I shake my head. One month, I’m singing to a crowd of thousands of people, and the next, I’m living with a spoiled goat that can outdiva Stone.
“What do you want, Bastian?” Taylen’s voice is filled with exhaustion and apprehension.
“Take a look,” I say, gesturing to the paperwork.
He sinks onto the couch and picks up the nearest folder. I watch his face as he reads, seeing the moment understanding begins to dawn.
“Bastian…”
“I’ve been developing these plans for over a year. Working with agricultural experts, studying successful co-ops across the country.”
The plans detail everything from sustainable farming practices to community involvement. In a nutshell, ways to combine traditional methods with new developments to create efficiency and lower costs.
“I…” He looks up at me, genuine surprise softening his features. “I owe you an apology.”
I sit beside him, close enough to feel the warmth radiating from his body but not quite touching. “I didn’t show you this so you can apologize, Taylen. I just wanted you to…” I sigh. “Being a rockstar is only glamorous on paper.”
He looks up from the reports and raises an eyebrow.
“Okay, fine,” I relent. “It’s been pretty good. The money, the fame, doing something I know I was born to do. I’m luckier than most people. But all of that hasn’t come without the other side.”
“You mean being hunted by the press all the time? Screaming fans and all that?”
I shake my head. “Playing a full set for a full stadium, burning more calories than I can consume in a day, crashing, and doing it all over the next day for months. Coming home and finding I missed so much stuff, and trying to catch up while everyone else is on vacation somewhere sunny. Repeat that for two decades.”
Taylen looks so tired. He leans on the back of the couch, letting his head rest on the soft cushion. “You liked it though, right? You always looked so happy in the interviews.”
The thought that he watched our interviews or kept up with the band surprises me.
“I wouldn’t change it for the world. My point is, I know what commitment looks like, Taylen, and just like I didn’t quit on music, I’m not quitting on the farm.”
“You did quit music.” His lips curl into a smile, and with him looking so relaxed, I have to consciously keep my hands in my lap because I want nothing more than to touch him.
I don’t want to tell him that while we’re not touring, I can’t bear the thought that this is it. Hall of Fame will never make music again. I’m not sure I can be myself without music. I just have to figure out how to do it without impacting my work on the farm. And that’s not a conversation I’m ready to have right now.
Taylen glances again at the report. His fingers trace the edge of a detailed irrigation diagram. “These are good plans,” he admits. “Really good.”
“I want to help revitalize local agriculture while honoring traditional methods. Combine my business experience with practical knowledge like yours.”
Something shifts in his expression, a warmth I’ve never seen before directed at me. “You’re really serious about this.”
“I’m here to stay,” I promise, holding his gaze. “And it’s not just about succeeding. It’s about helping everyone succeed.”
He nods slowly, and I see the last of his defenses crumbling just before his eyes close and he falls asleep.
I grab the blanket that drapes over the arm of the couch and cover Taylen with it. He stirs a little, like he’s making himself comfortable.
“Thank you, rockstar.”
I pull my phone out and drop Fox a message to explain my absence. I don’t even care that he doesn’t seem to buy it. I’ll make it up to my mom, but right now, Taylen is the one I need to make up to.
Taking the reports from his hands, I get comfortable and continue reading through the new information I haven’t workedon yet. Eventually, my own early mornings catch up with me, and I fall asleep.
I’m jolted awake when the studio door flies open with teenage enthusiasm, Kay coming in with her bossy face on. I’ve known that girl since she was born. The only one who can maybe compete with Kay’s bossiness might be Gouta.
Gouta trots in behind Kay, red ribbon slightly askew, looking entirely too pleased with herself.
“There you are!” Kay announces, seemingly oblivious to Taylen sleeping beside me. “Nan says dinner’s almost ready, and Gouta was looking for you guys.”
