Page 100 of Roaring Fork Rockstar

“She’s…” he began, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Not now,” I interrupted. “Luna is very tired from the concert today. Call me tomorrow, and we can set up a time to talk.”

Remi stepped away slowly, still looking dazed. Without another word, he turned and walked out the door. My father closed it firmly behind him.

“Are you okay?” Sam asked, coming to my side.

“Yes,” I said, though my legs felt weak. “I never expected him to show up like that.”

“He realized, didn’t he?” Sam’s voice was gentle.

“Yes,” I whispered, trying to keep my voice steady so Luna wouldn’t notice my distress. “The look on his face… I’ve never seen him like that.”

“Do you think he’ll cause problems?” Beau asked, his tone suggesting he was already planning how to handle any trouble Remi might create.

“I don’t know,” I admitted. “I never thought he’d want anything to do with her. He made that pretty clear five years ago.”

Luna called from the living room, “Mommy, look what I drew!”

I plastered on a smile and went to her, crouching beside the coffee table. “That’s beautiful, Luna-bug. Is that for your story?”

“This is Shimmer. She’s at a concert with her friends.”

“I love it,” I said, touching her cheek with my fingertip. “Are you hungry?”

She shook her head, then changed her mind when she saw the apple slices and peanut butter I’d set beside her.

As Luna nibbled, Sam pulled me aside. “Holt called while you were with Luna. He said something very important with his family is happening, and he’ll be delayed longer but will explain when he gets here.”

“I got a text from him a little while ago.” I checked my phone again, and when I saw I’d missed a call from him two minutes ago, my stomach tightened with anxiety. “Did he say what it was about?”

Sam shook her head. “He asked Beau and me to hang out until he arrives. Cord cryptically mentioned that whatever it is might involve me too.”

I considered telling them they didn’t need to stay, that we’d be fine, but the truth was I wanted them here, especially after Remi’s unexpected visit.

“Thank you,” I said instead.

Sam squeezed my hand. “Of course. We love spending time with you and Luna.”

My father came in from the kitchen with coffee for everyone. “That man,” he said, his expression dark, “is he…?”

“Remi Gilbert. He’s CB Rice’s manager.”

“But he denied she was his,” my father said under his breath.

“He did,” I confirmed.

“And now, he knows.” My father’s tone was grim. “You should call your attorney.”

“Dad—”

“Just a consultation,” he insisted. “To know your rights. To protect Luna.”

He was right, of course. If Remi decided to assert his parental rights now, I needed to be prepared.

“I’ll call on Monday,” I promised.

Holt arrived about an hour later.The tension in his shoulders and the furrow between his brows told me something significant had happened. He embraced me as soon as he walked in, holding me tight.

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