Page 82 of Rumor Has It

ISAIAH

Dillon moves to the side, and we board the bus. Three paces inside, Cassidy’s feet still. She makes a slow spin, taking in our surroundings.

It wasn’t a secret to my industry buddies that Kylie’s and my career focus meant we led separate lives. Either of us appearing at a venue during the other’s performance schedules was a rarity. If we needed somewhere private to go, there were hotel rooms. I was alone a lot, so I bunked on the same bus as the band.

Cassidy’s offer to join me meant finding more appropriate accommodations that gave us privacy and the creature comforts of home. I solicited advice from a Piper Alivia, who I sang a duet with last year, and her husband Adriel. They toured with their family and offered great insights about adding a second bus to the tour.

Since we’re sticking as close to the truth as possible, I told Piper I met Cassidy and her child while she was a chef at the B&B and specifically asked about the galley kitchens. My open honesty about a new relationship soon after my wife’s death, and trying to satisfy Cassidy, had both Piper and Adriel dropping subtle hints about what else was important when traveling with growing kids. The underlying sentiment from them both seemed to be that I was finally seeing the forest for the trees, ready to settle down for real, and it was only a matter of time before I was singing her daughter lullabies.

If they only knew the half of it.

I took Piper’s feedback—and some good-natured ribbing from Adriel—then Vespa outdid herself finding this tour bus. I don’t even give a shit the short notice meant I paid through the nose for it. It’s a fucking investment and we’ll use it again. And all the upgrades are beyond worthwhile to keep Cassidy happy.

Lush can’t begin to describe the tonal whites and grays with blue accent trim. Past Dillon’s driver’s seat and to the left is a small workstation with a laptop open on it. There is a television mounted to the wall above the reclining seat. Across from that is a leather couch with soft throw pillows. The drawers underneath hide Aria’s toys, blankets, and the thirty-seven bibs she soaks through daily between feedings and teething. I love the way her bottom teeth show when she smiles. Granted, I’ve also laughed when Aria frowns and her lower lip wobbles because the baby’s frustrated expression is so damn cute.

“What do you think?” I ask.

“It’s… Spacious.” Cassidy is speechless.

I was too when Vespa showed me the pictures. Now I’m bouncing with excitement.

“The front lounge bump out is open, so when we’re moving we’ll lose the walking space in front of the sofa,” I explain. “The table rises from the floor for a sit-down meal.”

Cassidy nods and keeps turning. Her chin is what’s on the floor.

I know what she saw when she got on and that she’s actively avoiding looking at it on the off-chance it disappears. She locks her eyes on a full-size refrigerator instead. “Is that stocked?”

“With essentials to start. You can shop whenever we stop or order delivery to resupply.”

“Just look, Cass. Look!”

She covers her mouth when she does. “It’s gorgeous.” She fans her face, trying not to cry.

Opposite the fridge, the wide kitchen countertop has a large sink, a thick wooden board she can use to chop vegetables or roll dough, and a full-size four-burner stove big enough for stock pots. Next to that is a double oven. The microwave is built into the top cabinetry.

“I need that for midnight snacking.” I nudge her. “And look at this.” I pull a lever and a dishwasher pops out from the lower cabinet.

“That’s incredible.” She licks her lips and inhales, running a hand along the counter. “I swear I have butterflies. No one’s ever done anything this extravagant for me.”

“I’d hoped you’d be impressed.” I grin, taking Aria from her while Cassidy opens and closes the cabinet doors. “On the other bus, the band still has to hand wash their plates and cups. Although most of the time we stick to paper products because we’ve mostly eaten take-out… Ready for the rest?”

“You’re not topping this. Maybe I should just stand here and soak it in.”

“Chou, you’re the only woman I know who ogles a kitchen like it’s a man’s ass.” Though secretly I’m thrilled at her response.

“Oh, are you feeling neglected? Poor Isaiah.” She reaches around Aria and grabs my butt.

We’re otherwise alone and I don’t hesitate sliding my tongue against hers when I tuck my hand into her updo and kiss her.

I think it’s important for the baby to see us being affectionate. From the get-go, I believed I stood in the way of Aria having a normal life. I didn’t know, before falling for Cassidy, together we could give Aria the experience of having a family. Then it felt like my only choice was to lose one or both of them.

I love the baby, and I love Cassidy. They’re the secret ingredient to making me whole.

I’m glad we took it slow after Cassidy found it in her heart to forgive me. I’ve missed her body, but having to rely on the fantasy of her and my hand is nothing compared to knowing how much I’d have given up had I refused to be patient.

I study Cassidy. She’s pulled her hair into a ponytail with a pink ribbon. It has a waterfall appearance. A red, ruffled tee, jeans skirt, and low-heeled sandals on her feet. She’s so damn girl-next-door sexy, with a sassy, challenging mouth. It kills me I never realized a woman like her was out there. I’m the richest son of a bitch that ever lived.

“I’m feeling neglected all right. But I haven’t shown you the bedroom yet.”

---