Page 9 of California Love Songs
“Thanks,” he replied automatically, plastering on his practiced smile.
As he chatted and mingled, his mind kept drifting back to Crystal. How had he never noticed the way her eyes sparkled when she laughed? The graceful curve of her neck as she moved?
“Your music just speaks to me, you know?” a young woman gushed, clutching his arm. “It’s like you understand exactly what I’m going through.”
Damien nodded, offering a kind smile. “I’m glad it resonates with you.”
But internally, he felt a pang of loneliness. These fans, they thought they knew him through his lyrics. But did anyone truly understand him? The real him?
He scanned the room, catching glimpses of Crystal as she effortlessly managed the event. Much as he hated to admit it, his brother was right. Crystal had always been captivating. How long had he been suppressing these feelings?
“Excuse me,” he said to the group around him. “I need some air.”
Damien slipped out onto a stone patio, the cool night a relief on his flushed skin. He leaned against a tree, staring out at the moonlit ocean.
“What am I doing?” he muttered to himself. “She’s my sister’s best friend. We’ve known each other forever.”
But the memory of their dance, the electricity between them, wouldn’t leave him. For the first time in years, he felt truly seen, not as Damien the rock star, but just… Damien.
He sighed, conflict churning inside him. His life on the road, the constant spotlight—it all suddenly felt hollow compared to the genuine connection he’d just experienced.
“Hey, you okay?” A voice startled him. It was Erin, looking far too grown up in a sleek black dress. Her eyes were full of concern and he saw that despite their differences lately, she loved him. He suddenly felt bad for giving her such a hard time about Jay. It wasn’t her fault that she’d fallen for Archer’s best friend. Because here he was, thinking the unthinkable about Erin’s best friend. The irony wasn’t lost on him.
Damien forced a smile. “Yeah, just needed a breather. Let’s head back in.” He slung a brotherly arm around her shoulders and could feel her surprise at the gesture. He wanted to tell her he was sorry for how he’d behaved about Jay. But he couldn’t find the right words.
He sighed. It was like all his best words were tied up in song lyrics, with none left over for real life.
On her way to the kitchen, her feelings in a whirl after her dance with Damien, Crystal nearly bumped into Dane Harrington, a tycoon who’d built a worldwide empire of health spas and resorts. She’d staged a few events at his resorts and was always impressed at the quality of everything he did. His blue eyes twinkled as he put a hand on her shoulders to stop her from crashing into him. She felt foolish and exposed, not her usual cool, professional self. Dane was with Cammie Chandler, gorgeous in a green dress that complemented her green eyes. Her red hair was curled in ringlets and hung past her shoulders.
Cammie smiled broadly at Crystal and said, “Dane and I were just saying how good you and Damien looked together on the dance floor.”
Crystal felt as though Cammie could see right into her, see her longing for the man she could never have. She pulled herself together and put on her professional mask. “I’m just the party planner,” she replied in a lighthearted tone. “I was getting Damien away from an overenthusiastic fan. It’s part of my job. He’s a rock star. He could have anyone.” Why was she babbling—pretty much admitting to her unprofessional feelings? What was wrong with her?
Cammie’s smile became almost too understanding. Crystal felt as though the other woman had been exactly where she was now and understood how she felt.
Cammie said, “I was Dane’s personal assistant, so I completely get that.” And then more softly, she added, “But things can change. People can change.”
Dane laughed, putting an arm around Cammie. “And now we’re so much more than people who work together.”
Crystal was truly happy for them. She could see how much these two loved one another. Sure, Cinderella stories still happened, but she’d been Cinderella for fifteen years, waiting around for Prince Charming to see her as more than a friend.
If it hadn’t happened by now, she doubted it ever would.
Chapter Four
Crystal’s heels clicked on the hardwood floor of Anna’s Café as she entered, the scent of freshly ground beans and warm pastries enveloping her. Her gaze immediately landed on Erin, tucked away at a cozy corner table, a steaming mug cradled in her hands. Crystal hesitated for a moment, fidgeting with the strap of her purse. This was the sisters’ sacred space, and she felt like an intruder in their weekly Tuesday ritual, even though Mila had insisted she join them today.
Taking a deep breath, Crystal straightened her shoulders and approached the table. Erin looked up, her strawberry-blonde hair catching the sunlight streaming through the window, her face lighting up with a smile just as warm.
“Crystal! I’m so glad you could make it,” Erin gestured to the empty chair across from her. “It always feels like it’s been too long. I miss you.”
As Crystal slid into the chair, she returned the smile, feeling some of her tension ease. “Thanks for inviting me. I hope I’m not interrupting your sister time.”
Erin waved her hand dismissively. “Not at all. It’s wonderful to have you join us.”
A pen and notebook lay open in front of her, a telltale sign of her journalistic habits. She wondered if Erin had been jotting down ideas for her next article.
“How have you been?” Crystal asked, settling into the comfortable atmosphere. “Any exciting news at the Sea Shell?”
