Page 44 of Redeeming Melodies

"Well, look who cleaned up nice." Nina's voice carried across the yard. "That shirt still fits perfectly, I see."

Heat crept up my neck. "It's just a shirt, Nina."

Her knowing smile made me want to retreat to my truck. "Sure it is, honey. Just like those are just new jeans, and that's just product in your hair."

"Don't you have a bar to run?"

"Closed early for the party." She handed me a beer. "Caleb said they invited that handsome newcomer of yours. Elliot, right?"

"He's not my anything," I muttered, but took the beer anyway. "And I wouldn't know about Caleb's guest list."

"Mm-hmm." She patted my arm. "Well, when he shows up, try not to look too pleased about that shirt doing its job."

Before I could protest, she disappeared into the crowd, leaving me with burning ears and a desperate need for something stronger than beer.

The party was picking up, more townspeople arriving with covered dishes and easy laughter. This was what I loved about Oakwood Grove - the way everyone came together, no pretense, no performance. Just community.

So why did I feel like I was waiting for something? Or someone?

"Sheriff Thompson in actual clothes instead of a uniform? Mark the calendar."

Liam's voice pulled me from my thoughts. He stood by the makeshift stage, guitar strap across his shoulder, grinning like we'd always been friends. Sometimes it still hit me how far we'd come from those high school hallways.

"Had to give your fancy party the respect it deserves," I said, managing a small smile. "Nice setup you've got here."

"All Caleb's doing. I just provide the entertainment." He adjusted a microphone stand. "Though I hear we might have some interesting additions to the guest list tonight."

My stomach did that weird flip again. "That right?"

"Mm-hmm. Certain newcomer and his kid." Liam's eyes held no judgment, just warmth.

"Good." The word came out rougher than intended. "I mean, kids should have that kind of normal experience."

"Yeah." Liam set his guitar down, turning to face me fully. "You know, speaking of normal experiences - we're good, right? You and me?"

The question caught me off guard. "I thought-"

"We are," he assured quickly. "Just... seeing you try so hard to make things right, to be better than who you were? It matters, Jake. Shows people can change if they want it badly enough."

Fuck. My throat felt tight. "I'm still sorry about-"

"Ancient history." He waved it off. "Besides, you're not that guy anymore. Haven't been for a long time."

My throat felt tight. "Visited Mom this morning."

Something in my voice must have given me away because Liam's expression shifted. "Yeah? How is she?"

"She..." The words stuck. I took a swig of beer, buying time. "She doesn't know who I am anymore."

"Shit, Jake." All traces of teasing vanished from Liam's face. "I didn't know. About your mom, I mean. When did she...?"

"Started about two years ago. Got worse fast." The beer bottle felt cold against my palm, grounding me. "Some days she thinks I'm still in high school. Other days I'm just some stranger in her room."

"Man, I remember your mom. She used to bring those chocolate chip cookies to every school event." Liam's voice softened. "She always made sure I got extra, even after... well, you know."

"That was Mom." I managed a weak smile. "Always looking out for everyone, even when her own kid was being an asshole."

"She believed in you, though. Even back then." Liam set his guitar down completely, giving me his full attention. "I used to hear her at PTA meetings, defending you. Saying you'd figure it out eventually."

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