Page 89 of Voice to Raise
“Creed and Malike know better. Freddie will try.”
I plated the Nanaimo bar bite-sized chunks. “Better send someone in.”
“Done. Don’t tell the band about Grindstone.”
I frowned.
“Oh, Pauletta and Renee are organizing for them to meet with Razor Made before that crew heads to that private island.” She snagged the plate of éclairs. “I did my research on that guy.”
“Me too. Quirky.”
She snickered again. “You can say that again. All right, young man.” She held out the plate.
I snagged one, knowing full well there wouldn’t be any left by the time she returned. “Thank you.”
“No worries. I’ll send someone in to grab the next tray.”
I grabbed a bite-sized piece of Nanaimo bar and popped it into my mouth.
She winked, and then she was gone.
And just like that, I realized I felt a lot less lonely.
We’re lucky to have her in our lives.
Malik, most especially. Mama couldn’t make up for the loss of his parents—but she could be a calming influence on a man whose mind often raced. She could give him stability when he lacked grounding.
I hope I can be a good influence on him as well. That he’ll turn to me if he needs comfort and support.
On that note, I grabbed another bite.
Creed sailed into the kitchen.
I handed him the plate.
He shoved a piece into his mouth, saluted, and headed out.
I chuckled to myself and then checked on the apple crumble.
Yeah. We’re going to be okay.
I’d miss him like crazy. But we’d be okay.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Malik
“Stop fidgeting.” Spencer took my hand in his. “I know this is a big deal. They’re also just regular guys.”
“They’re freaking Grindstone.”
“Again, they’re just regular people. Perhaps extraordinary musicians—like you all are—but ordinary people like yourselves.”
He squeezed my hand.
I squeezed back—twice as hard.
He winced.
