Page 80 of The Perfect Melody

“Who is it about? The song, I mean.” Shadows must darken my expression because he’s uncharacteristically quick to offer me an easy out. “You don’t have to tell me.”

I wave off his concern. “I know, it’s fine. It’s about a few people, but mostly my mother.” Her, my record label, the strangers on the internet who judge my every move.

Austin already knew I have a complicated relationship with my mother, but I can see in his eyes that it’s now dawning on him how bad things between us really are. He covers my hand with his where it rests on the white tablecloth. “I’m sorry.”

I flip my palm up so that I can give his hand a reassuring squeeze. “It’s OK. At least I got a good song out of it, right?” An inappropriate giggle parts my lips, and Austin’s low chuckle joins in a second later.

As our laughter subsides, I decide to steer the conversation into lighter territory. “What started your weekly game nights with the guys? Did you all grow up together or?”

Austin shakes his head. “Only Francis, Reggie, and I grew up here. They were both ahead of me in school, so we didn’t really cross paths until we were all adults. Jer introduced me to them last summer. Before that, I was a bit of a workaholic loner.”

I mock gasp, laying a hand on my heart. “You, a loner? I don’t believe it.”

He rolls his eyes. “Alright, laugh it up.”

“So you’ve known them all for a year?”

“Not Dev, he only came to town three months ago. He’s the newest addition to Pine Grove after you. If you stay, I mean.”

Softening my voice, I reply, “I knew what you meant. I’m glad you have such a good group of friends. I’ve not spoken to Dev much, but they all seem great.”

“Yeah, they’re a solid bunch.” He takes a sip of water. “You seem to be getting on well with Mei and her group?”

Nudging my glasses up the bridge of my nose, I agree, “I am. They’ve all been so welcoming. I didn’t have many friends before coming here.”

“I find that hard to believe.”

“It’s true. I had one kind of friend in Nashville,” I say, thinking of Ant. “My only real friends were here. Well, nothere—Liam and Bailey live in London.”

His expression sharpens as something dawns on him. “Liam, as in your fake reference?”

“You caught me.”

Austin’s head falls back with the force of his uninhibited laughter. “Of course he is. Something tells me this isn’t the first time you’ve been partners in crime?”

I think back over the course of our friendship, particularly August 2023. “You’re not wrong, but we usually stay out of trouble.” Unfortunately, sometimes trouble—and paparazzi—finds us.

“So, if Liam was never your boss, how did you meet?”

“Believe it or not, we did actually work together a few years ago in Nashville before he moved back to England.” Not wanting to give details on what that work was, I power on. “I met Bailey through him after they started dating. They only got together on their trip here last Christmas, but Liam’s had feelings for her for so long. By the time we met, I’d already heard so much about Bailey that it felt like I already knew her. She’s awesome—they both are. I’ll enjoy getting to see them more often if I move here for real.”

“We’ll all be lucky to have you if you decide to stay.”

Even though I’m more committed to staying here long-term with every day that passes, I’m not quite ready to make it official yet. I want to share my secret with Austin before I tell him I plan to stick around for good. I don’t want to get his hopes up thinking I’m offering one thing only to pull the rug from under him by revealing I’m famous. The situation is already complicated enough. While I know I need to tell him the truth soon, we’re still getting to know each other.

Selfishly, I want more time to be just Cassie with him. There’s a very real chance he won’t look at me the same way after I tell him the truth. That’s a reality I’m not prepared to face yet but, even if Austin ends things after I reveal my secret, I can see myself staying in Pine Grove. The girls will be upset at first, but I don’t think they’ll hold my deception against me. Even if they do, this place feels like home, and it’s a chance to be closer toBailey and Liam. Ignoring the twist of guilt in my gut, I scoop up another bite of tiramisu and lean forward to feed it to Austin, not above flirting to distract him.Soon. I’ll tell him soon.

After paying the bill, Austin guides me back to the car. It’s a mild night and we’re leaving early enough that it isn’t dark yet, but I still enjoy the warmth of his palm against the small of my back. “Mum is over the moon that you’ve agreed to perform at Bowman’s again.”

“She might have mentioned that once or twice.” Austin groans and I playfully smack his stomach with the back of my hand. “Be nice. It’s sweet that she’s so excited.”

We reach the car and I lean against the passenger door, using our linked hands to pull him closer. Running my hands over his shirt to rest on his shoulders, I ask, “Is there a reason you haven’t told heryou’llbe joining me on stage?”

His expression turns sheepish, and he reaches up to cover my hands with his, giving them a light squeeze. “I will.” At my raised brows, he repeats, “I will. A promise is a promise. I just… want to wait until after we’ve done a rehearsal together in case you change your mind.”

My heart cracks over how unsure of himself he sounds. “Austin.” I step in closer, freeing my arms to wrap them around his waist in a tight hug. “I’m not going to change my mind about you.” Our eyes lock, and we both know I’m not just talking about the performance. “You don’t have work until eleven tomorrow, right?” He nods and I smile. “Perfect. We’ll swing by the B&B on the way back to yours to pick up my guitar, then we can have our first rehearsal tomorrow morning. Sound good?”

He exhales with relief. “Yeah.”