Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 96249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
“Don’t tell her I said this, but he’s been talking about taking this opportunity away from her. Losing Brooke has been a huge blow. The man is hurting and looking for answers. Please don’t give him a reason to take this away from her,” he pleads.
“Daddy, Lynn was born to sing. Music is in her bones. I would never dream of doing anything to take that from her. Maybe I should tell him before we get back.”
“I would normally tell you that’s the best thing to do, but I think she needs this break more than anything. I know my friend. I know how he gets. If you tell him, he’s going to want her back home now.
“Be careful, Trev. Don’t do anything we haven’t raised you to do. You two have your entire lives before you. You have a football career and that girl’s gonna sing at the Super Bowl someday while you watch on in your Cowboys uniform,” he says proudly.
I don’t dare to tell him that the plan has changed. I do consider his words though. Telling Lynn’s daddy now would change everything.
“I love her. She’s the one. I could never do anything to harm her. I want to put my ring on her finger one day.”
He chuckles. “And here I always thought it would be Pook.”
“It was always Cliff for Pook. She and I had something else. We never felt that way about each other. She knew how I felt about Cakes.
“Talking to Pook always made me understand the man I want to be. Being with Cakes makes me him. My world makes sense with her in it.
“Losing that would be losing the core of me. I don’t want to screw this up, Daddy. Tell me what to do.”
“Be the man we raised you to be. That’s all you can do, son. It will all work out from there. Moses appreciates you trying to help his little girl. That’ll go a long way when you have a talk with him.”
I nod as if he can see me. I’ve just expressed feelings I didn’t know I had. Yeah, I know I have feelings for Lynn and have for a while. However, I hadn’t realized she was my peace.
My temper is in check around her. I can think clearly when she’s near me. Mostly because I’m always focused on her safety and happiness. Daddy’s right. Returning home with a pregnant Lynn would look bad.
I would question my motives if she were my little girl. Lord help the boy who played that game with me and mine. I know exactly what I want for me and Lynn, that’s what I’ll work toward.
“Thanks, Daddy. I know what I need to do.”
“I love you, Trev. Take care of our babycakes. Can’t believe I didn’t see this sooner,” he chuckles.
“I don’t know if anyone other than Pook did. I hid it well.”
“That you did. You’re a good man. I’m always proud of you. Enjoy your time away. Not too much, but have a good time.”
“I will. Don’t worry. We’re not ready to make any grandbabies. I want to watch her set the world on fire first.”
“Call back to talk to Brad and your mama. Ann’s been talking about what you’ll bring her back all day.”
I get an idea before he hangs up. There’s something I want to do before we return. I think Lynn will love it. This one is for her.
“Daddy, one more thing. I need a favor.”
“Anything. What do you need?”
***
I spend another ten minutes on the phone with my daddy before we hang up and I call to check in with the Galvestons. Mrs. Galveston did sound as if she might be a little suspicious for a moment, but that could’ve been my guilt.
Mr. Galveston had more questions about Cakes’s music and progress than anything. I could hear his uncertainty about New York in his voice. He wants Lynn to succeed, but he’s now reluctant after losing Brooke.
I sigh and look out over the city as the Eiffel Tower’s lights dance in the night sky. Turning, I catch sight of the moon and stars. Suddenly, I feel like Brooke is smiling down on me. I feel her presence as if she were here.
“I’ve got this, Pook. I hear you,” I murmur.
My mind goes to my end goal. I could finish my senior year in New York. If Cakes has to be there for her music, I can be there with her to protect her. Then, her father wouldn’t have to worry.
With my thoughts still heavy, I go back into the room to check on Lynn and kiss her good night one more time. I find her now on her back, sprawled across the bed. She must have woken up to place her scarf on her head and changed into her tank top and shorts.