Page 56 of Timeless: Encore

“Well, if you’re supposed to get this fucking Michelin Star, I guess I should let you get back to work.” I lay another smack on her lips and stand.

“I’m okay, you know. I get that you’re worried.” She holds her hands out to me and I pull her up.

I wince. “I looked through your tote.”

“Why?” She’s confused.

“I thought maybe …” I bring a fist up to my eyes.

A flash of hurt then understanding washes over her face. “Zane, you can look through anything I have. My phone. My underwear drawer. My tote. Whatever.” She grips my wrist. “Hiding things from each other isn’t an option. You never need to do that. Just ask.”

I can’t help it when a wave of shame floods my body. Tears threaten to spill. “I’m sorry, baby. I …”

“I get it.” Her grip on my wrist loosens. She skims her fingers up my palm and threads them with mine. “We both have so much shit in our past that makes us question things sometimes. I’m not mad. I never want you to feel worried about me. I’m your rock too, you know. I’m not some fragile butterfly.”

God. My Fee. She’s the one who kept me going when we were kids and no one liked me. I’d almost forgotten that kid ever existed. Weareeach other’s rocks. Knowing this, deep inside, comforts me. “I’m scared about my band, baby. I’ve been scared all year. My connection to the guys is slipping. We’re all drifting away from each other, and I can’t stop it.”

“My sweet Zaney.” She pulls me to her. “I love you. I’m here for you. Lean on me.”

And I do. I fucking do.

It’s such a relief knowing that she’s got me.

She always has and she always will.

Chapter nineteen

FIONA

The Next Month

WhydoIdoit to myself?

I’m less than a month from opening Gus and I offer to host a fucking baby shower? And do all the cooking? When I haven’t finished training the staff yet?

I’m such a fucking idiot.

Oh, I’ll make this fucking shower my bitch. No one will see me sweat. As far as the ladies will know, it’s effortless. Easy.

Then, and only then, will I have a nervous breakdown. The heaviness I feel now is…gah.

At least Zane is with me and we have world-class help.

Wolf made a five-tiered topsy-turvy red velvet cake covered in light-blue-and-green argyle fondant. He also baked mini-cupcakes topped with extraordinarily cute zoo animals. As avant-guard as his desserts usually are, his cute decorating skills are on point..

Justice and Petra helped me prepare the food. An organic chicken roasted in locally sourced Shipwreck Honey, salt and cayenne chopped into a salad of cucumbers, local greens, and rainier cherries. Fresh-baked cheese biscuits. Three tartlets out of homemade puff pastry filled with goat cheese and fig. Spiced lamb and chutney. Roasted eggplant and feta. Petra curated the most incredible charcuterie tray filled with meats, cheeses, nuts, and spreads sourced from local farmers. She arranged them as a giant baby buggy.

It’s seriously next level.

Zane and Mia made a huge banner in blue letters spelling out “Baby Rainier.” Mia, who’s beginning to show an aptitude for art, drew in little Ty, Zoey, and baby characters. This morning Ronni and Connor stopped by early to help set up. The men are outside putting up giant balloon displays.

If only their fans could see the heartthrob rockstars now.

“Can I help? I can’t promise anything, my kitchen skills are nonexistent,” Ronni offers.

She’s dressed in a beautiful, white designer suit. I’m not letting Ronni near the food. “Are you any good at table design? Maybe set the table for ten?”

“You got it.” She seems happy to be able to contribute.

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