I groaned inwardly, already anticipating what he was going to say.
“Have you guys listened to any more of those songs the label sent over?” Cash looked at me expectantly.
“Yes.” I sighed. “They were all terrible.”
“Look, I know most of that stuff is shit.” Cash leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “I also know nobody writes a better song than Jaxon Slade, but the label is breathing down my neck for a new single. I can’t put them off much longer. Yes, your contract is up next year, but the reality is, this is going to be a problem no matter what label we go with.”
I shifted uncomfortably in my chair, and Dallas shot me a sympathetic glance. Though our songwriting process was collaborative, I wrote almost every single lyric of our songs. The guys and I had come up with some promising new beats and melodies, but for the past six months, I’d not been able to write anything worth listening to.
I knew it, and the guys knew it. What they didn’t know waswhy, and I wasn’t ready to tell them. They thought I was merely suffering from a massive case of writer’s block. At that moment, that was all I wanted them to know.
“We’ve been working on a couple of good hooks,” Dallas lied. “We’re not quite there yet, but we’re getting close.” His eyes flickered over to mine. I knew he was stalling for me, and I was grateful.
I felt the muscles in my neck stiffen. The band was my family, and I hated disappointing them. I knew what it was like to be let down by the people you were supposed to be able to count on the most.
“That’s great.” Cash nodded. “I can’t wait to hear them.”
“Soon,” Dallas promised. “We’ve still got some work to do, but we should have them in the next couple of weeks.”
My mouth went dry as I considered whether or not I thought that was a promise we could keep. “For sure.”
Dallas expertly changed the subject. “I know we just had breakfast, but ever since you guys mentioned going over to Liv’s bakery, all I can think about are those cupcakes.”
“I’m ready.” I gulped down the last of my coffee. “I’vebeenready.”
“I need to make a couple of calls before we go,” Cash said, rising from his chair. “I’ll go tell Brady the plan and make my calls, then we’ll head out.”
“Hurry up,” Dallas called as Cash left the table. “I want cupcakes.”
“Thanks for saving me,” I said softly.
“I’ve got you, brother.” He reached out to fist bump me. “Now, we just have to come up with those hooks.”
“I know.” I ran my fingers through my hair. “I’ve been trying.”
“I know you have,” he assured me. “The inspiration will come. Try not to put so much pressure on yourself. It happens.”
“Thanks, Dal.”
“So,” he said. “You ready to see her again?”
I smiled and nodded. My heart lurched into my throat, and my mind drifted to her beautiful face illuminated by the twinkly lights outside the pie shop. Dallas’s cautious words still echoed in my mind, but I knew that sink or swim, I had to see what we could be.
Chapter 7
Liv
Ifell into a comfortable groove,working alongside Katie. Though I enjoyed the company of the other girls that worked with us, I loved the days where it was just the two of us and Ella the most.
Within a little over an hour, we’d gotten mostly caught up on our orders while dancing to Katie’s favorite playlist. She loved bouncing around the kitchen to Taylor Swift, Beyonce, and Billie Eilish. Her honey-colored ponytail bobbed as she moved and softly sang along to the words of the songs. I caught her glancing at me curiously over the cake she was icing a few times, though she never asked questions.
Katie took a step back, eyeing her handiwork approvingly. “I’m going to step out front and check on the cases.”
“Thanks, girl.” I smiled at her and took a moment to stretch my arms when she disappeared through the door. I pulled my phone out of my back pocket and checked our business email before scrolling to my recent calls. Jax’s phone number stared back at me. I knew, in reality, I needed to cancel this dinner thing, but I had to admit there was a part of me that was curious.He sees you, Liv.I ruminated on Ella’s words.
I chewed my lip as I looked at his number. This was crazy. I was being a crazy person. I needed to call him and get this over with, or perhaps a text was better. At least I wouldn’t have to hear the heat of his voice that could easily melt me through the phone. Yes, a text was a much better idea.
“Ummm, Liv.” Katie reappeared in the doorway, closing it behind her before continuing. “Jaxon Slade and Dallas Stone from Midnight in Dallas are here. Right now. In our store.”Shit.Her eyes were wide with shock, and her voice squeaked. “And Jaxon asked to see you.”
