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)
I looked around. “I love this house. It reminds me of my own growing up.”
“It’s small but has a lot of character, although my mother would be freaking out right now if she knew you were here and she hadn’t vacuumed.”
As if I could notice dust when all I wanted to do was stare into Emily’s green eyes. “You have no idea how much it means to be able to decompress here without anyone breathing down my neck.”
She nodded. “I sensed you needed a hideaway.”
“You were right.”
“This was my only opportunity to give it to you.”
I set my tea on the coffee table. “You once said you had a savior complex. Are you trying to save me right now? Because it’s working.”
“You don’t need to be saved. You just need to understand that you’re not perfect. And that’s okay. You’ve accomplished more in your life than most people ever will. You deserve some grace and some peace.”
“You’re my peace lately, Emily. I feel more at peace knowing you’re on the tour. For the first time in a long time, I look forward to seeing someone every day, having someone to talk to who won’t judge me, someone who doesn’t give a shit about my celebrity status. Everything’s going to hell in a handbasket around me, and yet I’ve never looked forward to each day more.”
Her gaze shifted to the floor, and I hoped I hadn’t taken my honesty too far. I looked around, desperate for a change in subject. “When I lose everything, maybe I can get myself a place like this. It’s more homey and comfortable than my place in L.A.”
“It’ll go well with your McDonald’s plans.”
I snorted. “Is there one nearby? I’d take you there, but it’s way past closing time, isn’t it? That would defeat the purpose.”
“You’re not gonna lose anything, Tristan. Even your worst is better than most musicians at their best.”
I smiled. “Ronan says the same thing.”
“He’s wise.”
“Either that or he smokes a lot of weed.” I laughed. “Anyway, no wonder I keep both of you around. It’s good for my ego.” I squinted. “I thought you didn’t even like our music. What the hell is happening there? Is it growing on you or something?”
“It’s not that I didn’t like it. I just wasn’t familiar with it. But now that I’ve listened to it, I’m a genuine fan. Although, not the type of fan who’ll tattoo your face on my body or keep a jar of your hair.”
“Say what?”
She shook her head. “You don’t want to know.”
“I think you’re right.” I shifted on the couch. “So, tell me specifically what you like about our music.”
Emily didn’t hesitate. “I love how it’s not just one thing. It’s a blend of hard rock with alternative elements and a little pop.”
“What else?” You’re really shameless this evening, Tristan.
“You deliver every word with intensity and emotion. In combination with Ronan’s bass and Atticus’s timekeeping on drums, it’s such great synchronicity. It’s a reflection of the relationship you three have.”
“Anything else?” I asked, beaming with pride.
“Yes. Lyrically, your songs aren’t simple. Each one is well thought out, and there’s a real vulnerability there. That’s why so many people love you. Because they can relate.”
“I don’t care if you’re stroking my ego right now. That was beautiful. Thank you.”
I could kiss you for that.
I wanted to kiss her.
But I wouldn’t.
Instead, I took a sip of my tea and shut my eyes for a moment. Both of us should be getting some sleep, but I was nowhere ready to say goodnight to Emily.
“Are you tired?” I asked.
“I should be, but I’m not.”
“Neither am I. But say the word if you need to get to bed.”
We talked for a while until she put her foot down.
“That’s enough chatting. You need to rest your voice.” Emily got up and disappeared down a small hallway before she came back with a blanket and a pillow.
“Do you think the couch is comfortable enough?” she asked.
“It’s perfect.” I’d have slept on a rock just to be here.
“We don’t have any extra bedrooms. My mother turned my brother’s room into her office and sewing room after he moved away.”
“The couch is more than fine.”
“Then I’ll see you in the morning,” she said.
I sat up suddenly. “Wait, what if your mother wakes up and finds me here?”
“I’ll set my alarm so I wake up before she does. She usually sleeps in pretty late anyway.”
Famous last words.
Because the following morning, I was woken by a scream.
CHAPTER 15
TRISTAN
My heart raced as I shot up off the couch. “I’m sorry! I can explain. I’m—”
She narrowed her eyes. “Wait, I know who you are. I just—”
Emily came rushing out of her bedroom, her hair a tousled mess. “Mom! I’m sorry. I meant to get up before you. This is Tristan Daltrey.”
“My God, Emily. I know who he is.” She held her hand to her chest. “But…how come you didn’t tell me he was coming over?”