She stands across from me with her coffee with both hands wrapped around the mug. “I think you’re making the right decision.”
“Why’s that?” I ask, while shoveling food into my mouth.
“Selfishly, it keeps you home for a bit. I love falling asleep in your arms, in our bed, and waking up the same way. I want you to spend time with the triplets, with Noah, and Paige. I want you to write music freely and not feel the pressure of needing to tour. I think doing something like this gives your fans a whole new insight to who you truly are.”
I let her words settle over me and smile. I love everything she just said, and I agree. Doing something like this could benefit me in more ways than I can see right now.
“I’m hoping Bex is still in town. I didn’t ask if she had a place to stay.”
“Did she leave a way for you to get in touch with her?”
I nod and pull my wallet from my back pocket. “I have her card,” I say as I slip it out and set it on the island. Josie pushes my phone toward me and smiles.
“What are you waiting for, Page?”
I groan. “Woman, why must you taunt me all the time?”
Josie winks as she takes a sip of her coffee. “You’re doing the right thing, babe. Call her.” She pushes away from the islandand refills her mug. I dial the number and put the call on speakerphone.
Bex answers on the second ring. “This is Bex.”
“Good morning, Bex. This is Liam. Liam Page.”
“I know who it is.” She laughs. “What can I do for you?”
“I want to talk about the show. Are you still in Beaumont?”
“I’m in Allenville.”
“Can you come to the studio today? Or I can meet you if you have business in Allenville.”
“I can be there in an hour.”
I tell her I’ll meet her there. When I hang up, Josie’s eyebrows are raised.
“An hour,” I say with a sigh. In an hour I’m going to make a lifestyle change.
“Then you’d better shower. You smell like sleep.”
I carry my plate to the sink and then kiss her. She puts her hand on my chest and holds me there for a few extra seconds.
“I’m proud of you.”
It takes a moment, but a smile spreads across my face. I know they’re just words but hearing them makes all the difference.
The parking lotis full when I pull in. I love every bit of it, but once again, I’m thankful Elle suggested we have designated and reserved parking for FMG Records. As a business owner, and someone who is trying to revitalize my hometown, nothing pleases me more than to see businesses thriving.
I unlock the front door for FMG Records and check the date book to see if anyone is coming in to record today. I know everything is online, in some fancy pants tracking system, but I’m old school and need the physical calendar. Paige’shandwriting is clear and neat, and I know she filled in all the appointments in the last couple of days. There’s no need to do it if the old man ain’t around.
Before heading to my office, I stop in the breakroom, start a pot of coffee, and then place an order for delivery from Whimsicality. I imagine this meeting with Bex could take some time since we have a lot to iron out and I want to be prepared.
I open the blinds and let the morning light come in, make sure the air conditioner is on, and then sit down at my desk to wait. I’m impatient and nervous. If the AC wasn’t on, the sound of my fingers tapping against my desk would drive me up the wall.
I hear the front door open and then Bex’s voice calling down the hall. “Hello?”
“Back here.”
She appears in the doorway. She’s dressed casually today in jeans and a fitted blazer pushed up at the sleeves. She has her bag over one shoulder and a notebook in her hand. She smiles when she sees me, and it’s the same wide, open smile from our first meeting, the one that caught me off guard because it didn’t match the sharpness of her pitch.
