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She recalled all the shows the two played together where they would steal glances from each other while performing. It always made Elena’s heart soar when she’d look over at Skylar during a love song they’d written together to find Skylar already looking back at her.
It was the same thing that was happening across the bar now. Skylar’s eyes were locked with Elena’s as she sang a Taylor Swift cover that seemed to please the young audience who were gathered around the stage dancing and singing along. Elena couldn’t help but wonder if the song about how someone belonged to someone else was normal for Skylar’s set or if it was added since Elena was there. She could have analyzed it for hours.
But, of course, the Cove was the Cove, and it was only a matter of time before she saw a familiar face hesitantly walking toward her.
“Elena?” Mallory Garden sheepishly asked as she kept her voice low. “Is that you?”
“It is.” Standing, Elena pulled her high school friend into a hug. “It’s good to see you, Mallory. Are you here with anyone? I have extra seats if you need a place.”
“Oh, are you sure?”
“Absolutely.”
“Thanks.” Mallory motioned for another woman to join them. “Elena, this is Emery, my fiancée.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Emery.”
“You as well, Elena. I’ve listened to all your albums.”
“Well, thank you.” She nervously laughed as they sat at the table. Emery and Mallory looked adorable together as if they were made for each other. It made Elena’s heart ache. She wanted that.
Although Elena would have been content to make eye contact with Skylar across the room the rest of the night, she was thankful she was at least getting to catch up with a friend. Mallory and her twin sister, Jones, were a year older than Elena but in the same grade. They had all been in school plays and musicals together throughout their high school years.
Elena enjoyed chatting with Mallory and Emery and learning about their relationship and how the rest of her old friends were doing. All the while, she was keenly aware that Mallory never brought up Skylar’s name, and Elena wondered if it was out of courtesy or because they weren’t friends anymore. She wasn’t sure which one she wanted to be true.
As Emery got up to go to the restroom, Mallory and Elena settled into a comfortable silence as they focused on Skylar. She was still going strong, still captivating the crowd in a way few people could. Elena felt someone watching her, and this time it wasn’t Skylar. She turned back to Mallory.
“She does this every week; she has for years. Everyone loves her. The crowd eats her up.”
I can see why, Elena wanted to say. But she didn’t want or need to open up to Mallory. Especially not when she had no idea how much Mallory or anyone else in the Cove, for that matter, knew about Maine Event’s demise. She didn’t think she’d want to know that information either.
“I saw the rumors about the tour. Is that why you’re here?”
“Yeah,” Elena sighed and leaned back into the cushioned seat. “We need Skylar on board, or the management company isn’t interested.”
“Well, you know Skylar. She won’t do anything she doesn’t want to do.”
Elena did know that. She just wished she still had an ounce of pull to get Skylar to see how much she needed her. Or, well, how much the band needed her.
Looking back at Skylar, their eyes locked once more as she sang The Archer by Taylor Swift. Elena had never considered herself a Swiftie, but she had to admit she loved listening to Skylar cover her songs. The words hit their mark on Elena’s heart as she listened to them.
And for the first time in nine years, Elena realized Skylar wasn’t the villain in her story.
Chapter 4
Skylar
Singing at Straight to Ale was the highlight of Skylar’s week. The area in front of the stage was sunken, allowing patrons in the main part of the restaurant to see over the tables below them. Skylar loved the layout. It allowed her to see everything, and she worked hard to captivate the whole audience.
It also allowed her to see Elena sneak into the restaurant and make her way down the small set of stairs to a booth across from the stage.
Is she going to stare at me all night?
It was the question that had been bouncing around Skylar’s mind for her entire set. Every time she looked Elena’s way, she found Elena looking right back at her. Skylar felt they were back in the band when they’d steal glances without anyone else knowing the depth behind them.
And even in her crowded hometown bar, Skylar couldn’t help but look for Elena’s dark brown eyes.
Ugh. Come on, Ford. Focus.
