Chapter Twenty-Seven
Nash stared out the window at Upton’s at the impressive landscape. If he squinted he could see where at one time the grounds would have been magnificent with a perfectly manicured garden, a majestic swimming pool and even a maze where guests could get a little lost.
Apparently, Upton only put as much work into the land to not be cited for a fire hazard, but regardless of the overgrowth, and leaves littering the pathways, the area was still spectacular.
The land around the cottage property was more rustic, didn’t need as much pruning and attention to detail. Still, somewhere in his heart he pictured his Petals with her hands dirty in the flower gardens.
He shook his head and pounded his fist onto his leg. She never had any intention of getting her hands dirty.
His night was restless as he tossed and turned in the luxurious bedroom. Every time his eyes closed his mind replayed the scenes at the ball, at hearing her identity, at learning the event was her engagement party. Why did she put him through such torture?
Even worse was when he finally did fall asleep, images of making love to her crept into his dreams. He woke up later than he wanted and in agony on multiple dimensions.
Once forcing himself back into the ridiculous costume he wore thinking he looked like a rock star, he didn’t know where to go, what to do, and literally stood there staring out the window like a fool.
His phone vibrated and he limped over to the nightstand. He lifted the device, wondering if now that Petals knew who was dealing with, if she would have the guts to call him, but he never left this number on any of the papers. All that was waiting for him was a text from Erik.
Baby and family are home and wanting to greet their public, namely you and Petals.
A sick sensation rising through him, he texted back. Just me.
What happened? Erik texted back.
No doubt Erik would continue to push unless he put the kibosh on the topic. IT’S JUST ME TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT AND DON’T TALK ABOUT IT. The capital letters should say everything.
He waited, and in less than a minute he received a reply.
Just get here.
No sooner had he slipped on his shoes, than there was a knock at the door.
Rather than call to come in, as fast as he could, he rushed to the door and flung it open in hopes to catch Geoffrey.
All that awaited him was a tray with a cup of coffee and a Danish, and an old-fashioned cane leaning against the wall. “Hello?”
“I thought you could use that on your way out.” Upton’s voice echoed around him. “I have a car waiting. It’s a one way trip to wherever you need to go.”
Nash got the hint, but the mere fact he got to stay for one night meant everything coming from Upton. “Then let me say thank you.”
“Then let me say it’s time for you to leave. No need to clean up. The room has to be fumigated anyway.” Upton chuckled.
Nash checked to make sure he had his wallet and drank down some of the dark roasted coffee. “Erik and Christine had their baby. I’m going to go see him or her.”
“It’s always you, isn’t it?” Upton’s tone lowered.
“What do you mean?” After taking the cane, he grabbed the Danish.
“You are always there for everyone. When someone needs you, even if they don’t, you are there.”
His friend’s words reminded him of what he once told Petals. At one point in his restless sleep, he pictured her showing up at the clearing and not finding him there. Would her heart ache or would she be glad to be moving on?
Of course, along with that picture came the one of her staring at him in disbelief the night before and running away with tears in her eyes. “Someone has to be.”
“Then just make sure you keep your promises to the ones that matter most.” Upton moved into the hallway, but remained in the shadows. No doubt the man knew every angle in his own home to keep himself hidden.
He broke out into a sweat. What was Petals doing now? Was she off with her fiancé? “I better get going.”
“Hold on a moment.” Upton disappeared.
He waited and glanced around noticing the lack of pictures on the wall, the lack of anything personal to Upton anywhere.
“I don’t use these anymore. Give these to the little rug rat.” Upton thrust a set of drumsticks at him. “Maybe I’ll send the little brat a set of drums when it gets older, a little payback to the leader of the band.”
“Well, you are full of presents today.” Using his cane, he went to his friend and grabbed the gift.
Upton held the sticks fast. “Make sure while you are always taking care of others, you take care of yourself too.”
Nash nodded. “Well maybe every once in a while, make sure you let someone be there for you as well.”
“Take care of the right people.” At last, Upton relinquished the sticks and left.
Nash walked through the mansion and let himself out to a waiting car. He slipped in the back seat. The divider between the front and back seat prevented him from seeing the driver.
“Where to, Nashville?” Geoffrey asked.
“Erik Renevant’s Theatre.” As the car took off, he sat back and his phone rang. “Please take me around the back.”
