Chapter 23
Olivia
It doesn’t matter how fast the weeks fly by; the days still drag, and there’s always something demanding my attention. But as another workweek finally winds down, all I want is uninterrupted sleep before I have to do it all over again.
I push through the front door, kick off my shoes, and—like muscle memory—reach back to unclip my bra, freeing the girls from their daily prison. I tug it through my blouse sleeve and let it drop to the floor. I probably should toss it in the laundry… but I live alone, so screw it.
Before I can even consider what’s for dinner, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I fish it out and groan when I see the text from Aubrey.
Aubrey: Karaoke tonight. Don’t even think about ghosting. You promised.
Shit. Karaoke night completely slipped my mind, and the thought of putting a bra back on fills me with dread.
Apparently, according to Aubrey, karaoke night is a monthly Jenkins family tradition. Maybe I should feel flattered that she’s inviting me to be part of it… but mostly, I’m nervous.
Because Aubrey’s family is Kade’s family. And even though I’ve seen them before at the school project celebration, I haven’t met them properly. And I’m not sure one date qualifies me for that.
With a sigh, I close Aubrey’s message and open Kade’s thread. My thumbs hover, then I type.
Me: Am I seriously expected to sing in front of your WHOLE family tonight?
Kade: Only if I have to sing too. Which I do. So… yes.
Me: I thought you were nice…
Kade: See you at 7. Bring that positive attitude with you.
My phone vibrates again, and a new message from Aubrey pops up.
Aubrey: My mom already picked out her song. If you bail, I’m telling her you hate music and sunshine.
Me: You’re evil. I’ll be there.
Aubrey: I’ll pick you up.
With a groan, I pocket my phone and drag myself upstairs, each step heavier than the last.
Nerves twist in my stomach as I tear through my closet, tossing clothes onto the bed in a growing pile. I’ve tried on more outfits than I can keep track of with none of them feeling right. All I can think about is Kade—and how badly I want him to notice me.
Eventually, I landed on a black leather mini skirt that hit mid-thigh, a deep wine-colored ribbed tank, my oversized denim jacket, and my favorite black ankle boots. Makeup stayed simple, just mascara and gloss and I left my long dark hair in loose waves.
But as Aubrey’s car pulls up outside The Rig, the second-guessing hits full force.
Sensing it, Aubrey hops out, rounds the car, and links her arm through mine. “You look amazing. Don’t stress.”
Inside, she steers me toward the long bar that stretches along one wall. The place is warm and rustic—scuffed wood floors, exposed beams, cozy lighting. It’s got that small-town charm that fits Mayridge perfectly.
I scan the room for Kade but come up empty as the bartender steps up.
“Ladies. What can I get you tonight?”
Aubrey leans on the bar, pressing her chest together just enough to be dangerous, and flashes a grin. “Grayson, be a doll and line us up some shots?”
Grayson smirks, already reaching for the glasses. “For you? Anything. How many?”
“Just two,” she says, sliding a bill across the bar.
Grayson gives her a slow once-over as he lines them up. “You keep looking at me like that, I might forget to charge you.”
A low voice cuts in behind us. “Pretty sure that’s not how it works, Grayson.”
Grayson freezes mid-pour as Trent steps up beside us, cool and unimpressed.
Aubrey stiffens. She turns slowly, her glare sharp and controlled, eyes flashing with heat just barely held in check.
Trent meets it, calm on the surface, but there's a flicker—something taut beneath his steady expression. The silence between them tightens, stretching thin.
Then, without a word, Aubrey turns away, deliberate and cold, as if he’s no longer worth the effort.
Trent watches her back for a beat, jaw ticking. He exhales through his nose, shakes his head once, and walks off—quiet, but not unaffected.
Before I can ask what the hell that was about, Grayson clears his throat and finishes pouring. “Two shots. All yours.”
Aubrey raises her glass, all smiles and ease, like there hadn’t just been a moment thick with tension between her and Trent. “To family karaoke night.”
We clink glasses, knock them back, and head toward a big table tucked in the corner.
Kade’s mid-laugh when he spots me. His grin fades for a second, replaced by something softer as his eyes sweep over me.
He stands, stepping around the table. “You sure you’re ready for this?”
“I think so,” I say, heart thudding. “Should I be worried?”
He leans in just enough for only me to hear. “Terrified.”
Then he steps back and lets his gaze drift over me again. “You look…” He pauses, heat in his eyes. “Stunning.”
I smile, nerves fluttering.
“Sit with me?” he asks, pulling out the chair next to his.
I nod and slide into the seat, still feeling the burn of his gaze. Kade scoots my chair a little closer to his.
Across the table, a woman I know is Kade’s mom leans forward and offers her hand with a warm smile. “Since my son was rude enough not to introduce us the first time we met, I’ll go ahead and do it myself.” She shoots him a playful glare. “I’m Cora.”
Kade chuckles, unfazed. “I was getting there.”
“Sure, you were,” she says, rolling her eyes.
I shake her hand. “It’s really nice to meet you properly.”
“And this grump here”—she gestures to the man beside her— “is my husband, Henry.”
Henry gives me a nod and a warm smile. “Welcome to the chaos, Liv.”
The table hums with conversation and laughter. Kade’s hand brushes my knee under the table—steady, grounding.
Maybe this won’t be so scary after all.