Page 129 of The Grump Next Door
I close my eyes and take a breath, trying to think through all the things I need to do next. Check on the reception space, make sure the DJ is ready, coordinate with the caterers, ensure the cake is properly displayed.
But I can’t focus because all I can hear is his music. The melody wraps around me like arms, like a promise, like a question I don’t know how to answer.
And I’m starting to think it might follow me all the way to Italy.
Hell, who am I kidding?
It’s going to follow me everywhere.
Chapter Twenty-Four
The Wedding Shift
Dean
My fingers remember.
That’s the weird part. Six years of nothing, and they still know where to go. Still find the chords like they’ve been waiting.
The guests are seated. Waiting. Mason’s nervous-tapping his foot against his stool.
“You good?” I ask.
“Getting married, bro.” His voice has that edge of disbelief.
“I noticed.” I transition to a different chord progression, something softer.
“To Ivy.” He’s got a dreamy, faraway look on his face as he says this.
“That’s generally how weddings work.” I almost smile despite the tension coiling in my shoulders.
“Shut up.” But he’s smiling. “Thanks for this.”
“Thank Poppy. She’s the one who—” I start, but he cuts me off.
“I meant playing again.” He looks at me now, really looks at me. His expression is serious, understanding. “I know it’s been hard since—”
“Don’t.” The word comes out sharp. My fingers press harder into the strings.
“I’m just saying. This is big.” His voice is gentle, careful.
I frown, focusing on the fretboard. “It’s one song.”
“It’s more than that.” He knows. Of course he knows.
Maybe. Probably. But I can’t think about that now. Can’t think about why I drove to a storage unit I’ve been avoiding for years. Can’t think about the look on Poppy’s face when she saw me playing.
Can’t think about how she’s leaving tomorrow. Definitely not that.
“Here we go,” Mason says.
The wedding party starts walking. I play the music Poppy picked—something soft and romantic that makes my chest tight.
Each bridesmaid passes. Then CeCe, coming up from the side, who winks at me like she knows something.
Then the music changes. The song Ivy specifically requested.
And there she is.
