Chapter Twenty-Seven Evan
Growing up surrounded by different genres of music and instruments that come from all over the world expanded so much of my interests as a kid.
It gave me the escape from my mind that I desperately craved, shaping me into the person I am today.
It was something that I needed and I’m so glad I found it when I did.
I’m lucky that my dad brought me to all of Jaden Rhodes’s events growing up. They saw the way my eyes lit up whenever the orchestra took the stage. While they walked around and conversed with business owners, I stood in awe, trying to imagine what it would be like if I could be up there with them.
I’ve never wanted to be a famous musician.
I don’t want to be on a huge stage or in front of millions of people.
I want to do what Jaden tries to embody at events put together to help people in the industry.
I want to put people at ease, smile at them as they walk through the door, and let my music soothe them for the rest of the night.
I want to be that comfort for somebody that they have been with me.
“You’re extremely calm. That’s new,” Scarlett teases, eyeing me suspiciously as I walk out onto the balcony of our hotel room.
We flew into Boston last night and even though we’ve been together the whole time, I still don’t feel like I’ve had enough time with Scarlett.
All I want to do is be around her and spend time with her.
The event is being hosted at the theatre downtown, and I had rehearsals after our flight and again this morning, putting together the final touches to the program.
“I’ve got nothing to worry about,” I say easily, smoothing out the pants of my black B&Co tuxedo, the bow tie still hanging loose around my neck.
“Cocky, huh?”
“Confident,” I say, shrugging. Scarlett twists her mouth to the side, her gaze darting away from mine. “Are you nervous?”
“No,” she says quickly, and I raise an eyebrow. “I mean, I’m meeting your dad, but that’s unrelated.”
I nod slowly. “Are you nervous for me?”
“No, are you kidding? You’re an incredible pianist.”
“I told you,” I say, wiggling my fingers at her, and she snorts. “Don’t worry about my dad either. He’s a nice guy. He’s chill.”
“Did you tell him I was coming?” she asks, and I blow out a breath.
Honestly, I haven’t spoken to my dad much since I got the SEI.
I haven’t told him I got accepted, and I don’t know why I can’t just say the words.
I know he’s going to be proud of me, but I still feel like if I tell him, that also means admitting to him, and myself, that I don’t want to work at B&Co anymore, which is a whole other thing I don’t feel like spiralling about right now.
Scarlett’s eyes widen and she slaps me on the arm.
“Evan! You didn’t tell him I was coming? !”
“I told you, it’s fine,” I say, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her into me. I press my lips to her forehead, planting kisses across her hairline. “Trust me.”
She sighs into my chest. “I do. That’s the problem.”
The grand hall of the theatre is as spectacular as it always is.
Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling.
Tables are scattered around the room, with golden reservation plates placed on each seat.
The orchestra’s instruments are set up on the main stage at the front of the room, and since we’re early there are only a few of the other musicians standing up there.
Classical renditions of pop songs come through the speakers, and it puts me at peace instantly.
As stubborn as Scarlett can be, she’s charming as hell and a skilled conversationalist. We’ve only been here twenty minutes, and it doesn’t matter who she’s talking to, she always knows how to charm and work a room without putting in a ton of effort.
It’s admirable and a trait my dad will pick up on immediately.
He’s only flying in for the show tonight, so I have to make sure they are properly introduced before I spend most of the night on the stage.
I glance at Scarlett, who has already caught the attention of a small group of guests. I’ve been too busy looking around for my dad, only half-listening to their conversation. She’s smiling, nodding politely as they ask her questions, and I can’t help but watch her.
I catch the tail end of her conversation with the older couple. The woman is clearly impressed with whatever Scarlett has been saying. “So, what brings you to this event? Are you in the fashion world?” she asks, her voice curious but kind.
Scarlett shakes her head with a small laugh. “Oh, not yet. My family are,” she says modestly. She turns to me, giving me a small smile. “I’m here supporting Evan. He’s performing tonight.”
The woman’s eyes light up with recognition. “Evan! You’re performing tonight?”
I nod. “Yes, ma’am.”
The woman gives us both a knowing smile before turning her attention back on Scarlett.
She asks her more questions about college and what she’s planning to do with her degree.
Scarlett answers honestly, telling her that her plans have changed and she’s still figuring it out.
The woman—Rose Whitham, I learn—hands her a business card, winking at her before walking away.
I step up behind Scarlett, placing a hand on the small of her back. “You’re killing it tonight, angel,” I say softly, leaning in close.
She glances up at me, her cheeks tinged with a slight blush. “I’m just trying to keep up with you.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “Nah, you’re holding your own. My dad’s going to love you.”
Scarlett raises an eyebrow. “You sure?”
“Positive,” I say, squeezing her hip reassuringly.
Her face softens, and for a moment, everything else in the background fades.
She looks stunning tonight: a long backless black dress, her wavy hair slicked back into a bun, glowing skin and silver earrings.
