Page 53 of Rockstar Daddy's Second Chance

“Oh,” I say, keeping my voice light. “You should go, Cass. We’ll be fine here. As you know, Cassidy volunteered us for the beach project. Cassidy and I will still be there.”

He pauses, studying my face, searching for any sign of hesitation. “Are you sure? I don’t like the idea of just… ditching you two.”

I offer him a reassuring smile, placing a hand on his arm. “Cass, it’s okay. This is your career. These opportunities don’t come along every day, and Cassidy and I will be here when you get back.”

Cassidy’s ears perk up, clearly catching onto the conversation. She looks crestfallen until she hears he’ll be on live TV. Instead, she beams at him. “Go, Dad! You’ve gotta play for everyone. Besides, I can’t wait to watch you on TV!”

Cass gives a grateful nod, his shoulders relaxing a bit. “Alright, I won’t ask Derrick to cancel. Thanks. Both of you.” He bends down, giving Cassidy a kiss on the head, then turns to me. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Following him to our bedroom, I watch him pack his things. “Do you need a ride to the airport?”

“No, Derrick is sending a car,” he informs me. After he clicks the lid of his suitcase shut, he turns, pulling me against him. “It’s only two days, but I’m going to miss having you with me,” he whispers as his lips brush the soft area under my ear. I lean my head to the side, giving him more access, and I feel his lips caressthe curve of my neck. Just as things start to get heated, Cass firmly sets me away from him and mutters, “We better stop this now, or I’ll miss my plane.”

My hands go around his neck, and I lean up to give him one last kiss.

“Hmm… maybe I should have Derrick cancel,” Cass says as his hands cup my backside with a lusty squeeze.

Right then, Cassidy’s voice is heard from downstairs. “Dad, your ride is here.”

“Damn! Trust Derrick to make sure everyone’s on time, for once,” Cass grimaces.

Cassidy and I wave as the car disappears down the drive. A faint unease lingers, inexplicable but persistent. Maybe it’s because this was so last minute or because I know Derrick doesn’t like us being together and would do just about anything to keep us apart.

I shrug off the unease, pasting on a smile as I turn to Cassidy. “At least it’s only for a couple of days.”

The next morning, Cassidy and I spend the day in the sunshine, surrounded by shovels, buckets, and volunteers. She’s beaming, and we throw ourselves into the project, carefully planting the grasses that will protect the shoreline from erosion. She’s so focused and enthusiastic, always throwing her heart into everything she does.

After a quick lunch provided by the organizers, Cassidy and I dive back into the planting. By the end of the day, we’re both weary but glowing with the satisfaction of seeing the project completed. The shoreline, now lined with rows of freshly planted dune grass, looks alive with promise.

On the way home, we swing by a drive-thru to grab dinner. As we finish up, my phone buzzes. I check it, expecting a text from Cass, Leah, or maybe Emily, but the screen flashes with a celebrity news headline that makes my stomach twist.

It’s Cass stepping out of a restaurant with Pixie Cane. Her arm is looped around his waist as they both smile for the camera. The headline screams,“Cass Wild Back With Flame Pixie Cane!”

Heat rushes to my cheeks, anger, and jealousy bubbling just beneath the surface. Pixie’s familiarity with him, the way her hand rests possessively on his chest, churns my stomach.

A voice of reason tries to push through the haze: it’s just another gossip piece designed to sell stories. But the image—the way they look together—feels too close for comfort. Memories of what I know about their history stir, and that bitter, unwelcome jealousy surges even stronger.

“Mom?” Cassidy’s voice snaps me back. She’s watching me closely, her head tilted with concern. “What’s wrong?”

Quickly, I slip my phone into my bag and summon a practiced smile. “Oh, nothing important. Just silly news.”

She frowns but doesn’t press, returning to her fries. I try to shake off the unease, but Pixie’s coy smile and how Cass leaned toward her lingers in my mind, an image I can’t unsee.

When we get home, Cassidy heads off to shower, and I pace the living room, debating whether to call Cass. The picture and headline gnaw at me. I grab my phone and hit call before I can talk myself out of it. It rings three times before Derrick’s cold and clipped voice answers.

“What do you want, Kendrick? Cass is busy at the moment—with Pixie.”

The name stings like a slap. I fight to keep my voice calm. “I just wanted to talk to him—“

Derrick cuts me off with a smug sigh. “You know Kendrick, Pixie Cane is a much better choice for Cass than you. She doesn’t come with a kid, and playing house with her won’t ruin his image.”

“Derrick, I–”

He cuts me off. “You really need to give him some space. Don’t call again.”

The line clicks dead before I can even respond. Derrick’s words settle over me, heavy and biting. My grip tightens around my phone as frustration bubbles over.

Later that evening, Cassidy calls, “Mom! It’s almost time for Dad to be on TV.”

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