Page 48 of Backstage with a Billionaire Rockstar

“I’m doing good, Mom, just trying to figure everything out.”

With everything that’s been going on, I can’t remember the last conversation I’ve had with her and I realize she doesn’t know what I’ve gone through lately. I scrub a hand down the back of my neck, then look over at Mia, who’s watching me curiously.

“Someone’s been targeting me,” I say softly, trying to ease her into the news — not that it works since she still gasps with horror.

“Oh, no, why don’t you come home for a little bit?”

Actually… that might not be such a bad idea. “I’m on my way to my private vacation home, but maybe when I get back?” I keep my eyes on Mia as I add, “There’s someone I want you to meet. Well, two people.”

Mia’s eyebrows jump to the top of her head, and I throw her a wink before calming my mother’s rambling down. “Look, I’m about to get on the jet. I’ll call you when I get back, and we’ll set something up.”

“That sounds great, I miss having you around,” my mother says gently. “Please let me know when things get under control. I worry about you.”

“I will, Mom, love you.”

Mia is silent next to me and she’s bouncing her leg nervously while looking out the window.

I can almost see the gears turning in her head. She bites her lip, a sure sign she's conflicted.

"What's wrong, darlin'?" I ask softly.

Mia sighs, turning to face me. "I'm torn, Evan. Part of me is thrilled about this trip, about spending time with you. But the bodyguard in me is screaming that this is a bad idea. How can I protect you if I'm... distracted?"

Her honesty hits me hard. I hadn't fully considered how this trip might complicate things for her professionally.

I place a hand on her thigh since we’re finally alone, and she glances at me for a moment.

“What’s going on in that pretty head of yours, darlin’?”

She sighs heavily. “Maybe we should stay here. Also, what the hell were you thinking?”

“That my mother would love to know that she has a grandson, and I’m sure it will be nice for him to have my parents in his life.”

Mia has never mentioned her parents, and judging by the way her eyes cast down to her lap, my assumptions about them no longer being here are obviously correct.

Mia's voice is quiet when she finally speaks. "Your parents... they're good people?"

The vulnerability in her tone breaks my heart a little. I squeeze her hand. "The best. They'll adore Liam, I promise."

She nods, a mix of emotions playing across her face. "It's just... Liam's never had grandparents. I want that for him so badly. But it's also terrifying. What if they don't approve of me? Of us?"

"Hey," I say, tilting her chin up to meet my eyes. "They'll love you both. How could they not?"

A small smile tugs at her lips, but I can see the worry still lingering in her eyes. I make a mental note to talk more about this later. For now, I pull her close, hoping my embrace can offer the reassurance my words can't quite convey.

Liam hasn’t had grandparents to dote on him, and that’s exactly what my parents will do — once the shock wears off, of course.

“As for the trip, I’ve got everything situated,” I tell her softly while pulling her against me. “There’s security that will be with us, even Rory, and they will make sure we’re safe while away.”

“Are you sure this is a good idea?”

“I want to spend time with you without having to worry about someone catching us. It might be bad timing, but I do think it’s a good idea. We’re going on a private getaway where the stalker is unlikely to follow us.”

Mia nods, finally trusting my words, and the car pulls to a stop in front of the private jet. The flight attendant is already waiting for us outside, the entrance lowered for us to walk through, and I let Mia ease herself out of the vehicle before following right behind her.

Our driver meets me at the back, our bags hanging from each of his hands, and I take them from him with a thankful smile. Mia is waiting next to the car, her finger in her mouth as she chews on it, and I gently nudge it from her mouth so I can thread my fingers through hers.

Kenzie insisted that Mia would love what I’m trying to do for her, but I’m still nervous she’s going to be upset that I asked Kenzie and Liam to tag along. Not so much Kenzie, but I know Mia has been worried since the stalker knows about him.

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