Two days later Syd showed up unannounced. I was in the home studio tweaking lyrics. Heard voices from the family room, Hadley’s laugh, Kei’s low rumble.
I walked in. Kei was on the floor assembling a rocker glider, tools spread on the rug. Hadley sat on the couch, handing him screws.
Syd stood in the doorway. Arms crossed. “Am I interrupting family time?”
Kei looked up. “Hey, Syd.”
Hadley’s smile faded. “Hi.”
Syd stepped in. Eyed the glider. “Cute. You’re basically playing house with her now, Kei. Assembling furniture. Next you’ll be picking out curtains.”
Kei sighed. “It’s just a chair, Syd.”
“Is it?” She turned to me. “Cal, you cool with this? Your bandmate turning into the live-in nanny?”
Hadley stood. Slow. Hand on her back. “He’s helping. Because he offered. Unlike some people who just show up to stir shit.”
Syd’s eyes narrowed. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me,” Hadley said. Voice steady. “Kei’s a friend. He’s here because he cares. What’s your excuse?”
Syd laughed, sharp. “My excuse? I’ve been part of this family longer than you’ve been alive, sweetheart. Cal and I go back. Way back.”
Hadley didn’t flinch. “And yet here you are, making everything about you. I'm his wife not you”
Syd looked at me. “You are only temporary. You gonna let her talk to me like that?”
I stepped between them. “Syd, chill. She’s pregnant. Stressed.”
Hadley’s eyes flashed to me. Hurt. “Don’t defend her. She came in here attacking.”
“She’s not attacking,” I said. “She’s just… Syd.”
Kei stood. Wiped his hands. “Maybe we take a breath.”
“No,” Hadley snapped. “I’m done with breaths. She waltzes in like she owns the place, throws shade, and you defend her?”
Syd smirked. “See? Drama.”
“Out,” Hadley said. Pointed at the door. “Now.”
Syd looked at me. Waiting.
I rubbed my face. “Syd, maybe head out. We’ll talk later.”
She huffed. Grabbed her bag. “Fine. Call me when you remember who’s actually on your side.”
The door slammed.
Hadley turned to me. Tears in her eyes. “You always choose her.”
“I didn’t choose...”
“You did.” She walked out. Up the stairs. Door clicked shut.
Kei packed his tools. Quiet.
I followed him to the driveway. Gated. Palm trees swaying in the breeze.
