Come to Me Free

by Leah Atwood

  “No, thanks,” Rob passed. “But I’ll take one of the coffees.” He took the cup Jay handed him and bent back the tab.

  Adam walked in, a cup of coffee already in hand. Dark circles under his eyes and a yawn spoke to exhaustion.

  “Rough night?” Caroline asked.

  “The baby’s been up since two, crying. Elle thinks it’s an ear infection and is at the doctor’s office with her now.” Adam rubbed an eye with his free hand. “I would have been here sooner, but I dropped off Shannon at her pre-school, so Lilah could see the doctor earlier.”

  Standing up, Rob gestured to the chair. “Take my seat. You look like you can barely stand.”

  “Thanks,” Adam muttered and sank down, draping one arm over the chair. “What’s this impromptu meeting about?”

  Everyone but Rob looked to Caroline.

  “Rob asked me to call it.” She angled her head his way.

  They all turned to stare at him, waiting for an answer.

  He moved to the front of the office and cleared his throat. “I have an announcement.”

  One at a time, he looked at his friends. Adam, the first of them to settle down, had always been the calmest. Jay, the comic relief man, the one who understood that laughter was a necessity in their crazy world. Caroline, the glue that kept them all together and in line. Then Bryce, the one he clashed with most often because they were so much alike. They’d been a team for a long time and had an unshakeable bond. He prayed that remained true.

  Arms crossed, Bryce’s gaze was guarded, almost concerned. “What is it?”

  Rob’s fists clenched at his sides. This was one of the hardest things he’d ever had to say. “I’m leaving the band.”

  The room went deadly silent. From outside the office, a phone rang. Seconds later, Madison poked her head through the doorway. “Caroline, you have—”

  Caroline put a hand up, not looking away from Rob. “Hold all my calls. Close the door behind you, please.”

  An echo reverberated through the room, its waves filling the air with tension.

  “Why?” Adam appeared the least surprised.

  “My life is changing, and it’s time to take care of some things.” He shifted on his feet.

  “So take time off, get it done, and come back.” Bryce squared his shoulders and looked to Caroline. “You can work your magic on clearing his schedule, can’t you?”

  She nodded.

  Rob shook his head in slow motion. “It’s not that simple. I’ll finish recording this album, and next summer’s tour, along with any other contractual obligations, but then I’m done.”

  “I don’t get it. Where did this come from?” Jay looked lost, wholly upset, and unlike himself. He turned to his wife. “Did you know about this?”

  Lips clamped, Caroline shook her head.

  “I didn’t tell anyone until now.” Rob closed his eyes and breathed deeply to still his nerves. “This is a decision I’ve been praying about for a few weeks and it’s what I need to do.”

  “I don’t accept it.” Bryce’s bold declaration brought gasps from around the room.

  “You don’t have a choice, Bryce. Rob made a decision and we should support it.” Adam approached Bryce, putting a calming hand on his shoulder before words got out of control.

  Rob shot him a look of appreciation.

  “Even if we don’t like it,” Adam added.

  Defeated, Bryce’s shoulders sagged. “There’s no chance of talking you out of this?”

  “No.” His conviction remained, but part of him would always belong to the band, even after he left.

  Jay massaged his temples. “What next?”

  Staring down at his old T-shirt, Rob picked off a piece of the faded, cracking decal, only then noticing he’d thrown on one of the shirts that had been made for their first concert. “I’m going to focus on songwriting.”

  “Will you remain in Nashville?” Caroline asked.

  “For the time being.” He turned to Bryce and winked. “The future could change that.”

  A slow smile spread across Bryce’s face as understanding hit him. “In that case, let’s make the most of your final album and tour. Agreed?”

  “Agreed.” Rob, Caroline, Jay and Adam all took turns giving their accordance.

  An hour later, Rob and Bryce stood outside in the parking garage, their vehicles occupying neighboring spots.

  “You realize it won’t be the same without you?” Bryce leaned against his truck, a peppermint in his mouth.

