Chapter 37
37
Poppy
Eighteen thousand fans chanting for Faris Wheel.
Though we can hear them, time still slips away from us backstage. At the climax of our connection, I’m calling out his name just as he is called to the stage. Laird doesn’t budge, holding me and kissing me as if we have all the time in the world. Cupping my face, he closes his eyes as he leans against me and whispers, “I love you so goddamn much, baby.”
“Get the fuck out here, Laird,” someone shouts from the other side of the locked door. He barely has time to clean up before the banging starts again, rattling the door on its hinges.
Zipping his jeans, he connects his gaze with mine, that smirk just about doing me in all over again. “Worth it,” he says with a chuckle.
“I love you.” I sneak the words in before he opens the door.
Looking back, he winks. “See you out there. ”
As Faris Wheel is introduced under the setting Phoenix sun, I rush down the steps to find a place in the audience. Tugging at the hem of my short skirt, I’m hoping the flush in my cheeks fades before anyone is the wiser to what Laird and I just did. Does it matter? No. I’m still learning to let go of what others think, though.
The grin he’s given me hasn’t worn off as I weave through security and find my seat. It’s not needed. I have no intention of sitting during his show. Jet Crow’s wife is next to me, opening her arms and embracing me as if I’m already part of the family.
With The Resistance and The Crow Brothers playing after Faris Wheel, everyone is busy, including the significant others backstage. It’s nice she came out for the opening band, so I say, “Thanks for being here.”
She says, “I’m glad I could come to the show. I’m flying back tonight. Just a quick trip to support Jet and the band.” Leaning over, she adds, “And I’m a huge fan of Faris Wheel.”
“Me too.” I laugh, but it’s true. I’m Laird’s biggest fan and can’t wait to watch him perform. Seeing him shine like the star he is never gets old.
Nikki takes center stage, stealing everyone’s attention but mine. Laird’s eyes find me just as he kicks off the first song in full rock-god mode. It’s not a side of him I see often, and one that he hasn’t embodied in a while. He claims without our love to ground him, he’s floated through life. I understand because I was doing the same—half living, barely surviving, always searching—without my other half. God, I never thought I’d sound so cheesy, but I need him to breathe, and he needs me to help his heart beat. I’m so glad we share the same universe again because I’ve never been happier.
It would be easy to say we were built on sexual attraction alone since we have that in abundance, especially watching him now on stage. Tousled hair from my fingers running through it, hard abs and muscles defined that I flat-out licked backstage, broad shoulders that bear my weight when he wants me as a snack, and a face Aphrodite would create for her own personal taste. Good lord.
Yet that’s not how my gentle giant stole my heart all over again. It’s the way he looks at me like I’m his world, kisses me until my lips are swollen, makes sure my pleasure has peaked before he considers his own, and compliments me when I least expect it—in the kitchen cooking with no makeup on, baggy clothes, and dirty hair or just getting back from yoga, sweaty and flushed skin. It’s in the every day for us, not the big events, but the little moments that have always tied us together again.
When the spotlight hits him, he pulls his shirt off three songs in to catcalls and whistles, wearing confidence like a second skin. He doesn’t realize how he affects women with so little effort. They’ll never experience his heart like I have, though. His love runs deep, and his care for me is endless.
Moving across the stage, he kneels in front of me, playing his guitar with those fast-moving fingers. His eyes are set on mine, and he wears a smile that’s gone rogue with naughty intentions. God, I love this man.
Weeks later . . .
“I’m never getting you back to New York, am I?” If I didn’t know my best friend as well as I do, I would think Marina was trying to guilt me. I’m used to recognizing the tactics from my mom.
Marina’s not like that. She’s happy for me, but she’s also grieving because she misses me. I miss her, too.
I recognize the stages she’s going through. I went through them too when she got married. And even though I’m not even engaged, we both know where this is leading to with Laird. It’s only a matter of time from here.
Marina and I grew up together. Spent every day and most nights together over the years. And although our lives have taken different paths, we always had each other when the other needed us most. School, boys, breakups, lost jobs, failed auditions, lost loves, love found again, and now she has a husband and children.
I was so happy for her and sad for me because I felt the shift back then. It’s the one she’s feeling now that I’m finally steady on my own feet, full memories intact, and head over heels in love with Laird. I say, “It’s not looking likely, but I will always be there for you, Marina.”
“I know. Same for you. Always, Poppy.” I hear a little sniffle that I think she tries to muffle before she says, “Tell me about the cookbook.” I’m good with the topic change. It helps ease the sadness I started feeling. I’ve been missing her, but Laird’s been back on the road for a week after I left him in Phoenix, and I feel like a shell of the person I usually am. I’m ghosting our home and sleeping with his pillow for comfort.
I promised myself never to get wrapped up in a man like my mother. Look at me now. She’d be so proud . . .
The difference is Laird. He’s nothing like my father or anyone else she’s dated. The list is too long to even compare.
