Page 52 of California Love Songs
He invited Erin into the kitchen, where he’d enjoyed breakfast with Crystal only two hours ago.
“I want to talk to you about Crystal’s birthday,” Erin said. “I’ve confirmed that she’s free on the actual day, which is two weeks from Wednesday.”
“I know when her birthday is,” Damien interrupted. “I’ve been singing ‘Happy Birthday’ on that day for the last fifteen years.”
Erin rolled her eyes, as though she wasn’t sure that Damien really was on top of things. “Okay, I’m just making sure. And you’re definitely going to be here?”
With exaggerated patience, he said, “I am definitely going to be here.”
“Good.” She nodded briskly. “I’ve invited Crystal to come to Jay’s house and told her that we’ll have a girls’ night in with Mila and Tessa. But the plan is that I’ll make up some excuse why we have to pop in here first—and that’s where the birthday party will be.”
He’d been mildly pleased to host a birthday party for Crystal when Erin had first suggested it, but now he felt really pumped at the idea. It would be the first party he’d ever had here, apart from gatherings of family and the few close friends he still had from growing up in Carmel. He loved the idea that the first woman who had slept over in his home had been Crystal, and that the first real party he’d give here would be for her birthday. It seemed right somehow. Fitting.
“And before you ask,” Damien said, “Yes, I will sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to her.”
“Good. You don’t need to worry about anything. Mila is going to take care of the catering. Tessa and I want to take care of the decorating.”
“Wait a minute—it’s my house. Why can’t I do the decorating?”
She laughed at him. “You want to blow up balloons and hang birthday banners?”
“Absolutely.”
She looked a little incredulous, but clearly wasn’t going to fight him on it. “Good. We can use the help. Oh, and did I mention we’re doing a disco theme? Sparkles, glitter, tight pants.”
He pretended to frown. “If I am hosting this party at my house, shouldn’t I get to decide on the theme?” But secretly, he loved the idea, mostly because he knew how much Crystal would love it. She was always the person arranging the great parties. To do one just for her was so special. He couldn’t wait to get started sourcing some crazy, tight, glittery pants. He’d go full-out with his performance and hopefully make her laugh. There wasn’t a sound in the world as beautiful as Crystal’s laugh.
“You know she’ll love it. I’m going to invite Opal as well, if that’s okay with you, to the supposed girls’ night,” Erin continued. “We can use that as an excuse to come up here and pick her up.”
He nodded, definitely approving of this plan. It would be nice for Opal to feel like part of the family while she was here. And he owed her some fun as well as hard work, after all the media frenzy he’d put her through.
“This is going to be great,” Damien said. He hadn’t put on a surprise party since he and his siblings had surprised his parents for one of their wedding anniversaries. Even then, his biggest job had been showing up on time. Being involved in planning and hosting this party for Crystal made him feel as excited as a little kid. He couldn’t wait.
As she was about to leave, Erin gave him one of her penetrating looks. “You know, you’re looking awfully pleased with yourself today.”
Of all his siblings, Erin was the one he would’ve loved to confide in about the source of his permanent grin, but he’d decided to leave it to Crystal to tell her best friend. So he just said, “Maybe it’s corny, but it feels good to give back. I’ve forgotten what it’s like to be just starting out, so hopeful, with nothing but talent and dreams. That’s where Opal is right now. And to help her find her way, well, it’s almost as much of a thrill as it was being discovered myself.”
Erin clearly approved of these sentiments. She gave him a hug. “You’re one of my top three favorite brothers.”
He hugged her right back. “You might actually be my very favorite sister.”
And with a final squeeze of her arms around his ribs, she headed to her car and Damien went to the studio.
The first day he and Opal had worked together had obviously been pretty messed up, between the media scrutiny and then the unexpected interview. Today was all about the music and the hard work that was ahead of them. He couldn’t wait to get started.
When he opened the studio doors, he found that, as had happened the day before, Opal was way ahead of him. She was already playing her guitar and softly singing another song he hadn’t heard before.
She smiled when she saw him and put down her guitar. “Can I hear what we got yesterday?” she asked.
He nodded and played back the track. She listened with quiet concentration, and he was pleased to note that she didn’t say yes to his suggestions just because he was famous. If she disagreed with an idea, she told him so. She had good instincts, and together they worked to find new solutions that were in line with her vision and creativity while taking advantage of his experience and knowledge.
As the hours went by, they began to develop a true mutual respect. They pushed each other; they argued a little. Sometimes he gave in, sometimes she did. Or sometimes he would suggest one thing, she’d suggest another, and then suddenly the third and perfect option was staring them both in the face. It was a magical kind of alchemy. He’d always created alone, but this was fun.
They broke for lunch, and she spoke to him about her life and the boyfriend she’d left at home. Again, he found himself wanting to talk about Crystal and had to bite back the words. He’d never been a man who kissed and told, so why was he having trouble holding his tongue now? Deep down, he knew the answer. This thing with Crystal was different from anything he’d ever experienced. He needed to talk to another woman about it, to do a bit of soul searching. Maybe once Crystal had told Erin, he could go to his sister and share his feelings.
But no, that would make it weird. She’d already know everything from Crystal’s side. If Erin was going to be Crystal’s confidante, he’d have to find someone else to help guide him through this ocean of unknown emotions.
Chapter Twenty-Five