  “It wasn’t an easy decision.” He answered the question indirectly.

  “I can’t imagine it was.” The rumble of a car overhead made hearing each other difficult and Bryce waited until it was gone to continue. “Can I ask a question?”

  “Go ahead since you will anyway.” One corner of his mouth twisted up.

  “Was Dani a factor in your decision?” Music rang from Bryce’s phone, but he ignored it.

  “You’re either all out, or all in, aren’t you?”

  “It’s not that… exactly. Our group has been changing for the last few years, but we were still together. With you leaving, it feels like the family is breaking up.” A shadow cast over his eyes. “If you end up marrying Dani, then I know you’re only moving, per se, not leaving.” Bryce tucked his hands into his pockets, shifting his eyes before casting them downward.

  Rob’s departure from the band would change their lives in a big way, but it wasn’t as though he was walking away from their friendships. Then he thought about Gramps and figured this sentimental side to Bryce was a result of that grieving process.

  “You’re not getting rid of me that easy.” He leaned against his Jeep, opposite Bryce. “Songwriting is my calling, and I want to follow that.”

  “Understandable.”

  Taking a measured breath, he composed his next words with care. “And the truth is, when I marry, I want to be home with my wife, whether it’s Dani or someone else. Sophie and you, Jay and Caroline, Adam and Elle—each of you’ve worked out a system and that’s great. I’m happy for you all. Me, though, I want something different.”

  “You’ve really thought this through.” Hunching his shoulders, Bryce rubbed his neck.

  “I have, even down to the fact that if Dani and I end up a couple, then it would be easier for me to move there and come to Nashville as needed then have her move and start a new restaurant.” It was sad, really, how much he thought of a relationship that didn’t exist—yet.

  “I knew it.” Bryce snapped his fingers then pointed at him. “I give it a month before you’re dating and six until you’re engaged.”

  “Sure.” Smirking, Rob pushed the button on his key chain and unlocked his doors. “Are we done with the inquisition?”

  A loud chuckle came from Bryce. “Fair enough. No more questions for now.”

  “Good.” He took one step toward the rear of the Jeep. “What are your plans today?”

  “Lunch at the Children’s Hospital. Want to join me?” The entire band, but especially Bryce, supported the local children’s hospital through donations, morale visits and benefits.

  Rob’s eyebrows arched. “Business or social?”

  “Social. Caroline had me scheduled for a visit last week, but it was cancelled when I had to go to Oden Bridge. I called this morning to clear a makeup for today.”

  “I’m in. Beats going home to an empty house, and I told Rhett Tompkins I’d teach him some chords.” Rhett was an eleven-year-old boy, hospitalized with a rare bone cancer. With a high aptitude for music, he’d become an instant hit with the guys when they visited.

  “He’ll like that. Want to drive together?” Keys jingled in Bryce’s hand.

  “Let’s drop the Jeep off at my place since it’s on the way. I’ll run in and grab one of the acoustics.”

  “See you in a few minutes.” Hand on the door, Bryce suddenly turned. “Grab an extra Redemption T-shirt also if you have any. He’ll like that.”

  “Will do.” He walk
ed around the back of the Jeep and then to the passenger door. Before he took off, he checked his phone, hoping Dani had called or texted. She hadn’t, but he wasn’t fazed. It wasn’t a matter of would she, but rather, when?

  Chapter 16

  A warm October breeze blew across Gina’s backyard, where Dani sat on a blanket playing with baby Erik. She had the entire day off, spending it at Gina’s while Greg was out of town on a construction job.

  “Is he really going to be three months old already?” Erik’s toothless mouth smiled at Dani when she held him in the air.

  “Next week.” Gina sighed, content and happy. Motherhood agreed with her.

  “It seems like yesterday that your mom called Gram on the way home from your party.” Drool dribbled from the baby’s mouth and landed on Dani’s sleeve. She laid Erik on the blanket and cleaned her arm.

  “A lot has happened in that time though.”

  They fell silent for a second, remembering Gramps’ death, almost a month ago.

