Page 35 of California Love Songs
Can you come over?
On my way.
* * *
That was the great thing about a friend you could rely on. When Crystal needed her, Erin was there, and it worked both ways.
When Erin arrived, she was carrying a couple of takeout coffees from Anna’s Café, and the two of them sat on Crystal’s small but comfortable couch. Crystal took a sip of her cappuccino and thanked her friend. It was creamy and delicious and she immediately felt a bit better—that is, until she remembered what she was about to confess.
Erin’s warm hazel eyes were kind as she said, “So what’s up?”
Crystal took a deep breath and then blurted, “I think I’ve done a really stupid thing. I kissed your brother.”
Erin sipped her coffee reflectively. “I could ask which one, but I’m pretty sure I know.”
Her response eased the tension, and Crystal laughed. “Yeah. Nick’s approved every computer I ever owned. If I need a house built, Finn is absolutely the guy I’d go to. Arch is married. So yeah, that leaves Damien.”
“You kissed Damien,” Erin repeated. She didn’t sound shocked or even particularly surprised.
Crystal went cold. “He’s already told you, hasn’t he?” She checked her watch. “It’s only ten a.m.”
Erin looked at her with understanding and empathy. “I would no more break my brother’s confidence than I would break yours.” Her voice trailed off and the silence said it all.
Crystal rested her head on the back of the sofa, taking this in. The kiss had only happened last night, yet Damien had already spoken to his sister about it. At least Crystal had the comfort of knowing it had disturbed Damien as much as it had her. She sighed and took another sip of coffee. “So you know everything, then.”
Erin’s mouth opened in shock. “No, I don’t know everything. First, he’s a guy. Second, he’s my brother. He’s not going to tell me details—though obviously I want them.” She paused. “I mean, to a certain extent. Don’t gross me out.” She laughed good-naturedly and again Crystal thanked her lucky stars that she had a friend as understanding as Erin.
“Okay, so imagine Damien is not your brother, just a really hot guy you danced salsa with at Ray’s.”
Erin nodded and kept her gaze on Crystal as she talked. About their deep and thoughtful conversation about life as they’d hiked Garland Ranch. About how he’d actually turned up at Ray’s. And about the way they’d danced together. As she spoke, she relived those moments of closeness and the heat and promise she’d seen in his eyes. She’d danced with many men, but the connection between her and Damien was off the charts. She’d thrown caution to the wind, dreaming, carried away by emotion, music, and his body moving against hers.
When she fell silent at last, Erin said, “I saw all that when you two danced at Arch’s wedding, Margot’s birthday party, and again in Mom and Dad’s backyard. It was like no one else in the world existed for you guys except each other.”
“Why does he have to be such a good dancer?” Crystal groaned. “Why does he have to be so good at everything?”
Erin laughed. “I can tell you he’s not good at everything. Dad and Finn always say he’s the last guy they’d want on a construction site. He’s the artistic one, not the practical one.”
That was somewhat comforting, but despite the laughter, Crystal felt the real issue deeply. How could she destroy a friendship that meant so much? She feared their friendship had already forever changed. How could she look at him now and not feel that kiss between them, a big, sexy elephant in every room they shared?
They were both quiet for a moment, reflecting, and then Erin finally spoke. “I’m guessing it wouldn’t help to say it was just a kiss. No big deal?”
Crystal groaned. “If only. It’s a kiss I can’t stop thinking about, a kiss I wished could go on forever. But it’s also a kiss I wish I could take back, because Damien’s a superstar. Every woman wants him. What’s special about me? Maybe he was just bored now that he’s not touring and I was conveniently there. Everything is different and I don’t know what to do.”
Erin said thoughtfully, “It seems like you want opposite things to be true. That the kiss meant something real and that it never happened at all.” She sighed. “It’s a tough spot you’re in, Crystal. But Damien is a good man. You know him. Whatever happens, your friendship matters too much to him to be treated lightly. You are definitely not just another girl to him.”
Crystal nodded slowly, calmer now that she’d explained everything to her friend and she had been so understanding. “I’m not sure we can ever go back to the way things were.”
Erin smiled knowingly. “I remember the first time Jay kissed me. It changed everything.” She reached across the couch and squeezed Crystal’s hand. “Maybe that’s not a bad thing. Maybe it was finally time for you both to enter a new chapter.”
Chapter Sixteen
After sharing a green smoothie and—Damien had to admit—having a good chat about music, Jay excused himself to get on with some work. Damien headed back to the beach with Buster and stared at his phone. With Opal coming the next day, he should have been getting things ready at the recording studio, but he was finding it hard to motivate himself. Planning for Opal’s arrival could wait; he had something more pressing to do.
He hit dial on Crystal’s number. No answer. Then he texted her. Twice. No reply.
He must really have blown it with her big time. He stared at the dark screen, waiting for it to light up with her name. He waited. And waited.
Should he drive over to her place? But he’d known Crystal a long time and pushing her if she wasn’t ready to talk was a bad idea. Buster began to tug on his leash. “Okay, you’re right,” Damien murmured to the dog. “If she wants to talk to me, she will. It’s time to get on with the day.”
