Page 3 of California Love Songs
As she watched them leave, Crystal couldn’t help but imagine Damien singing “Happy Birthday” just for her.
It’ll be worth every penny of the babysitting money I’ve been saving up. A secret smile played on her lips. Even if he never knows I paid for it myself.
Chapter One
Present day
* * *
Crystal Lopez stood at the edge of the sweeping lawn, her jewel-toned dress shimmering in the golden light of the setting sun. She inhaled deeply, savoring the salty breeze of the Pacific as it mingled with the fragrance of blooming roses. She couldn’t have designed a more delightful scent if she’d tried. Everything was going to be perfect for the birthday party. It had to be. The party was for the wife of one of the richest tech moguls in Pebble Beach.
“Ms. Lopez, where should we place the ice sculpture?” A harried waiter approached, gesturing toward a glistening swan perched precariously on a rolling cart.
Crystal glanced over at the buffet table. “Center it on the dessert table, please. And make sure to angle it so the lights catch those crystalline wings.”
As the waiter hurried off, Crystal’s gaze swept over the bustling scene. Servers in crisp white jackets wove between tables draped in white silk, arranging delicate china and polishing already gleaming silverware for the supper to be served after the performance. A string quartet played on a raised platform, while bartenders served everything from champagne to an impressive array of top-shelf liquors. The party guests—all rich, famous, or well-connected—were nearly all present.
Crystal allowed herself a moment of pride. Now, if only our star attraction would arrive…
“Crystal!” The shrill voice of Brett Huntington, the evening’s host, cut through the ambient noise. “Where is he? Damien should be here by now! I promised Margot, and when I make a promise to my wife, I keep it.”
Crystal turned, her posture relaxed even as she noted the panic in Brett’s eyes. The billionaire was used to getting his way, and he’d paid a good chunk of money to have Damien Davenport sing at his wife’s birthday party. “Don’t worry, Brett. Damien will be here right on schedule. You know how rock stars like to make an entrance. It’s all part of the performance.”
Brett did not look convinced. “Do I need to remind you that I paid three million dollars to secure my wife’s favorite singer? I trusted you when you said he’d knock this one out of the park.”
“Damien Davenport has never missed a show.” Crystal’s soothing, musical voice carried a note of absolute certainty. “I’ve known him since high school. Trust me, he’ll be here.”
Brett gazed at the sky, then at the helicopter pad, as though Damien might have materialized in the last ten seconds. Crystal checked her watch, then gestured toward the bar. “Why don’t you fetch a glass of champagne for Margot? I’ll make sure everything’s ready for Damien’s arrival.”
As Brett walked toward a group of people that included his glamorous and beautiful wife, Crystal allowed herself a small sigh. She’d stake her entire hard-won reputation on Damien’s reliability, but with each passing minute, doubt gnawed at her confidence. Still, she kept her serene smile firmly in place. The show must go on, after all, and Crystal Lopez was nothing if not a consummate professional.
The rhythmic thump of helicopter blades suddenly cut through the chatter, silencing the growing crowd. Crystal’s heart leapt as she turned her gaze skyward, relief and excitement coursing through her veins.
“He’s here!” someone shouted, and a ripple of anticipation swept across the gathering.
The sleek black helicopter descended gracefully, kicking up a swirl of ocean mist as it touched down on the landing pad. Crystal watched, transfixed, as the door swung open.
Damien emerged, his presence electrifying even from a distance. His curls whipped in the wind, and the setting sun glinted off his signature silver jewelry. With his guitar slung across his back, he looked every inch the rock god.
For just a second, Crystal was transported back to that day in high school that had in some ways launched both their careers—Damien becoming one of the most successful musicians in history and Crystal one of the most successful event planners in California.
“Oh my,” one of the guests breathed beside Crystal. “He’s even more magnificent in person.”
Crystal couldn’t help but smile. “Just wait until you hear him play in the flesh. It’s something else.”
Damien strode toward the party, his confidence drawing all eyes to him. He still moved with the easy grace of a panther, each step purposeful and charged with energy. As he drew closer, Crystal could see the intensity in his gray-green eyes, the same focused look he always got before taking the stage at a sold-out arena.
As Damien made his way through the throng of admirers, Crystal couldn’t help but notice how he seemed both at home in the spotlight and slightly apart from it all. It was a dichotomy she’d always found fascinating––the way he could command attention while still maintaining an air of introspection.
Damien’s gaze swept across the gathering, flickering from face to face until it finally landed on Crystal. The moment their eyes met, his entire demeanor softened, a warm smile transforming his features into the boy she’d known for so long. He made a beeline for her, weaving through the crowd with practiced ease.
“Crystal,” he said, his voice dropping to a more intimate tone as he reached her. “Looks like you planned another great party.”
Crystal felt that familiar flutter in her chest. “Just doing my job,” she replied with a casual shrug, though she couldn’t suppress a proud flush. “But I’m glad you approve.”
Damien chuckled, the sound rich and low. “Always so modest. You know, without you, half these fancy parties would fall apart. The ice sculptures would end up in the pool. Or the chef would accidentally set the kitchen on fire while flambéing the dessert.”
Crystal giggled and then instinctively found herself reaching into the small cooler beside her. She pulled out a can of Damien’s favorite soda—a quirky, locally brewed ginger ale that was nearly impossible to find outside of Carmel.
