Page 11 of Rockstar Daddy's Second Chance

Kendrick stiffens a little, brushing a strand of her dark hair behind her ear. “Cassidy’s been taking it to the next level,” she says, but there’s a satisfaction in her voice, hinting at the pride she has in her daughter.

My eyes flicker from Cassidy to Kendrick, and I can’t stop myself from asking, “Kendrick, what happened to your hair?”

Her eyes flash with surprise, but she quickly masks it. “Oh, the blonde was… well, it felt like a different lifetime.”

Nodding, I state, “And people may have recognized you. Is that why you never sing in public?”

Kendrick’s eyes dart to mine. “My voice was never as distinct as yours—“

Cutting her off, I say, “But you were popular. We were both starting to make a name for ourselves.”

“I… I guess,” Kendrick murmurs with a shrug. Clearly uncomfortable with the topic.

I lean back, trying not to push but unable to keep my curiosity at bay. “Will you ever go back to your natural blonde?” I let my gaze linger on her, watching the way her cheeks color just slightly. “It suited you.”

For a split second, her gaze softens, but then she looks away, shrugging. “Maybe.” The word is light, but there’s a hint of nostalgia in her tone. She glances back at Cassidy, refocusing on her, but I can see that my words have stirred something.

“So,” I say, shifting my attention back to Cassidy, who’s been watching us with curious eyes. “Your song was impressive.”

Cassidy grins, her excitement spilling over. “Yeah? I was hoping maybe you’d like to hear it again. I mean, only if you want.”

I can’t stop my smile. “I’d love to. You know, writing songs is one of the best ways to find your voice. It’s where everything starts.”

Her face lights up, and for a moment, she looks exactly like Kendrick did back when we were both starting out. It reminds me of all I’ve missed and the moments I’ve lost. But at least I have this chance now.

As the conversation drifts back to Cassidy, I let myself relax, listening to her talk about her music class, her friends, and the bands she loves. Every word, every expression, is like a gift. She’s sharing pieces of her life that I didn’t even know I wanted so much. I glance over at Kendrick, and she catches my gaze. There’s something in her eyes that wasn’t there before, as if she’s letting herself finally relax.

But the unspoken questions and tension still hang between us. Twelve years is a long time, but the way I feel sitting here with her, I wonder if those years could disappear as easily as they seem to right now.

After a while, as the sun dips lower, Kendrick glances at the clock and starts to rise. “It’s getting late,” she says, her voice tinged with reluctance. “We should head home.”

A pang of disappointment hits me, and I glance between them, feeling the need to hold on just a little more. “How about you stay a while longer? It’s the weekend, and you’re already here. Cassidy could swim in the ocean, maybe play her song for me?” I direct my gaze at Kendrick, hoping she’ll pick up on the plea in my eyes.

She hesitates, looking torn. I can tell she’s balancing her protectiveness with the same tug of curiosity I feel. Then she nods, a soft sigh escaping her. “Alright. We’ll stay a little longer.”

Cassidy beams, and the tension in the room lifts just a bit. I can’t help the surge of relief that fills me. It’s a start, just one small step, but it feels like something more. This time, I’ll get a chanceto make things work—not only with Cassidy but hopefully with Kendrick, too.

Six

Kendrick

I watch Cassidy and Cass from a distance, their heads close together on the deck. Their voices murmur easily. Cassidy’s laughter rings out now and then, a sound so free and joyful it awakens something deep inside me. This effortless connection they’ve forged in recent days feels surreal. I’ve dreamed of this moment for years, and now I’m watching it play out before me. It’s both hauntingly familiar and yet entirely new—andreal.

Cass glances back at me, catching my gaze, and waves me over. I hesitate for a second, but then I join them, easing myself onto the deck chair beside them.

Cassidy’s eyes shine as she cradles her guitar, her fingers brushing the strings. Watching her dive into music so effortlessly with Cass fills me with a bittersweet mix of prideand longing. Music used to be our special thing, but now she’s sharing it with her father. She looks up at me, still beaming. “Mom, did you know Dad can play anything by ear?”

I smile, brushing a hand over her blonde hair. “I did know that. He’s always been good with music.”

“What was that?” Cass’s eyebrow goes up. He looks from Cassidy to me. “Cassidy said you didn’t like me–didn’t like my music.”

My eyes search his, and I see a slight vulnerability. With an exaggerated eye roll, I quip, “You’re a famous rock star, and you care about my opinion?” I say doubtfully. “Fine. You’re a wonderful singer, and you have a way with music that isalmostmagical.“ I glance at him and say grudgingly, “Our daughter was obsessed with you. It made me… uncomfortable.”

“Uncomfortable.” Cass says thoughtfully, his eyes on mine, “Good. I’m glad it wasn’t that you didn’t appreciate my music.”

He suddenly chuckles, a warmth flickering in his gaze. It’s a look I haven’t seen in years, a reminder of simpler times. Back when I used to look at him with such adoration as if he were the sun and the moon.

I blink as our daughter suddenly jumps up, bringing us both back to the present. “I’m thirsty. I’ll bring back glasses of tea for all of us,” she calls over her shoulder as she goes into the house.

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