Page 32 of California Love Songs
Damien took the opportunity to tell her the rest of the story. “And there’s another thing. There’s this singer I’ve been mentoring.”
Erin looked confused at this change of subject. “You’re mentoring another musician?”
“Don’t look so surprised. Sure I am. Someone gave me a break when I was young and it’s my way of paying it forward, I guess.”
She nodded thoughtfully. Maybe he was redeeming himself in her eyes. “What kind of musician?”
It was easier just to tell her the story. “You remember last year when I did a couple of concerts in New York?”
“Yeah, of course. It was on the news. They both sold out within minutes.”
He felt mildly embarrassed that she remembered that, and he quickly glossed over the comment with the rest of his story. “Well, I was just walking through Brooklyn, and I randomly went into this coffeehouse for a matcha and there was a singer performing. Her name’s Opal Dahlberg. She’s amazing. She writes her own stuff and it’s good. Raw and honest, and her voice just kind of drags you in. I was at a table in the back. She didn’t know who I was—she didn’t even notice me. No one did. It was great.” He was always relieved when he could act like a normal person, one who wasn’t famous, wasn’t stalked, wasn’t constantly asked for autographs or selfies. Not that he minded—his fans kept him doing the thing he loved—but sometimes he wanted to sit quietly in a coffeehouse and listen to somebody else perform. “When her set finished, I went up and introduced myself.”
Erin chuckled. “I bet she was surprised.”
He nodded, enjoying the memory. “At first, she was kind of stunned. Then she told me she was embarrassed that someone like me would even hear her play. She said I was one of her inspirations. It was nice thinking I was somehow influencing the next generation of musicians. Anyway, she’s just starting out and I’ve been helping her. She’s got a ton of talent, some great material. She just needs somebody to help her polish her stuff and get her to the next level.”
“That’s great,” Erin said, “but I’m not sure how it’s relevant to you kissing my friend.”
“Well, that’s the thing. See, Opal’s coming here. To Carmel-by-the-Sea. So we can work together.”
Erin turned to him once more. “Let me stop you right there. What does Opal look like?”
He felt a little huffy. “I’m not sure that’s relevant. She’s twenty years old. Long blonde hair. Kind of pretty, I guess. Tall and skinny.”
“Might you have a picture of her?” Erin asked.
Once more he was flooded with irritation. “I don’t know why you’re so concerned about her looks. It’s her musical abilities that interest me.” Still, Erin stood there with her hand out, so he had no choice but to dig out his phone and find Opal’s Instagram. He passed the phone over, and Erin studied her photos. She even hit Play on one of the videos and listened to a snippet of her latest song.
Finally, she said, “She’s not kind of pretty, Damien. She’s gorgeous. And you’re right, that girl can sing. But if she comes here, young and hot and musically talented, you know what everybody’s going to think, don’t you?”
Irritation cascaded into annoyance. “No, I don’t know what everybody’s going to think. I’m mentoring a talented musician. It wouldn’t matter if she was an ugly guy with bad breath. Talent is talent.”
Erin said, “But she’s not an ugly guy with bad breath. She’s a beautiful young woman. Does she have a boyfriend?”
Damien shrugged. “I have no idea. Our relationship is professional. We don’t talk about things like that. All I know is that one day she’ll be the next Taylor Swift.” A tingle of certainty told him he was mentoring a young talent who’d hit the big time. He was sure of it.
Erin sighed. “How long is she going to be here?”
“I don’t know—as long as it takes. A few weeks, maybe.”
“And where is she staying?”
“Well, it’s not like she’s got the money for a fancy hotel. She’s staying at my place, in the guest cottage. That way, she’ll have her own space.”
Erin turned on him. “Are you kidding me? I might as well write an article for the front page. International rock star Damien Davenport shacks up with his latest love.”
His insides chilled at the very idea. Not that Erin would ever betray him like that, obviously, but some paparazzi, some media hound, would see him and Opal together and make trouble. It wouldn’t affect him too much, but it wouldn’t do Opal’s career any good.
Worst of all, what would Crystal think? What had she thought, up there on the hiking trail, when he’d so cluelessly told her his plans?
He suddenly felt bad. He hadn’t thought through bringing Opal to his hometown. “What am I supposed to do? I guess I could ask Mom and Dad to put her up.” He didn’t much like that idea, and he was pretty sure Opal would hate it. He’d promised her her own space and peace and quiet to put her head down and work. His family was great, but the Davenport household wasn’t exactly known for being quiet and peaceful.
Erin shook her head. “You can’t do that. Mom’s already busy planning Mila’s wedding, and no twenty-year-old wants to stay with your family.” She thought for a moment and then, looking a little bashful, said, “I have a better plan. My apartment’s just sitting there empty. I’m spending most of my time at Jay’s place now.”
He wasn’t at all surprised to hear that Erin and Jay were practically living together at his amazing home, but it still felt strange that his little sister was settling down. Especially with Jay—a match he hadn’t exactly approved of at first. Erin was probably feeling the same way about him and Crystal. But the fact that she’d offer up her apartment to help smooth over this Opal situation made him so thankful for her that he slung an arm around her shoulders.
“That’s a great solution, Erin. I can’t thank you enough. And obviously, I’ll pay the rent on your apartment.”
