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He handed his instrument to the guy loading the van. “It’s not like I’m hurting anyone. I don’t sleep with every woman who asks, only the ones who ask nicely. Besides, I enjoy meeting new people.”
Griffen chuckled. “Yeah, ‘meeting new people.’ I’ve seen how you ‘meet’ them, Red. But seriously, think about it. Maybe that encounter with Viv is a sign you should start looking for something more meaningful.”
“Says the guy who asked for my playbook. When you settle down, you can talk to me about something meaningful.” He paused, Viv’s face flashing through his mind once again. He couldn’t deny that there was something about her that fascinated him. “You could be right,” he admitted, brushing a hand through his hair. “But I’m not ready to be domesticated.” He looked at Dalton, Samantha’s husband. “I hear the first thing they do is castrate you.”
“Still got my balls and they’re bigger than yours.” Dalton tossed a folder at him, narrowly missing his head. When it landed, the pages outlining the setlist scattered on the ground. He caught a glimpse of the first song they’d play that night.It was “Echoes of Emptiness.” It was like the universe was hitting him over the head with a sledgehammer today, or maybe it was pointing out the truth. People surrounded him, yet he always felt alone and empty.
Griffen clapped a hand on Red’s shoulder, offering a supportive smile. “Take it one step at a time, man. Even neutered animals have a good life. Who knows, maybe Viv will show you there’s more to life than just a string of casual encounters. As for me … I’ll keep my balls.”
Red mulled over Griffen’s words, wondering if maybe his friend was right. Perhaps someone was willing to take him in. He was like a stray dog looking for a home. Sadly, it wouldn’t be Viv’s. If she was in town visiting family, she was temporary. He certainly wouldn’t have enough time to change her mind about him. And he wasn’t convinced he wanted to, but he’d be lying if he said the challenge didn’t excite him.
As Red climbed into the waiting limousine, his mind wandered through the memories of his past relationships. Each one had started with such promise, full of passion and excitement, only to end in disaster. He couldn’t help but feel a sinking sensation in his chest as he recalled the heartbreak, the arguments, and the eventual dissolution of each connection.
He was a crash-and-burn kind of man when it came to love, and he knew it. Somehow, he always managed to sabotage any chance of lasting happiness. Red had a knack for pushing people away just as things started to get serious. He found himself questioning if he even deserved to find love. Would he just end up hurting any woman he allowed into his heart? Did he have it in him to change, to break the pattern of destruction that seemed to follow him from one relationship to the next?
Griffen’s voice broke through Red’s thoughts, pulling him back to the present. “Hey, Red! You alright, man? You look like you’re a million miles away.”
Red shook his head, trying to dispel the gloomy thoughts that had taken hold. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just thinking about the concert and women.”
“You never change.”
That was a sad but actual fact. It was tough to teach an old dog new tricks, especially when the tricks he had up his sleeve were so rewarding, or at least had been in the past, but now he realized that even the most loyal dog got tired of savoring the same worn-out bone.
Hiding his internal turmoil, he went back to the persona everyone expected, Cocky Red. “Best not to mess with perfection.”
Griffen chuckled. “I’m pretty sure your definition of perfection differs from most people’s.”
Red grinned. “That’s why I’m special.” As the limo pulled away from the studio, Red couldn’t help but wonder if he was missing out on something more. He loved the thrill of the chase, the excitement of meeting someone new, but what if there was something deeper, something more meaningful out there? He sighed, pushing the thoughts away for now. He had a show to perform, fans to please, and music to make. But as he closed his eyes and leaned back in the seat, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was shifting inside him. Maybe, just maybe, it was time for a change.
CHAPTERTHREE
The air was crisp and cool as Vivian made her way up the winding road toward her brother Val’s lakeside home. She cracked the window and took a deep breath, savoring the scent of massive evergreen trees and moist earth that clung to everything here. The majestic mountains loomed over her. With each mile forward, Vivian felt like she was being absorbed by nature rather than encroaching on it.
She tensed up as she pulled into Val’s driveway, her heart racing with anticipation. Before she could even step out of the car, Val came running out of the house like a giddy schoolboy and enveloped her in an embrace that felt like home.
“Viv! I’m so glad you made it!” His enthusiasm was infectious, and the nervousness she had felt moments ago evaporated in his strong arms.
“I wouldn’t miss this for all the tea in China,” she said, grinning so wide it felt like her face would split in two.
Her breath caught as they entered the house, and Vivian noted the breathtaking view of the lake from the living room windows. She spun around with stars in her eyes, clasping her hands together. “It’s just … wow!”
Val chuckled at Vivian’s reaction to the cabin. “Yeah, it’s pretty impressive, isn’t it? Check out the fireplace. It’s a work of art.” He pointed to the wall on their left. “I hand-picked every single stone.”
Vivian’s eyes widened as she looked at the towering fireplace that dominated one entire wall, crafted with rough-hewn stones in various earthy tones. The flames danced and flickered in the hearth, casting a warm glow over the room.
“Take a seat. Cameron is changing the baby but will be out in a second.” Val sat on an overstuffed leather loveseat while Viv was comfortable in the matching chair to his right. Her fingers ran over the soft cowhide that was the color of butter and felt just as supple and creamy.
Her attention was quickly diverted as Cameron entered, carrying Natalie in her arms. Vivian’s heart skipped a beat at the sight of her sister-in-law, who was even more beautiful in person than in her countless award-winning films. Her stunning features were softened by the love and joy that radiated from her as she looked down at her daughter.
Vivian couldn’t resist teasing her. “Well, now, she really is perfect! I’m so jealous!”
Cameron laughed. “Oh, she’s not perfect. She’s already had a few blowouts, and let’s not talk about the every-two-hour feedings and sleepless nights. But she’s worth it all.”
“I was talking about you.”
Her sister-in-law blushed, and her brother smiled. “I agree. I’ve got the perfect ladies in my life. Wife. Daughter. Sister.”
Vivian leaned in for a closer look at the baby, taking in her tiny fingers, toes, and downy hair covering her head. She couldn’t believe how small and fragile she looked but how much joy she brought everyone around her. It was a new experience for Vivian, who had never been around babies.
