Chapter 32 Hendrix
Chapter Thirty-Two
HENDRIX
It’s just past six in the morning when I sneak out of the guest room in search of coffee. The house is still quiet, but I spotted a Keurig in the kitchen yesterday, so I think I can get away with making myself a cup without waking anyone.
I tiptoe down the hall and around the corner to the small kitchen. Zara’s parents’ house sort of reminds me of my own. It’s smaller and a bit rough around the edges, but the outdated appliances and worn furniture give it a homey feeling that mine lacks.
The decades’ worth of family photos lining the walls don’t hurt either.
I make my way to the counter in the corner and grab one of the K-Cups from the container next to the coffeemaker.
I consider making a cup for Zara, but it’s still early.
The spa day we arranged for Zara and her mom doesn’t start until ten, so there is still plenty of time before she needs to be out the door.
And besides, she deserves her sleep after…
“Good morning, Hendrix.”
“Jesus!” I stop myself, but not before I jump a solid two feet in the air at the sound of Jon Valentine’s voice behind me. Okay, maybe it’s only a couple of inches, but my heart definitely malfunctions a little.
Turning, I find him standing there, looking exactly as he did the day before, wearing a pair of Levi’s, a plaid shirt, and a baseball cap.
Did he sleep in that?
“We aren’t religious in this house.” He smirks. Or at least I think it’s a smirk. Is it more like a barely there curve? “Feel free to use the Lord’s name in vain at your leisure. However, if you meet Zara’s grandmother, it would probably be wise to refrain. I learned that the hard way.”
“Noted.”
An awkward silence fills the air. I stare at a painting of a blue jay that hangs on the wall just to the left of him, wishing I had taken the time to put on jeans. It feels strange to stand here in his kitchen when he’s dressed for the day, and I’m still bumming it in my pajamas.
He moves to the counter, and before I can understand what he’s doing, he picks up the K-Cup I dropped and places it in the machine.
“Thanks,” I say, still feeling awkward. I’m not used to silence. It wasn’t exactly the norm growing up with four siblings. But I appreciate the need for it when the world might feel too loud. So I sit in it. And I wait. Eventually, when my coffee finishes brewing and he hands me a mug, he speaks.
When he does, my heart dies a little.
“It’s a hard thing to watch your daughter fall for the wrong man.” He strides purposefully to the fridge, retrieves a small carton of cream, and sets it on the counter beside me. I gaze at it, swallowing hard.
How can he expect me to drink coffee after a bomb like that?
He takes a bowl of sugar from the cabinet above me and sets it next to the cream. “I knew from the very first moment I met him that he was all wrong for her.”
Him? Wait. Is he not talking about me? My heart rate starts to level out.
He walks back to the kitchen table and takes a seat. I guess I should make my coffee now, right? I turn and quickly add some cream and a scoop of sugar.
“Tanner was entitled, smug, and the way he treated her…” I hear him take a shuddering breath. “But what are you supposed to do? Your child isn’t a child anymore. And I’ve seen what happens when a parent refuses to support a relationship.”
The way he says this last part is revealing. Zara mentioned that her mother had a complicated relationship with her parents. I have a hunch I know why.
I also understand where he’s coming from. I would never pick a guy like Jace for my sister, but it’s not my choice. It’s hers. All I can do is hope she comes to her senses soon and realizes she deserves better.
So much better.
“After they got married, I watched her wither under the weight of that family’s scrutiny. She’s been better since she filed for divorce, but yesterday was the first time I’ve seen my baby girl happy in a long time.”
“That’s not all because of me.”
“Didn’t say it was.”
“Okay.” I press my lips together, holding back a laugh.
“I saw the fire back in her eyes. The passion in her voice when she talked about her work on tour was clear. She loves you, but she is also well on her way to building a well-rounded life. Something I believe you want for her too.”
I’m momentarily speechless because, did he just say…“She loves me?”
Now, there’s no doubt about the smile spreading across his face. “Oh, so we’re still in the denial phase? All right. Is it one-sided?”
“What?” I slow blink.
“Have you figured out you love her? ’Cause it’s written all over your damn face, son. Maya said she saw it clear as day the first time she spoke to you on FaceTime.”
“That was…” New Orleans. The day I toured the city with her. Had I really been…“Yes, I blurt out. “I love her. Isn’t it too soon, though?”
“Tanner waited over two years before he proposed, and we all know how well that went. I popped the question over takeout pizza on our six-month anniversary in Maya’s dorm room, and sometimes I still can’t believe how lucky I was that she said yes.”
He stands as I take a sip of coffee. It’s shit.
I forgot how much I hate K-Cups. It tastes like fucking dirt water.
“There’s no set time that makes or breaks a relationship.
There’s no timer that goes off and declares you ready for the next step.
You either are or you aren’t, and the only ones who can decide that are the two of you. ”
Then he walks up and opens a cabinet, revealing a cappuccino maker with a knowing glance before retreating toward the hallway.
He looks back over his shoulder. “Have you decided what you’re going to do after the tour ends?” he asks. “Zara mentioned your position with the band is temporary.”
My throat tightens, and I shake my head.
He seems to mull that over for a moment, then nods. “Well, for what it’s worth, I’m rooting for you.”
That makes two of us.