago."
"She just quit?"
"It's a long story. But the short version is that Austin is trying to get her to come back to music and write a song with him. He's been hounding her for days."
"I thought you said she was a teacher."
"She teaches music now."
"After being a star?”
"Some people don't love being under the lights."
His father gave him a thoughtful look. "She's a teacher, and you're a cop. Two people doing nothing close to what they were meant to do."
"I can't do what I was meant to do."
"But you can do something in that world."
"I told you I'd think about it, and I will. You should go."
"Not quite yet. Looks like something is about to happen."
His gut tightened as Chelsea's front door opened. A moment later, she stepped onto the porch, followed by her sister. The crowd in front of her house hushed.
Chelsea moved down the steps, meeting Austin and Darla in the middle of the path, the photographers snapping a constant barrage of shots.
He moved down the steps, crossing the street, needing to make sure Chelsea was all right. His father was right behind him, which probably wasn't the best thing, but he didn't have time to do anything about it.
As he pushed through the crowd, he saw a determined expression on Chelsea's face. She looked like a woman on a mission.
One of the photogs pushed a mic in her direction.
"Hi," she said, her voice a little rough, as she looked at the crowd. "You're all probably wondering what's going on. I'm sure you've met Austin Boone by now. You know that he's my ex-boyfriend, and that he wants me to record a new song with him."
A couple of teenage girls clapped at that piece of news.
Chelsea gave them a shaky smile. "Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to do that. As most of you know, I retired from music over a year ago. I won't get into the reasons why, but I will tell you that while I miss the music and my fans, I'm a teacher now, and any music I'll be doing will be done in the classroom."
Disappointed calls for her to change her mind followed her words.
"Chelsea," Austin began.
She put up a hand. "I'm not done," she said a bit more loudly. She turned to the camera. "Austin Boone is an incredible singer. His songs are poetry. I don't think he sometimes realizes how good he is on his own." She looked back at Austin. "You don't need me, Austin. You don't need anyone. Your voice alone is more than enough. You can give the fans what they want. The magic is in you. I know it is, because I've seen it."
Brodie felt his gut clench as Chelsea and Austin exchanged a long look. He didn't like what he was seeing or hearing. Chelsea was turning Austin into some kind of hero. Why? She'd acted like she couldn't stand him the night before.
She looked once more at the camera. "I can't wait to hear what Austin comes up with, and I'm sure you can't, either. Flood his social media. Tell him how excited you are for a new song—a solo, not a duet." She took one last breath. "And to my fans, I love you so much. I appreciate all your support. We each have our own journeys to complete, our own stuff to deal with. You've all been patient with me, and I appreciate it. I'm still figuring out my path. I'm not sure where it will go, where I will end up, or who I will be. But the one thing I know for sure is that it's my journey to take. I won't be doing a song with anyone else. I hope you aren't too disappointed. Thanks for listening."
More questions rang through the air, but Chelsea was already headed back inside, Lizzie acting as a protective barrier between her and the crowd.
"Well, that was something," his father said, drawing his attention back to him as the crowd huddled around Austin to get his take on Chelsea's statement.
"Yeah," he said, feeling enormously proud of Chelsea for braving the press and speaking her truth. "She's something else."
"Something special," his dad said quietly. "I saw the way you looked at her, Brodie. Why don't you bring her to LA with you? We can make something happen for both of you."
"Dad, stop selling. I agreed to make the trip later this week. Let's leave it at that."
"Then I'll be on my way. Let me know when you book your flight."
"I will." He walked his dad back to his car. "Have a safe trip home."
His father nodded. "One last thing…"
"There's more?" he asked with an impatient groan. All he really wanted to do right now was talk to Chelsea.
"I just want you to know that this offer is constructed to make you happy. I wasn't thinking of you as my client, but as my son. I do know the difference."
"Thank you for that."
He stepped back as his dad got in the car and drove away. He was debating whether to cross the street and knock on Chelsea's door, or wait until the crowd dispersed, when Darla walked over to him.
"You got your story," he said.
"Not much of one. But putting Chelsea's video online will be good for traffic. I'm surprised she doesn't see the value of singing with Austin again. It could be great for her career."
"Probably better for his. Wasn't that what this was all about?"
"I'm sure," she said with a knowing smile. "Chelsea's words of encouragement will help even if she doesn't sing with him." She paused. "I thought I saw something between them. Who knows, maybe their story isn't finished yet?"
He didn't like her suggestion at all, but as much as he wanted to deny it, he couldn't.
"Anyway," Darla said. "I'd still love to have coffee with you, talk about your career, your transformation into a small-town police officer. I know I could sell it just about anywhere."
"Sorry, not interested."
"Well, you have my card. If that changes, give me a call." She started to walk away, then paused, her shrewd eyes settling on him. "You know, I have great instincts, Brodie."
"What does that mean?"
"There's something between you and Chelsea Cole, isn't there?"
"We're just neighbors."
"You were at the beach together. You ran away together, and I have a feeling she was in your house last night when Austin and I came to the door."
