Epilogue
One year later
Leo’s fingers shook as she clicked on the refresh button on her laptop’s browser. “Oh God, it’s up!”
Her voice, louder than intended, made Chance look up from the catnap he was taking at the foot of the bed. He gave them a disgruntled glare before rolling into a no-longer-tiny ball and going back to sleep.
Instantly, Holly wrapped her arms around Leo from behind and pulled her back against her tank-top-clad body. “Want me to take a look and tell you?”
Leo shook her head. “Let’s read it together.” With Holly’s warmth surrounding her, it wasn’t quite so scary. Holly loved her music—and, more importantly, loved her; that was all that mattered.
They held on to the laptop together while Leo scrolled to the beginning of the review and then read it out loud.
Jenna Blake has just released her first independently produced album. The twelve tracks have been written and recorded in the studio the Grammy-winning artist built in her Missouri hometown last year.
That wasn’t quite true. Most of the songs had been written in the living room of the small house they now rented together, with Holly next to her on the couch. But the press didn’t need to know that. The media attention she had garnered when she had announced her own recording label had been bad enough.
If you haven’t bought a copy of the aptly named album, Perfect Rhythm, get one ASAP.
Fans of her last album might not like this one as much, but this reviewer actually thought it was superior in every way—beautiful melodies, profound lyrics, and Jenna’s smoky voice that effortlessly glides through octaves. With songs like “In the Rain,” “Sex and Video Games,” “Holly’s Song,” and “When Our Hearts Collide,” you’ll have a hard time deciding which is your favorite.
Blake has always been one of the most technically sound singers in pop music, but she has been criticized for focusing too much on showy elements and not enough on emotion. Well, this album will definitely silence those critics. She has put her heart and soul into this album, and it shows. Five stars out of five.
Leo’s voice cracked on the last word. She swiveled her head around to face Holly. “She liked it.”
“She loved it. I told you so.”
“You did.” Holly had believed in her from the very start. Whenever Leo had struggled to reinvent herself as an artist and a brand, she’d been there to encourage her.
Leo closed the laptop and set it on the floor so she could lie down and take Holly into her arms. “Thank you,” she whispered into Holly’s ear.
Holly combed her fingers through Leo’s hair. “Anytime.”
They lay cuddled together for several minutes while the reviewer’s words echoed through Leo’s mind, making her beam. Life was so good that she felt a little drunk on it. There was only one thing that would make it even more perfect.
“The concerts in New York, Boston, and Chicago are coming up next month,” Leo said.
Holly slipped her hand beneath Leo’s shirt and stroked her back. “Don’t worry. They’ll love the new songs too.”
That wasn’t what made Leo’s body vibrate with renewed nervousness. “Will you come with me? I know you probably won’t be able to come to all three, but how about at least Chicago? Someone has to protect me from all the bra-throwing fans who don’t get that ‘Sex and Video Games’ isn’t an invitation.”
“All the bra-throwing fans?” Holly arched her brows. “Didn’t you say you don’t have any wild groupie stories to tell?”
“Oh, so you paid attention to what I said, even back then? Jealous?” Leo asked in a teasing tone.
Holly’s expression was serious. “A little.”
Leo rolled around so she could lean over Holly on one elbow and look into her eyes. “There’s no need. You know that, right? All the wild groupie sex in the world could never compare to what we have. Not even close.” She put emphasis on every word.
In reply, Holly pulled her down and kissed her. “For me neither.”
Leo nibbled on Holly’s bottom lip. “So, will you come to Chicago? We could even meet up with Meg and Jo while we’re there.”
“That would be great. Can we get them tickets to the concert?”
“Sure. I could get them all-access passes. In exchange for…some information.”
Holly cocked her head. “What information?”
“Well…” Leo swallowed. “They bought a house last year, didn’t they? Maybe they could give us some pointers.”
Holly stared up at her. “You mean…?”
Leo nodded. “I love living here with you. But I’d really like us to have something that is ours. Something a little bigger, with a guest room and—”
Holly let out a cry that made Chance jump off the bed and stalk out of the bedroom in search of a quieter napping spot. Ignoring him, Holly wrapped her legs around Leo, rolled them around so she was on top, and let her lips wander over every inch of her face.
Among kisses and happy laughter, Leo gasped out, “So that’s a yes?”
“Yes, yes, yes.” Holly punctuated each affirmation with another kiss. She looked down at her. “Were there ever any doubts about what my answer would be?”
Leo shrugged. “Well, you really like this little house…”
“Not half as much as I love you. And having a house of our own, you and me together…that would be wonderful.” A dreamy look appeared on Holly’s face. “Maybe we could even soundproof one of the rooms.”
A blush crawled up Leo’s chest. “I hardly think I’m that loud…am I?”
Holly laughed. “Loud enough to make poor Chance hide beneath the couch last night. But I wasn’t talking about our bedroom. I meant we could have a music room. Maybe move in your father’s piano, if it’s all right with your mom.” She paused and stroked Leo’s face. “Unless you aren’t ready for that.”
A year ago, Leo couldn’t have imagined it. The piano held too many memories of the past. But now it held new ones too, including sitting on the piano bench with Holly, playing together. “I’m ready.”
With Holly by her side, she was ready for anything life could throw at her.