Marina adds, “What’s the latest with the book deal?”
I spent my twenties doing any job that would hire me in the food industry while attending culinary school. Just touching my thirties, I want to focus on me, my health, my relationships, my love, and although it’s not something we talk about, I want children with Laird. He’s restored my faith in all ways. I can’t wait to see him as a father.
“I haven’t heard back. It’s been weeks, so I think it’s a no.”
“Don’t give up yet,” she says. “Publishing is like the movie industry. It’s a slow-moving juggernaut until something hits, and then it’s a chaotic life.” She knows firsthand how fame strikes like lightning. I suppose Laird does as well, but he makes it easy to forget the outside world when we’re together.
“Not giving up. Just anxious to hear one way or the other.” I’ve been avoiding the topic as much as I can when talking to others because the stress is rough when it comes to my mom’s wedding. I need to release some, so I say, “I leave next Monday for Nashville.”
“Ah.” She knows without me having to spell it out. “Are you sure you don’t want me there? I can help you in the kitchen—”
“No, because she’ll parade you around as her favorite daughter because you’re famous. I don’t want to give her the satisfaction of your presence.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment, Pops.” Her cheerful tone has me smiling. It feels good to let go of some of the sadness I carry from Laird’s absence. “I know it’s been standing between you and the tour. You’re traveling with him right after?”
Seeing the card stuck to the fridge, I’m reminded of what he told me when he gave it to me. “That’s the plan.” I remove the magnet and start for the extra bedroom.
“I need to run, but call me soon! ”
“I will.” When we hang up, I start digging through my bins and then open two boxes. I don’t find what I’m looking for until I lift the lid of a hat box. I take the note to the bed and sit on the edge of the mattress. I’ve read the card a million times and have the words memorized, the number of times for the note could easily be doubled. But when I lay them next to each other on the bed, my heart feels so full it could burst.
I love you. L.
What more needs to be said when those three words capture our universe in them?
I study the handwriting, having seen it enough I could copy it by heart. If I had only known the clues were right in front of me all along.
I’m so going to marry that man.
“This is the uniform you ordered for me.”
“You’re confused, Poppy. Why would I order a uniform instead of a dress? You’re my daughter. Everyone knows who you are. You can’t traipse around my wedding and reception looking like . . . like . . .”
Crossing my arms over my chest, I can’t keep my foot from tapping. “Like what, Mom?”
Lowering her voice, she whispers, “Like event staff.”
I start for the door. “I don’t know what to tell you. This is what you ordered for me, so this is what I’m wearing. ”
“Don’t you have some frock you can throw on at least during the ceremony?”
There are three suitcases full of clothes from sexy to sweet that I packed for when I join Laird on the road after this, but I’m not feeling the need to play her games anymore.
“No. Happy wedding day, Mom. You look beautiful,” I tell her because she does. Despite our disagreements, this is my mom, and I also know it will make her feel good to hear.
Before the door closes, she says, “Make sure you’re invisible tonight. I don’t want to upset Trevor.”
I close the door, wishing I had before she had a chance to speak. When I round the corner, I run into exactly who I don’t want to see. “Congratulations on your nuptials,” I say, able to keep the peace for a few hours. After that, there are no guarantees.
“Poppy.” Trevor looks me up and down and then says, “I’m sure this outfit went over well with your mother. I know she was counting on your support.” I can smell notes of scotch wafting off his breath. Honestly, I don’t blame him.
“That’s why I’m here. I’m here supporting her.” I lower my head and add, “If you’ll excuse me.”
His arm blocks me from leaving. “You and I . . . we have unfinished business.”
“And what’s that?” He’s damn lucky Laird can’t step into the city limits of Nashville. There’s no way he’d give the grace I’m giving this asshole.
“I can’t have you fucking up the gift again.”
“What gift?”
“The wedding gift. After you blew the bridal shower, I hope you didn’t fuck this up. What did you get your mom?”
Is he serious right now? I burst out laughing. “The catering. I paid for all the food, and I’m catering it. My time is money, and you’ll never be able to afford me again.” I poke him in the chest, forcing him to step back a foot or two to give me room. “So enjoy your beef Wellington because it will be the best you ever had and the last time either of you will eat my food.”
I exhale, shaking my head as I return to the kitchen. “Are they out of their fucking minds?” Laird is rubbing off on me. I wish he were here.
The cake cutting is being organized as the guests are shuffled over toward that end of the ballroom. I already told them I’m not touching the cake, and neither is my crew.
I’m not sure why one of the bartenders took the job, but for his sake, I hope it pays well.
It’s the sirens I hear first. They’re not befitting the elegant reception.
Then the double doors hit the jamb when a lady rushes through. “Poppy? Is there a Poppy?”
So much for being invisible.
I slink out of the shadows in the back corner near a charcuterie display of snacks. “I’m Poppy. What’s wrong?”
