Frank gathers everyone together in the lounge where it smells like Cheetos and beer. “Good to have you all back. I hope you’re rested. As you know, our next stop is Dallas, and we have a show, followed by two rehearsal days before we get in the studio. Jace,” he says apprehensively, “I hope you’re ready.”
“When have I ever let you down? Of course I’m ready.”
I’m not sure if that’s true or if he’s buying himself some time, but I smile, hopeful he’s headed in the right direction. I’ve been eager to hear the other songs, but I didn’t want him to feel pressured, so I haven’t asked.
I can admit I’ve tried my hardest to block out this trip to Dallas from my mind. Because even though Jace promised we could stop by my stepsister’s reception, he didn’t know what the demands of this tour would be like. He has to rehearse on Sunday, and I’m sure neither Frank nor his bandmates will be thrilled if I steal him away for a few hours.
Honestly, I’m not sure I want to go. This whole time, I thought it would feel so good to show up to Taylor and Hayden’s reception with Jace on my arm to show I’ve moved on, but now that sounds pathetic and sad.
Like he can read my mind, Jace tugs me down to sit next to him on the couch. “I didn’t forget about Sunday.”
“Focus on rehearsing. We can skip the reception.”
Frowning, he leans closer. “Why? I thought we were going to show your ex what he’s missing.”
I shrug. “I don’t care anymore. All that drama was years ago. Why go and dredge things up?”
His eyes dart between mine, confused. “Are you sure?”
“My dad wants me to attend, but I don’t want to drag you away from rehearsal.”
He cups my face. “I don’t care about Dickhead, but I’d like to meet your dad.”
“You would?” It never crossed my mind that Jace would want to talk to my father.
“Of course. Maybe tell him he’s an asshole for siding with your stepsister.”
I grin and lean over to kiss him. “Thank you. That means a lot to me. Let’s play it by ear. If it’s too much to swing, I’m okay if we skip it.”
“I’d feel bad if we do. It was one of the things we agreed to at the beginning of all this,” he says quietly. “I feel like I’m not holding up my end of the bargain.”
Ahh, yes, our bargain. The one that ends in divorce come September. I wait for him to mention it, even to say he doesn’t want a divorce, but he turns his attention to Layla.
We said we’d date and see how we do together, but does that mean he’ll want to stay married if things go well? I’m too chicken to bring it up, especially around his band, who still act like I’m trespassing. Jace has mentioned us doing things in the future, and I didn’t miss how he said I’ll enjoy living on the ranch. He wouldn’t talk like that if he wanted to divorce me, right?
The drive to Dallas isn’t that long, and the guys spend most of the time catching up about what they did during their vacation. Layla conks out in our bedroom, and I turn on the monitor so I can hear her when she wakes up. Although I have a book I’m trying to read as I sit in the kitchen, I can’t concentrate and end up staring out the window at the dark clouds in the distance.
Frank sits across from me. “Have a good rest this week?”
“Yes. We had fun with his family.”
“Glad to hear it.” He sits in front of me and flips through spreadsheets and orders, but as we near the arena, he gets acall. “Hey, Niles.” It’s the record label exec from Bandit. I can’t hear the conversation, but Frank glances at me, then quickly looks away. “We’ll figure it out. I’m sure Jace will appreciate the collab.”
A collaboration? At the last few shows, Jace has been hanging out more with Garrett Gamble. I cross my fingers he wants to do a song with Jace. That would really skyrocket his career.
As we’re pulling into the back lot of the arena in Dallas, Frank calls a quick meeting. “Listen, guys, I know this is last minute, but Niles has a request for this show.”
Jace gives his manager an easy smile. “Whatever he wants.”
Nodding, Frank rubs his chin. “He thinks you and Marlowe need to sing ‘Red Light’ together. Tonight.” The grin on Jace’s face vanishes. “Red Light” is the song I suspect he wrote for his ex. “It doesn’t need to be fancy, but maybe have her do the harmony on one of the hooks. Just to give her a little face time during your set. She’s gonna meet up with us at sound check to run through it with you.”
“Why would I want to do that? She has her own set. Why do I need to share our time with her?”
“Because Marlowe is the signed act, and Niles thinks the optics are gonna be great for both of you.”
Jace rakes his fingers through his hair. “And if I don’t do this?”
A vein in Frank’s temple throbs. “You don’t have a fucking choice, okay? If you want the deal that comes at the end of this tour, if you want Niles Prescott and Bandit Records to take you seriously, you have to play ball.” He holds up his hands. “Think of it this way. It’ll only be, like, five minutes.” He glances at Cooper. “Don’t you think it’s worth five minutes?”
