Page 35 of Rockstar Daddy's Second Chance

Kendrick

I gaze out at the ocean view, feeling a sense of calm being back at the beach house. Pouring myself a cup of coffee, I hide a yawn. Nights with Cass are wonderful—and exhausting—but I wouldn’t trade them for anything. Still, we need to talk to Cassidy about us. Sooner rather than later.

When Cass joins us for breakfast, I hand him a cup of coffee, my fingers brushing his shoulder in a quiet, lingering touch that brings a gleam to his eyes.

Clearing my throat, I remind them, “I promised Leah that I’d visit the coffee shop later this morning.” My eyes dart from Cassidy to Cass. “Why don’t you two make a day of it? Enjoy some father-daughter time.”

Cass looks over at Cassidy. “Sounds good. What do you say, Cassidy?”

Our daughter quickly agrees with a vigorous nod.

An hour later, I park in front of my house and step inside to check that everything is un-disturbed. As I step inside, the air feels stale, carrying a faint mustiness, so I open some windows to allow in the fresh air.

As I wander through the familiar rooms, a strange unease settles over me. The house feels foreign; its warmth faded. And then it hits me: this place isn’t home anymore. The realization is so startling I stop in my tracks. For years, this house was our sanctuary. But now Cass’s house somehow feels more like home.Is it because Cass is with us?

I take a deep breath, grappling with the truth: home is wherever Cass is. But the thought isn’t comforting—it’s terrifying. Can Cassidy and I truly fit into his world, or are we just another complication in a life already bursting at the seams? What if Derrick was right, and we’re only jeopardizing Cass’s career by staying with him? By wanting more?

I stand there feeling numb. Finally, glancing at the clock, I proceed to shut the windows and secure the house. Stepping off the porch, I decide to walk the short distance to the coffee shop. The brisk walk feels good. There’s not a cloud in sight as I walk down the familiar streets.

As usual, Heart & Grinds is busy, the line snaking toward the door. I spot Leah behind the counter, chatting with a customer as she prepares an iced coffee. Her face lights up when she sees me, and then her eyes go wide with shock at my new hair color. She excitedly waves me over with a grin, and I take a seat at a corner table to wait for her.

As the line thins, Leah makes her way over. “Love the new you,” she says, motioning to my hair and setting down a steaming cup of coffee for me and a latte for her.

“This is real coffee,” Leah says with a grin as she slides into the chair across from me. “None of that fancy New York stuff.”

I laugh, wrapping my hands around the warm mug. “You know you make the best coffee around, Leah.”

She chuckles, but her eyes linger on my face, studying me. “You seem... different. Besides the hair,” she laughs. After a moment, she says, “No, it’s something else. You’ve changed—you’re more peaceful. Lighter, as if a weight has been lifted off your shoulders.” She gives me a knowing nod. “It looks like having Cassidy’s father back in the picture suits you.”

I hesitate, feeling my cheeks warm. “It’s been... a good couple of months,” I admit. “Her father has been incredible. She’s getting to know him, and he’s been nothing short of amazing with her. It’s a lot to take in but in a good way.”

Leah’s eyes soften as she listens, a gentle understanding in her gaze. “That’s wonderful, Kacey.” Then she looks thoughtfully atmy hair. “Is that really your name?” she adds with a gentle raise of her eyebrow, and I freeze.

I knew this conversation might come eventually, but am I ready to confess all? Leah notices my expression and leans in, her voice softening. “Your secret’s safe with me. But… I’ve been curious for a while. You don’t have to tell me anything, but if you want to…”

Something in her expression, so open and understanding, makes me feel like I can finally breathe. I take a sip of coffee, letting it warm and steady me before I glance again at Leah. “Alright,” I say, my voice barely a whisper. “But you have to promise not to tell a soul.”

Leah crosses her heart, her eyes sparkling. “Scout’s honor.”

I take a deep breath. “My real name is Kendrick Cushman. I had to lay low—to make sure no one discovered I was Kendrick Cash.”

Leah’s eyes widen slightly, and she gives a slow nod. “Kendrick Cash... I knew I recognized that name and the hair from somewhere. You used to sing, right? I remember hearing about you years back. You were just starting to get big.”

I nod, swallowing hard. “Yes, I opened for Cass Wild when he was first starting out. We were... in love back then. I was happy until things changed. A record label wanted to sign Cass at the same time I found out I was going to have a baby. He had this massive opportunity, the kind of thing we both dreamed about.And I couldn’t bring myself to tell him that I was pregnant, knowing what it could cost him. So... I disappeared.”

“Cass Wild, the famous rockstar, is Cassidy’s father?” Leah squeaks. She then lowers her voice, “Sorry. Sorry. It just came as a shock.”

I give an unhappy nod. “Now you know why I had to keep it a secret.”

Leah gives me a kind look and reaches across the table, covering my hand with hers. “You poor thing. I’m sure you did what you thought was best at the time.”

“I did,” I admit, my voice a little shaky. “I convinced myself I was doing the right thing—that his dream was more important than us. But now, seeing him with Cassidy, I can’t help but wonder if I made a mistake. I see the bond he and Cassidy are forming, and it’s incredible. But it’s also terrifying because there are still things I haven’t told him. There’s so many things left unsaid and unforgiven between us.”

Leah listens quietly, her hand still resting on mine as I sort through my thoughts.

“I care about him,” I continue, speaking more to myself than to her. “I think... no, I know that I still have feelings for him. But I’m afraid. His world, the fame, the spotlight—it’s intense. I don’t know if I want Cassidy dragged into that. I don’t want her to get hurt by it.”

Leah squeezes my hand, her gaze filled with understanding. “I can’t tell you what to do, Kacey–um… Kendrick. But from what you’ve told me about Cass, it sounds like he genuinely wants to be a part of his daughter’s life and yours. Things have a way of working out for the best. Maybe you just need to have a bit more trust in him.”

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