Page 39 of Rockstar Daddy's Second Chance

Cass’s voice rises again, and this time, it’s impossible not to hear every word. “You can guarantee I’ll be back? No delays, no excuses?”

Cassidy’s lips press together tightly, and her excitement dims. I can tell she’s trying to be brave, but the way her shoulders slump breaks my heart.

I give her a quick squeeze. “Why don’t you finish cleaning up while I see what’s going on?”

She nods slowly, her small shoulders slumping as she sets the plate down with a hesitant glance my way. I wipe my hands on a kitchen towel and head toward the living room, standing just out of sight as Cass speaks.

“You promise, Derrick?” he says, his tone low but intense. “Okay, but nothing better go wrong.”

There’s a pause, and I can almost feel the tension radiating from him. He sighs heavily, raking his hand through his hair again. “Fine. But only for the day before, Derrick. I mean it.”

He ends the call with a sharp tap and turns, his eyes immediately meeting mine. Guilt flashes across his face, followed by a weary sigh.

“You heard,” he says, his voice soft.

I nod, stepping into the room. “Cassidy heard, too,” I say gently, crossing my arms. “She’s worried you won’t make the party.”

He exhales deeply. Frustration etched into his features. “I hate this, Kendrick. I hate that I even have to deal with Derrick’s endless round of appearances.”

“Then don’t,” I say quietly, my gaze steady. “Tell him no. Not on her birthday.”

“I did,” he says quickly, his voice heavy with emotion. “I promised Cassidy that I’d be there, and I will. No matter what. The network wanted me there the day of her birthday, but I agreed only to the day before. Derrick promised I’d be back the evening before her birthday.”

His conviction is clear, but so is the weight he’s carrying. I place a hand on his arm, squeezing gently. “I know you will try to keep your promise.” Giving him a direct look. “But I don’t trust Derrick, and Cassidy really wants you to be there.”

Cass nods, his jaw tightening. “I’ll be there. No matter what it takes.”

And as much as I want to believe him, a part of me still worries. Because sometimes, even the best intentions can’t stop the chaos that surrounds Derrick. He has a way of ruining all our plans and celebrations.

Cass waits by the front door, his face a mix of determination and guilt. Cassidy stands beside him, holding the handmade birthday banner she’s been working on all morning. Her big gray eyes, so full of hope, are fixed on her dad as he crouches down to her level.

“Cassidy, I swear I’ll be there,” he says, crouching down to meet her eyes, his voice unwavering. “No excuses. I’ll be there to help you blow out your candles. All twelve of them.”

Cassidy holds the banner to her chest, her lips curving into a small smile, but I can see the uncertainty in her eyes. “You promise?” she whispers.

“Cross my heart,” Cass says, his hand brushing over her hair. “You’re my top priority, Cassidy. Nothing is going to keep me away.”

Her smile brightens a little, and she nods, but as he stands, I notice her fingers tightening around the banner.

I step closer, giving him a hug. “She’s counting on you, Cass. We both are,” I whisper softly.

He meets my gaze, his blue eyes filled with resolve. “I’ll make it, Kendrick–always. I won’t let her down. Derrick or no Derrick.”

I nod, wanting to believe him, but as he leans down to kiss Cassidy’s forehead and heads toward the door, a familiar pang of worry settles in my chest. Fame and the spotlight have a way of derailing even the best-laid plans, and I know how much it would hurt Cassidy if he didn’t show.

As the door closes behind him, Cassidy turns to me, her expression uncertain. “He’ll be back, right, Mom?”

I force a smile and wrap an arm around her shoulders. “He’ll be back,” I say firmly, more for her sake than mine. “Your dad will move heaven and earth to be there. Let’s finish getting everything ready for tomorrow night. Okay?”

She nods slowly, her smile returning as we head back to the kitchen, but I can’t help the tiny seed of doubt taking root in my heart. Promises are easy to make, but with Derrick involved, keeping them feels like balancing on a razor’s edge. And Cassidy’s fragile hope hangs in the balance.

Nineteen

Cass

I’m pacing the cramped dressing room. My phone pressed to my ear as I glare at the clock on the wall. “Derrick, I don’t care what the network wants—I told you I need to be home today.”

Derrick’s voice buzzes through the line, all excuses and dismissive tones. “Cass, this is great exposure. Do you realize how many artists would kill for this spot? You can’t just skip it because of some... personal plans.”

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