Chapter Seven #2
We step into the charming little pub, and I instantly feel wrapped in warmth.
The décor is all polished woodgrain and gingham curtains, giving it that small-town comfort I didn’t realize I’d been craving.
One wall is painted a soft blue, lined with shelves of well-loved books and mismatched sofas beneath them, and a fireplace is neatly inset between them all.
The opposite wall holds giant windows that look out onto the street, letting natural light spill inside.
It’s cozy in a way that makes me imagine winter nights here, the fire crackling while snow falls gently outside.
The vibe is calm, welcoming, safe, and I am all about the vibe.
As I move further inside, I spot a long table already set up, most of the gang gathered around it, including Dad and Lettie. They both beam when they see me approach with Mercs at my side, Kiera and Gran just behind us.
“There she is. Did you have a good rest, baby girl?” Dad asks, reaching out to pull me into a hug.
“Yes, I did, thanks.” I lean back slightly and look at him through my lashes so he catches the silent warning in my expression. “Dad, there are some people I want you to meet.”
He smirks instantly, understanding. “Oh, okay.”
“Dad, Lettie… this is Daphne, but everyone calls her Gran. And this is Kiera, Mercs’ sister.”
Lettie lets out a delighted little shriek and practically launches herself at Gran, wrapping her in a tight embrace while Dad chuckles. He gives Kiera a friendly wave, but Kiera’s eyes widen as she watches Lettie and Gran like she’s stepped into a tornado of enthusiasm.
“Oh my goodness, it’s so amazing to finally meet you both. I’ve just loved hearing about you two,” Lettie gushes, pulling back from Gran before immediately grabbing Kiera by the shoulders and inspecting her like she’s something precious. “And aren’t you just the most adorable little thing.”
She plants a kiss on Kiera’s cheek, making her laugh while Alana groans from her seat.
“God, Mum, you’re so freaking weird,” Alana mutters, earning a soft chuckle from Luke, who barely glances up from his phone.
“Well, it’s lovely to meet you too,” Gran replies warmly.
Lettie releases Kiera and floats back to her seat like she’s just won an award.
I lean closer to Kiera and murmur near her ear, “Don’t worry, you get used to it.”
She giggles quietly as we slide into our seats.
“So I guess I need to introduce everyone properly,” I say, settling onto the cool leather bench.
Kiera nods, looking both excited and slightly overwhelmed.
It’s easy to forget that these are simply my people, but to her, they are the band she’s watched on screens and posters.
“Okay, so clockwise from Mercs, that’s Jay and then Tank. They’re part of the crew and work with your brother. Then there’s Andi, Casey, Kristy, and Alana… the rest of the band, though I’m sure you already know that.”
Kiera lifts her hand in a shy little wave toward the girls, who wave back with varying levels of sass.
“Then we have Luke, our manager, agent, and organizer of our daily existence.”
“At your service,” Luke mutters, not looking up from his phone.
Everyone laughs softly.
“And over there are Cooper and Raoul, security… and, well, you already know Dad and Lettie.”
“Hi, Raoul…” Kiera calls out in a sugary-sweet voice that carries across the table.
I smirk.
Raoul blinks at her, clearly caught off guard. “Umm… hello,” he replies carefully, looking mildly confused at being singled out.
Mercs slumps into his chair and tips his head back in exaggerated defeat. I slip my hand under the table and squeeze his thigh gently. He glances at me from the corner of his eye and gives a subtle shake of his head while I suppress a laugh.
“So what’s good to eat? I’m freaking starving,” Andi announces.
As the noise around the table picks up, a dull pressure forms behind my eyes. I tilt my head slightly, blinking fast to try to ease it.
Mercs notices instantly.
“You okay?” he asks quietly.
I offer him a small smile. “Sure. Just a slight headache. Nothing a glass of iced water won’t fix.”
He studies me for half a second longer before nodding. His hand slides to my back, rubbing slowly up and down in steady, reassuring strokes. There aren’t many people here yet, which is a relief, but I know once the evening settles in, the pub will fill up and the noise will be overwhelming.
Mercs raises his hand to get the attention of a waitress, and she heads over quickly.
“Hey, Kaden. Long time no see,” she says warmly, batting her lashes in a way that makes me close my eyes briefly in protest rather than rolling them.
“Hey, Kassidy. How’s Mark? And the kids?” Mercs asks casually.
I open my eyes again.
She shrugs dramatically. “Mark’s Mark. You know what he’s like. Same as junior high. And the kids are little terrors. God love ‘em. I see you’re doing well for yourself, hanging with famous people now, you little rebel.”
Mercs laughs softly, his hand never leaving my back. The steady motion grounds me more than he probably realizes.
“You know me. Always living large,” he replies lightly. “Sorry to cut this short, Kass, but my girl here has a headache. Could we grab some ice water?”
“Of course. I’ll bring some for the whole table and take your orders when I come back, if you’re ready.”
“Thanks, Kass. We’re in town for a while. Eff and I should catch up with you and Mark. It’d be good to see him again.”
“Yes, I’d love that,” I add quickly, not wanting to look aloof. I want the people from his hometown to like me, not see me as some distant rock star girlfriend who thinks she’s above them.
Kassidy tilts her head as though she’s just been handed a trophy. “A real-life rocker coming to hang out with me? I’ll definitely be down for that. And you too, of course, Kaden.”
She giggles as Mercs rolls his eyes affectionately while she heads off.
“She was in my friend group in high school,” Mercs explains. “Her and Mark were inseparable. Everyone knew they’d end up together.”
I sigh softly. “That’s sweet. I love childhood sweetheart stories.”
Mercs’ jaw tightens just a fraction, and realization slides through me.
He had a childhood sweetheart.
And she lives here.
I’d almost forgotten that while this town feels warm and welcoming, there’s one person tied to it who isn’t exactly a fond memory.
As I lift my gaze, my stomach twists sharply, the pressure behind my eyes flaring harder.
Because somehow, it’s like my thoughts have summoned her.
Mercs’ childhood sweetheart.
Lilah.