  “I still think about him every day.” Dani leaned back, spreading her arms behind her for support.

  “Me too. I’m sad Erik won’t get to know him.” Her son started to fuss, and Gina picked him up, cradling him in her arms.

  The day was too beautiful to bring down with sullen thoughts, so she changed the subject. “How’s Greg’s job going?”

  Gina perked. “Better than we ever expected. Greg loves it and by next spring, he should be put as a site supervisor.”

  “Wow, that’s great.”

  “When I look back, I can see God’s hand in our lives. I was so upset about leaving Monroe, that I never anticipated the blessings we’d have by moving here.” She reached over and grabbed Erik’s bottle. “Our marriage has strengthened, plus I got to spend time with family I wouldn’t have otherwise. Plus you and I have gotten to be good friends.”

  “Cousins do make the best friends.” Dani blinked a single eye.

  “Like you and Bryce.” Gina laughed as she fed Erik. “There are times I’m convinced the two of you are actually brother and sister.”

  “Just wait until you get to know him better, which I’m sure you will, living here, and he goes all big brother on you.” An ant crawled on the blanket and she flicked it off. “But I wouldn’t trade him for anything. I always wanted a brother or sister, and God gave me him instead.”

  “Speaking of Bryce, any news on Rob?” Shifting her arms, Gina put Erik over her shoulder and patted his back.

  “Way to be subtle,” she teased, but didn’t mind. Her mom and Gina had become her confidantes regarding Rob. “The answer is no.”

  “What are you waiting for?” She moved the baby back to her arms and continued to feed him.

  Her fears came out in a sigh. “At first I told myself I needed time after Gramps passing and breaking up with Jeff.”

  “Which you’ve had and done.”

  “Then I got scared, which is where I’m at now.” Sitting up, she readjusted her ponytail.

  Gina gave a slow nod. “I can see that. What scares you?”

  “Lots of things, but one in particular.” Several blades of grass hadn’t died naturally with the others. Distractedly, she picked at them. “We have such different lives. Is a relationship even possible?”

  “If you want it to be, then yes. Have you talked to Sophie at all? She could probably offer some insight.”

  “I’ve thought about it, but Rob and I aren’t Bryce and Sophie. They were crazy about each other from the beginning and went straight for the deep end of a relationship.” She chewed on her bottom lip, trying to figure out how to explain what she was feeling.

  A suspicious cough came from Gina. “That doesn’t even make sense, Dani. You and Rob have been crazy about each other from day one also, but the difference is, you both denied it and weren’t ready for a relationship.”

  “That’s it—how do I know we’re ready now? His fiancée’s death tore him apart for so long. Can I be sure he’s really over her? I like him, Gina. I really like him, but I don’t want to play second-fiddle to someone’s memory.” Admitting it, finally, took the breath out of her and tears burned her eyes.

  “Oh, honey.” Now that Erik was finished eating, Gina carefully laid him back on the blanket and gave him a rattle to grip. She scooted around him and put an arm over Dani’s shoulders. “I can understand your fear, but you need to talk to him. Don’t make assumptions for him.”

  “What if it’s an answer I don’t want to hear?” She was grasping at straws, she knew that, but her heart was vulnerable where he was concerned.

  “Ask yourself if that’s a risk you’re willing to take.” Erik giggled and Gina smiled at him with an adoring gaze. “Greg and I took a risk getting married so young and it hasn’t been easy, but we trusted in faith, and look at this precious blessing we have now.”

  “You’re right.” Like a light being switched on, she realized how much she missed Rob, which she also found odd considering the little time they’d spent in each other’s presence. Proof that quality trumps quantity. “I’ll call him.”

  “There’s no time like the present.” Gina stood, patted Dani’s shoulder then lifted Erik. “I’m going to lay Erik down for his nap before his giggles turn to screams. I’ll be inside if you need me.”

  Left alone, Dani bent over, stretching to the opposite edge of the blanket where her phone had ended up. She grabbed it and thumbed through the contacts, stopping on “Rob.” Her heart drummed against her chest. He probably wouldn’t even answer. Most people worked during the day.

