Page 128 of Next to Everything We Wanted

“It’s fine. I’m glad it’s over.” I scratched the back of my neck. “Do you know anything about her job?”

“Not much. I know she’s been working at a record label for a few years and worked with a lot of big stars, but none of her artists have taken off in a while.”

I swallowed. “She hasn’t talked about who she’s worked with or anything?”

“Not in detail. She keeps work separated from personal life.” He raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

“I just want to learn more about her career. It’s interesting to me.” I held my breath, hoping he wouldn’t get suspicious. Even if Mom had nothing to do with Charm Street, I would’ve been interested in her career. At least I thought I’d be.

“I’m glad you’re interested in her job. There should be more information about her career on her Wikipedia page. Or you can ask her.” He pulled out his phone. “Do you want her number?”

I swallowed. “Not yet.”

He nodded and put his phone away. “Let me know if you ever want to talk to her. Don’t feel any pressure, though. I know reading the letter was a big step, and I’m proud of you for taking it.”

The lump in my throat grew. “Thank you.”

“I’ll call you when dinner’s ready.” He closed the door, his heavy footsteps trailing away.

I put my head in my hands. This didn’t have to be a big deal. Gavin would never have to know about Mom’s job. It wasn’t like she’d ever meet him.

Everything would be fine.

Gosh, and to think so many people wanted to date celebrities.

CHAPTER 31

Gavin

Friday night, I scoped out the audience for Jimmy Cook. I found him at the back of the café, sitting near one of the windows with another man and two teenage girls. They were formally dressed as if they’d come from an awards ceremony instead of hanging out at a trendy café.

“Sienna isn’t back there.”

I jumped higher than a scared cat. “Gosh,” I muttered to Phoenix. “A little warning next time.”

“Sorry.” He leaned on the wall. “Who are you looking at?”

“Just wondering if there’s any new people tonight.”

“Who cares who’s here?” He scoffed, nodding over to Sienna’s booth. “You have your hot girlfriend to make goo-goo eyes at for two hours straight.”

“Hey, only I’m allowed to call her hot.” I nudged him. “It’s just nice to see how far we’ve grown in less than a year.”

My eyes locked with Sienna, and she grinned and waved at me. To think that two days ago I had no idea if I’d have her back in my life was wild. We hadn’t seen each other yesterday because she had work and I was recording new music, and I couldn’t wait to spend some time with her after the gig.

Phoenix smiled and waved at Sienna before we went backstage.

I hadn’t told my bandmates about my interaction with Jimmy, not wanting to crush their spirits if he changed his mind. Plus, I wasn’t sure if they’d be sold on it. Forrest never said he was okay with the idea of performing at places with bigger crowds, and even though our friendship and business relationship had improved, I didn’t want to be on his bad side again.

But we were starting to outgrow What Do You Bean. Every seat was filled on nights we performed, a few people crowding around outside to hear us through the glass. It was time for a new era, to change the recipe after sticking to the same one for so long.

During our performance, I tried to not get distracted by Jimmy’s presence. It didn’t make sense for me to be nervous—for crying out loud, I’d played in sold-out arenas months in a row—but my skin still flushed as I sang.

I locked eyes with Sienna, and I was a goner. It amazed me how one look from her could dissipate my nerves. Ever since dating her, music came naturally to me again. There were so many songs I wanted to write about her. For her. With her.

When our two-hour set ended, I scurried off the stage, waiting for Jimmy Cook to rise from the back at the café. He seemed invested in a conversation with the guy he was with, using a lot of hand gestures.

Either that was a good thing, or my new dream was about to get stomped on.