The Rocker's Muse

“Sort of like you rushed into things with Nazarene?”

More like ran away from my feelings for you right into something I hoped would distract me. I deflected. “Anyway, I’m glad you didn’t stay with him if he doesn’t make you happy.”

She looked back toward the house. “What’s the occasion for this dinner?”

“There is none, really. Although, we did finish the album today, so we probably won’t be going back to the studio again.”

“That must be a good feeling.”

“Yes and no.”

“Why no?”

“Because now I have this pressure to head back to L.A., and I don’t feel ready to leave Shady Hills. Not in the least.”

Atticus opened the sliding door. “Food’s ready. But no rush if you don’t like it hot.”

“Let’s eat.” I gestured toward the house. “We’ll talk more later.”

The four of us gathered around the rustic, wooden table in the dining room. My stomach growled as the aroma of barbecue wafted through the air. Stacks of ribs were piled high atop a metal tray. There was another plate of chicken breast and flank steak.

“There’s enough food here for ten people.” I laughed.

Atticus served himself. “Are you forgetting how much Ronan eats? I’m always paranoid we’re gonna run out of food.”

I turned to Emily. “What can I get you to drink?”

“We’ll have to check your ID first,” Ronan teased.

She gave him the finger. I loved that.

The sun setting outside was a nice backdrop to what turned into a peaceful meal. Emily laughed at Ronan’s dumb jokes and devoured an impressive amount of ribs.

Atticus looked over at her in delight. “Here I was thinking I needed to make a lot of ribs for Ronan, but it seems Emily’s the one throwing down.”

She licked her fingers and shrugged.

“So, Emily…” Ronan said. “Do you know someone named Lilianne Case?”

“I do, actually. She owns the boutique in town.”

“Yeah. I ran into her in the coffee shop earlier. Didn’t seem fazed by me but really sweet. Put in a good word?”

“You like her?”

“I could get used to this small-town life…for the right person.” He pointed his beer in my direction. “This guy’s getting up there. It’s only a matter of time before we all have to find a Plan B, you know?”

I rolled my eyes. “Thanks a lot.”

“Just stating a fact, man.”

“She’s tough. Not the type of girl who’ll settle for being a rockstar’s wife, nor would she put up with your road antics,” Emily warned.

“I wouldn’t respect her if she did…” Ronan threw back some beer. “Anyway, at some point we’re all gonna have to settle down and get married.”

“You were married once, Atticus, right?” Emily asked.

I cringed. Atticus stopped chewing for a moment, then simply nodded.