“Laying it on pretty thick,” Trey murmured close to my ear.
I managed not to jump. “Maybe he’s just trying to give Beth credit. You know, for writing two hit songs?”
Beth had that deer-in-the-headlights look she got before every school concert. Her fingers fidgeted against her side.
“She looks like she’s going to throw up,” Jo said.
“Stage fright,” Meg said.
John draped an arm over his wife’s shoulders. “It’s been two years. I thought she’d be over that.”
“Some things you don’t get over,” I said with a glance at Trey.
But he was watching Colt. “What’s our Beth doing with a guy like that, anyway?”
His protective older brother routine was pretty funny. And surprisingly sweet.
“She doesn’t go into detail,” Meg said.
“But they are sharing a tour bus. So...” Jo shrugged.
“Did you guys ever consider that maybe Beth got exactly what she wants?” I asked. “She’s with a super hot, rich, famous music star who can help her career.”
Trey raised his brows. “A regular Fred Vaughn.”
“Fred’s an influencer. He’s been very good to me,” I said. “Maybe Colt is good for Beth.”
“She’s a little young for him,” John said.
Eric smiled and said nothing.
“Older than me,” I pointed out. Everyone always forgot that.
“Yeah, but you can take care of yourself,” Jo said.
Not always. Not when I was a fourteen-year-old high school freshman desperate for acceptance. Trey had rescued me then. But I’d never told him—I’d never told anyone, even Meg—the whole story.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“She means you are not afraid to go after what you want.” Eric smiled at his wife. “Like Jo.”
Trey’s brow flexed as he glanced from Jo to me. He smiled. “Theyaresisters.”
I tossed my head. “You know what? I’m tired of people always comparing me to my sisters.”
Jimmy handed Colt a guitar.
“Ssh,” Jo said. “He’s going to play something.”
Beth’s face was flushed, her eyes bright. With nerves? I wondered. Or excitement?
“You don’t think he’s going to propose, do you?” Meg asked.
John shook his head. “That guy? Not a chance.”
“It would be a dick move, anyway,” Trey said.
I looked at him in surprise. “Why?”
