The suite had two, one bigger than the other, and she was correct. “It’s fancy, but I’ve been comfortable here.”
“That’s because you’re a VIP and stay in places like this.” She placed her case on the floor near the door. “Me? I’m worried I’ll break something.”
“I felt the same way in the beginning,” he admitted. “You get used to it.”
She shrugged. “I suppose you would. I don’t travel much.”
He motioned to their dinner. “Where was the last place you went?”
“Seattle.” She headed to the table and sat. “Ten years ago.”
His mouth gaped.
“Don’t look so shocked.” She didn’t sound upset or resigned, more matter-of-fact. “I’m doing what I want to do.”
Still, he blamed himself. Being a homebody was one thing. But what good were those songs she wrote if no one heard them? She could easily hit the circuit of bars and small clubs. But as she said, this was her choice, not his. “As long as you’re happy.”
“Living my best life,” she joked. “I wouldn’t mind bigger tips, and I hope my grandmother doesn’t try to play matchmaker. But other than that, no complaints.”
Could life be that simple? Nash hoped so for Ivy’s sake.
He opened the pizza box and removed the lid on the salad. “Your last name and matchmaking grandma tells me you’re related to Travis?”
“Cousins.”
That meant… “You’re one of the twenty-five who are being married off by your grandmother?”
Ivy lifted her chin. “Yes, but I’m not about to be married off.”
“Good luck with that.” Nash grinned. “Based on what Travis has said, your grandmother sounds tenacious.”
“Gertrude Quinn is worse than a dog with a bone, but she loves us unconditionally and believes falling in love will make us happier.” The affection in Ivy’s voice told him how much she adored her grandma. “My cousins and siblings might need that, but not me. I’m remaining single.”
Ivy’s determination surprised him. Most people wanted to fall in love. He might if he was in a different place in life. Someday. “Not a fan of happily ever after?”
“I’d rather write music than go on a date. A boyfriend would only be in the way.”
He noticed she hadn’t answered his question. “R.J., my manager, would agree with you. He says I should avoid romantic entanglements so I can be one hundred percent focused on my career.”
“Not all romance is entangled, but I get his point.” She filled her plate. “A person can only focus on so many things or they become spread too thin.”
“That’s true. Life was so busy before I came to Quinn Valley. I hadn’t realized how tired I was until I injured my leg.” His gaze zeroed in on her taking a bite of pizza—the cheese stretching between her lips and the remaining piece. He forced himself to look away. “I told everyone I didn’t need the break, but I did.”
“It’s good to take time off and relax, but you must find this town boring compared to Nashville.”
“At times it has been.” Ivy was making his days less boring. “But I’ll be home soon enough.”
“What’s the first thing you’ll do when you get home?”
“Sleep in my own bed.” The answer came automatically. “Nothing like waking up at home. I also can’t wait to eat at my favorite BBQ place. They have the best brisket and cornbread you’ve ever tasted. And then I’ll rehearse, so I can finish up my tour.”
“You have it all planned.”
“I have lots of time on my hands here.” Nash would like to figure out more, but planning beyond the tour’s end was impossible without knowing if the label would re-sign him. “Do you have any plans?”
“Not really.” She wiped her mouth with a napkin. “I might take a course or two at the community college in the fall. If only to get my family off my back.”
“Have they been on you?”
