Chapter 13
THIRTEEN
Fisher
Vivian and I have fallen into a routine. The two of us meet every other day for breakfast and to catch up. I don’t want to impose myself, but I want her to know that I’m here to support her.
“It sounds like it’s all going perfectly,” I say, in response to her talking about the album.
“How can it not when the pastries are this good?” she says.
I laugh. “So, that’s the key to your creativity?” I ask. “Food?”
“More specifically, pastries,” she says. “Or any high-fat, high-sugar, low-nutrition food.”
“Got it.”
“But seriously, you’re welcome to come down. You can hear what we’ve done so far, if you’d like. In fact, I’ve got a little niggle with the current track. I wouldn’t hate it if you put your producer hat on and gave me your thoughts on what you think it needs.”
“It’s been a while since I’ve been hands-on in the studio. I’ve been stuck behind a desk for years now.”
“Oh, we’ll blow off your cobwebs. Creativity is like riding a bike. You never forget it.”
“Well, okay then. What are your plans for the day?”
“Same as all my days. I put Victoria down for a nap before I came to breakfast. Then I head down to the studio straight from here. I break at lunch for an hour and a half and go to see Victoria. Then back to work until dinner.”
I nod, impressed. She’s clearly committed to this album.
“I run a tight ship. Have to since Victoria was born. Otherwise, I’m not going to work again. And I like my job. Or I’m not going to see my kid, and I like my kid.”
“Okay then. Finish your pastries, and then we’ll get to work.”
She lifts her hand, and I give her a high five. Her phone buzzes.
“It’s Beau. Give me a second, will you?”
I go to slide out of the booth, but she puts out her hand to stop me, and she gets up.
Vivian Cross has been a star since she was a kid, but there’s not an ounce of spoiled diva in her. I like her.
I pull out my phone and message Juniper.
Last night was… pretty unbelievable, and as much as I’m excited to get back to work today, I didn’t get much sleep last night, and my thoughts are still full of her.
The arch of her back, the curve of her neck.
Images of her are burned into my brain, and I’m not sure if I’m going to be good at just existing, let alone actually giving some helpful input on Vivian’s album.
I ask Juniper how she’s feeling. Tell her I had the best time and ask her when she’s next free. She’s a mom, and I understand that comes first, but I hope I don’t have to wait too long until I can see her again.
I stuff my phone back in my pocket and see Byron coming down the stairs. He heads over when he sees me.
“You okay?” he says. “Eating alone? You can always eat with Rosey and me.”
I grin at my friend. It’s nice to see him so much a part of a couple when this time last year, I couldn’t picture him ever settling down.
“Thanks. I’m eating with Vivian. She’s just taking a call. But I don’t mind eating alone.”
Before he can respond, Vivian appears. “Hey, Byron,” she says.
“How’s the studio?” he asks. He spent a lot of money fitting it out, so it’s no wonder he wants feedback.
“Err, absolutely perfect,” she says, sliding back into the booth. “Everything about this place is incredible. And you know I’m practically British now. I can’t give false compliments.”
I laugh at her interpretation of the Brits. I may have only lived there for a few years of my life, but I had British parents. It runs through my veins. She’s right; there’s no praise when it’s not due from a Brit.
“Good to hear it,” Byron says. “If there’s anything I can do, let me know.”
She shakes her head. “Your very efficient manager, Hart, has you covered.” She pats the table. “Come join us.”
Byron sits, and immediately, there’s a waitress asking him what he wants to eat and drink. Not just because he’s the owner, but because that’s how it is here. Everything’s perfect.
Out of nowhere, Rosey appears, holding a cup of coffee. “Room for another?” She doesn’t wait for a response before sitting down next to me. “Where’s Beau?” she asks Vivian.
“With the baby,” she says. “He’s such a good dad. I swear, I never thought I’d be able to become a mother in this business, but he makes me feel like anything is possible.”
Rosey and Byron grin at each other. I’m sure they feel the same about each other.
“What about you, Fisher?” Vivian asks. “True love on the horizon for you?”
I chuckle, trying to ignore the images of Juniper from last night that fill my mind. “They tell me anything’s possible in Star Falls.”
“I believe it,” Vivian says. “Look at the goddamn view!” She nods over to the huge windows that look out onto the valley and the town.
“How did it go last night with Juniper?” Rosey asks, her eyes bright and expectant.
Of course she has to ask in front of Vivian. Just what I need—two women who’ve found the loves of their lives, thinking it works out for everyone.
“It was good. We had dinner.”
“Good? Dinner?” Rosey asks. “We want more details than that! Did you kiss? We know there’s chemistry between you, but was there chemistry between you?”
I glance at Byron, but he just shrugs as if to say, There’s nothing I can do, mate.
“It was good. And, yes, I’d say there was chemistry.”
Rosey’s eyes open wider. “So, the kiss was good. When are you seeing her again?”
“You need to manage your wife’s expectations,” I say to Byron.
He shakes his head. “Sounds more like you need to manage my wife’s expectations.”
“Seriously, Rosey,” I say. “I’m here for a few more weeks. And then I’m back in New York. Juniper is lovely, but she has a life here in Star Falls.”
“So what?” Rosey asks. “You’re just going to write it off before you’ve even begun? Byron and I live between Star Falls and New York.”
I laugh at her thinking that people living between New York and Star Falls is an everyday occurrence. “I’m saying, we both know this isn’t going to turn into a long-term thing. But I like her. I think she likes me. I’d like to hang out some more.”
“For the record,” Vivian says. “Pardon the pun.” She lets out a small laugh at her own joke. “I don’t want to rain on your parade, Rosey, but Fisher, you don’t need to be babysitting me in Colorado. If you need to be back in New York City, then you should go.”
“Vivian!” Rosey exclaims. “That doesn’t help.”
Vivian shrugs. “Just saying.”
“Seriously, Rosey, you’re hoping for something that isn’t going to happen,” I say, ignoring the fact that Vivian just gave me permission to leave. I made a promise to her manager, not her.
It’s just a fact of life that I’m not moving to Star Falls permanently, and Juniper has a kid and a job and an entire life here. She’s not moving, either. No matter how much she makes me laugh. How good she feels naked. How incredible I think she is.
Rosey shrugs. “Five more weeks.”
I shake my head, but I don’t say anything.
There’s no point. I’m going to have to keep doing this to and fro with Rosey until I leave.
Juniper is wonderful. I meant what I told her last night.
And I hope she and I are going to enjoy each other’s company while I’m here.
But as much as my thoughts today might be all about her, I need to be realistic.
We’re a short-term fling. That’s as far as it goes.