Page 25 of Flawless Lyric

“Hi, Dad. Of course, glad to help.” I dig them out of the spare closet and lean them up against the wall, careful not to scratch the paint. This is the life of a rockstar. Not too glamorous, but I’d do anything, even donate a kidney, to the folks who gave me life.

Since there are eight chairs, I decide to make two trips since they’re a bit clumsy. As I’m making my second trip for more chairs, Asher calls to me.

“Micah! I need help with this table. Get over here.” Somedays I really need to clone myself so I can be in four places at once. With Asher on one side and me on the other, we lift up the monstrosity and put it in the spot where it goes every year. The desserts might change but not the placement of the table.

“Thanks, bro. What you been up to with all this time off?”

“Hold that thought. I need to finish setting up the chairs for Dad.”

“I’ll go with you so we can chat.” I don’t discourage him because I’m sure he has something on his mind. “As you know, I’m catching up on as much sailing as I can while I have the chance. It’s the first time in three years I’ve takenSerendipityout more than once during the season.”

As we walk past the front door, I feel a spatter of goosebumps rise across my flesh. Weird. That usually only happens when Lyric’s nearby. Is she here? Did she change her mind? Pulling open the door, my heart races when she’s at the edge of the property talking to Lanie.

I knew it.

When her gaze lands on mine, Lanie looks over her shoulder. A small smile flickers across her face. As much as I want to go to Lyric, I gently close the door and finish my task at hand.

“You got it bad for that girl, don’t you?” I want to tell Asher to fuck off, but that would just solidify his curiosity.

“What? I thought someone knocked on the door is all. What have you been up to?” We both grab two chairs and as soon as we pass that damn door, Lanie and Lyric walk in. I swear I almost drop the damn chair on my foot, but I check myself and keep walking. I call out over my shoulder to avoid suspicion. “Glad you could make it, Lyric.”

“I’m not staying. I just stopped by to drop off some jewelry I made for Lanie.” Ah, so that’s why she was hiding at the end of the walk. Hoping Lanie would just grab and go. Funny. She doesn’t know my family as well as she thinks she does.

“Girl, you promised you’d stay for just one drink. Now get your ass in the backyard now. I want to show everyone my bracelets and gorgeous necklace.” Love my sister. She gets me.

The second we walk through the back door, all eyes are on Lyric, and she’s ambushed with hellos and hugs. Yeah, she might hate to admit it, but she fits in very well with the Monroe family.

Whenever you’re ready, Beauty. I’ll be waiting.

When Lanie shows off her new jewelry, it’s not lost on me how quickly Lyric’s cheeks turn a gorgeous shade of pink. She hates all the attention, but she better get used to it. A talent like hers won’t go unnoticed. As soon as my sisters spread the word, she’ll be a very busy woman.

I’m not surprised when my mom hands her a spiked apple cider. It’s a wonderful accompaniment to the pork. If I had to take a guess, I’d say she’s going to stay for the food if she’s drinking a glass.

I’d love to wander over there, but I don’t want to make it too obvious. So I opt to hang with my brothers-in-law.

“Ruth tells me that Music Weekly is doing an anniversary spread about Rebel Riot. Congrats, Micah. That’s exciting.” Lanie’s husband Ben has always been a big heavy metal fan.

“Thanks. We started doing a few photoshoots for them last week and it’s been crazy. I’d rather be on stage because I’m no fucking model.”

“Au contraire mon frere,” Maya smirks, approaching our group. “We’ve all seen your abs, and I think all the ladies agree they’re kind of hot.” Believe me when I tell you, French is not a good fit for Maya. At all.

Hudson chuckles and slaps me on the back. Not sure if that means he agrees with his wife or not but I’ll take it as a compliment.

Taking a sip of my beer, I sneak a peek at Lyric and try hiding my smile since I just caught her ogling me. Well, as far as I’m concerned, two weeks is more than enough time.

“Catch you guys later,” I say with a curt wave. “And behave.” It’s not lost on me that they begin whispering the minute my back’s turned. No worries. I’m used to all of them by now.

Since my mom just vacated her seat next to Lyric, I grab it before someone else beats me to it. Knowing it’s me, she sips her cider and stares forward. Not bothering to give me the time of day. Ignoring me won’t work. It just fuels the fire inside of me.

“What’s new since I saw you last, Beauty?” Several sips later she finally realizes I won’t go away.

“Everything and nothing. How about you?” Ouch. Short and to the point.

“I’ve been busy doing a few shoots for Music Weekly and as much sailing as I can. You should come with me one weekend. We’d have a good time.” Now that gets her attention.

“Ruth did mention that Rebel Riot’s doing the anniversary issue. Congratulations. Very exciting.” I knew she wouldn’t mention the sailing part. Guess I’ll try again.

“Have you ever been sailing, Beauty? It’s a lot of fun, and I’ll make it worth your while.” I know. I promised myself I’d be good. But c’mon. Those gorgeous blue eyes are staring into my soul, and I just can’t behave with this woman.

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