Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 96249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
“That’s so awesome,” I breathe.
“I was hoping you would say that because we’re going to need you back here in New York ASAP. Sorry, love, but the vacation needs to be cut short. They’re bringing in the big guns to get this one out there while it’s hot.
“So what do you say? Can you get that gorgeous face back here like yesterday?”
Cody comes to mind. He and Elise are heading back later tonight. I hope I can catch a ride on his boss’s private jet with them. Being that it’s the holiday, I know flights are probably packed.
“I need to make a few calls. Can I get right back to you?”
“Yes, yes, just make sure I know what’s going on in the next hour,” he says, not once offering to get me back.
I roll my eyes. I’m learning so much about the music business. The more they spend, the more I owe. It’s better not to ask for things.
“I’ll call you back as soon as I have an answer.”
This is a bittersweet moment. The first thing I want to do as soon as I hang up is call Trev. My heart sinks as I know he’s not going to answer.
I wish I knew why. I shake the thought off and dial Cody to see if I can hitch a ride on his flight. His phone rings a few times before he answers.
“Hey, Cakes, what’s up?”
“Hey Cody, are you busy?”
“I’m out ice-skating with Elise,” he replies happily.
I smile. They didn’t invite me along. I figure Elise followed my advice and finally told Cody where her reluctance was coming from.
If he’s willing to still pursue her with all the details, he’s a keeper. I shake my head and smile wider. I’m happy for them.
“I need a favor. The label needs me back in New York ASAP. Can I fly back with you guys? Will that be a problem?”
“Not at all. I’ll send a car for you. Can you be ready by six?”
“Yeah, I’ll be ready. Thanks so much, Cody.”
“No problem. Anytime. My boss totally won’t care.”
“I appreciate this so much.”
“You know how I feel. Anything I can do. I’ll see you later.”
“Later, Cody. Tell Elise I said hi. Have fun,” I say and hang up.
I release a long breath. Now to tell my parents I’m leaving. I’ll miss dinner tonight at Nanna’s, but I get the feeling Trev isn’t going to show.
I push those thoughts down and get to making calls and packing. This could be it, the moment I’ve been dreaming of. I can’t wait to tell Elise she was right.
“I’m going to be a star,” I sing as I pack.
Trevor
I wasn’t going to come to Agatha’s for dinner. I’ve thought about it over and over and almost didn’t. However, I won’t be able to rest if I don’t get some closure.
“Hey there, handsome,” Nanna croons as I step into her kitchen.
This may be a different house, but her warmth still permeates the place. It still has the welcoming vibes I’ve become accustomed to since I was a boy.
Although, when she looks into my eyes and cups my cheeks, I almost feel ashamed. She gives me a sad look. Instantly, I know Lynn isn’t here.
“She’s not here, is she?” I murmur.
Nanna shakes her head. “No, she had to head back. The label needed her to return. They’re ready to work on her album.”
I drop my gaze to the floor and nod. I feel the bile rise in my throat. I’ll never know why she chose Billings over me.
“I’m happy for her. First, an engagement, then her music dreams take off. She deserves to be happy.”
“You proposed?” Darla, Lynn’s mom, gasps as she steps into the kitchen. Moses is right behind her, glaring at me.
“No, ma’am. Well, not this time. I’m talking about Billings,” I murmur.
Moses folds his arms across his chest. “You talking about Cody?” he snorts. “That boy ain’t engaged to my baby. Why on earth would you think that?”
I shrug. “I saw them at dinner the other night. It looked like he gave her a ring.”
Darla and Agatha burst into laughter. Moses shakes his head and gives an actual smile. I look at them all in confusion.
“What am I missing?”
“Boy, I never thought I’d say this to you, but you’re an idiot. Cakes has never looked at Cody Billings as more than a friend. That much even I can see. Now you… you, I might have to bury in an unmarked grave to keep that girl away from you,” Moses says and shakes his head.
“You’re the reason she’s been walking around with a long face. I thought it was about the music, but she still looked crestfallen once the call came.”
“Trev, she’s getting on a private jet right now with Cody to go back to New York. You should call her to clear things up. I promise you, you didn’t see what you think you did,” Darla says gently.