Page 25 of Rockstar Daddy's Second Chance

The maître d’ quietly ushers us through a softly lit hallway. The muted hum of conversation and clinking silverware emanates from the main dining room, creating an atmosphere of refinement and intimacy. It’s the kind of place that feels like a secret, tucked away from the city’s prying eyes.

We’re led to a set of double doors that open to a private dining room. Inside, a round table dressed in crisp white linens awaits, with tall, gleaming wine glasses and intricately folded napkins. Soft candlelight flickers in the center, casting a gentle glow across the elegant setting.

I pull out a chair for Kendrick, my hand brushing hers as she sits, and for a moment, we both feel a sizzle of awareness.

As Emily and Cassidy settle into their seats, I notice how Cassidy’s eyes widen at the setting, her expression a mix of awe and excitement.

“This is amazing, Dad,” she whispers, her gaze shifting between me and the beautiful room.

I grin, feeling a hint of pride as I reach across the table to squeeze her hand gently. “Good. You said you wanted to celebrate. We might as well do it in style.”

After we give our order to the server, Emily and Cassidy settle into a comfortable conversation. Emily asks about Cassidy’sschool and other questions in an effort to get to know her niece better.

Leaning closer to Kendrick, I quietly state, “Cassidy seems taken with Emily, but then my sister has that effect on people.”

Kendrick smiles. “Yes, and Cassidy is loving the attention.” Her gray eyes darken as she gives a slight frown. “It’s only been just me and her for so long—no other relatives. I’m sure she’s going to love having an aunt that dotes on her.”

Her glance appears troubled, and even though she didn’t mention Cassidy not having a father, the words hang in the air unspoken. I feel a mix of emotions, so I don’t say anything. Instead, I pick up my water glass and take a drink.

Our food arrives right on time, saving me from having to comment. As the meal progresses, I find myself enjoying everything about the evening: the company, the food, and the lively conversation sprinkled with laughter.

For the first time in years, I feel a quiet contentment—a warmth that cuts through the emptiness fame so often leaves behind.

The plane ride home the next day is uneventful. Emily is with us, and my parents are due to arrive in a few days. I didn’t have the heart to delay them meeting their granddaughter, even though I would have preferred more time to settle in after our return from New York.

As we step into the quiet house, a sense of calm settles over me. New York was a whirlwind, with the frenzied performance, paparazzi, and a side of life I wasn’t sure I wanted Cassidy exposed to yet. But here, in this peaceful stretch of oceanfront, I can finally breathe a little easier.

Cassidy stretches, yawning as she drops her suitcase carelessly by the door, and I feel a wave of gratitude for the simplicity of this place and no one fawning over us. Emily follows her to the kitchen, suggesting cold drinks, while Kendrick heads upstairs with a nod that she’ll start unpacking.

I let my own bags drop and sink into one of the armchairs, pulling out my phone. Six missed calls from Derrick, along with a handful of text messages that can wait. This evening, I just want to relax and be a regular person.

A couple of hours later, the sun is just starting to dip toward the horizon, casting a warm glow over the beach. We’ve decided to walk toward one of the local spots for dinner. I’m hoping for a relaxing, casual evening, which is rare for someone like me.

I tug the brim of my baseball cap a little lower, pulling on the kind of low-key disguise that, most days, works just fine in a laid-back beach town.

We’re about halfway to the restaurant when two girls, maybe in their early twenties, stroll out the doors, laughing and linking arms as they approach us. The taller of the two glances up, her steps slowing as her eyes narrow.

“Oh my God! Are you—are you—Cass Wild?” she asks loudly as if she can’t quite believe her good luck.

Before I can even think of how to respond, her friend snorts, giving me a once-over from my old jeans to the aviators and the baseball cap pulled low. “Him? Please,” she scoffs, looking me up and down with a smirk. “He wishes he was Cass Wild.”

The girls look at each other, laugh, and carry on past us, completely oblivious. For a second, I just stand there, trying to process the absolute absurdity of what just happened. Then, an uncontrollable chuckle starts to build in my chest, bubbling up before I can stop it. I double over, laughing so hard that I have to press a hand to my side, practically gasping for breath.

Kendrick raises an eyebrow, her lips twitching as she tries to hide her urge to laugh. “Guess the disguise worked better than you thought.”

Cassidy’s grinning up at me, her eyes dancing with amusement. “Dad, they really didn’t know it was you, did they?”

Still laughing, I shake my head. “Apparently not.”

Emily chuckles beside me. “See, Cass, you can blend in, even with people hoping to bump into a rockstar.”

“Clearly,” I reply, grinning. “Maybe I’ll just keep the hat and glasses on permanently.”

Kendrick gives me a playful nudge, and we keep walking toward the restaurant. The laughter lingers, and our small bubble of a family somehow feels closer.

The next morning is a different kind of busy, with a quiet buzz of anticipation settling over the house. Cassidy’s humming to herself as she finishes up a breakfast of waffles, and Emily teases her between sips of coffee. Kendrick and I exchange glances, sharing a small smile, both of us aware of how happy our daughter is as she adjusts to her growing number of relatives.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, the screen lighting up with Derrick’s name.

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