Page 65 of California Love Songs
Howie gave her a big bear hug. “Happy birthday, sweetheart.” He was dressed like Elvis in his Vegas days.
She sipped champagne and enjoyed being the person celebrated for once, instead of the person with the clipboard and the schedule to worry about. Her tennis bracelet was greatly admired. And she had a wonderful time chatting to people, accepting congratulations.
That is, until she saw Mila and Erin arguing.
The two sisters stood in one corner of the room and by their hand gestures and expressions, she knew something was wrong. She couldn’t have arguments on her birthday. She headed toward them, confident in her ability to defuse their sisterly disagreements, but stopped in her tracks as she heard Mila say, “I’m going to kill him. He promised he’d be here. I can’t believe he’s letting her down. He promised us.”
Erin replied, “He tried his best. Obviously he’s been held up in LA. He’ll be here when he can.”
Mila shook her head, fury on her face. “But we have a timetable to keep. He said he’d sing ‘Happy Birthday’ at nine o’clock. It’s nearly nine now.”
Crystal walked quietly away without them even realizing she’d been close enough to overhear. Disappointment swelled in her heart where, seconds before, love had been trustingly nesting.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Crystal hid away in a corner of the kitchen. Damien had let them use his house for the party, which was nice of him. And he’d said he’d sing “Happy Birthday.” But he hadn’t. She tried to be understanding. He was in LA, helping his protégée. Launching Opal’s music career was important. She got that.
But a little voice inside insisted that she was important too. Her thirtieth birthday was important. If Damien had promised Mila and Erin he’d be here, it would have been really nice if he’d tried to keep his word.
No. She wouldn’t think that way. She picked up another glass of champagne. She’d made her peace with the fact that Damien was the man in her life, like an amazing, magical gift that she’d never expected to receive. And while she knew that one day she’d have to give it back, she was going to enjoy it as long as she could.
So, he wouldn’t be here for her birthday party. And this made her realize that she had never really expected him to be there for her.
She tried not to let disappointment overwhelm her. This was her party and she was not going to cry, even if she wanted to.
She walked into the living room, blinking back tears, to find Betsy Davenport in front of her. Betsy wore a sequined headband around blonde hair done in loose curls, star-shaped glasses with rhinestones that flashed in the light, and a silver pantsuit with platform heels. The ensemble should have looked ridiculous, but on Betsy, it was fantastic.
Smiling at Crystal, she said, “I understand my son gave you that lovely tennis bracelet.”
How much did Betsy know? She had always been in tune with each of her children, knowing things about them before they even realized it themselves. Betsy was naturally nurturing, an empath just like Erin, and she had always made Crystal feel like part of the Davenport family, especially in the miserable days after her dad left.
Crystal put on a happy expression to hide her hurt. “He did,” she said, extending her arm for Betsy to see. The diamonds twinkled even more prettily under the disco ball. Damien would have spent a small fortune on it… but no lavish gift, however beautiful, could make up for his absence on this special occasion.
Betsy admired the bracelet and then suddenly said, “You’ve known him a long time, Crystal. Damien’s not the flashy rock star people think he is. Deep down, he’s a family man.”
Crystal couldn’t keep the tinge of bitterness out of her laugh. “Is he?”
Betsy’s smile was warm and wise. “I can’t convince you. That will be up to him. But I hope you’ll give him a chance. I can see that you love him. And I think he loves you, too.”
The words struck Crystal to the core. Of course Betsy could see the true feelings between her son and his best friend. But to suggest that he loved her? That was something Crystal had only dreamed about.
But she couldn’t say it, and then Betsy was abruptly pulled away for a dance with Howie. If only her words were true! Crystal turned her back. If she spoke a word to anyone, she would choke up.
And then the digital clock on the wall clicked over to nine o’clock and the door opened. There was Damien, guitar in hand, wearing tight gold trousers, a sequined waistcoat and a sequined headband along with a broad, dazzling smile that grew tender as their gazes met.
And that small, simple, perfect exchange between them changed everything.
All her fears about Damien leaving her stranded with a broken heart melted away. He had kept his word. Of course he had. She let out a little laugh. Ever since they were teenagers, Damien had always arrived in the nick of time. It was just the rock ’n’ roll part of his personality that wasn’t going to change. He was a not a moment too soon, not a moment too late kind of guy. But he always showed.
She went to the fridge and pulled out one of the ginger sodas. As she passed it to him, he kissed her and said, “Thanks, babe. I think we’re on.”
He strode into the living room and Crystal followed, happiness buzzing in her chest. Looking a little stunned and a lot relieved, Mila appeared with a mic stand and mic, which she must have hidden somewhere, and set it up at the back of the room. Nick turned the music off and Damien took his place.
“Folks, as most of you already know, I always sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Crystal on her birthday. But I did that on the phone this morning. Tonight, I have something a bit more special to sing for her.” He focused his gaze on Crystal. “It’s a brand-new song that I wrote for her the night after we first kissed. Crystal’s been my closest friend since we first met in high school, half a lifetime ago. She’s been my friend, my inspiration, my kick in the butt when I need one, and, finally and so happily, my love.”
Tears were already filling Crystal’s eyes as he began to sing.
* * *
