Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 93936 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 313(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93936 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 313(@300wpm)
“Hello,” I say as I step aside.
“Seriously, where were you?” Priscilla asks.
“I need to rework some lines in one of the songs,” I say quickly. I don’t know why Justine ignored their texts but am happy she did.
“That’s all you do is work,” Wynonna says. “Live a little.”
“Right. I’ll see ya.” I leave, needing to get away from the girls.
As I walk back to my room, I replay the day in my mind—the record store, the busker, the henna tattoo, and most of all, those final moments outside her room. The possibility of what might have happened if her bandmates hadn’t come down the hall.
But I’m not disappointed. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I have something to look forward to. Something real. Something that isn’t about the past, but about what comes next.
EIGHTEEN
This day has been circled on the calendar since Peyton and Noah made all the men in their family take part in a wet T-shirt event. Elle made sure the tour had a break so I could be there for my nephews and niece’s births. My phone buzzes against the table with a text from my sister.
Elle
Car’s outside
“All right, I’m outta here,” I tell the band as I reach for my bag. “Have a fabulous mini vacay without me.” I give the two-finger salute. Because we’ll only have a couple days off, Elle gave the bands a chance to go home or chill at the resort she booked.
Everyone decided to chill.
“What’s wrong?” Dana asks, startling awake from her nap in the sun.
“Peyton’s having the triplets. Remember?”
Her face softens. “Right. Yes, I didn’t forget. Send a ton of pictures.”
“I will.”
Another text arrives.
Elle
Jet’s waiting, see you later, Quinny
“I’m gonna catch a ride with you. I need to pick some things up at the store,” Keane says as he follows me out.
“Let’s go.”
In the car, I stare out the window, my leg bouncing with nervous energy. I’ve never been an uncle before, although, at times, it feels like I am with Ollie. I think the huge age gap and the fact that I don’t live at home is what makes my relationship with Ollie feel that way. It’s my hope he’s as close to the triplets and I am with the twins. But again, Elle’s having her baby soon and I suspect whether it’s a boy or girl, they’ll be close to Peyton’s.
So many babies and here I am, single.
Sigh.
“You’re going to be great,” Keane says quietly.
I look over at him. “What?”
“As an uncle. You have that . . . thing. Kids are drawn to you.”
I smile despite my nerves. “Thanks, man.”
“Tell Peyton and Noah congratulations from all of us.”
The 4225 West jet sits idly on the tarmac. “Someday,” Keane says with a sigh, “Someday, we’ll travel like that.” I don’t bother telling him that despite having a jet at our disposal, even while growing up, during the tour we rarely took it because the bus was easier, especially when shows were the next day or only one day in between.
I pat him on the back and agree. “We’re almost there. Thanks for coming with me.”
“Keep us updated.”
“I will.”
The flight attendant greets me with a sympathetic smile. “We’ll get you there as fast as we can, Mr. James.”
As soon as we’re in the air, I text Justine. I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye. I probably should’ve.
Heading to Beaumont. Peyton’s having the triplets. I’m sorry I bailed without saying goodbye. I hope you have a relaxing couple of days off.
Her response comes almost immediately.
Justine Floyd
No worries! Send pictures when you can!
I smile at her enthusiasm. The exclamation points are so very Justine.
Will do. What are you up to?
Justine Floyd
Just rehearsing with the girls. Wynonna hates the new arrangement for “Glass Houses” but I’m hoping she’ll get over it.
I frown at the last part of her sentence. Wynonna shouldn’t have to get over it, but the three of them should reach a compromise. Justine’s popularity is growing, in part because I keep writing songs with her and she’s become a staple during our show. My fear is this will cause a ton of animosity between Plum and damage their band before they have a chance to take off.
It’s not my place, but Elle’s, to guide these girls through the trials and tribulations of becoming famous. My thumb hovers over the keypad as my mind battles back and forth on whether I should say something. I decide not to and let the conversation die. Maybe Justine will go back and read what she said and see it on her own.
When the plane lands, I sprint to the waiting car. The driver senses my urgency and makes record time getting me to the hospital, which smells like antiseptic and worry. I pause at the elevator and recall the time when it felt like we all lived in one when Peyton had been in her accident. Each minute, we had no idea if she was going to survive, and now here we are, waiting for her to deliver her babies. I follow the signs to the maternity ward, my footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway. When I reach the waiting room, I find my entire family scattered across uncomfortable chairs.