Hayden Hale is my sister’s best friend. My brother-in-law. My baby daddy.
But he’ll always be my only love…even if he never loves me back.
My throat grows thick. “Thank you.”
“You’re very welcome.” He kisses my forehead and steps back. “Ready to hear the new album?”
“More than anything.”
When the first chords spill from the speakers, I get literal chills. It’s not just music—it’s memories, the sounds, the voices, the words that will remain long after we are all gone.
I once heard we all die twice. The first time is our actual death. The second is when there’s no one left to remember us. But with these songs? This music? Owen’s legacy will live forever.
By the third track, I’m crying. Owen harmonizes with Hayden perfectly. His voice and the sounds of his guitar slip under my skin and settle there, warming my insides and making my heartbeat steady and calm.
I accidentally brush Hayden’s hand, but instead of pulling away, he twines our fingers and gives mine a little squeeze.
When the fourth track starts and Owen’s voice cuts through, a chill runs up my spine. It’s haunting and raw and completely unexpected. He never sang lead vocals, but he sounds incredible. I close my eyes and see him on stage. The song brings him to life, makes me feel like he’s in the room with us. I press my hand to my chest and turn to Hayden.
His jaw is tight, his shoulders tense, but his eyes instantly snap to mine.
We stare at one another, our faces tearstained.
He leans in, and my pulse quickens. I hold my breath as the world around us ceases to exist. He searches my face, his gaze dropping to my lips. It feels inevitable?—
Then, his phone rings, halting the music and shattering the moment into a thousand pieces.
He pulls back and picks up the device from the table. His Adam’s apple moves up and down as he swallows.
I think I know who it is.
Then, with a sigh, he stands and strides away. “Hey, Ines,” he says as he leaves the room.
I was right.
When Hayden returns, he’s dressed in black jeans, a black tee, and white sneakers.
“I need to go. Ines listened to the album and…she’s not doing well. I’m going to pick up Santi and take him to the playground. I’m really sorry, Ry. I’ll be home as soon as I can.”
I nod.
“There are three more songs we didn’t listen?—”
“We can do it once you’re back. Don’t worry.” I flash him a grin. “Go. They need you.”
He hesitates, eyebrows pulled together. My smile is so fake, I’m sure he sees right through it.
“Ry…”
“Go, Hayden. I’ll be fine.” I stand and lift my chin. “I’ll find something to busy myself with.”
Once the doors of the elevator close behind him, I slump back on the couch and stare at the wall. It’s decorated with pictures from several Sabotage shows, images of the guys with other famous artists, their gold album plaque, a Billboard award.
The band is such a huge part of his life, and it always will be. This hiatus won’t last forever. Eventually, he’ll be back in the studio, back on the road.
I’m deluding myself if I think we could ever be more than co-parents.
I hide my face in my hands and cry. The pregnancy hormones amplify every emotion, the mood swings that plague me making me dizzy. The rational part of me understands why Ines called him. It gets why he dropped everything and went to her. But the irrational part of me, the part my heart rules, is hurting.
