Page 9 of Timeless: Encore

“Gus?” Ronni cocks her head.

“Fee’s naming her restaurant after her dad.” I take her hand and squeeze.

Her eyes mist just slightly. Gus died just over a year after Mia was born. She misses her dad so much. “Zane’s helping me achieve a dream I’ve had for so many years. Back when I was finishing culinary school and worked at La Bernardin, I knew I wanted to own the first Michelin-Starred restaurant in Seattle. Life’s taken a couple of twists and turns, but now’s my time.”

“Don’t open until we get back,” Ty admonishes. “LTZ should play the first show.”

Fiona points between Ty and Zoey. “When do you leave and when are you coming back?”

“Who knows? We’re winging it.” Zoey giggles up at Ty, who bends down to kiss her.

The two of them never stop with the PDA, but I’m glad they don’t. Ty spent years being heartbroken over her. All because my dad came up with some hairbrained scheme to keep them apart so Ty could focus on the band when we were going out on our first tour.

Shit, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Fee and I stupidly split ourselves up for no good reason too. Huh. Never madethatconnection before.

“When are you two leaving for Ireland?” Jace cocks an eyebrow at Connor. “You’re still going, right?”

Connor rests his big palm on Ronni’s belly. “Oh, aye. We’re flying out day after tomorrow. My Aunt Saoirse is getting the house ready. All of yous are welcome to visit. Anytime. Our plan is to just hole up there until hiatus is over.”

“Or until my show gets picked up.” Ronni nudges him.

Ty holds his hand up. “We’re planning to be in Europe in a couple months. After the awards thing and an extended tropical beach vacation.”

“We won’t be able to make the awards show, Ty. I’m sorry, so I am.” Connor doesn’t actually look that sorry. He looks content. Maybe for the first time ever.

Zoey rubs her temples with her thumbs. “Maybe we can visit this spring. I’ve never been to Europe. We’re hoping to spend at least two months exploring.”

“Another headache? You should get that checked out.” Alex peers at her BFF.

“I know.” Zoey sighs heavily. “I’ll do my best. I just realized I may not be there when you bring Helena home. Please give me dates so we can try to fly back.”

Fiona slips under my arm. I bend down to kiss her. Hearing about everyone’s plans for the next year bums me out a bit. She knows how much I’m going to miss my bandmates when they’re off on their own adventures. I never wanted to take a hiatus. I’m terrible at sitting still. Building out The Mission and Gus isn’t going to be enough for me.

My soul needs to create. Music is my therapy. My passion. My soul.

For now, though, I try to be present. Enjoy the time we all have together. Participate in the many conversations we’re having. I love these guys. So much. I love their women too. Every single one of them. Stellar, stellar humans.

The truth is, life’s going to change for all of us over this next year.

Excellent changes. Engagements. Weddings. Babies. Adoptions.

Expanding the LTZ family means we’re enriching our lives with new adventures. It will make the band better. The only problem is, I have no clue what the hell I’m going to do with myself.

I better figure it out.

I’ve never done well when I have too much time on my hands.

Chapter three

FIONA

A Month Later

Ayear.

An entire fucking year.

That’s how long it’s going to take to complete the build-out of the restaurant of my dreams. I wouldn’t say I’m devastated, per se. It’s just that I hoped for a longer runway before Zane’s band gets back together and they head back out on the road.

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