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GRACE
Everyone hustles around us as I work my magic, spraying pounds of hairspray on a blue mohawk for the drummer in Harmony’s band. She’s been practicing hard for the past month, and her dad being at home the last few weeks has given her a lot of motivation to nail it. Marcus even took us by The Empire Studio, where her favorite singers have recorded.
“One tube of heavy metal lipstick for my rock ’n roll princess,” Marcus says, handing it over to our daughter, then doubling over to catch his breath.
“Thank you, Daddy!”
Her smile alone is all the thanks he needs, but he happily takes her sweet hug, squeezing her little six-year-old frame, and then stands like the run down the street to the local drug store was no big ordeal. I do not doubt he would run a thousand miles for that smile if she needed him to. He’s the best dad. I’m so glad he’s here. We usually trade off being at these functions so the other can work. Go figure, I turned into the workaholic I always accused him of being. Getting into a car accident and breaking my leg has brought a lot of self-reflection and I don’t much like the person I’ve been for the last six years. I miss the young Grace who felt sexy and desired, the way Marcus is making me feel this very second. His dark eyes roam my body—that sinister tongue running along his bottom lip.
“Hey, Mama Bear.”
Harmony runs off to join her band on stage, and when the coast is clear, I reply, batting my lashes playfully. “Hey, Daddy.”
He comes close, and his rich musky cologne falls over me like a protective blanket. We’re standing to the side of the stage behind the black curtain where no one can see us, but we keep a reasonable amount of space between us.
We look out at the kids on stage, our pride and joy standing front and center, holding her pose until the curtain rises. When it does, the song starts with the base and then builds. Our sweet Harmony belts out the lyrics to an original song the band wrote. My heart is so full of pride, tears brim.
“You’re doing a great job.”
I barely make out his words in the loud auditorium, but I’m happy I do. When I look over at him, I instantly feel that familiar connection. Like his soul sees mine and knows it’s home. Something both familiar and exciting. Goosebumps erupt across my arms at his touch. The backs of his knuckles softly rub across mine in the dark. If anyone were to see us, most important our daughter, it would be easy to assume our actions are innocent. The slick heat between my legs; however, would disagree. This moment is anything but innocent. I’ve held this kind, loving, handsome man at arm’s length for too long, just hurting both of us.
“I’m so sorry.”
Marcus looks at me, confused a moment, but soon nods. We’ve been sneaking around all week avoiding any real hard topics about what this is growing between us. His smile is wide and knowing. He’s been unbelievably patient with me. If I were him, I can’t swear that I would have waited for me, especially with all the temptation that comes with the music industry.
“I really want to kiss you right now.”
I nod eagerly. “We should talk.”
“Fuck. When you say that, it sounds so sexy.”
I laugh just as Harmony’s song ends, and everyone in the crowd stands and cheers. Beside me, Marcus pulls a bouquet from a nearby table. The pint-size rockers stand at the front of the stage and bow a few times before running backstage, where our girl jumps into her daddy’s arms. I dive in with wide arms hugging them both for a long moment. I love my little family, and although part of me is still scared of Marcus’s world sucking him away again, if I get to share more moments like this with him, it’s worth it.
We break away at the sound of a high-pitched whistle.
The entire Empire crew is here, plus my parents.
“Oh, Angel, you were fantastic,” Nora says, coming over and joining our hug. We break apart, and all our friends and family come at us with open arms. Harmony’s showered with gifts and congratulations, and we congratulate the other kids in the band. The little talent show goes on for three more acts, and we take our seats in the audience. There’s something to be said about this school because each and every performance is amazing. One little boy, no older than four, belted out an opera song with a voice of a man forty years older. Needless to say, they all received standing ovations.
“Family dinner?” My dad asks the group. It’s a tradition for us all to have dinner together, and over the years, it’s become harder to keep my reservation with me working extra hours at the hospital, so it pains me to tell them no again.
“You guys go ahead. My painkillers are beginning to wear off, and I’ve been on my feet all day. I think I’ll go home and rest,” I admit leaning against my crutches.
“I’ll take you. Harmony, do you want to come home or go to dinner with everyone and, of course, your epic sleepover with Charlie and Hudson?”
“Are you kidding? I’m too pumped to sit at home, Daddy. I have to celebrate.'“
“You are a rock star. I don’t blame you,” I tell her honestly, and Marcus nods his agreement. Her favorite Aunt Willow comes up from behind, making her squeal as she lifts her. I see Archer bite his lip as he watches them play, and I wonder if he’s getting baby fever. The newlyweds have been “borrowing” my daughter a lot lately, and I’d bet she’s already pregnant or will be soon.
“Want to ride in my new car? It’s very fast?”
“No!” Marcus and I say in unison. I hear Cole and Lyla laugh at us as Willow pouts.
“Fine, but I’m taking her picture in it…driving.” She says the last part softer into Harmony’s ear, making me roll my eyes. I trust her with my daughter's safety and know she’s mostly joking. It’s the mostly part that worries me.
“You two want us to bring you any dinner?” My mom asks, hugging me goodbye.
“No, thank you. I’m not hungry, and if that changes, I can order take out.”
