Page 76 of The Lyrics of Love

“You aren’t. Dart will stay until we’ve finished recording the album. Then he’s off to new adventures. Frankly, he’s good at what he does, but there are others who are better. I’ve always been loyal, though, and kept him around despite his increasingly piss-poor attitude. When the time comes, I’ll find another talented bass guitarist.” He paused, “Unless you have a hidden talent I don’t know about.”

She laughed. “I don’t sing well at all. And I’ve never played a musical instrument.”

“But you do write a helluva lyric, darlin.’ I’m looking forward to seeing what else you have for me.” He kissed her. “Don’t let the rainstorm today dampen the sunshine we’re feeling.”

Rylie looked at him, her eyes filled with trust. “Nothing would ever change the way I feel about you, Nash.”

CHAPTER 25

Rylie enjoyed her work day at Antiques and Mystiques, mostly because Pops had spent the entire day in the store. Nash’s grandfather and Jerry had become fast friends during Pops’ stay in the Cove. The four of them had enjoyed dinner together at Hidden Bear Bar & Grill last night, which had put her in a slightly better mood after Dart labeling her Yoko 2.0 at yesterday’s session.

Nash had explained to her on their drive home after they left the studio that his band wasn’t one like the Beatles. That he was the lone name, though musicians in the industry certainly knew who his band members were. Nash emphasized that lone name acts frequently changed musicians. He had been more of an exception, bonding as close friends with Billy and enjoying Wills’ company.

Dart, on the other hand, was talented but not as tight with the rest of the group. While they got along, for the most part, Dart was more of a partier. Dart’s only real love was his guitar. Women came and went in his life, sometimes so fast Nash didn’t learn the name of one before another took her place. He assured Rylie that, with or without her, Dart had been on a track to leave the band and move on to another musical act.

Her fiancé’s words had mollified her somewhat, though she still felt guilty that she had been the catalyst that seemed to have driven the final wedge between Nash and Dart. It helped when she had received encouraging texts from both Billy and Wills, telling her they enjoyed her presence in the studio and praising her for her lyrics to The Love in Your Eyes. Even Jarrod had texted her, raving about her part in the song and asking if they could get together sometime and talk about their writing. Even Rose, one of the engineers, came up to Rylie in the restroom and told her The Love in Your Eyes was her top Nash Edwards song now and how much she looked forward to anything else Rylie might write.

She left work a little early now. Jerry was going to close the store with Pops’ help, and the two of them were going to stop for dinner and take it back to Jerry’s shop, where the two men were working on a joint project. Rylie drove to her cousin’s house.

Ainsley answered her knock. “Come in. I’m trying something new. I want your opinion.”

They went back to the kitchen, which smelled heavenly.

“Whatever you’ve baked, I’m ready to sample,” she declared.

A small cake was sitting on the island, and Ainsley picked up a knife and cut into it, placing the slice on a plate and passing it and a fork to Rylie. She took a bite and sighed.

“This is outstanding.”

“I’m glad you like it. Those are the flavors of your wedding cake for Saturday’s party,” Ainsley said. “I tried two others, but I thought this one hit the mark.”

“It’s delicious. So moist and flavorful. The frosting is outstanding.”

Ainsley had educated her on the difference between frosting and icing, and Rylie knew frosting was thick and spreadable, while icing was thinner and had to be piped or drizzled because it hardened as it cooled.

“At first, I tried an Italian meringue buttercream. This is a Swiss meringue buttercream, though. It’s a little less sweet and its flavors are more subtle. I’ve used it in other wedding cakes before, with good results.”

“I say go Swiss then,” she proclaimed. “If I haven’t said it enough, thank you again for agreeing to bake the cake. And for shopping with me today.”

“You’d already chosen your dress by yourself. All I did was compliment you after you tried it on.”

“But you really helped out choosing suits and shirts for Nash and Pops. You have a good eye, and it shows in your selections. I stopped by to drop them off at Nash’s house so they could try them on. Nash didn’t seem to think any alterations would be necessary, but I want them to try things on tonight. That way, if we do need to make adjustments, we can get them in tomorrow.”

“Finish your slice of cake. I’ll go grab all the clothes. Do you want to leave your dress here? I know Nash is probably at your place frequently.”

Rylie nodded, her mouth full. She swallowed and said, “Yes, leave my dress and the rings here. I won’t need them until Saturday.”

While she finished her cake, Ainsley went to get the two garment bags holding the suits, shirts, ties, and socks and shoes both men would wear for the ceremony. She thanked her cousin for bringing them home with her and took the bags to her SUV, spreading them out in the rear compartment. She texted Pops that his would be hanging in his closet and he should try it on when he got home this evening. She would also leave Nash’s suit on his bed so he might do the same. In fact, she would text him now and tell him to go straight home to do so. She would meet him there.

Driving to his rental, Rylie got out and collected the garment bags, holding them high as she moved up the stairs of the front porch. She gingerly placed them over her forearm as she placed the key into the lock and went inside, heading straight down the hall to the room Pops was staying in. She hung the bag in his closet and left the room, heading into Nash’s bedroom.

Before she reached it, she caught the scent of perfume in the air. Something dark and mysterious, not the light violet scent that she favored. Her stomach grew queasy.

Then a voice called out. “Hey, baby. I’m in here.”

A rush of emotions ran through Rylie. Fear. Anxiety. Anger.

Because she instinctively knew whom the voice belonged to.

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