Chapter Thirty
Three Months Later
THE CALIFORNIA SUN BURNED brIGHT on Daisy’s back as she lay facedown on her beach chair. The crash of waves mingled with seagulls’ cries and the distant laughter of children, all blending into the perfect summer afternoon.
Well, it was perfect, until the sharp shrill of Anna’s voice cut through the air. “Okay, is there something on my face, or do I just look this good in turquoise?”
Daisy cracked an eye open, squinting up at her friend. “You have nothing on your face.”
“Huh, because every guy on this beach is checking your girl out right now. Seriously—either I’m radiating easy, or I look amazing in this swimsuit.”
“Definitely the latter…” Daisy murmured, then added under her breath, “And maybe a little of the former.”
Anna swatted her arm. “Brat.”
Daisy rolled onto her back with a groan. “Now that my peace has been destroyed, can you hand me my phone?”
Anna passed it over with an exaggerated sigh. Daisy scrolled through her messages and emails before tucking the phone away. “We should head out in thirty. Jameson’s dropping Amelia off around four.”
“So? Can’t he hang with her until we’re done?”
Daisy shook her head. “No.”
Anna’s expression begged for an explanation.
“Because Jameson doesn’t just hang out at my house anymore,” Daisy said flatly. “And I don’t at his. We pick up. We drop off. Everything’s simple, casual, easy.”
Anna’s face said more than words could, an open book of quiet pity.
“Don’t do that,” Daisy warned.
“Do what?”
“Say everything without actually saying it. Look, Anna, I don’t want to hear it. Things have been good. This is what I needed. What Amelia needed. Two parents, present and focused on her, not our stupid drama.”
Anna’s silence again said plenty. She’d been there the night Daisy admitted she loved Jameson, and she’d been there when everything fell apart. Since then, she’d held her tongue, respecting Daisy’s boundaries. But lately, her restraint had begun to crack.
After a long pause, Anna sighed. “I’m sorry my face is so judgy. It’s just… never mind.”
Daisy should’ve left it, but she didn’t. “Say it.”
“Are you sure?”
Daisy nodded.
“All I was going to say is that… it’s gone.”
“What’s gone?”
“That light in your eyes,” Anna said softly.
“The one that used to be filled with hope. It flickers when Amelia’s around, or when you’re working on a new piece, or obviously when you’re with me.
” She smiled faintly. “But it’s dimmer now.
And I think he had a lot to do with that. You just seem… a little lost.”
“Well,” Daisy said dryly, “thanks for putting it lightly.”
“I’m sorry. I love you, in any form. I just kind of miss you, too.”
And Daisy knew exactly what she meant. Something had dimmed in her. She’d tucked away the ache, compartmentalized it to protect what mattered most. Because sometimes, you had to break your own heart to heal it.
“I miss her sometimes, too,” Daisy said quietly. “But she’s still here. She’s figuring it out.”
“Well…” Anna grinned. “Can she figure it out soon?”
They spent the rest of the afternoon basking in the sun, finishing off the flask of tequila Anna had smuggled in. By the time they got back to Daisy’s place, the air felt lighter. They’d barely been inside ten minutes when a knock sounded at the door.
Daisy sprang up. Amelia had spent three days with her dad, and she’d missed her terribly.
“Hi, sweet stuff!” Daisy scooped her daughter into her arms and held on tight. “I missed you.”
“I missed you, too, Mom, but can you let go so I can breathe, please?”
Daisy squeezed her once more before setting her down. Over Amelia’s shoulder, Jameson stood in the doorway, a small grin tugging at his lips.
“Hey,” she said softly, taking Amelia’s duffel from him.
“Hi, Daisy.” It was her name, but it sounded so cold on his lips. She hadn’t heard him call her darlin’ since the night everything blew up and while the reason was obvious, a small part of her missed the endearment.
“Did you have a good time?”
“The best,” Amelia chirped. “We taught Gus a new trick, swam every day, and Dad even took me to the studio with Uncle Kyler and Lenny!”
“That’s great,” Daisy said, trying not to sound curious. “Are you guys still recording?”
“Yes, but not for the album—it’s finished. We’re rehearsing.”
She wanted to ask when they’d play again, what the setlist was, what it felt like being in the studio, but she kept her curiosity in check. “Oh. That’s great,” she repeated.
“It’s actually something I wanted to talk to you about,” he said.
“Okay, sure.”
He nodded toward the hallway. Amelia gave her mom a look—part puppy dog, part conspirator—then disappeared into the kitchen with Anna.
When Daisy turned back, she caught Jameson’s eyes flickering briefly down her body, taking in her sheer beach cover-up before snapping back to her face. The air between them shifted.
Ignoring the jolt that coursed through her, she asked, “What’s up?”
