Cleo was damn near vibrating. Her knee bounced erratically under the table, shaking her whole body. I didn’t know what happened between them, but I didn’t like it. She’d been through enough and didn’t need this dick messing things up for her.
“This is my wife, Ruby,” Doug said, motioning toward her seat. “And these are my girls, Lennox, Josie, and Cleo.”
“It’s so nice to meet you, Lawson,” Ruby said, giving him a sugary smile.
All three girls stared at him, not knowing what to say or do. Lennox was ready to kill someone, while Josie shifted uncomfortably in her seat, and Cleo looked like she’d rather be anywhere else. Even Lincoln seemed to sober as he eyed Lawson suspiciously.
“We’ve actually met before, Mr. Hayes,” Lawson said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Cleo and I went to high school together.”
“Un-fucking-believable,” Cleo scoffed, rolling her eyes.
Doug furrowed his brows, leaning forward to examine Lawson closer. “Huh. I don’t remember anyone with that name in Cleo’s graduating class.”
Lawson dipped his head. “Yeah, Lawson’s a stage name. My agent thought it’d be a good idea, so I ran with it.”
“You’re Marsha Wilde’s boy, aren’t you? Grady?” Ruby asked, smiling sadly. Lawson nodded, averting his gaze. “I was so sorry to hear about her passing. She was a good woman.”
“Yes, ma’am, and thank you. She was something special,” Lawson said. He rocked back on his heels, peering around Doug to look at Cleo. “I’d love to catch up if you have time?—”
Cleo pushed to her feet and grabbed her plate. “Sorry, I’m busy.”
“I can talk while you walk,” he added quickly. “You know, just wanted to say hi and?—”
“And now you have,” Cleo said, sucking in a breath. “I’m sure you have better things to do, anyway.”
“I don’t,” he said. I didn’t know their history, but even I could see a lot of hurt between them. Doug started picking it up, too, gaze darting back and forth between them like he wasonto something. “The show doesn’t start for another hour, and I’d love to catch up while we wait.”
“I’ve got to get back to Cook. I told him I wouldn’t be gone long. I’d say maybe next time, but I’m sure you’ll be gone by the morning.”
“Oh shit,” Lennox laughed. Josie jabbed her in the side, averting her eyes when Lawson and Cleo both looked their way.
“Actually, I’m home for good. Now that the band’s on a break, I thought it’d be a good idea to move back. I never got the chance to go through Mom’s things when she passed, and there’s a lot to do around her place.”
Silence hung heavy in the air as Cleo’s chest rose and fell. “You’re not leaving?” she asked, clenching a fist at her side.
“I’m not leaving,” he said, softening his voice. “So, if you can’t catch up tonight, I understand, but I’d love to get together sometime?—”
“DADDY!”
We all turned in time to see a little girl fling herself toward Lawson. He caught her in time, lifting her in his arms and kissing her forehead. “Hey baby girl, what’re you doing here? I thought I told you to stay backstage.”
“Well, Momma said Uncle Ben needed your help, and she asked me to go find you.” She smiled wide, lifting her little hand and tapping the tip of his nose with her finger. “And so that’s what I did!”
“Daddy, who’re they?” the little girl asked, resting her head on Lawson’s shoulder. The resemblance was uncanny. They shared the same light brown hair that looked golden in the sun and the brightest blue eyes I’d ever seen. You could tell they belonged to one another even if you’d only gotten a glimpse in passing.
Cleo stared at the pair in wide-eyed shock. Her hand trembled, causing the plate she was holding to waver. Lennox stood,taking it from her with a reassuring smile before throwing it away.
“They own this ranch, honey. We’re here to celebrate this gentleman’s birthday,” Lawson said softly, motioning toward Doug. He looked toward Cleo, but she hadn’t moved.
“I love birthdays!” she said, throwing her arms in the air. “They’re my favorite day.”
Doug chuckled. “You know what? Me too. Mine’s been pretty good so far.”
“Are you gonna listen to my daddy play?”
“I sure am,” he said.
“Yay! He’s the best. My momma loves listening to him play, too. She says his music is pretty,” she said, turning toward Cleo. “I like your dress. Blue is my favorite color.”
