Page 6 of Play For Me
Maybe I need to take a few lessons from her and not take life too seriously. I get so in my head with the responsibilities of raising a child by myself and being the best mother I can be that I forget I’m also a woman who used to like to have fun. I can’t remember the last time I went out and just let my hair down. I’m always working, and when I’m not working, I’m spending every spare moment I have with Bee.
I watch my daughter go down the slide before climbing up the ladder again. Once we get more settled and I’ve got a routine going with work, I’ll make a point of trying to venture out more. I just need to be more careful this time about who I choose to spend my time with.
Images of the tattooed stranger enter my mind, and Iquickly dismiss the idea. That’s repeating old patterns, and I refuse to be another groupie in line that’s just tossed aside or, worse, hidden because you’re some dirty little secret of his to mess around with because the truth can’t get out.
“Well, I'd better get going, dear. It’s bingo night down at the town hall, and I’ve got a side bet going with my friend, Ethel, that Marvin is finally going to get the balls to ask her out.”
I bust out laughing, and she grins.
“We may be old, but we’re not dead yet. I’ve still got some good years left in me, and bingo night is always loaded with the older single men that’s still alive in this town.”
“I would saybe safe, but I have a feeling it’s the guys that I should be worried about,” I laugh.
“I’ve been known to break a few hearts,” she winks at me and walks to the side gate that leads to her property next door. “Bye, Bee! Come over tomorrow, and you can help me with my garden. I have some vegetables you can help me pick for your momma.”
“Bye, Miss Beth!” She hollers from the swing as she goes higher in the air. “I’ll be over as soon as Momma says I can!”
“Okay, little bee,” she smiles and waves at her before disappearing through the gate.
Shaking my head and smiling at their cute interactions, I walk over to the tree and sit down on the swing as I watch my daughter climb the slide again.
It's pathetically sad that Beth and Ethel will be getting more action tonight than me. I haven’t let myself get attached to anyone since Mark. With my line of work, I get hit on all the time, and I’ve even gone on a few dates, but there’s always something missing.
And then there’s Bee. I’m not going to let just anyone into our lives. I’ve never introduced her to any men I’ve dated, and I refuse to bring someone in who could hurt us both. It’s been justthe two of us since the beginning, and I’ve somehow accepted that I don’t need a man in my life right now.
Or at least I thought I didn’t until this evening. I may notneeda man, but I definitely wanted one today. I had forgotten what it felt like to feel that desire…that undeniable attraction to want something you know you shouldn’t have, but can’t stop yourself from going after it anyway.
Bee’s laughter pulls me from my thoughts as she comes running over.
“Can we go to the beach and look for seashells? I ate all my dinner tonight…even the broccoli,” she says, scrunching up her nose. “Miss Beth said I need my greens if I’m going to be strong like her when I’m old and wrinkly.”
“Well, she isn’t wrong,” I laugh, brushing back her sweaty hair from her face. “I think we can squeeze in a walk before dark,” I say, standing up and reaching for her hand. “Let’s go get your bucket.”
“Yes!” Her excitement has me grinning as we walk to the little shed where we keep all our beach items. I force out all my other thoughts and focus on my little girl in front of me. She’s all that matters right now, and I won’t do anything to jeopardize the life that I’ve worked so hard to create for us.
CHAPTER THREE
MILES
“Ihave to admit, I had my doubts when I first saw the place,” my brother Jake says, looking around at the gleaming wood that surrounds us. “This looks damn good,” he grins.
“I agree,” my other brother, Ryder, chimes in. “I can’t believe how much work Noah and his crew have already done.”
“He surprised me, too,” I laugh. “Making him a silent partner was the best idea ever.” Because Noah matched what I’ve already put into the place, the renovations have exceeded my expectations. What was once a dive bar is quickly becoming a beautifully designed atmosphere where, even though it gives off an upscale look, it still feels rustic and inviting.
We are only two weeks into it, and it already feels like a totally different place. At this rate, we can open earlier than anticipated. I already have bands lined up for the next six months and have added stand-up comedy shows to bring in something new and different for the slower nights through the week.
“I’m proud of you, Miles,” Travis beams at me. It feels good to get my oldest brother’s approval. Everyone was shocked whenI told them I was quitting the band and buying a bar. They all thought I was going through some kind of early midlife crisis. Once I explained everything, though, they got a better understanding of where I was coming from. If anyone knows the importance of family, it would be my brothers.
“Thanks, Trav. This past month has been the happiest I’ve been in a long time. I talked to Tony last week, and I’m going to scout out some new talent in this area for him. I’ve been lining up bands to play, and it’s been fun being on the other side of it and possibly helping someone get a start in the music business.”
Tony’s been our band agent since the beginning. He got us to where we are today, and we’ve grown close over the years. He took the news of my leaving hard, but once I explained my plans, he immediately got excited at the idea of us working together on the side.
“That’s great, man,” Jake says, slapping me on the shoulder. “I’m glad Tony recognizes your eye for talent. You’ve always had a way with music. It’s in your blood. I swear you can pick up any instrument out there, and you’ll be playing it effortlessly within a week,” he chuckles.
“You’re not wrong,” I grin.
Ever since my first drum set at age four, I’ve been hooked on music. Drums are my first love, but I’ve easily picked up guitar and piano through the years.