“We have a show coming up next month, a charity concert. It’s going to be huge.”
“That’s awesome. What’s it for?”
“It’s called All One. The charity supports victims of genocide around the world. This one’s focused on Sudan.”
“That’s incredible,” Daisy said, her tone softening.
“I’ve worked with some of the groups before,” he continued. “Rebuilding schools, supplying food and medicine. This concert will directly fund those efforts.”
“Wow. I didn’t know you were so involved.”
“I never publicized it. Until now. It’s a cause close to my heart.”
She smiled faintly. “I can see why.”
He hesitated, then said, “The concert’s at Wembley. And… I’d like for Amelia to come.”
Daisy blinked. “As in Wembley Stadium?”
He nodded.
“As in England?”
“That’s the one.”
Now Amelia’s pleading eyes earlier made perfect sense.
“That’s a big trip, Jameson.”
“Sure is. Which is why I’d also love for you to come.
And before you say anything, I know we’ve been keeping things civil, focusing on Amelia.
I just hoped you’d make an exception for this.
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing, and honestly…
” His voice dropped. “I can’t think of anyone I’d rather experience it with. ”
Daisy pressed her lips together. “Amelia?”
He didn’t answer and that silence said enough. He wanted to experience it with her as well.
“Can I think about it?”
“No,” he said simply. “If you think about it too much, you’ll talk yourself out of it.”
She raised a brow. “And how do you know I’m even interested?”
That old smirk tugged at his mouth. “Because I still know you, Daisy.”
Her heart kicked against her ribs. “Do you have a big enough place?”
“More than enough room,” he promised. “We’ll barely even cross paths.”
She hesitated. It was a huge ask, but also a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Amelia. And truthfully—for her, too.
Finally, she exhaled. “I guess we’re going to England.”
Loud cheers erupted from the other side of the door. When Daisy opened it, Anna and Amelia stood shoulder to shoulder, guilty grins plastered across their faces.
Jameson laughed while Anna exclaimed, “Don’t worry, my passport’s up to date! This was a group invite, right?”
Before he could object, Anna swept Amelia up into her arms and shouted, “Wembley!”
A few weeks later, they landed in London. The flight had been long and riddled with delays—just what Daisy’s anxiety needed. She’d nearly talked herself out of going a dozen times, but a promise to Amelia (and a very persuasive Anna) had kept her on track.
And though she hated to admit it, she was a little excited. The All One lineup was stacked with legends, some of her favorite artists playing for a great cause. She hadn’t been surrounded by that kind of energy in years.
Once they were finally airborne, Daisy popped on a melatonin patch, tucked Amelia into her lie-flat business-class seat (courtesy of Jameson), and let herself drift.
When they landed, a chauffeur met them at Heathrow. Amelia was glued to the window the entire drive, marveling at the old stone buildings and narrow streets.
As they turned onto Jameson’s drive, Daisy’s breath caught. His house, tucked near Ravenscourt Park, was elegant and warm, a blend of brick charm and ivy-covered elegance. When Jameson appeared barefoot on the front steps, waving them down, she gulped.
Just four days, she reminded herself. You can do four days.
Amelia was out of the car before it even stopped, barreling into her dad’s arms and talking his ear off.
Anna, meanwhile, was paying the price for one too many in-flight cocktails, courtesy of a generous flight attendant named Tracy. Still wearing her oversized sunglasses, she murmured a quick, “How’s it going,” and disappeared inside, clearly in search of a bed.
Jameson watched her retreat, eyebrows raised. “Is she okay?”
Amelia answered, “She’s kind of drunk.”
Daisy stifled a laugh. “Hungover,” she corrected. “And cranky.”
“She must be hungover every time I see her then.”
Amelia burst out laughing while Daisy rolled her eyes.
He chuckled. “Come on. Let me give you the grand tour.”
Inside, the house was bold yet cozy—moody tones, an open kitchen, a recording room on the main floor, and a study-turned-guest room.
“The study’s dark and quiet,” he offered. “Perfect for Anna.”
“On it,” Anna mumbled, already halfway to the room. “Love the house. Wake me when it’s tomorrow.”
Jameson shook his head, amused, then led Daisy and Amelia outside. The garden was breathtaking. It housed a canopying magnolia tree, a stone patio with an outdoor kitchen, and a glimmering pool framed by climbing jasmine.
“If you’re up for it,” he said, “I was thinking I’d host a small get-together tomorrow night. Some friends, barbecue, maybe a swim. Make the most of your visit.”
“Sure,” Daisy said. “That sounds nice.”
“Yeah, so fun!” Amelia added. “Does Grandma live here, too?”
“No, sweetheart,” Jameson said, smiling. “She stays in Surrey when she’s in town. Actually, in my childhood home.”
“No way!”