Chapter 15
Chapter
Fifteen
There’s a single knock before the door opens, and Mom sticks her head in. “How ya doing?”
“Okay,” I say glumly, “considering my life is in shambles.” This is the worst Christmas Eve ever!
I haven’t heard a word from Axel since I fled his house several days ago.
Harmony, on the other hand, said plenty and then put me on probation.
I called her on the carpet for publishing the article in my name, but she told me in no uncertain terms that she has the authority to do it as the editor.
Mom comes over and sits down on the edge of the bed. “Nothing’s broken that can’t be mended.” She gives me a loving smile. “You took the first step by coming clean publicly about your identity and admitting that you were wrong about Seth.”
“It would’ve been better if I could’ve told everyone the truth about what really happened with Max and the band.
” I wanted to, but it’s not my story to tell.
For some reason I don’t understand, Axel was trying to give Max the benefit of the doubt, and I can’t hurt Axel even more by telling the world what really happened.
So, I left that part out and put the focus on me.
I went back to the beginning and talked about my crush, the humiliation, and the anger of getting stood up for the dance.
I followed this up with an explanation of how I vowed then and there to get even with Axel Cox.
I admitted that I used my position at The See for revenge and felt justified in my actions until I got to know Axel and realized that he’s not the villain I thought him to be.
I spoke of our experience at the soup kitchen, leaving out the part about his uncle Dex, of course.
I included an apology and even wrote that I fell in love with Axel and will always regret losing him. It was the hardest piece I’ve ever written. I talked about how kind and generous Axel is—how he’s spending his Christmas Eve performing at the benefit to help those in need.
A part of me hoped that Axel might reach out after reading the article, but he hasn’t. I can’t blame him. Still, my heart aches.
Zoe released a video exposing me as a reporter.
Bianca told her everything. Zoe’s video went live a couple of hours after my article was released.
No surprise, she painted me as the heartless villain and her and Axel as the unfortunate victims. She even had the nerve to give a tearful plea to Axel, begging him to come back to her.
My only consolation is that my article came out first.
I’m not sure how Harmony will react to my article. I’ve never been as vulnerable or real. But, as she pointed out, remaining anonymous is part of my contract. Now that the cat’s out of the bag, I don’t know what will happen.
However, I don’t regret writing the article. And I don’t regret falling in love with Axel. I will forever cherish the time we spent together. And now I can hold my head up and look myself in the mirror. No more lies for this girl.
Mom gives me a searching look. “Are you sure you don’t want to come to the benefit tonight? I hate for you to be here alone on Christmas Eve.”
“I’ll be fine.” There’s no way I can go and face Axel. I guess he’s having to perform solo after all. Or maybe he’ll get someone else to fill in. The longing for him is so strong that it permeates my entire body. I hope with everything in me that he won’t go back to Zoe.
“Well, thanks to your article, every last ticket is sold.”
“Really?”
“Yep, you made quite the impact. People have been talking about your article all day long at the music hall as we set everything up for tonight.” Her expression turns wistful. “I sure would’ve loved to see you perform on stage with Seth.”
Tears press against my eyes. “I would’ve loved it too. We were great together.”
She smiles. “Of course you were. You’re my daughter.”
“Thanks.” A tear escapes and dribbles down my cheek. “I just wish he could forgive me.”
“Maybe he will in time.”
“Yeah,” I sigh. “Maybe.”
She takes in a breath, “I’d better get dressed and head to the music hall.”
“I love you.” Mom, Dad, and even Bryce took the news about my double life much better than I thought.
While they didn’t appreciate me not being forthcoming about what I was actually doing for my career, they’re proud of my accomplishments.
Err … at least proud that I’m a notable writer.
Mom suggested that I take a more positive angle for my stories moving forward.
“Love you too. See you later tonight.”
“I hope all goes well.” I mean that. I hope Axel delivers an outstanding performance.
“Me too.” She gets up and leaves the room, leaving me to my gloomy thoughts.
After everyone’s gone, I wander down to the kitchen to make something to eat. I pull out a frozen pizza and preheat the oven.
When the doorbell rings, I go still as a statue.
It’s probably someone for Mom or Dad. I’m not in the mood to talk to anyone.
