Page 17 of Rockstar Daddy's Second Chance

The hours pass in a blur, Cassidy’s excitement never dimming as she watches every part of the setup. Finally, the time arrives for Cass to perform, and we’re led to a private area backstage where we can watch without being seen by the crowd. I try to focus on how much Cassidy is enjoying herself, but my eyes are glued to her father—Cass commands the stage with a presence I had almost forgotten—raw, compelling, impossible to look away from. The crowd roars as his voice wraps around the audience, pulling them in. Each woman in the crowd is convinced he’s singing just to her. I can practically feel the magnetic connection as he flashes his white smile, throwing back his head.

His unique voice continues to flood the arena, each note resonating with power and confidence that’s both thrilling and heartbreaking. I remember the first time I heard him sing, how I’d been immediately drawn to his energy, his passion. And now, standing here with Cassidy by my side, it’s like those memories are flooding back, raw and bittersweet. I can feel her admiration for him growing, her pride in who he is, and I know that there’s no going back from this.

When the concert ends, Cassidy claps wildly, her cheeks flushed. She turns to me, beaming. “Did you see, Mom? Isn’t he amazing?”

I nod, swallowing hard. “Yeah, honey. He really is.”

Cass joins us backstage, looking exhilarated but exhausted. He glances at me, his eyes searching mine, and for a moment, it’sjust the two of us in the chaos of the post-show crowd. There’s a question in his gaze, one I’m not ready to answer, but the intensity between us is undeniable.

Cassidy tugs on his arm, her voice eager. “Can we come back again? Can I see another show?”

Cass looks at me, his face questioning as he reaches for my hand. “What do you say, Kendrick? Think Cassidy, and you can handle a little more of this?”

I force a smile, but my heart feels heavy. “We’ll see.”

He nods, understanding the hesitation in my voice, but his look never wavers.

Derrick hurries over. “You nailed it again, Cass. The crowd loved it.” Then, his smile fades into a warning frown, and he lowers his voice. “I’ve got a car waiting for you outside. Why don’t we get all of you back to the hotel.” He’s clearly nervous about Cass being seen with us.

Once we’re securely in the suite, I watch Cass with Cassidy, the two of them grinning as they share stories of the concert, their link strengthening with each moment. I try to be happy for them and let go of my worries, but it’s difficult. All that glitters is not gold. Underneath the surface of this world lies hidden dangers I know only too well. It’s a world I felt forced to walk away from.

Cass glances over at me, his face thoughtful. “Kendrick, can we talk?”

I nod, following him out onto the balcony, the cool night air filling the space between us. He leans against the railing, his gaze distant as he looks out at the city lights.

“I know you’re worried,” he says quietly. “About Cassidy, about all of this. But I want you to know I’m not trying to take her from you. I just want to be part of her life.”

I close my eyes, the impact of his words settling over me. “I know, Cass. It’s just that this isn’t the life I wanted for her. I don’t want her to grow up in an environment where everything is… conditional.”

Cass turns to me, his eyes filled with a quiet intensity. “Life doesn’t have to be like that for her. She’s got you. And now she has me. We can make sure she’s protected.”

I want to believe him, to trust that we can somehow balance this world and the one I built for her. But the fear is too real, and the memories of what fame and money can destroy are too fresh.

Cass steps closer, his gaze gentle as he reaches out, his hand brushing softly against my cheek. “I’ve missed you, Kendrick. More than I realized.”

My breath catches the unspoken longing between us, stirring to life. But I pull back, my heart pounding as I shake my head. “Cass… this isn’t about us. It’s about Cassidy. She deserves stability.”

He nods, but his eyes never leave mine. “I understand. But that doesn’t mean we should pretend the feelings we once had are completely gone.”

The words hang in the air, heavy and oh-so-tempting, but I can’t bring myself to answer him. Instead, I turn back toward the room, and I leave Cass standing on the balcony. The quiet night stretches between us like the years we’ve lost, and both of us wonder if there’s a way to close the distance.

Nine

Cass

The next morning, I glance over at my daughter as we step out of the hotel. Cassidy’s wide eyes take in every detail of the city—the people brushing past, the cabs honking down the street. She’s brimming with excitement. It’s her first time in New York City, and I want her to remember this day as something more than a tourist experience. I want her to see the city the way I do—raw, electrifying, and alive.

“This is incredible!” she breathes, craning her neck to take in the buildings towering over us. “I’ve heard about New York, but it’s so much better than I imagined.”

I chuckle, glad to see her so full of life. “Just wait until we hit Central Park. I have a feeling it’ll be your favorite spot.”

Cassidy glances at her mother, who, for the most part, has remained silent. “Mom? Do you like New York?”

Kendrick gives a slight smile. “Yes, I’ve only been here once before, but it has its good points. There’s a lot to love about the city.”

I study Kendrick, searching for a hint of what she’s thinking. “But?” I prod her with a raised brow.

She gives a soft chuckle, “But I think you have to enjoy New York City in small doses.” She gives me an apologetic shrug as if she thinks I’m going to disagree.

---