Page 12 of The Fangirl and the Crooner

Her lips curve up into a soft smile, and she takes my hand in a firm handshake saying, “Okay. Deal.”

I return her smile as we release each other, and I’m about to turn to leave when she opens her mouth, sucks in a breath like she wants to say something else, then snaps her mouth closed again.

I remain perfectly still, waiting for her to speak, and her eyes turn worried as she shifts her weight from foot to foot. Her lips pinch together, and she looks so fucking cute, I almost laugh out loud. It reminds me of when wefirst met, and she was nervous talking to me. Those were simpler days. Easier times.

“What is it?” I finally ask when it looks like she’s losing her nerve.

She fills her lungs and blows the breath out harshly. “I just wanted to say… If you want to play and sing while I’m there, I promise to leave my phone in my pocket the whole time.”

My head jerks back at the statement. I didn’t expect her to bring up the giant elephant in the room. I thought we were quietly trying to push that mammoth beast into the closet and forget about it. And though I haven’t really thought about it, I realize I’d subconsciously made the decision not to play in front of her for the time being. Maybe even forever.

As if she’s read my thoughts, her face falls, and she shakes her head sadly. “I understand if you don’t want to play for me, but I really hope you’ll change your mind. It’s one of my favorite things in the whole world.”

I stare at her for several long beats, then slowly nod. It’s not a promise to play for her, by any means, but I can at least agree to consider it.

I mean, it’s not like she’d seriously record me and upload it to the internet without my consentagain. Right?

We say our goodbyes, and I head back out to my car with the thought heavy in my mind. Turning the car around, I cruise slowly down the drive as images of Pressley, her face soft and dreamy as I play my guitar and sing, flash throughmy mind.

I always felt like a star when I played for her. I just never wanted toactuallybe one.

As I drive into town, I spot Trace’s truck parked at the inn. Making a last second decision, I swing my car into the lot and park next to him. Hopping out, I walk into the office and find him sitting behind the desk in the lobby.

“Hey, man. How’s it going?” he says as I approach.

“Good. I just dropped the key off with Pressley,” I say, and his eyes narrow the slightest bit.

“And you’re still okay with her staying with you?” he asks.

“Yes. Of course,” I say, then heave a long breath. “I don’t know, Trace. Am I making a huge mistake?”

He leans back in his chair and studies me for a moment before saying, “Only you can answer that. I can tell you she’s been great at our house. Cleans up after herself, helps us around the house, and tries to stay out of the way. I’ve had no problems with her at all.”

“I’m not concerned about all that,” I say with a shake of my head.

“Then, what are you concerned about?” he asks, but his tone tells me he already knows the answer to that.

“We’re not exactly close at the moment,” I reply, the words slow and measured.

“So, why did you offer to let her stay with you?”

He’s starting to sound like a therapist, answering everything with a question. I tamp down any annoyance it sparks because I know he’s just trying to help.

“Because I have a superhero complex?” I offer, shrugging, and he makes a scoffingnoise.

“Try again.”

I drop my shoulders with a sigh. “Because despite everything, I still care about her. I could tell she didn’t want to stay in Willow and Gavin’s little love nest, and I wanted to help.”

“So, what has you second-guessing yourself this morning?” Trace asks.

“I don’t know. Common sense? It’s going to be awkward, man. Plus, when I dropped off the key, she promised not to record me if I decide to play for her again.”

He nods slowly. “Of course, she won’t. She definitely learned her lesson the first time around.”

“You’re right,” I breathe. “I know she wouldn’t do anything like that again.”

“So, I’ll ask again. What are you concerned about?” he asks.

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