Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 86706 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86706 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
“How long are you in Shady Hills?” I asked.
“Well, I’ve rented a house, and the lease is month to month. The guys and I still have some finishing touches to do for the new album—the one we were recording in the desert when you and I met. We rented a studio about an hour away in St. Louis, since there was nothing here in town. The guys are staying with me here at the house.”
My eyes widened. “Everyone is living in Shady Hills?”
“Just Atticus and Ronan.”
Nodding, I stared out at the street for a moment before turning to face him. “I think it’s beautiful that you want to learn more about Jacob, but I’m not sure if I can handle being your personal tour guide.”
Disappointment shone on his face. I regretted expressing my hesitancy. This wasn’t about me...
“I can’t force you,” he said. “But I’m here in town regardless, if you decide to help. At the very least, I feel closer to his spirit just being here. It’s rare that I have a break like this in between commitments. It didn’t feel right going back to L.A.”
I had to stop and think. If this would bring him some peace, how could I say no? I owed it to Jacob, didn’t I? It would be hard to be around Tristan, but I needed to set aside my hang-ups and do it.
“His favorite place for breakfast was Sparky’s. I have tomorrow free, if you want to meet me there at eleven AM.”
Tristan’s mouth curved into a smile. “I would absolutely love that.” He let out a breath. “Thank you, Emily.”
Tristan drove me back to the restaurant, and when we pulled up, my heart nearly stopped. Ethan’s truck was parked next to my car. He leaned against it with his arms crossed.
“Where have you been?” he asked as I exited the Range Rover. His eyes moved to Tristan, who remained in the driver’s seat with the car running.
“This is—”
“I know who it is,” Ethan said. “They told me you took off with him, but I didn’t understand.”
I’d told Ethan about my time on tour with Delirious Jones, including the reason I’d set out to find Tristan. He knew everything—aside from the fact that Tristan and I had hooked up before Tristan knew who I was. I figured there was no benefit to Ethan knowing that. I’d never imagined Tristan would come to town and Ethan would potentially see the guilt written all over my face.
Tristan sized Ethan up before speaking through the open car window. “I’ll let you get back to your night.” He drove off without another word.
“What was that all about?” Ethan asked.
“Tristan is in between music stuff and staying in town for a little while to learn more about Jacob. He’s renting a house here with two of his bandmates.”
“What does that have to do with you being in his car?”
I shrugged, hoping to diffuse the situation. “He wanted to talk to me. He asked me to be his tour guide, help him learn about Jacob, since I was the person who knew him best.”
“I don’t know how I feel about that.” He placed his hands at his hips. “You sure he doesn’t have an ulterior motive?”
My face felt hot. “Like what?”
“Don’t be naïve, Emily.”
“You think he’d be making a play for his son’s ex-girlfriend?” Not knowingly, at least. I laughed nervously. “It’s not like that. Plus, he has a girlfriend.”
Ethan’s expression relaxed. “Okay. Sorry for overreacting.” He sighed. “I just wasn’t expecting this and didn’t know what to think when they told me you left with him.”
“I don’t blame you one bit. If I’d known you were coming to the restaurant, I would’ve texted so you weren’t concerned.”
“Anyway…” He leaned in to kiss me on the cheek. “I missed you today. When I went by your mom’s, she said you hadn’t come home from work yet, which is why I stopped by to catch you here.”
“I missed you, too,” I said, praying he wouldn’t continue to be suspicious, even if based on my reaction to Tristan today, he had every reason to be.
CHAPTER 27
EMILY
“I’ll have the banana waffles.” I put my menu down and slid it over to the edge of the table. “And he’ll have a special order of waffles with pickles and bacon. And could you drizzle some mustard on top? I know that’s a strange request, but if Chef Carl is still here, he’ll know. He calls it the Jacob Special.”
“Okee-dokee.” The server smiled. “Carl is on today. Coming right up.” The older woman didn’t seem to recognize Tristan, which was a nice break from the norm.
Tristan’s mouth hung open. “Are you serious? My tongue feels tangy even thinking about that. And not in a good way.”
His tongue. The thoughts that elicited… “You said you wanted what Jacob would’ve had. That’s what he ordered when he came here.”