  She gave herself a short motivational speech. “No excuses.”

  Too bad they couldn’t have this conversation in person, but it couldn’t wait. Given the opportunity, she’d keep finding reasons to let her fear win.

  Her index finger seemed to move on its own and tap Rob’s number. The line rang once.

  “Hello.” The accent, unique to Rob, came through. His abnormal blend of polished enunciation and a lazy drawl had attracted her from first time she’d heard his voice.

  “Hi,” she stammered. “This is Dani.”

  “I know.” A hint of amusement touched his lowered timbre. “How are you?”

  “I’m good. You?”

  “Good.” Voices in the background got louder, and she worried she’d interrupted something. “Is this a bad time?”

  “No, I’m at Bryce’s. We just finished a round of rehearsal and are hanging out. Hold on a second.” Moments later she heard a door open then close. “I’m outside now.”

  Her lips went dry, and she wetted them. Stalling, she asked, “How’s Bryce? I haven’t talked to him lately.”

  “He’s good, too. I can put him on the phone if you’d like to speak with him instead.” There was that jocular tone again.

  “No.” A nervous giggle bubbled out of her.

  “Why are you calling, Dani?” His voice went sober, but had unmistakable hope.

  “I wanted to talk.”

  “About?” Goodness, he wasn’t making this easy.

  She breathed in deep, sucking in all the courage she could. “Us.”

  “That’s a topic I don’t mind discussing.” If she closed her eyes, she could picture him holding the phone, smiling.

  “Jeff and I broke up,” she admitted.

  “I know.”

  Her confidence waned. If he had known, but didn’t call… “How?”

  “Your cousin has a big mouth.”

  “Oh.” Restless energy took over, and she stood, not saying anything more.

  “Are you still there, Dani?” He sounded worried.

  “Yes.”

  “There were so many times I picked up my phone to call you.” The truth of his statement was heard in his earnestness.

  “Then why didn’t you?” Her hand tightened around the handset.

  She heard him sigh. “I didn’t want to push you. Your grandfather had just died. You’d just broken up with someone. You had a lot coming at you, and I didn’t wa
nt it to seem like I was taking advantage of that.”

  Her heart beat faster. “Thank you.”

  “What now?” He spoke so low, she barely heard him.

  She looked back at the house, silently replaying her conversation with Gina. Emotions swelled in her throat and she swallowed. “I need to ask you a question before I answer yours.”

  “Go ahead.” His voice was husky.

  “Do you still love Carrie?” Left breathless by the energy it took to ask, she tried to take deep breaths without being obvious. His lingering silence didn’t help.

  “I wish we were face-to-face so you could see me tell you the answer.” His words came out strangled and her stomach knotted. “Carrie was a part of my life, and I’ll always love her.”

  He’d confirmed her fears, and she fought in vain against the tears. “That’s what I needed to know.”

  “Stop, Dani. I can hear you crying and you need to hear the rest of what I have to say.” The desperation in his voice gave her pause.

  “I’m sorry,” she said, but didn’t know exactly for what she was apologizing.

  “Listen to me, please,” he pleaded. “Yes, it’s true, Carrie holds a piece of my affection, but that won’t carry into a new relationship. They’re compartmentalized in the past, that’s where they’ll stay. Any relationship between you and me would be strictly between us. I’m done living in the past, Dani, and I want you in my present. If I wasn’t able to offer you that, I never would have hinted at a relationship.”

  “Do you mean that?” she braved asking.

  “Yes. Completely.”

  “What do we do now?” She paced the length of the yard.

  “We talk, we go on dates.” He laughed softly. “All the normal things couples do except we find a way to do them while separated by hundreds of miles.”

  “You make it sound so easy.” His optimism boosted her own confidence. “Any suggestions on how we do that?”

  “We’ll find a way, I promise.” She heard a door open again, followed by Rob calling out to someone that he’d be there in a minute. “Will you be home tonight?”