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He had to laugh when she let out another little squeal. “Okay, let’s do it! I’ll call Autumn in the morning and see when she wants us to go.”
Chapter Ten
“But you promise that I can drive once we’re out of the city?”
“I promise. You can drive now if you really want to. You’re the one who said that you don’t like driving in traffic – and you said that you were going to call your mom to let her know that we’re on the way.”
Tori blew out a sigh. “I know, I know. I’m sorry. It’s just that now that we’re actually doing this, I’m excited.”
He patted the bench seat beside him, and Tori happily slid over and rested her hand on his thigh as she leaned her head against his shoulder.
“There’s nothing for you to be sorry for, sprite. It’s all good. I’m happy that you’re excited about this. And believe me, there’ll be plenty of time for us each to drive before we get there.”
“I know.” She looked over at the cooler in the back. “Do you want anything yet? A drink, snacks?”
He laughed. “I’m good for now, thanks.”
“I’ll calm down soon, I promise.”
“There’s no need. I love seeing you like this.”
“You do? I’m not annoying?”
He shot her a quick glance. “No, you’re not,” he said firmly.
She pressed her lips together, thinking it was probably best not to tell him that with guys she’d dated in the past she’d learned to hide her excitement.
He covered her hand with his own. “I love you for who you are, Tori. Please don’t start trying to hide the real you.” He shot her a quick smile before turning his attention back to the road. “And besides, there’s no point in trying to hide anything – I already know how goofy you are.”
She laughed and pinched his thigh. “There’s no need to be mean about it.”
“I wasn’t being mean; I was being honest – just like I’m asking you to stay honest with me.”
“I know. I will. I just forget that I don’t need to hide anything about who I am from you.”
“You don’t. And are you sure that you don’t want to hide anything about me – about us – from your mom?”
She shook her head rapidly. “I don’t. Why? Do you?”
“No. I don’t. It’s just that you keep putting off calling her. You said that you were going to call to let her know that we’re coming when we first set this up. It’s taken a week to get all the details sorted, and you still haven’t called her.” He squeezed her hand. “I’ve told you, there’s nothing to worry about – she likes me.”
“I know she does. I’m not worried. I just …” She hadn’t deliberately put off calling her mom. She knew that she wouldn’t be upset to hear that she and Xander were together.
“What is it then, sprite?”
She blew out a sigh. “Honestly? I feel like I’ve disappointed her again. Not because of you,” she added quickly when she felt him tense. “I think she will be pleased that we’re together. I don’t mean that. I’m talking about having turned down the contract. I’m talking about being out of work. You know what she’s like. She worked her ass off her whole life to build the company. She’s so damn proud of Bentley and Willow because they’re following in her footsteps. I know it was a disappointment to her when I moved to Nashville, but she kind of got used to it over the years. Now, I’m not even a backup singer anymore. I’m not anything.”
“Yeah, you are. You’re still you. Still Tori. Still the amazing, kindhearted, wonderful you that you’ve always been.”
She squeezed his hand. “You’re biased.”
He chuckled. “I am, but I’m also right. And I don’t believe for one second that your mom will be disappointed in you. I think she’ll admire the fact that you didn’t sign on with the label – that you know yourself well enough and are strong and smart enough to be true to yourself. Not a lot of people would have been able to resist an offer like Autumn was making you.”
She shrugged. “Thanks, I know you get it. But I just kind of feel like Mom will see it as having passed up an opportunity to be successful.”
“I don’t think so. Maybe a few years ago she would have seen it that way. Although, even then, I think all she’s ever wanted for you is that you should be happy. Yes, she’s driven, but she only ever put that kind of pressure on herself – I never saw her being that demanding of you guys. Or am I wrong?”
“No. You’re not. I suppose I’m making it about her, when really, it’s me – I’m the one who feels as though I should do more, as though I should know what I want and pursue it ruthlessly.”
