Page 134 of Chasing Lyric
She bounces in the seat again. “I think I just might! Chase, I’m so excited. I haven’t seen them together for so long. And they’re here. Forme!”
It’s about time they paid attention to their eldest. Her life could have been so different. She could have had her name in lights, and she could have been a superstar, just like they all are. But she’s not, because of the life they made her live and the people she met.
I get it.
I know why Lyric doesn’t want this life, and I will stand by her. I do mourn for the world and the loss of her talent, though. Her experience showed her how easily the bad in this world can drown out the good. As I said, I get it. It’s her choice. I support her in it. It’s just sad that only I will experience her gift.
“Well, Lyri, you’re worth it, and so much more. They see that.”
Her fingers tighten around mine as the gates swing open and I drive us down the long, paved stretch as if I have done this a hundred times before. Most guys would be wide-eyed walking into a place like this, but I live in Beverly Park. I know exactly what these kinds of estates bring to the table. Immaculate lawns, trimmed within an inch of their lives. A towering fountain out front that probably costs more than most people’s cars. Marble steps that say money talks before you even reach the front door. Not to mention the floor-to-ceiling windows, which let everyone know the owners have nothing to hide, but everything to flaunt.
It’s familiar territory, hell, it’s not far off my own place, just dialed up a notch, or seven. The Griffin mansion is bigger. Bolder. Louder.
But I guess loud is what a rocker’s mansion is supposed to be, right?
As we roll in to park, my gaze flicks to the flower garden just off to the side by the front steps, the one Lyric mentioned when she told me about this place. I didn’t expect to care, but damn if it doesn’t catch my eye. It’s sharp, perfectly kept, as if someone’s been tending to it religiously. Rows of blooms in full color, no weeds, not a petal out of place.
Turning back to face her, I see her looking at her old home in awe, and I tilt my head in the direction of the house. “Here we go,” I tell her as she opens her car door.
She bounces on her seat as I step out. The cobblestone beneath my feet crunches as I make my way to Lyric, who’s staring up at the mansion like a million memories are mulling through her mind.
I reach out for her hand, our fingers threading together. “You okay?”
A bright smile lights her glorious face. She’s beaming. “It’s been so long since I’ve been here. I guess I didn’t think I’d ever be back. It’s a little overwhelming.”
I tighten my grip on her hand. “C’mon, you can do this, Lyric Griffin. If there is one thing I know about you, it’s that you’re as strong as they come.”
Footsteps crunch on the ground, making us both turn, as an older man wearing green coveralls and a worn, floppy brown hat approaches. “Is that you, Lyri?” he calls out.
“Thomas?” Lyric shrieks as she races off toward him.
A smile brightens my face as she slams into the older man, almost knocking him over. They embrace tightly as I make my way to the pair.
“I haven’t seen you for years, my girl. How’s the shop? Your father has told me only good things.” His voice is raspy, frail. I have no idea how old he is, but if I were to guess, it would be in his seventies or even eighties.
They separate, and Lyric’s practically glowing. The energy shining from her is so bright that I’m sure they could see her from space. “It’s going so well. Actually, it’s how I met Chase…” She turns to me. “Chase, this is Thomas. The man who changed the course of my life.”
Thomas chuckles, placing his hand out for me to shake. “That’s a big accolade, my girl, but I did no such thing. You put in the hard work. I simply showed you the way.”
It all clicks into place. The dirt on his knees, the fact that they know each other so well. “You’re the groundskeeper?” I ask, shaking his dirty hand firmly.
Thomas nods proudly. “And you’re the boyfriend?”
“Yes. Sorry. Chase. He’s my boyfriend, and I’m so glad you both could meet—the two men who have changed my life dramatically,” Lyric chimes.
My chest warms as I reach out, pulling her to me. “I think it’syouwho’s changedourlives.”
“I’ll drink to that,” Thomas replies, making me laugh.
“It’s good to meet you, Thomas. Thanks for teaching Lyri everything you have. Without her moving into floristry, we wouldn’t have met.”
Thomas waves his hand through the air. “Love has a mysterious way of working out. You would have met in one way or another, but I’m glad to have been a part of letting love flourish.”
Lyric smiles so wide, then she pulls Thomas in for another embrace. “I’d better let you young whippersnappers get inside. Wouldn’t want to keep those rock stars waiting.”
“I’ll try not to keep it so long between visits next time,” Lyric tells him as she squeezes his hands.
“I’d like that.” He dips his hat, then takes off at a slow pace, picking up a rake that was leaning up against the house as he goes.