Her eyes twinkle in the light like there’re stars trapped behind her irises.
If we weren’t in public right now, I’d have my mouth everywhere.
Touching her. Thanking her for being here with me tonight.
For keeping me calm even when she’s absolutely freaking out.
It probably isn’t helping that my dad is late as usual, and I don’t have much longer before I need to take the stage.
“You’ve got to relax, Scar,” I whisper for the thousandth time.
“I can’t,” she murmurs, squeezing my hand tighter.
“You can,” I say, slipping my hand out of hers and bringing it around her back instead.
I press my palm into her lower back, knowing the pressure will calm her down, before I run the heel of my hand up her spine.
I rub my thumb against her neck, and she shivers. I lean into her and whisper, “Better?”
She nods, but I can tell she doesn’t completely mean it.
She straightens when someone across the room catches her eye.
“Holy shit. He’s here.” Her pulse hammers against my thumb, so I drop my hand from her neck and pull her into my side by her waist. I watch my dad across the room, greeting people in a polite yet dismissive way, when he catches my eye.
I swear Scarlett squeals beside me. “I’m sweating, Branson.
Like, I’m genuinely sweating. Why am I sweating? ”
I spin her toward me. “It’s going to be fine. He’s going to love you,” I say, trying not to laugh at the panicked look on her face. I’ve never seen her this nervous about anything before. I press a quick kiss to her forehead, and she sighs, shutting her eyes tight before taking in a breath.
She gives me a smile before she spins around, and my dad is right there.
He looks at me. Then at Scarlett. Then at my hand round her waist. And back to me.
I know what he’s thinking without saying it, so I clear my throat, standing taller. “Dad,” I say, nodding, “this is my girlfriend, Scarlett Voss.”
At the same time Scarlett yells, “Girlfriend!” my dad asks, “Voss?!” Right.
I should’ve prepared myself for how awkward this would be for many reasons.
Scarlett and I haven’t exactly had a conversation about what we’re doing or what this means to either of us, but I think it’s pretty obvious that this isn’t just casual.
My dad and I haven’t spoken properly in a couple of weeks, and he would usually know about anyone that I’m dating before we get to this stage.
Scarlett recovers first, side-eyeing me before she extends a hand to my dad. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Branson.”
“Just call me Cal,” he says, shaking her hand, giving her that charming Branson smile. My dad clears his throat. “I apologize for my . . . outburst.”
Scarlett laughs awkwardly. “I apologize too. I think your son has some explaining to do.” Scarlett scowls at me, and I try not to laugh.
“I agree,” my dad mutters, shoving his hands into his pockets.
I look between the both of them. “This is . . . new.”
“You could say that,” Scarlett murmurs, and my dad laughs.
He shakes his head, smiling at the two of us. “I had a feeling this would happen sooner or later.”
“You did?”
“Yes,” he says, laughing quietly. “You talk about Scarlett all the time, despite her being the enemy.” He winks at Scarlett, and she laughs, bumping her hip into mine. “I knew you always had a thing for her.”
Heat creeps up my neck, and I can tell I’m definitely blushing right now. “Always, huh?” Scarlett teases, poking me in the side. “So the whole hating-me thing was really just a front?”
I circle my fingers around her wrist. “Something like that.” Her eyes stay on mine for a prolonged beat, and I can’t look away.
Obviously, I’ve always had a thing for her.
Anyone with eyes can see that. I just wish I didn’t take this long to do something about it.
I tear my gaze away from hers, looking back to my dad. “So you’re not . . . mad?”
“I’m not surprised, but I’m not mad either.
I just want you to be happy, Evan. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you.
” He takes in a steadying breath, his eyes softening slightly.
“I’m really proud of you,” he says quietly, each word laced with the kind of sincerity that makes my heart jitter in my chest a little.
“Dad,” I half-scoff, half-warn.
“No, you need to hear it. You and I have been through a lot, but you’ve never let that stop you.
You’ve always worked hard, always gone after what you want, and you’ve proved to me how badly you want this,” he says, and something catches in my throat when he smiles and adds, “I think you’re ready to come back to B&Co. ”
I let out a short laugh. Or I think it’s a laugh. It’s hard to tell when my heart is beating so fast and loud in my ears. The pride on my dad’s face is unparalleled, and it shouldn’t put me on edge the way it does.
I know he wants the best for me. That’s why he let me go from B&Co in the first place. But is he still going to feel the same when I tell him I don’t want to work for the company anymore?
I don’t want to think about that. Not now. Not tonight.
“Thanks, Dad” is all I manage to say, and he gives me one firm nod. I clear my throat, turning back to Scarlett. “Okay, well, now that you’re all introduced, I’ve got to go.”
Scarlett pouts. “You’re just saying that, so your dad doesn’t embarrass you.”
“That too.” I kiss her chastely on the cheek. “You gonna be okay?”
“I’ll be fine.”