by Nomi Summers
“So, what are you saying?”
“I’m saying that you’re either in wholeheartedly, or you’re out. I can’t take this back-and-forth.”
“I can’t deal with this right now. This isn’t the time for this conversation. I have to think about all of this. I’m still really hurt by what I heard. I need some time.”
Time was something they didn’t have much of, especially with the concert looming. She didn't want to ask, not at a time like this, but she had to know. “I assume the concert is cancelled considering all that’s going on?”
Silence fell between them. Shane rubbed at the back of his neck. “I don’t know,” he finally said. A look of frustration washed over his face.
“I’ll tell you what.” Avery took a step closer and lowered her voice. “If you need to cancel due to what’s going on with your dad, I’ll understand. But if you leave and I don’t hear from you, I’ll know what I mean to you once and for all.” She headed toward the slider and turned to face him one last time. “I came here to offer my support. I’m genuinely sorry about your father. If you need me, you know where to find me.”
She headed in the house, through the Knox residence, and back to her car, where she finally let the tears that had been welling in her eyes fall.
Ethan arrived from the airport, and all three brothers headed up to the hospital the following morning. Carter was in recovery now, so they would be able to go in and see him for the first time since the heart attack.
When they arrived at the hospital, the brothers gathered in the waiting room as they waited for Valerie to come out and get them. They were catching up from years of being apart, and Shane was thrilled to be with his brothers, even if the circumstances were less than desirable.
But Avery’s words still rang in his ears. Would he really run every time something didn’t go his way? Is that what she thought of him? And, more importantly, was it true? That’s what scared him the most. He had been ready to hightail it out of Arbor Shores when he’d heard Avery’s conversation with Meredith. And he was able to leave her once, even though it haunted him for the entire nine years he was gone.
With the concert right around the corner, Shane had a decision to make. If Avery was telling the truth, then he felt like a fool for leaving her again. But was she telling the truth? She’d sounded so convincing when she spoke those words to her mother. Her words were ice cold, her voice without emotion. He had played it over and over in his mind, and each time he did, it made him want to retreat even more. He was finding it too hard to accept that there was no truth to her words. With all that was going on, his head was spinning and he didn’t know what to believe.
If he didn’t show up to the concert, he would be saying goodbye to Avery forever. And if he did show up, he was showing her he still loved her enough to stick around, and he’d prove her wrong. This was his final chance to win her back, if that’s even what he truly wanted. But now he wasn’t sure. He wished there was some way to find the answer. To know the truth.
“Ethan, I’m so glad you could be here,” Valerie said as she opened the door to the waiting room. His brother got up and met her with a warm embrace. If one good thing was coming from this tragedy, it was bringing the Knox brothers back together again. Shane wanted to have a relationship with his brothers, it’s just that they all had busy lives and were spread across the US. They didn’t keep in touch as much as they should. But had Shane even tried to keep in touch? He was guilty of not making the effort on his end, but all of that was going to change. He was beginning to see the error of his ways and he was ready to accept responsibility for falling out with his family.
Perhaps he had been a bit selfish all these years.
For the first time in his life, Shane saw his father in a different light. Restricted to the hospital bed with tubes and monitors hooked up to him, Carter had a look of vulnerability about him that Shane had never witnessed.
The boys gathered around the bedside, and Valerie excused herself to go get some coffee. Shane suspected she just wanted to give the boys some privacy with their father.
“I can’t believe I have three of you boys in one room.” Carter’s voice was weak.
“Glad to be here, Dad. We’re just happy you’re going to be okay,” Ethan said, reaching down to put his hand on his father’s arm.
“Of course I’ll be okay. I’m a Knox.” There it was—that tough spirit his father always carried. Shane could appreciate those words, and in that moment, he was proud to be a Knox, too. Perhaps for the first time in his life.
“I want to tell you all something while I have you here,” his father spoke slowly. “I know I wasn’t always easy on you boys, but that’s just because I was trying to make you tough.” He coughed and the machine beeped. He looked tired, as if getting the words out was taking all of his energy.
“We know that, Dad,” Shane reassured him. “You don’t need to say anything more.” But did he? Shane still had resentment toward his father for just how tough he was on them, but he was willing to hear him out. This wasn’t the time or the place for rebuttal. Perhaps this was a time for forgiveness.
“No, I need to say this.” He took a deep breath and paused before continuing. “This puts things in perspective, lying here, helpless, depending on others to take care of you. I didn’t want you boys to ever have to depend on anyone.” He paused again to catch his breath. “And look at you now. I’m proud of you boys. I’m proud of the men you’ve become.”
Shane knew his father may never actually say the words he needed to hear, that he was sorry for the pain he had inflicted, but he took this as the best apology Carter could give in this moment, and it was a start in the right direction. Shane would never be close with his dad, but he could appreciate that his father was beginning to see the error in his ways. He’d never once been told in his life that his father was proud of him, and those words meant more than anyone would ever know.
Carter’s eyes began to close. It was clear those words had taken every ounce of energy he had.