The doorbell rings again, followed by pounding.
“Seriously?” I stalk into the foyer and look through the peephole.
Shock blitzes through me when I see Cassie.
She peers in through the sidelight and beats on the glass. “I know you’re there. I saw you.”
I throw open the door. “What do you want?”
She wrinkles her nose. “You look like death warmed over.”
“Well, that’s how I feel.”
She eyes me in disgust. “How long has it been since you’ve showered?”
“What’s it to you?”
She pushes her way inside and closes the door behind her. “Here’s the deal. You love my brother, and he loves you.”
Tears well in my eyes. “Of course I love him,” I harrumph, “but that doesn’t change the fact that I ruined everything.”
“I knew you were holding something back,” she grumbles. “You’ve always been so easy to read.”
“If I’d told you the truth when we first saw each other, you would’ve thrown me out on my ear.”
“True,” she acknowledges and then flashes a grin. “Nice article.”
I roll my eyes. “Thanks.”
She shakes her head. “You never could let things go. I can’t believe you spent all of those years hating Seth over a stupid dance that took place back in junior high.”
“Yeah, well, the joke’s on me,” I say darkly.
She gives me a shrewd look. “You must really love him. It takes an awful lot of energy to hate someone that much.”
“I do love him.”
“I know. That’s why you’re going to fix this.”
“How?”
“Well, for starters, you’re going to get cleaned up. And then you’re going to perform with Seth.”
“No,” I balk. “I can’t go on stage with him. He’ll refuse to perform with me.”
“It’s a possibility, but you owe it to him to at least try. He needs you.”
I squeeze my hands. “How furious is he?”
“Livid.”
I press my lips together, nodding.
She waves a hand. “But he’ll get over it. I did.”
My head snaps up. “You did?”
“Yeah, you redeemed yourself with the article.” She clicks her tongue. “That was some mighty good groveling. You’re a halfway decent writer.”
Laughter clips my throat. “Thanks … I think. I wish I could’ve told the full story about Max.”
“Well, as it turns out, that won’t be necessary.”
“What do you mean?”
“Before I came here, I had a nice little chat with Max. He’s going to be at the benefit tonight, where he’ll go on stage and tell everyone the truth about what happened.”
My eyes go round. “How’d you convince him to do that?”
She juts out her chin. “It’s either that or face a lawsuit.”
“Would Seth sue him?”
“No, but Max doesn’t know that.” She chuckles. “The guy was sweating buckets by the time I got through with him. Maybe I should’ve gone into interrogation rather than nursing. Better hours.”
I give her an appraising look. “You really are something.”
She lifts her chin, eyes sparkling. “I am, aren’t I?”
“Yes, you are,” I laugh. “Seth’s lucky to have you … and so am I.” I reach and give her a tight hug.
“Okay.” She pulls back. “Enough of the sappy stuff.” She crinkles her nose. “You stink.” She claps her hands. “Go and get ready.”
I bound up the stairs and stop halfway up. “Oh, the oven is on. Can you turn it off for me?”
“Yep.” She trots off in that direction.
“I don’t think I can do this.” It’s the stuff nightmares are made of.
“Oh, yes, you can,” Cassie assures me with a ruthlessness that says, I’ll make you do it.
I can’t get a good breath, and my heart is pounding in my ears.
Not to mention the fact that I’m nauseous and my hands are sweaty.
The music hall is packed to the brim. Many of these people know me.
They read my article where I laid my soul bare.
And now I’m supposed to open myself up to Axel in front of everyone?
This time, I can’t even hide behind my computer.
Max took the stage just as we arrived. As Cassie said, he offered a public apology to Axel and admitted his fault, getting choked up. At the end, Axel came out and embraced him.
Seeing Axel threw my heart into a tailspin. It’s commendable that Axel was willing to forgive Max. Will he also be willing to forgive me?
Thinking of something, I turn to Cassie. “Will there be a drum set on stage?”
“Your mom said she’d take care of it.”
“Mom knows I’m coming?”
“I called her right before I got to your house and told her the plan.”
“You’ve been a busy beaver.”
“Someone had to clean up your mess,” she snaps.
