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“Good morning, Mrs. Hunter.”
I’m not sure which shocks me more — the fact that it’s morning, or that I’m Mrs. Hunter. It sounds so wrong. Sheila was Mrs. Hunter. I should have thought about it more when I agreed he shouldn’t change his last name to Gibson.
“I so sorry I fell asleep on you.” I lift my head to kiss him. “Some wedding night.”
“It was perfect. I love watching you sleep.”
“I’m awake now.” I smile suggestively, squirming underneath him.
“As tempting as that is, the guys are coming to the house soon. Jesse called. We got another gig at the Marble Room in a couple of days.”
“That’s awesome, Brady.” I can’t even be upset that we have to leave. I’m so excited for him. “Any word from Davey?”
“No.”
I
can’t bear how hurt he looks. “Are you okay?”
He rolls over on his back, plopping his hand over his forehead. “I want the best for my friend. He’s been through a lot.”
He really is loyal to a fault. Here this guy has completely flaked out on him, and yet he’s still concerned.
I rest my head on his chest, nestling in close to him. His hand immediately starts to skim my arm. “Will you let him back in the band?” I already know the answer, but I ask anyway.
“I would. Jesse and Chad won’t allow it. Mercedes and Chad have a friend who plays guitar. He’ll be there today.”
“I’m sorry, Brady. I know this is hard for you.”
“It is what it is. I took a chance with Davey. I guess I always knew it would come to this.”
***
When we get home, the guys are already there. As we enter the studio, Jesse and Chad are missing. I spot the new guy adjusting the strings on his guitar. His head spins in our direction, and he smiles cordially. I already like him more than Davey. He’s all scruff, with long dark hair and a friendly demeanor. He sets the guitar against the stand and walks right up to Brady with his hand extended. “You must be Brady. I’m Gabe.”
Brady accepts his hand. “What’s up, man? It’s nice having you.”
“Thanks,” Gabe responds, his head turning in my direction. I take my cue and reach out to shake his hand. “And you must be Tori. Chad has told me all about you.”
I smile. God only knows what Chad has shared about me. “He has, has he?”
“Oh, nothing bad.” He shakes his head reassuringly. “Just that you’re a cool chick. I have to agree. My girlfriend would never let me practice in the house.”
“Oh, well, this is Brady’s house.”
Brady leans in to speak in my ear. “Our house, Mrs. Hunter.”
Gabe shrugs. “Still, it’s cool.”
Jesse and Chad come into the room. “I see you’ve met,” Jesse says. “Shall we get started? We’ve got a lot to do in two days.”
I laugh silently as I look at Jesse’s newly shaven face. “And that means I should be going.” I kiss Brady goodbye, leaving them to it.
Liv is in the kitchen, mowing down a giant bowl of Captain Crunch. The girl could live on cereal.
“Slow down. It’s not going to run away,” I tease as I take the seat next to her. She laughs with a mouth full as milk runs down her chin. I toss a paper towel at her. “What happened to you last night?” I ask her while she cleans her chin.
Her chewing comes to an abrupt halt as her spoon falls to the bowl, clanking against the side. She starts to speak, but then stops and swallows what’s in her mouth. Her expression worries me.
