Chapter Thirty-Two

Blaise pulled into his driveway and cut the engine. He kept his hands on the steering wheel, afraid if he moved, he’d grab Grace, kiss her with all he had and never let her go. Except she wanted to leave, and he couldn’t stay.

She had been right about all those things she shouted at him at the lake. He was following his brother around. Had been since he could walk. He wanted to produce his own music, play in smaller places, maybe even nurture some young musicians. He could squeak out a living if he tried. He had enough connections, but he was afraid to lose what little he had left.

He felt Grace’s stare on him. He turned to see something dark in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Grace.”

She shrugged and fiddled with the hem of her shirt. “When are you hitting the road?”

Did he hear a hitch in her voice? That vulnerable sound squeezed his gut. “I don’t know yet, but sooner than later, I suppose. I still have to talk to Savannah about the fundraiser.”

She swatted at her face with the back of her hand. “Make sure she knows I had nothing to do with your leaving before the event. She’ll think I sabotaged her because I accused her son of bullying Cash.”

He pressed his lips together. “She’ll blame me. Don’t worry. She’s mad at me too right now.”

She reached for the door handle. He wanted to stop her, but he watched as she pushed herself out the door. “Good night, Grace.”

“Good-bye, Blaise.” She went into the house without looking back.

He ran a hand through his hair and scratched the back of his neck. He was an asshole. The night was already ruined. He might as well call Savannah. He slid out of the truck, dragged himself up the steps, and unlocked the front door. He stared at his hands. “Asshole.” He’d left his brace back at the lake. Oh well. Guess his hand was feeling better.

Colton lounged on the sofa, his feet up on the table. He strummed the guitar. A cigarette hung from his lips.

He knocked Colton’s feet off the table. “And put that cigarette out. It stinks in here.”

“Looks like you didn’t get any.” Colton rested the guitar against the arm of the sofa and put his cigarette out in his glass of soda.

Blaise dropped into the leather chair and covered his face with his hands. “Shut up.”

“If your pretty neighbor didn’t come over here to proposition you, then what did she want that she couldn’t say in mixed company?”

He stared at the ceiling. “She was saying good-bye.”

“And that’s a problem? Oh, wait.” Colton slapped his leg and laughed. “I get it. You dig her.”

“Why is that funny?”

“Bro, you’ve got to stop falling like that. Women are trouble. When are you going to learn?”

“Colton, seriously, shut up before I beat your ass.”

Colton held his hands up. “Okay, okay. I’ll quit it. Here’s some good news for you.”

Blaise sat straighter in the chair. “Yeah? What’s that?”

“We’re hitting the road day after tomorrow.”

“What?” That wasn’t good news. He needed more time. He had to get Cash signed up for school. He wanted to make sure his son was settled before he left. Savannah was so pissed at him. Would she even look in on Cash while Blaise was gone?

“It will help you get over your lady friend faster. That’s why it’s such good news.”

“But Cash. I have to explain it all to him.” Where was Cash? Had he come back?

“He’s a grown-up. He’ll be fine. And the best part is we’re getting paid for the first ten shows up front. Joe worked a miracle. That should make you happy. You’ll be able to pay the electric bill and not have to sell your car.”

He was tired of that car. He was still going to sell it. The money would give him a nest egg again. Maybe enough to live on for a while.

“You don’t have to come on tour. I can find a replacement for you without much effort. There’s that Otis Michael guy from Lacerate looking for work.”

Blaise’s insides heated up. “That guy sucks. He can’t play my beats.”

Colton shrugged. “So you’re coming, then.”

Blaise didn’t see the choice. “Yeah. I’ll be packed. I’ve got to call Savannah.”

He took his phone and went out back. The phone rang several times before his sister answered, out of breath.

“You okay?” he said.

“Blaise. What’s up? I’ve got a lot going on here right now.”

“Everything all right?”

“No, if you’re going to ask. Not that you’re going to do anything about it. That’s not your style—or Colton’s, for that matter. Jud and Adam had a fight. Jud stormed out. Adam isn’t feeling well. He’s going to the doctor tomorrow.”

He let the jab go by. “I hope Adam feels better.” He wasn’t about to give advice where Jud was concerned, but he figured Jud was like most hotheaded boys his age. He’d go blow off some steam and be back a few hours later with the whole thing behind him.

“What can I do for you?” Savannah kept the edge in her voice.

“I have some bad news.”

“Oh no. Don’t you dare say it.”

“Savannah.”

“You bastard. How could you ditch me at the eleventh hour? I’ve sold tons of tickets because of you, and now I have to let everyone down. And the library. What about the library?”

“I don’t have a choice. I have to go.”

“You do have a choice, but you’re letting Colton make it for you like you always do. Do you even have a mind of your own? No. You. Don’t. You know what? Forget it. Who needs you? I’ll handle this like I’ve handled every other disaster this family has endured since Mom died.”

“Savannah, I’m sorry. When I get on my feet again, I’ll donate money to the library. I can get those computers for you. Colton will chip in too. I’ll make him.”

“Go fuck yourself.” She hung up.

He couldn’t win. He’d let Grace and Savannah down when they needed him, but avoiding the tour meant financial struggles and standing up to his brother. He wanted a minute’s peace to figure the whole messy situation out.

“Dad, you’re leaving the day after tomorrow?” Cash said from the doorway behind him.

Blaise didn’t turn around. “Uncle Colton told you?”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I just found out a few minutes ago. I didn’t even know if you were home yet.” He sagged into the Adirondack chair.

“Do you know that Grace is leaving too?”

“Yeah.” And there was nothing he could do to make her stay.

“So I can’t see Chloe again.”

“Jesus, Cash, I’ve got bigger problems right now than whether you can see your new girlfriend. Can’t you use that camera gadget thing to talk to her? Besides, you’re about to go off to college. So is she. In a month you’ll forget about her.”

“Is that what you’re hoping to do with Grace?”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Neither do you.”

He was screwing up again. He had to make things right with his son. Explain to him. Help him. But Cash didn’t wait for a response. He turned back in the house.

Colton appeared in the doorway. He lit a cigarette and blew the smoke outside. “Sucks to be you about now.”

“Yeah, it does.”