Page 11 of Fallen Stars

As it stands, things between us are good. Best to keep it that way.

I ignore her comment but do as she says. I steer our chat in another direction.

“Coming to the show tonight?”

Sympathy curves her lips up momentarily. But as quickly as it makes an appearance, it shifts into a bright and excited smile. “Of course. Law and I will be front and center with everyone else.”

“Cool, cool.”

“How many shows are scheduled?”

As I sound them off in my head, I tick them off on my fingers against my thigh. “A dozen or so.”

“All at Dalton’s?”

If we played a dozen shows in our local pub in such a short period of time, the residents would get sick of us. Not that we aren’t constantly adding songs and covers to our roster. But people like variety, and listening to the same band in your favorite hangout would get old fast.

“Most of them. But also a few town festivals. And a couple in Lake Lavender and Smoky Creek.”

“Let me know the dates. I’ll convince Kirsten and Dee Dee we need to be your groupies and follow you town to town.”

I roll my eyes. Opening my mouth, I’m about to tell her how comical that is. But the words die on my tongue as RJ—Ray Jr.—sidles up to the table.

“Skylar.” A wide smile brightens his expression. “How was everything?”

Skylar scoots out of the booth, steps to RJ and wraps him in a hug. “Perfect and incredible, as always.”

His arms tighten around her shoulders briefly before falling away. “Glad to hear.” RJ’s attention drifts in my direction. “And I see you brought an assistant today.”

Rugged laughter shakes his frame, and we join him for a beat.

“Food waste is a disgrace.” I bow my head and then meet his gaze. “Just doing my part, sir.”

Skylar scans the diner. A small crease forms between her brows before she looks to RJ. “Where’s Tré? I didn’t see him when I came in. Usually, he says hi.”

It takes me a moment to remember Ray’s son, Ray III, is often referred to as Tré. Rolls off the tongue easier.

“Surprised Pops didn’t tell you already.” When Skylar doesn’t say anything, RJ continues. “My son, the online food celebrity.”

Chuckles echo around us as the three of us snicker.

Not long ago, Ray III reached stardom online. Through his love for food and natural charisma, he gained millions of social media followers. According to a post, it started as something fun. A spoof created as a dare. But after the video went viral with millions of views, likes, and shares, Ray III gave the people what they wanted. More. He posts titillating cooking videos packed with endless visual innuendos.

“The sous-chef position opened up at Calhoun’s Bistro and Chef Beaulieu requested my boy.” RJ glows with pride as he speaks about his only son. “I miss him like hell in my kitchen, but I’m so damn proud of his accomplishments.”

Skylar gathers her phone and purse. Stepping into RJ’s side, she wraps an arm around his shoulders and hugs him again. “As you should be. How’s Tucker?”

I shove a few more fries in my mouth and finish the last of the milkshake as they wrap up their chat. Scooting to the end of the booth, I wait until Skylar signals it’s time to go.

Pulling my phone from my pocket, I open my text history with Levi and type out a quick message.

coming to the show tonight?

My focus bounces between my phone and Skylar’s conversation with RJ. When he asks if we want anything boxed up, I lift my gaze and nod. Then I drop my attention back to the screen.

Minutes tick by before his response pops up.

Wouldn’t miss it

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