A quick glance at the screen made his chest tighten, but he answered anyway. “Hello.”
“Nashville.” Stacy crooned into the phone. “You did the right thing.”
“All right.” He tightened his hold on the phone and prepared for whatever came next.
“Nashville. I’m in trouble, I need help.” She sounded breathless.
“What on earth could you need now?” After he did everything she wanted, the woman still had the gall to call him.
“Please. The money isn’t enough. Make it better.” Her voice broke. “This is our family.”
Upton’s words echoed in his ears. It was about time he was there for someone who needed him. “We’re not family Stacy, never were. We are done.”
“But your father.” she screeched into the phone.
“My father!” He raised his voice. “He would have said that I needed to do the right thing for me, and I did because no matter what I have lost in the course of the last twenty-four hours, I have gained my freedom from you. I can do nothing more for you. Goodbye.” With conviction, he hung up.
Strange, when he didn’t want to reveal himself to Petals part of the reason was he didn’t want her to know about the mess with this stepfamily. Now it was over.
The car glided to a stop in the ally behind Erik’s theatre.
“Thanks Geoffrey.” The second he got out of the car, it drove away.
Before he had a chance to knock, Erik opened the door. “Look what the cat dragged over. You look horrible.”
Apparently, everyone from Spectre read from the same script. “Is that really what you want to talk about?”
“Yes, but we’re not supposed to talk about it,” Erik groaned. “You do know that all capitals is considered yelling, don’t you?”
“I am aware of texting etiquette.” He crossed his arms. “I promise I won’t yell around the baby, texting or otherwise. May I come in?”
“I suppose my daughter is ready to meet her first fan.” A smile the likes of which Nash had never seen took over Erik’s face.
“A girl.” With all the icy sensations running through him since last night, a bit of warmth thawed his heart. “Since you invited me here, may I see her?”
“Well, since we’re not talking about the obvious, I suppose I will allow it.” Erik backed up. “She’s taking center stage, of course.”
Nash darted over to the stage where Erik had set up a lounge. Christine sat in silken red robe among a sea of cushions with a little bundle in her arms. “May I?” He made sure to keep his voice low, calm.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Christine motioned him over.
He approached the lounge and knelt down.
Christine held the baby up.
Little face, big blue eyes, perfect little features. No matter what was going on in his life, he had to smile at the little miracle. His best friend never thought he would have anything close to this. “What’s her name?”
“I would like you to meet Madeline Tennessee Renevant,” she whispered.
Her name nearly knocked him over and he cleared his throat. “Tennessee?”
“We wanted her to have a bit of her godfather’s style.” Christine laughed.
Erik came up behind him. “I’m assuming you accept the position.”
Fine, he wiped a tear away from his eye and nodded. “Well, this godfather comes bearing gifts.” First he took his skull ring off his finger and handed it to Christine. “One day this will be a quite a collector’s piece, indeed.”
“No one will ever say she is not the hippest baby in town.” Christine took the offering.
“Also, this is from a friend.” He reached into his tuxedo jacket and pulled out the drumsticks.
“Upton?” Erik gently took the sticks. “He signed them.”
“Our drummer also told me he’s going to send the rug rat over a set a drums just to get back at you.” He glanced over at Erik.
“Your goddaughter wants you to hold her.” Christine moved over and made room for him.
“Something tells me I will never be able to refuse this little one anything.” He took his seat and allowed Christine to hand him his goddaughter. He offered the baby his finger and she instantly grasped it looked up at him. “Well, Miss Renevant, just so you know, I will always be there if you need me, no matter what.”
At hearing himself speak the words again, a fresh wave of nausea overtook him. Did she really get engaged? What if she was telling the truth and didn’t know who he was? Everything she did spoke that she loved him until that last moment. He looked up at Erik. Was it possible she was looking for him now and he wasn’t there for her?
“What is it?” Erik shoved himself on the lounge with the rest of them.
“I told her I would always be there for her, but I left.” He choked out the words. “I didn’t even give her a chance to explain.”
“Nash.” Christine put her hand on his arm.
“Everything is messed up and I said I would be there for her, but I think when she needed me most, I walked away.” He carefully handed Madeline back to Christine and stood.
“If you said you would always be there, then I suggest you go wherever that is and give her a chance.” Erik stood.
“I was told today to make sure I look out for the right people. I need to at least know.” Before he gave up, he had to be there for her one last time.