"So, that's really the story you're interested in?"
"I'm a good reporter. I like depth, complexity, which I can't always find. Chelsea fascinates me. I was a fan first, and I miss her music. I'd like to see her come back. I'd like to see her happy again."
"How do you know she's not happy?"
"Instinct," she said with a shrug. "But I'm not going to dig into her life anymore, even though Austin has suggested there might be secrets to find."
"Austin just wants press."
"I know, but there's probably more to Chelsea's retirement than she's been willing to say. However, I'll let it roll for now. You can tell her that. You can also tell her that if she ever does want to talk, she can trust me to get the story right."
He didn't bother to respond. He didn't think Chelsea would ever trust a reporter, especially not with her secret. The fact that Austin hadn't told Darla about the suicide led him to believe that Austin still didn't know. Maybe this would all be over now—at least for the press. He wanted it to be over for Chelsea, too, but he didn't know how to make that happen.
Not wanting to add any more fuel to the fire surrounding her, he decided to let her be and walked back into his house. He needed a shower and when everything was quiet again, they'd talk.
"You did it, Chelsea," Lizzie said with a proud smile. "You were a little too nice to Austin. But I think it worked to your advantage."
"Once his fans a
re begging him for a song that's only his, he'll realize he doesn't need me. And if my interview gives his career a boost, I'm fine with it. Then he can leave me alone."
"Can I ask you something?"
"Can I stop you?"
"Do you still care about Austin? I thought I saw something between you."
"If you saw anything, it was just a fond memory. Austin was a good guy in the beginning. We came up in the business together. And even though he was a lousy boyfriend, I don't wish him anything but success."
"You're a kinder person than I am."
"Mom always said it's better to kill with kindness."
"One of her favorite sayings. By the way, she called me this morning. She and Dad saw all the photos online. I reassured her that you were fine and that I had your phone, which was why you weren't texting her back. But you should call her, or she may show up here next."
"I'll do that today." The last thing she wanted was to have her parents on her doorstep. She needed to catch her breath and get her life back on track.
"Good. What else are you doing today?"
"I don't know. I haven't gotten that far."
"Keira is throwing a spontaneous pool party. Girls in the afternoon, just us, then significant others or friends, male or female, are invited to a dinner barbecue. Not that you'd be interested, but she said she's inviting some hot guys for later."
She smiled. "Really? Where are these hot guys coming from?"
"No idea, but I'm in. What about you? Or do you have plans with Brodie?"
"No plans as of yet."
"You could invite him for later."
"I could. Okay, I'm in, too."
"Great. I thought you were going to beg off after all this craziness."
"After all this craziness, I think I just want to be with friends. And with the festival still going on in town, escaping to Keira's lake house pool seems perfect."
"That's what she thought. Plus, she missed all of us yesterday at the beach, so she wants to have some fun. I'll drive."
"You're going to have to. My car is still at the inn from Friday night. I was going to get it last night, but that didn't work out."
"You'll get it later. I already have my swimsuit and bag in the car. Why don't you grab yours, and we'll be off?"
"Sounds good." She'd no sooner stood up than the doorbell rang.
"Should I get that?" Lizzie asked.
"No. I'm not afraid anymore." She walked over to the door and looked through the peephole. Despite her brave words, she was thrilled to see that the only person on her porch was Brodie.
She opened the door and he stepped inside.
"I saw the photographers were gone," he said, his concerned gaze settling on her face. "How are you doing?"
"I'm fine."
"Are you?"
Lizzie cleared her throat, interrupting the look going on between them. "I have to make a couple of calls," she said. "I'm just going to go in the kitchen. Take your time."
She smiled as her sister made a fast exit. "That was subtle."
He smiled back at her. "I thought you'd be more upset, Chelsea."
"I thought I would be upset, too, but I feel good after giving my speech."
"It was a good speech. I heard every word."
"I didn't see you out there, but I was trying to just focus on the camera."
"My dad and I were walking out of my house when you appeared on the porch."
"He heard me, too?" she asked, not sure how she felt about that.
"Yes. He didn't realize you used to be a superstar."
"He must think I'm nuts."
"I wouldn't say that. I am curious as to why you decided to confront Austin."
"I just finally realized I couldn't stay in hiding anymore. What kind of a life could I lead if I was always running away from Austin? Plus, Lizzie made a good argument that Austin's story was all over the internet and if I wanted my voice to be heard, I needed to use it, not let him control the narrative."
"Your sister is a smart woman. I did look online, and you and Austin are trending just about everywhere. I got a few mentions as well."
"Sorry about that."
"I don't care. I thought you maneuvered Austin away from you quite well. You turned his own fans on him in a positive way. His platforms are lighting up with comments. Everyone wants him to sing his own song. I think he's going to move on."
"I hope so."
"So, what are you doing the rest of the day?"
"I just accepted an invitation to go swimming with Lizzie and the girls at Keira's house."
"Oh." Disappointment ran through his eyes. "That should be fun. Maybe we can get together later."