“Get some rest, Dad,” Shane said, and squeezed his father’s hand. Carter opened his eyes and looked at him and nodded before closing them again, and that’s all Shane needed. He knew his time with his father was complete.
The three Knox brothers spent the next forty-eight hours getting reacquainted and keeping Valerie in good spirits. After their final hospital visit on Friday, they learned that their father would be released, and Valerie was preparing to bring him home. With a long week behind them, they headed for Ripples to grab something to eat. Shane was looking forward to spending one last evening with his brothers before Ethan left town again, and he hoped they would keep in touch moving forward. It was just too bad Chase wasn’t there to join them.
Hunter pulled his Range Rover into the parking lot, which was packed, and the boys headed toward the entrance. It was Friday night, and music spilled out from the patio. Shane’s phone buzzed. He pulled it from his pocket.
“You guys go on in; I have to take this. I’ll meet you inside.” He walked toward the road to move away from the noise. “Knox.”
“Shane, James here. How’s your father?” He could tell his manager was trying to be polite, an unnatural act for him.
“He’s recovering. What do you need, James?”
“I just wanted to remind you that you’re still expected at the The Aftershow tomorrow. Now, Lori got you out of all the appearances she had set up in New York this week due to a family emergency, but it’s time to get back to your life. The band needs you. Distant Union needs this appearance to get back in the good graces with the label.”
“I’m not sure if you remember, but my father had a heart attack.”
“I know, but you just said he’s recovering, and life goes on. The show must go on.”
“Perhaps you could give me some space to be with my family before you start harassing me about this?”
“I’m not harassing you, Shane. This is your career on the line. It’s my
job to make sure you don’t screw it up. Now, I’ve seen the news that you’ve sold out a venue for tomorrow. The label has found out about it, and they are not happy. They’re saying it’s a breach of contract if you put on that concert.”
“A breach of contract? To put on a concert in my hometown?”
“That’s right. Read your contract.”
“And if I don’t go to New York tomorrow?”
“I’ll put it to you this way, to be very clear. You either get on the plane and make the The Aftershow appearance tomorrow, or the label is going to drop you.”
“Drop me? I’m the lead singer!”
“Everyone is replaceable, Shane. Now, I expect you to be at the airport tomorrow. I’ve emailed your itinerary. Don’t screw this up.” The line went dead. Shane couldn’t believe the audacity of his manager. Who calls someone about business when their father is laid up in the hospital? The thought was making his blood boil. He didn’t even know at this point if he wanted to continue his career. He’d spent the last nine years traveling with his band, different hotel rooms every night. Same song, different day. Maybe it was time for a change. Yet, he didn’t want to let his band down, or his fans—the two things he truly loved about his career. Wasn’t there some way to have it all?
Right now, he wasn’t going to think about it. The only thing he wanted to think about was catching up with his brothers. Something that should have happened long ago.
He’d make his final decision in the morning.
Chapter 18
Avery woke early, after a night of fitful sleep. She’d tossed and turned all night thinking about Shane’s words, and worrying about the concert. If he didn’t show, that would be the end of Arbor Shores Resort. She’d have to refund all those people, and not only would that ruin the reputation of the resort, but they wouldn’t be able to pay the bank the money they owed to save it. And if he didn’t show, that would also mean the end of Shane and Avery forever. She wasn’t quite sure which was bothering her more.
Despite her dismal mood, she dressed in her Independence Day outfit—white shorts and a blue tank top adorned with white stars. She had made plans to meet Rylee to watch the first half of the parade, then she’d have to race to the resort to beat the crowd.
She arrived in town and parked her car behind NovelTea Books and Teahouse. The owner, Emma, was a good friend, and she knew she could park there anytime. From there, it was just a short walk to Main Street where families dressed in red, white, and blue were all lined up along the street. She normally loved this holiday; it always started with a parade, followed by a barbecue at the resort, and then fireworks at night over the lake. But this year, her thoughts were consumed with the concert, and with Shane. The fate of the resort rested in his hands. She had no idea whether he’d show or not.
She located Rylee on the other side of Main Street. Rylee was waving her down, so she headed over. “Hey.” Avery plastered a smile on her face and leaned in for a hug. “Happy Fourth.”
“Uh-oh, what’s wrong?” Rylee asked, a concerned look on her face as she studied Avery.
“What do you mean?”
“You’re my best friend. I can tell when something’s wrong.” Rylee took off her sunglasses.
“I’m just worried about today.”
“What are you worried about? It’s all going to go off without a hitch.”
“I’m worried Shane might not show for the concert.”
“Well, of course he will. Why wouldn’t he?”
“So much has happened this week, Ry. I think I’ve really screwed things up this time.” Avery held her hand over her eyes to shade the sun as she scanned the crowd for Shane to see if he might be there. He’d always loved this parade. No sign of him. Of course, he couldn’t be around; this crowd would swarm him. But still, she had to hope.
“I don’t know what happened, but I know this much. That man is crazy about you. He’ll be there.”
