Page 22 of Give Me a Reason

Aria walked me to the door.

She didn’t need to do that, but I liked it too much to tell her that.

“Call me if you need anything.”

“You don’t need to worry about Paisley. I’ve got her.”

I turned to find Aria’s gaze on me. “I’ll always worry.”

“I know, but you shouldn’t.”

I did feel better knowing Paisley was with Aria. “Thank you. You being here eases my mind.”

She smiled, and it warmed me all over. “That’s the idea.”

I lowered my voice so Paisley didn’t hear us in the other room. “I still don’t know what you’re getting out of this arrangement.”

Aria tapped her finger on her chin. “I get to spend time with Paisley, who’s awesome, and I get to save some money. I’d say it’s a win-win.”

Plus, I look forward to seeing you in my home every night. I didn’t voice that thought out loud. It wouldn’t have done any good to tell her I had a teensy, little crush on her. We were adults, and crushes were for kids.

Especially when my brain knew we were all wrong. We weren’t a good match, and I couldn’t forget that. Maybe if I said that enough, it would sink in.

“You’d better go,” Aria chided, and it prompted me to move. I grabbed my guitar case and opened the door. “Call me—”

“If you need anything. Got it,” Aria said with a smile as I closed the door and walked to my SUV.

Paisley was safe with Aria. I could relax and enjoy my set at the bar. I needed Aria so that I could do my job without worrying about Paisley.

On the drive, I thought about Aria’s question. What did I want from these gigs? Was it just the extra money and the thrill I got from performing? Or was it something else? Would I always wonder if performing was what I was meant to do?

I’d always said I loved being a teacher, and I did, but a part of me wasn’t willing to let go of performing.

I pulled up to Max’s Bar and Grill. It was busy since it was a Friday. I grabbed my case and headed inside to greet the owner, and my friend, Max, before setting up by the makeshift stage inside the bar. It was located inside a historic building, like most of the buildings in this area, and the space for me to perform was tiny. But it meant that I was close to the patrons, and it made for an intimate performance.

As soon as my pick strummed over the strings, I knew this was where I was supposed to be. When I opened my mouth to sing, a hush came over the crowd. I knew it wasn’t just out of respect; they really wanted to hear me play and sing.

I kept my focus on the strings, only lifting my gaze occasionally to make sure the crowd was swaying and mouthing the lyrics. Each confirmation that they enjoyed my performance urged me to keep going. To remember why I was doing this. It was one way to give people happiness. Music lifted people’s spirits and reminded them they were alive. I loved it.

It was close to the thrill of when one of my students learned a new song, but it wasn’t exactly the same. Aria’s help with Paisley allowed me to keep performing, and I was grateful. I wouldn’t do anything to mess up this thing with her.

After I finished my final set, Max offered me a beer, but like always, I declined.

“I should get home. Aria’s watching Paisley.”

Max braced his hands on the bar. “Not Aria Hunter?”

“Yeah, why?”

“I remember her from school.”

“What was she like?”

“She kept to herself, but I think she lived in the trailer park. What’s she doing babysitting for you?”

“She said she needs the extra money.”

“I don’t think she ever went to college. But she’s working for Gia, isn’t she?”

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