Page 15 of In The Grey (Shattered Cove 6)

Emma leaned back in her chair by the window overlooking the incoming tide at The Lighthouse Inn. Her arm ached from holding her phone up for so long. She pulled her knees to her chest and rested her elbow on it.

“Okay, I have the next ten days cleared on your schedule, so you can have time for the funeral before you guys get back to your gigs.” Callie’s face took up most of the screen on Emma’s phone.

“I appreciate it.” Her manager might be new, but she did her job well.

“Most of the venues understood and were happy to reschedule. We had several magazines and reporters reach out for comment. I gave them news that you were dealing with a death in the family and that you ask them to respect your privacy while you grieve.” Callie’s gaze met hers through the screen.

Emma chewed on her nail, peeling chips of black polish off while anxiety churned in her belly. This fame was all so new to her. “Will they show up here in Shattered Cove?”

“I mean, it’s a possibility. Do you want me to hire a bodyguard?” Callie asked.

Emma laughed, but her manager’s silence meant she was serious. “No. I don’t think that will be necessary.”

“I’m sure there will be a bigger story in the rags tomorrow to draw some of the heat off you.”

Emma sighed. “I don’t see why anyone would want to know this much about my life.”

“Welcome to fame.” Callie grinned. “Are you okay?”

Emma forced a smile. “Of course. I’ll be back after the funeral, and we’ll get to work. I may have to take some time off again, but I’m not sure when. I have to find out what works for Link.” And if he will even go with me.

She didn’t want anything from her papa. But if his wish was to have his ashes scattered in the Pacific Ocean, she’d give him that.

Guilt settled over her shoulders like a heavy weight drawing them down. Did I abandon Papa? Did I get too wrapped up in my life and the band?

“Okay, well, I’m here if you need someone to talk to,” Callie offered.

“Thanks. I’ll be fine. If you really want to do me a favor, you could try to throw any media off my scent. I don’t want people knowing I’m here.” Emma sighed, imagining hordes of photographers climbing over the sand dunes leading to the inn.

“Okay. I’ll spread a rumor you’ve been spotted somewhere far from Shattered Cove. You do what you have to, and I’ll see you when you land in Austin.”

“Thanks again.” Emma nodded.

“No problem.”

Emma ended the call and leaned her head against her knees.

Ping.

She opened the group message between her and her bandmates.

Asher: You good, doll face? Callie said you won’t be back for a bit.

Nicky: Her dad just died. Of course she needs some time, dumbass.

Emma chuckled. Her guys weren’t the most sensitive bunch, but they told it like it was and that was one of the reasons they worked so well together.

Emma: I’m fine. Ghanaian culture takes a bit longer for funerals to happen. I’ll meet you guys in Austin, and we’ll give the show of a lifetime.

Leo: Working on new songs?

Emma: Maybe . . .

Leo: Sweet.

Ravi: You want us to come back for the funeral? We loved Mr. O too.

A smile floated to her lips.

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