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I spot Indigo and Isla and head toward them.
“It’s a contest.” Indigo indicates the poles. “Whoever jumps the highest wins.”
“I’m going to win,” Isla declares.
Pride fills me. My girl has no fear.
“Where do we sign up?” I scan the area and notice a woman with a clipboard standing at the front of the line of people. I take Isla’s hand and march there while Virginia and Indigo stay at the back of the line.
“Is this where we sign up for the hay jumping contest?”
The woman’s lips purse. “It’s not a hay jumping contest. It’s a bonfire jumping contest.”
Crap. I’m all about being the mom who allows her daughter to explore her boundaries but there’s no way I’m allowing her to jump over fire. Temper tantrum here we come.
“There’s no fire,” Isla points out.
“Correct. Bonfires are banned in Winter Falls as they’re bad for the environment.” Before I can ask how a bonfire is bad for the environment, she continues, “The hay simulates fire.”
Phew. “Can I sign my daughter up here?”
“You can, but you’re not going to win,” a woman behind us says.
My brow wrinkles. “Do I know you?”
She sticks out her hand. “I’m Ashlyn. I own Bertie’s Recording Studio.” I shake her hand but I must appear confused – probably because I am – because she continues, “Where Cash & the Sinners are recording their latest album.”
A vision of Fender pops into my mind. Too bad the bass player is a grumpy asshole who thinks he can tell me how to raise my child. If he weren’t, I’d want to explore every inch of those strong muscles of his.
You do want to explore every inch of him.
I ignore my inner voice. She enjoys getting me in trouble. Pregnant at seventeen, remember?
Which is why you googled the band after meeting Fender.
My inner voice isn’t merely a troublemaker. She’s also a shit stirrer. It’s best I ignore her.
“I’m Leia,” I finally manage to tell Ashlyn.
“I know. You’re Brody’s new personal assistant.” She gestures toward the woman with the clipboard. “This is my sister, Lilac. She resembles a robot but she’s actually made of flesh and blood. I checked.”
Lilac rolls her eyes at her sister and Isla giggles. Ashlyn winks at her. “And you must be Isla.”
“I’m going to win the contest.”
Ashlyn narrows her eyes at my daughter. “I’m the reigning champion. Think you can beat me?”
Isla studies Ashlyn. Unlike me, Ashlyn’s tall. My daughter isn’t intimidated, though. She merely straightens her back and tilts her chin up.
“Sign me up, too,” Indigo says as she joins us.
I glance her way and notice she’s not alone. In addition to Virginia, the entire band is with her – including the king of grumps. I don’t pay any attention to him, though. Nope. I have no interest in him whatsoever.
My phone vibrates in my pocket. I dig it out and scowl. Brody calling.
“I need to answer this. Can you keep an eye on Isla?” I ask Indigo.
Indigo salutes. “Aye, aye, Captain.”