Sweat beads at her hairline, and her cheeks are a deep rosy color. “There are at least ten, maybe more police cars out front.”
“Okay,” I say, hoping to eventually connect the dots I’m missing. “What does that have to do with me?”
Grabbing hold of my arms, she smiles so big that I’m now genuinely lost. “You need to go out there.” She starts pushing me by the arm and then fast claps behind me while nipping at my heels. “Right away. Hustle. Hustle.”
“Okay. Okay. Geez. I’m going. ”
I go the way she came despite not being allowed to as “event staff.” When I push through the door to the outside, alarm bells ring in my head. I can see a couple of police cars with their lights flashing. What am I walking into?
The hustle lady tells me to go on once more. I keep walking down the sidewalk until I reach the corner. Holy . . . there are way more than ten police cars out front, but who are they here for? I hate that Laird comes to mind, but is it so wrong to want a grand gesture?
“Put your hands up, Poppy Stanfield,” someone says over a speaker, but I have no idea where it came from—a car or a person?
I raise my hands, but then I hear someone say, “Don’t scare her.”
Laird.
I’m going to kill him right after I smother him to death with kisses and my love.
He comes running from the center of the lineup, looking every bit the sexy musician. Wild hair, worn T-shirt, faded jeans, and sneakers. He runs to me just as I head toward him.
Catching me in his arms, he swings me around while covering my temple in kisses. “I missed you so fucking much, baby.”
A round of applause breaks out, bringing us back to the here and now. When my feet land on the ground again, I lift to kiss him. When our lips part, I look into those eyes that hold the sun instead and say, “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” He wraps himself around me once more as I embrace him fully.
I pull him to me, and with his head tucked into the crook of my neck, I whisper, “Tell me they didn’t chase you here? You’re not about to be arrested, are you? ”
He chuckles as he rises to his full height in front of me. “No. They’re on my side.”
“How are you here? It doesn’t feel real.” I want to read him like a book, but he keeps distracting me with the damn sexy cover. “I missed you so much.”
His hands cover my sides and lower to my hips. Smirking like the hottie he is, he says, “I had a little help from my friends.” All I have to do is raise an eyebrow for him to continue. “Johnny Outlaw called in a few favors. All these guys are fans. We’re hooking them up with tickets next time we’re in town.”
“Next time?”
“I’m allowed back next year.”
“So you bribed the police to let you into Nashville?” I bite my bottom lip in worry, though I can admit it’s pretty dang clever.
“No bribery. Nothing illegal. We got the judge to sign off on it, but I only have two hours.”
This man. I will never get enough of him. “Why did you go to all this trouble?”
“No trouble. I came for you. I came to back you up. I’ll clear dishes or wash them, pack up food, or whatever you need. I’m at your disposal.”
“For the next two hours?”
“Yep. I came for that and to tell you I don’t want to be without you anymore. What do you think about taking the next step together?”
“Do you have a new tattoo in mind?” I smirk because I can with the best of them. Them being Laird, the sexy giant.
Taking me into his arms, he kisses me and then says, “Yes. Permanent like that.”
With my arms around his neck, I ask, “What did you have in mind? ”
“Something more circular and metallic.”
This man will literally tell me I hung the moon if I let him. I’ll let him, but not after I tell him how he made the stars shine brighter in my universe just by being in it. “Sounds like an amazing design.”
“Couldn’t have designed it better myself.”
Recalling a conversation we once had, I say, “So tell me, babe. That’s what you came all this way to say?”
“It’s not that far. I traveled all day to get here from Seattle.”
My heart thunders in my chest as I smile at the man I was always destined to be with. “You still bothered to go the distance for me.”
“I always will.”
Trevor runs out with his hands on his head. “What the hell is going on?”
My mom joins his side and then finds me in the center of it all. Maybe that’s been the issue all along. She couldn’t share the spotlight. Not even with her daughter. “Why are you not in the kitchen, Poppy? Invisible, remember? This is not invisible.”
“You’re right. It’s not. And I’ll never go back into the shadows again. Not for you. Not for clients. Not for anyone.” I take a few steps closer but then stop.
It’s best for me to put my boundaries in place, starting now. Referring to Laird, I ask, “Have you met my . . .” I look up at him. “Are we engaged?”
“We are. We’re very much engaged.” Wrapping his arm around my waist, he stands by my side.
“My fiancé. You won’t be invited to the wedding or into any part of my life. I love you, Mom. I just can’t be less for you anymore.” Slipping my hand into Laird’s, I turn but quickly realize all the police are gone. “How do we get out of here?” I whisper out of the side of my mouth.
He laughs between us. “I’ll order a car.”
Well, this is awkward . . .
Since I’m stuck here, I pull my phone from my pocket while Laird is busy, and call Marina. She answers immediately. “Is everything okay? How was the wedding?”
“A wedding is what I’m calling about. Will you help me?”
“When and where? I’ll be there.”