"Actually, Keira said guys are welcome for a dinner barbecue. If you're interested in joining us, come by at five. Adam will be there; I'm not sure who else."
"As long as you're there, I'm in."
She couldn't stop the ripple of pleasure that spread through her at his words, at the look in his eyes. She glanced over her shoulder. Lizzie was nowhere in sight, so she turned back to Brodie and stepped forward, putting her arms around his neck.
"What's this?" he asked, his eyes darkening.
"I want to thank you for everything, Brodie. For listening to me, for hiding me away, for caring…"
"I do care," he said in a deep, intense voice, his hands settling on her waist. "I want you to know that."
"I care about you, too." She let out a breath. "I have no idea where we go from here, but I'd like to find out."
"Me, too." He lowered his head and took a long, slow kiss that set her senses on fire.
"Wow," she muttered as they broke apart.
He grinned. "I like that response. Too bad your sister is in the kitchen."
"Too bad," she echoed.
"I should let you go." Despite his words, he seemed reluctant to do just that, stealing one more kiss, before moving away. "I'll see you at the barbecue."
"I forgot to ask—what happened with your dad, with the job offer?"
The light in his eyes turned to shadows. "I'll tell you later. It's too long to go into now."
"Okay, but I want to hear it later."
As he slipped out the door, her smile faded as she thought about the sudden change in his demeanor. Had he decided to take the job in LA? He could be leaving any day, just when she was starting to come out of her cocoon, just when she was beginning to think she could be happy again. But it wasn't his job to make her happy. And if he needed to move to find his life again, how could she wish him anything but the best?
"Chelsea?" Lizzie asked, interrupting her thoughts. "Everything all right?"
"You need to stop asking me that. I appreciate your concern, but I'm fine."
"For the first time in a long time, I actually believe you."
"Good. Let's go swimming."
Chapter Nineteen
Swimming in Keira's pool, munching on veggies and deviled eggs, drinking skinny margaritas, and chatting about everything under the sun but nothing too personal, was exactly the kind of afternoon Chelsea had wanted. She knew her friends were curious about all the online gossip, but Lizzie had apparently told them not to ask her about it, and they'd been respectful of that request. They were not, however, as respectful of her privacy when it came to Brodie.
"So, Chelsea, have you kissed Brodie yet?" Hannah asked as they sat on Keira's outdoor sofa late Sunday afternoon.
"That's rather personal."
"And not an answer," Hannah pointed out.
"It's not your business. How's that for an answer?"
"Oh, come on, give me a little something," Hannah pleaded, not taking offense at her abrupt tone. "My life is so boring right now. And your life appears to be anything but boring."
"Leave her alone," Lizzie said. "I promised her no questions."
"That was about the other stuff," Hannah grumbled.
"Yes, I've kissed him," she said. "It was great. Brodie is a very good kisser."
Hannah beamed.
"Finally, some details. So, you're seeing each other?"
"We might be."
Keira clapped her hands in delight. "I'm excited for you, Chelsea."
"Thanks. Now someone else talk. Surely, I'm not the only one who kissed a man this week."
"I kissed Zach," Gianna said with a happy smile.
"That doesn't count; you're practically engaged," Hannah told Gianna. "In fact, when are you going to be officially engaged?"
"Not for a while. We want Hailey to get to know me and feel comfortable going back and forth between Zach and her grandparents. I have to say I'm a little nervous about becoming a stepmother. I have no experience raising a child, but Hailey is great. Anyway, that's all my news." Gianna turned to Lizzie. "What about you? Kissed anyone this week?"
As she looked at her sister, Chelsea was a bit surprised by the sudden flush on Lizzie's cheeks. "Have you kissed anyone?" she echoed.
"No. I've been busy. I had a party to put on."
"Then why do you look guilty?"
"Ooh, trust a sister to know when her sibling looks guilty," Hannah put in with a laugh.
"I didn't kiss anyone," Lizzie protested. "But I did have an interesting guest at the inn the other night. He's thinking about buying a second home in Whisper Lake. We had a good conversation. That was it."
"He must be well-off if he can invest in a second home," Keira said. "What's his name? Maybe I've run across him."
"I can't say."
"Why not?" Keira asked in surprise.
"He asked me not to."
"So, he's famous," Hannah put in. "This gets better and better."
"It's not anything," Lizzie said. "He was there, and now he's gone. I don't know that I'll ever see him again. He just had amazing green eyes and great hair."
"The start to every good relationship," Keira said with a laugh.
"What about you, Keira?" Chelsea asked. "Any kisses to report?"
"I kissed Leo when he got here."
"That doesn’t count. We all kissed him."
"He might be male, but all he does is sleep and burp," Hannah interjected.
"I've had dates who did that, too," Keira said with a laugh.
"Hey, he also smiles," Chloe said. "Leo is going to be a heartbreaker like his dad." She stopped abruptly. "I've almost forgotten what it's like to kiss Kevin. That's a terrible thing to say, isn't it?"
My Wildest Dream: Whisper Lake #2 Page 18
