Page 39 of Heart Strings

Before he can say more, I pull him into a quick, firm embrace. “We’re brothers, man. No matter what.”

He returns the hug, a bit of tension draining from his shoulders as he sighs. “I actually suspect Ava was behind it all,” he confesses, the words tumbling out. “I didn’t remember a thing, but memories have started coming back. Snippets. Then after that night, I found texts on my phone, one from you inviting me to the hotel room for a party. I thought everyone would be there.”

I frown, pulling back to look at him. “I never sent you that text, Ty.”

Ty’s jaw tightens. “I figured. When I got there, it was just Ava. She said I was early and that everyone would show up soon. She offered me a glass of bourbon, and after that, I don’t remember anything. Nothing at all.”

The pieces click into place, a cold realization washing over me. “She set you up,” I say slowly, anger simmering beneath my calm exterior.

“It looks like it,” Ty agrees, a bitter edge to his voice. “I just... I didn’t know how to prove it. And after everything blew up, it seemed easier to just let everyone believe what they wanted.”

“We’ll sort this out,” I assure him, clapping him on the shoulder. “We’ll clear your name, get the truth out. You don’t deserve to carry this.”

Ty nods, looking out over the balcony railing. “I hope so. I don’t really care about the fame or the band getting back to what it was, but... I don’t want to lose my friends over a lie.”

“You won’t,” I say firmly. “You’ve got us, Ty. You’ve got me and Gracie, and we’ll sort this out.”

As we finish our cigarettes and head back inside, the warmth from the kitchen greets us, the scent of lasagna mingling with the promise of new beginnings. Ty seems lighter somehow, as if our conversation has lifted some of the burden he’s been carrying.

Gracie looks over from where she’s layering noodles and sauce. “Everything good out there?”

“Better than good,” I say, giving Ty a reassuring clap on the back as we join Gracie in the kitchen.

Just like me, he suspects Ava of being involved in this. And it makes sense because the more I started to know her better, the more I realized that she wasn’t the sweet girl I met at one of my shows.

I just didn’t expect her to go this far.

Chapter 29

Gracie

Morning sunlight spills through my kitchen window, casting a warm glow over the breakfast nook where I’m sipping my second cup of coffee. The peaceful moment shatters as my phone buzzes violently against the wooden table, jolting me back to reality. I glance at the screen, recognizing the number of my realtor, and my stomach knots with anticipation.

“Hello?” I answer, trying to keep my voice even.

“Hello, Gracie, it’s Ellen,” the realtor’s cheerful voice comes through, sounding even more upbeat than usual. “I have some fantastic news about the bookstore!”

I grip the phone tighter, anticipation coiling in my stomach as I start pacing. “Oh? What’s the news?”

“Well, we received an offer on the shop,” Ellen begins, and I can almost hear the smile in her voice. “And not just any offer. The buyer wants to pay twenty percent above the asking price!”

I nearly trip over my own feet, catching myself on the back of the sofa. “Wait, twenty percent more?” I echo, my voice pitching high in disbelief.

“Yes, exactly,” Ellen confirms. “They seem very keen to close the deal quickly. They love the location and the charm of the place. They even mentioned keeping the bookstore’s original charm intact.”

A burst of joy explodes within me, so potent it nearly drowns out Ellen’s next words. “That’s... that’s amazing, Ellen! Yes, let’s go ahead with that offer. Definitely!”

“Fantastic! I’ll get the paperwork started and we can move towards closing. Congratulations, Gracie!”

“Thank you so much!” I hang up, a squeal escaping me, bouncing around my empty living room. The bookstore selling for more than I hoped feels like a sign, a definitive nod from the universe that I’m moving in the right direction.

Without wasting a second, I dial Connor’s number, needing to share this burst of good fortune. He picks up on the second ring.

“Hey, Tink, what’s up?”

“Connor, you’re not going to believe this. The shop sold! And for more than we asked!”

“No fucking way, are you kidding me?” His voice is filled with genuine happiness for me. “That’s amazing, Gracie!”

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