Page 47 of Rockstar Next Door Neighbor

“He should. I was desperate, and Marcus knew it. Kept pushing for more shares, more control.” His laugh is bitter. “Sarah would be so angry with me. She never trustedMarcus—said he was a snake in an expensive suit. She didn’t even want him on the board.”

“I’m sure It’s not too late,” I say softly. “To fix things.”

“Maybe.” He looks at me sharply. “I probably shouldn’t have told you all this. Luke wouldn’t want—“

“I won’t say anything,” I promise. “But Mr. Sterling? Luke’s stronger than you think. And he loves you.”

“I know.” He pats my hand. “And please, call me Jim. Anyone who makes Sarah’s chicken and gravy like you has earned that right.”

We sit in companionable silence, the swing creaking gently, surrounded by Sarah’s roses. I think about Luke, the weight he’s been carrying, and all the puzzle pieces finally start falling into place.

No wonder he’s been so careful about ending things with Crystal. It’s more than saving his father’s company—he’s protecting the employees and their retirement. It’s about keeping his father’s dreams from crumbling completely.

“You care about him, don’t you?” Jim’s voice is gentle. “Luke?”

“We’re friends,” I say automatically.

“Mm… hmm.” He smiles faintly. “You know, Sarah used to look at me the same way Luke looks when he talks about you. His friend and neighbor.”

Heat floods my cheeks. “It’s... confusing.”

“Love usually is.” He stands slowly. “Come on. You promised to show me how to make that lemon tart Luke keeps raving about.”

As we head inside, I glance back at the garden. Somewhere among these roses, a woman once sat and worried about her family’s future. I hope, wherever Sarah is now, she knows her son is fighting to protect everything she loved.

No wonder Luke is still seeing Crystal. He’s right—it’s complicated.

Sixteen

Luke

The tour bus hasn’t even fully stopped before I grab my bag. Dad’s nurse called again this morning—not with bad news this time, but to tell me he was sitting in the garden and eating. All thanks to Lila.

“Let me know once you hear anything, Luke,” Cass calls as I head for my Jeep.

The drive to Dad’s place feels endless, even though traffic is light. The second I pull into the driveway of my dad’s house I feel the tension in my chest start to ease. The ten-day tour was grueling—back-to-back shows, interviews, endless hours onthe bus—but none of it compared to the weight of knowing Dad wasn’t doing well while I was hundreds of miles away.

Looking at the house, I am aware something feels different. There’s life here again—curtains drawn back, windows open to the spring breeze, and the faint sound of laughter drifting from the back garden.

I follow the sound, stopping short at what I see. Dad and Lila are sitting on Mom’s old garden swing, surrounded by blooming roses. Lila’s saying something that makes him laugh—actually laugh—

“Luke!” She spots me first. “You’re back early.”

Seeing Lila in my mom’s garden, her golden hair practically glowing in the morning light, makes my heart stutter. The roses Mom planted years ago are still thriving, their vivid reds and pinks standing out against the green hedges. Seeing them always makes my heart ache, yet it soothes me at the same time.

“Couldn’t wait to see what trouble you two were getting into.” I hug my father, noting with relief that he feels stronger and more present than he has in weeks. “You look good, Dad.”

“Feeling better, thanks to this one,” he says, nodding toward Lila. “She’s a miracle worker.”

Lila ducks her head, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. “Just doing what I can.”

“Well, I appreciate it,” I say, meeting her gaze. “More than you know.”

Her smile slightly falters like there’s something on her mind. But before I can ask, Dad shifts in his seat, grunting slightly. “Alright, I’m going to head inside and let you two catch up. Don’t let her leave without saying goodbye.”

I start to help him, but he waves me off. “I’m fine, you two enjoy yourselves.”

We watch him shuffle back toward the house his movements slow but steady. Once he’s out of earshot, I turn to Lila. “Thank you,” I say again, my voice quieter.

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