Page 79 of Bitter Beats

“That’s the truth,” jokes Amelia’s sister-in-law, Jill. “Good to see you, Mav.” She kisses me hello before tickling the backs of her daughter’s legs. I put the little rascal down.

“Merry Christmas, Jill.” Out of Amelia’s family, Jill is the best. Sometimes, it breaks my heart that she married into the Rickson family and inherited all their bullshit. It squashed her potential real quick. Sometimes, I worry the same fate will befall Jameson if he ever slides the ostentatious diamond Amelia desperately wants on her finger.

In the kitchen, Amelia and her mother start bickering. A part of me knows it’s better Mckenna isn’t present for this. I saved her from being embarrassed by Amelia. On the other hand, I wish I had a partner to glance at and roll my eyes, or joke around with, as Christmas dinner starts off terribly.

“Here we go,” Jill murmurs. “I’m gonna top off my wineglass.”

Snickering, I find my brother and gratefully accept the tumbler of whiskey he pours.

“Everything okay between you and Kenny now? Things seemed intense in the city,” Jameson comments.

I shrug. “My popularity ratings are up. The band isn’t taking a hit because of my fuckup.”

“That’s not why I’m asking.”

I sigh. “I know.” I take a swig of the whiskey. “She’s barely speaking to me—to anyone. It’s driving me fucking nuts. Did Carrington say something to her? Did I scare her? She’s lost in her thoughts.”

“She was embarrassed.” My brother keeps his voice low so Amelia’s grandmother, a nosy woman with a bitter streak a mile wide, doesn’t overhear.

“Yeah, but it’s more than that. I want to make it up to her. I want to understand why she’s shutting me out, but I don’t know how,” I admit.

“Jameson!” Amelia’s voice cracks like a whip. “I need you in the kitchen. Now!”

My brother sighs heavily. “Don’t ask me, man. Even though you’re technically single, you probably have the romance and wooing shit down better than I do.” He places his tumbler on a side table and moves toward the kitchen.

I watch him go, wondering for the millionth time why the hell he stays with a woman who treats him so shitty. If Amelia truly loved my brother, I could look the other way. But the fact that she cheated on him multiple times and managed to win him back makes me question Jameson’s sanity. Then, I end up pitying my brother. And I hate feeling that way, especially on Christmas.

I polish off my drink and go find the twins. At least they’ll be excited about Santa.

It’s still relatively earlywhen I return to the brownstone. I assume Mckenna is at dinner with her mother, so I’m surprised when I find her curled into the corner of the couch. Her feet are tucked underneath her, and she’s munching on popcorn lacedwith chocolate chips, watchinga holiday rom-com, and drinking wine.

“Mckenna?”

She jumps at the sound of my voice. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

“How was dinner?” I question, my gaze darting from the popcorn to the wine, to the television, and back to her.

Guilt streaks across her face, and my stomach twists. She’d rather be alone on Christmas than spend time with me. The same woman who decorated sugar cookies and held my hand while walking into my label’s holiday party can’t stand me.

She tosses a dismissive hand, not bothering to answer my question since we both know it will be a lie.

I sit down on the coffee table and face her. “Do something with me.”

“What?” She shakes her head.

“Christmas is supposed to be fun.”

“Not my Christmases. I had one good one—in the City. And every one since has been lonely.”

“Your mom didn’t invite you to dinner, did she?”

Mckenna shakes her head, her eyes swimming with tears. She drags the cuff of her hoodie across her face. “My dad called though. So, there’s that.”

“Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you—look, I know I fucked up with you, Mckenna. I know New York was a shitshow. And I’m sorry. I don’t know what else to do.”

She leans back in surprise, like she can’t believe I apologized.

But I can admit when I’m wrong. I’ve been wrong about Mckenna for years now.

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