A chortle tickles my throat. “I suppose you’re right.” Everyone needs a Cassie Cox in their corner.
Mom strides across the stage next and gives Axel a glowing introduction, talking fondly about how she saw talent in him, even back when she taught him in elementary school. When she finishes, the crowd goes wild.
I swallow hard when Axel takes the stage with his guitar slung over his shoulder.
As always, he looks fantastic with his wavy hair and rugged features.
His faded jeans and scuffed boots complete the picture of the rough-and-tumble country music superstar.
Everything about him screams charisma. Even though my heart’s breaking, I swoon all the same.
He goes over and stands in front of the microphone. He looks surprised when several men wheel out a drum set.
“Go.” Cassie pushes me on stage. I stumble before catching myself. Murmurs rustle through the hall as I go over and take my seat on the throne. Axel turns around and looks at me. Not knowing what else to do, I offer a wobbly grin and wave. His expression remains masked as we catch eyes.
Then he turns and faces the crowd. “Good evening. It’s a pleasure to be here tonight in my hometown.
I can’t think of a better way to spend Christmas Eve than to help all of those unfortunate folks who were affected by Hurricane Michael.
Thanks for your generous donations, and Merry Christmas,” he booms.
Clapping breaks out.
He waits until the noise dies down before continuing. “Let’s play some music.” He glances back at me. “Just like we practiced.”
Relief spritzes through me as I cue us up.
We play through the first three songs, and I harmonize with him on the appropriate parts.
Warmth ribbons through me, restoring a sense of well-being I didn’t think I’d ever feel again.
Regardless of whatever happens between Axel and me, I can’t deny that the chemistry between us is as strong as ever—at least when it comes to making music.
When we get to the fourth song, Axel speaks into the microphone.
“Before my trumpet is brought out for the next song, I want to say a few words.” He pauses.
“I don’t have to tell you that it’s been an interesting several days.
First, with my dad’s accident. I’m happy to report that he’s recovering well. ”
More clapping.
“And then, with other matters in my personal life.”
Is this when he’s going to order me off stage? I grip the drumsticks for all they’re worth.
“As y’all know,” he continues, “I have a sordid history with one very lovely, feisty reporter that started way back in junior high when we had band together.”
Laughter ripples through the crowd.
He turns to me in a challenge. “You’re a part of this. Care to join me at the microphone?”
Swallowing, I place the drumsticks down and scramble off the throne. Where’s he going with this?
I go and stand beside him, feeling the weight of all the staring eyes.
“The ugly business started when London asked me to a dance, and I stood her up.”
“Boo,” a man in the front bellows.
Axel holds up a hand with a droll smile. “I know, I was a dense teenager. I thought it would be more fun to hang out with my buddies and play video games rather than take a girl to a dance.”
More people boo.
He faces me. “For that, I’m truly sorry.”
My eyes glisten, and I utter in a low tone. “You’re apologizing to me … after all I’ve done?” He truly is a remarkable person. I don’t deserve him, but I desperately need him.
A low chuckle rumbles in his throat. “Oh, you’re not off the hook yet.” His eyes sparkle with amusement. “I figure it’ll take a lifetime for you to make it up to me. And I fully intend to cash in on the debt.”
As soon as the meaning of his words sinks in, I sputter out a laugh. “Does this mean you’re giving me another chance?”
“Only if you’ll agree to spend Christmas with my family and me. And you have to agree to watch It’s a Wonderful Life.” A smile curves his lips. “Whaddaya say?”
Giddiness overtakes me as I tip my head. “I think that can be arranged. Under one condition.”
He crooks a grin. “Oh, yeah?”
“We have to watch An Affair to Remember afterwards. A double feature.”
A large smile breaks over his handsome face. “Deal.” He encircles my waist with his free arm, pulls me to him, and crushes my lips with his.
Thunderous applause fills the hall, but it gets drowned out by the joyful beating of my heart.
This went from the worst Christmas Eve ever to the best.
I guess dreams really do come true.
Even for this hard-headed, grudge-holding reporter who went to get the scoop on her childhood crush, turned unwitting adversary, and got scooped instead.
I don’t think I could’ve written this any better myself.