“I’m not so sure.” She looked at her friend who was studying her face.
“Come on, I can tell you’re not into this. Let’s get going to the resort. I’ll help you with last minute stuff before my shift starts at Ripples. I know it’s going to be a great day, and Shane will be there.”
Avery wanted to believe her friend, but she just wasn’t sure. She waited for an opening between floats and then darted across the street and back to her car. She was going to get the concert set up and hope for the best. If Shane didn’t show, she would deal with the repercussions when the time came. Right now, she was going to try to remain positive.
She walked into the lodge to find a full lobby and a line at check in. There was a buzz in the room, and she kept hearing Shane’s name as she made her way through the crowd. This will be a disaster if he doesn’t show. Still, all she could do was try to remain positive.
“Good morning, dear. Happy Fourth,” her mother greeted her when she made her way out onto the terrace. She could see the stage had been set up on the golf course, at the end of the first green, and she wondered how hole one would fare after the concert. Oh well, repairing a green was a small price to pay.
“What time will Shane be arriving? He needs to do a sound check with the AV crew.”
She wasn’t about to tell her mother that he may not be coming. Meredith was in far too good of a mood to kill her spirits, and telling her wouldn’t change the outcome of whether Shane showed or not, so Avery’s plan was to keep quiet and hope for the best. “I’ll go check the stage. Do you need me for anything up here?”
“We have it covered. Registration has been a mess, but we’re getting through it. Avery, I just want to say, this is the best idea you’ve had yet. You really saved the resort.”
Avery gave her mother a half smile and walked toward the golf course. Worry had her stomach twisted in knots. She watched as people lined up at the outdoor bar as patriotic music floated through the speakers. It was two hours until showtime, and no sign of Shane as of yet.
“Hey, Jordan. Shane here by any chance?” she asked one of the hotel bellhops who was sitting in as a stagehand for the day.
“I was hoping he’d be with you. We need to get this sound check in. Can you tell him to hurry before people start claiming space on the lawn?”
“I’ll get on that.” She didn’t have a way to contact Shane even if she wanted to. All she could do was wait with bated breath.
Jordan disappeared in the back, and she was grateful for it. She needed to be alone and collect her thoughts. What would she do if he didn’t show?
The next hour went by quickly as Avery and Rylee helped Meredith back at the lodge. The patio was full now, and the outdoor bars that had been set up were running out of ice, beer and wine. The hot dog stands set up around the property ran through their first cases of dogs in a hurry, and the three of them scrambled to keep everything stocked. They were at full capacity now, and Avery noticed the stretch of green in front of the stage was filled with lawn chairs and blankets. Not a patch of grass in sight. But still, no sign of Shane.
With the show set to begin at two o’clock, it was now quarter to two and he hadn’t arrived. It was fair to assume at this point he wasn’t coming, so now she needed to do what she’d been hoping to avoid. First, she’d have to tell her mother, and then she’d have to make an announcement to all the guests who had paid good money to stay at the resort and hear Shane’s concert.
“Look at this place, Avery.” Her mother put an arm around her shoulders and gave her a squeeze. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen this place filled to capacity, even when your father was alive. He’d be proud of you, dear.”
“Mom, there’s something I have to tell you.”
“Can it wait? I need to get out to the stage before the show starts. I want to make sure Shane has everything he needs. Plus, I haven’t had a chance to offer my support regarding Carter.”
“Well, that’s the thing, Mom.” She took a deep breath. “Shane isn’t here.”
“What? What on ear
th do you mean? Did something happen to him? Is he okay?”
“He’s fine, Mom. He just didn’t show.”
“Well, he can’t just not show. He’s scheduled to put on a concert for all of these people. He would never just not show.”
“Think again, because that’s exactly what he did.”
Meredith looked out at the golf course covered in people and raised up onto her tiptoes as if she’d be able to locate him.
“Please tell me this is a joke. What will we tell all these people? We will have a riot if we have to announce that Shane isn’t here. Did you two get into a fight? Why would he not come, Avery?”
Her mild-tempered mother, who rarely lost her cool, was now firing questions at her left and right. Avery’s head was beginning to throb. She didn’t know how to answer her mother or what to do about the situation. That confusion was only part of the emotions that were swirling inside her. The fact that Shane didn’t show meant she and Shane were over, forever.
A mix of sadness, frustration, and embarrassment melded inside her. “I don’t know. I guess I’ll go make an announcement that the concert is cancelled.”
“Well, what are you going to tell them?”
“I don’t know. I’ll think of something.” She headed for the stage and left Meredith standing with a look of devastation on her face. It was too hard to look her mother in the eye and know that she herself had caused this mess.
Avery had no one to blame but herself.
Shane pulled his car into the golf course entrance and glanced at his watch. The show was scheduled to start in five minutes; he was going to be late to his own concert. He’d forgotten about the parade in town, and he hadn’t anticipated the line of traffic that was backed all the way from town to the resort. Luckily, he knew he could park at the golf course and jog the rest of the way.
