Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 99399 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 497(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99399 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 497(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
Jake nodded. “Pretty sure Shay told you, but she wants to be the next Taylor Swift. Like every girl her age with a guitar does, I guess. But she’s serious about it. She’s been watching YouTube videos her entire life, practicing as much as possible. She’s special,” he said confidently.
As he pulled into the small gravel parking area at the trailhead, I tried to think of a polite way of speaking the truth without being harsh.
Shay was talented and serious about pursuing her dreams. But so were thousands of other people. She didn’t have what it took to break out in the music business yet, though. And it would take a lot of study and effort to find it.
“Well, to start, she’ll need lots of vocal training,” I began. “And a hook. A style or sound that’s different and distinctive. There are a ton of artists trying to make it who are carbon copies of each other. Generic good voices without that special something. She needs to figure out what differentiates her from those other performers.”
“You could help her with all that.”
“Me?” I blinked over at him. “I know a few guitar techniques. I don’t have the experience or education I’m talking about.”
Jake shrugged. “Your dad does. Or he knows people who do. He could help her. The way he helped her get the new guitar.”
“Our family’s charitable foundation helped her with a new guitar,” I corrected. “After I made the request to an established program that provides instruments for student musicians in need.”
He gave me an indulgent look. “C’mon, Wolfe, we don’t need to tiptoe around it. You’re Jude Marian’s son. He’d do it if you asked.”
And there it was.
It had been a long time since I’d been in this position, but I remembered my body’s reaction well. My chest constricted, and my skin felt both cold and sweaty.
I hugged the daypack in my lap and inhaled. “I’d like you to take me back to the campground, please.”
Jake’s face fell. “Why? Because I asked for your help?”
“Honestly? Yes. You said it must be wild growing up with Jude Marian? Well, it was. But it’s pretty hurtful when the only thing anyone wants from you is a connection to your dad.”
Jake let out a deep sigh. “I’m sorry. You’re right. That probably sucked. It’s just…” His hands tightened on the steering wheel. “You don’t get a lot of opportunities in a place like Hush. At least I don’t.”
His voice was pleading and sincere, and… well, musical talent wasn’t the only thing I’d inherited from Jude Marian. I’d gotten his bleeding heart, too.
“I’m sorry,” I began, laying a hand on his forearm.
“No, I am,” Jake interrupted suddenly, laying his free hand over mine. “Really. I didn’t mean to hurt you, Wolfe. It’s just… I love my sister. Shay’s all I’ve got. I’m all she’s got, too. I know you feel like I overstepped.” He turned his head and gave me puppy dog eyes that begged for understanding. “But what wouldn’t you do to make someone you love happy? To make sure they have the bright future they deserve?”
I bit my lip. I had no interest in helping someone who wanted to use me for my connections. Especially when it would benefit someone who’d just stolen something precious from me.
But I understood Jake’s desire to help his sister. I couldn’t entirely fault him for that.
He spoke again, soft and careful. “Anyway, my timing’s shitty. I wanted to show you the overlook, have a nice picnic. Be friends, like you said.” He gave me a hopeful smile. “So let’s forget this for now and go hike, okay? If you’re leaving soon, this might be our only chance.”
An uncomfortable mix of guilt and lingering resentment made my chest tight.
I wanted nothing more than to be back in the van, in Trace’s arms. He’d listen while I poured out this whole story, make an insightful comment here or there, and make me feel better immediately. Then I’d kiss his gorgeous mouth and feel even better.
But I felt bad for Jake. And while I wasn’t going to launch his sister’s music career for him, the least I could do was follow through on our hike.
“Okay,” I agreed, opening the truck door and hopping out.
Jake grabbed his own pack and followed me to the trailhead, immediately moving into easier conversation about all the trails in the area, one of the things he loved most about growing up around here.
It took a few minutes before my shoulders came down from around my ears, but then I began to enjoy myself. It was a beautiful day, and just like yesterday, I was enjoying the chance to stretch and move my body. The hike was as incredible as Jake had promised, too, winding up through Black Canyon and past a pretty waterfall.