Page 55 of Rockstar Daddy's Second Chance

I’m at a loss, desperate to close the growing gap between us, yet clueless about what’s really causing it. Meanwhile, Cassidy remains blissfully unaware of the underlying tension. She seems carefree and happy while enjoying our time together at the beach house.

I’ve tried talking to Kendrick about what’s wrong, but she’s evasive. Her quick denials only deepen the mystery. And every now and then, I catch her studying me closely when I glance at my phone. A wave of anxiety washes over me whenever my phone buzzes with a text or call from Derrick, my face tightening with tension. I’m torn between wanting to believe we can have it all and the growing fear that we’re drifting apart.

One evening, as we sit on the deck, Cassidy having already gone to bed. Kendrick gives me a slight smile, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. Determined to break through the invisible wall between us, I decide to confront her. “Kendrick, you need to tell me what’s bothering you.”

When she automatically shakes her head, I let out a deep sigh. “I can’t fix this if you won’t let me in,” I say, my frustration bleeding into my tone.

She looks at me with a mixture of surprise and discomfort. “I don’t know if I can put it into words.”

“Try,” I say firmly, encouragingly squeezing her hand.

“Music is who you are, Cass. It’s who you’ve always been.” She’s careful as she searches for the right words to express her feelings. “I don’t want you to have to give up anything that comes with what you love, with what you are–a rock superstar, just because I’m afraid of what comes with it.”

She hesitates. “I know you’ll always be surrounded by beautiful women. It’s not just that–it’s people. Some individuals will doanything to get what they want. I just… I don’t want us to get hurt. Being in the spotlight can be harsh. “ Shrugging, she states, “It’s my problem, Cass. I just need to toughen up—grow a thicker skin.”

“It may be your problem, but you need to let me in. Talk it out. Only then can we figure it out–together.” I take her hand, my thumb brushing lightly over her knuckles. “I don’t want anything or anyone coming between us.”

She wants to believe me. I can see it in her eyes, but the shadows and uncertainty linger. Fame is a powerful force, and I’ve seen firsthand how easily it can pull people apart. But there’s always been a hidden strength in her. While for some, this life might be too abrasive, I know that if anyone can weather the storms, it’s Kendrick.

Later that night, as we make love, her eyes stay locked on mine, her lips forming my name. But even then, something lingers between us, a barrier I can’t breach—and it’s driving me crazy.

The next day, when Derrick calls, I walk out onto the deck, wanting our conversation to be private.

The moment I say hello, Derrick launches into a spiel about publicity, the awards show, and his plans for a post-awards media blitz. I cut him off mid-sentence. “Derrick, I’ve been working on a new song.”

“Great! That’s fantastic, Cass. I’ll be sure to mention that when I book the talk show circuit–”

I interrupt him with a curt, “No, I don’t want to talk about it publicly yet.” Looking out over the ocean waves, I lean against the deck railing. “I’ve been toying with another way to introduce it.”

“Why? We’ve always created a buzz first. Why do you want to change a winning process?” He demands sharply, not trying to hide his irritation.

“Because this song is different. It’s personal. Kendrick and Cassidy have both contributed to it–”

Derrick cuts me off. “You’ve got to be kidding. No way, are you serious!” His tone biting, “You’d let a twelve-year-old and the woman you’re banging influence your music? You’re livelihood? What the hell is wrong with you, Cass?”

Grimly, I say nothing. That doesn’t stop Derrick. “Why don’t you try getting your head out of your ass–or better yet, stop thinking with your dick and leave the important decisions to me. That is what you hired me for.”

Derrick continues his tirade, his words growing more and more insulting. Finally, I purposely disconnect the call, shoving the phone into my pocket. It doesn’t take long for it to buzz again, but I ignore it. Derrick seems to have forgotten that he works for me. He’s never talked like that to me before.

Kendrick is in the kitchen, and Cassidy is strumming her guitar nearby. “Kendrick, let’s go for a walk.”

Wiping her hands on a towel, she smiles and agrees. She looks down at her shorts and halter top, then cocks an eyebrow at me. Grinning, I scoop up a cap and slip on my shades, reaching out my hand to take hers. “We won’t be gone long,” I say to Cassidy, who just nods and shoos us out the door, already returning her attention back to her music.

The sand shifts beneath my feet as Kendrick and I stroll along the shoreline, the waves brushing against the beach. The sound of the surf is the perfect background. Kendrick’s hand brushes mine, and I take it, intertwining our fingers.

I glance over at her. The breeze teases loose strands of her hair, and her gaze is distant and thoughtful. There’s a serenity about her here, as though the ocean has the power to quiet the doubts and fears I know linger. It feels like the right moment to talk—really talk—about what comes next.

“Kendrick,” I begin, my voice low, nearly lost in the sound of the waves. She turns her head, meeting my eyes, and the way the fading light catches her face makes my chest tighten. “I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want the future to look like.”

Her brows knit together slightly, but she doesn’t interrupt. I push my hands into my pockets, trying to steady the jumble of emotions swirling inside me.

“I don’t want this—what we have right now—to be temporary,” I say. “I’ve lived for the music and the crowds for so long, but lately… I feel like there’s more out there for me.”

She doesn’t say anything, but her lips part slightly, her breath catching in a way that tells me she’s listening.

“I’ve been thinking about scaling back,” I admit, the words feeling both freeing and terrifying. “Not giving up music entirely, but maybe not living out of suitcases, jumping from city to city without a moment to breathe. I want a life that’s more grounded, more… balanced.”

Kendrick stops walking, turning to face me fully. Her expression unreadable, her eyes locked on mine.

---