This was becoming a familiar scene, unfortunately.
“Because it’s two days before the wedding, Mom! I have a ton of things that I still have to do!” She paused and listened before letting out a very loud sigh. “You and Dad need to rent a car because I’m leaving for my honeymoon right after the reception. How do you plan on getting around after that?” Another pause. “I really don’t think you need to ride with us to the airport.” She stopped pacing. “Because we’re not leaving from the same one!” she cried.
That’s when he knew he needed to step in.
Walking over, he simply took the phone from her hands and ignored her wide-eyed stare. “Hey, Beverly, it’s Austin. We’re late for an appointment with the photographer. We’ll see you tomorrow night at dinner, okay? Bye!” And then he hung up and turned off her phone.
“I…you…” She shook her head. “I can’t believe you just did that!”
He gave her a quick kiss before walking to the kitchen to get himself something to drink. “How long had you been arguing with her?” And he didn’t even have to look over his shoulder to know she was shrugging because she didn’t want to answer. He’d watched this happen far too many times before, and it didn’t matter that they were her parents; it didn’t give them the right to continually make demands of her. “What time are we meeting Jill and Dex for dinner?”
“They are coming here and bringing dinner with them,” she said as she walked over and wrapped her arms around his waist to hug him.
“Wait…why? I thought we had reservations?”
“We did, but their flight was delayed, and they literally just got into town an hour ago and checked in at the B&B and asked if we’d mind a more low-key night. Oh, and they’re bringing Simon with them.”
Pulling back, he stared down at her. “The wedding singer?”
Nodding, she confirmed it. “Yes, the soon-to-be pop sensation. He’s only our wedding singer as a favor to Dex.”
“And he’s a fan of your books,” he reminded her.
“True.”
“Still seems weird.” Taking her by the hand, he led her over to the sofa. “So, what time will they be here?”
As if on cue, the doorbell rang.
“Um…now?” Mia said with a slight cringe. “I really meant to call you and let you know, but then my mom called, and…well…you know how that went.” She stood with her hand still in his. “Please don’t be upset. If you want to go wash up or change…”
Actually, he wanted to do both.
With a nod, he stood. “Yeah, I’ll be out in a few minutes.” Then Mia went off to answer the door while he went to their bedroom. He quickly stripped off his shirt, washed his hands, and splashed a little cold water on his face. It didn’t bother him that their plans had changed. It was nice knowing they could just hang out and relax and be a little more casual.
That’s why he kicked off his shoes and embraced being able to walk around tonight in his socks.
Pulling one of his favorite cable knit sweaters out, he slipped it on before checking his reflection. But, hell, it was his house and did it really matter what he looked like?
“Yes, because these are Mia’s friends and colleagues,” he quietly reminded himself before heading out to join them.
He saw Mia setting up food containers at the table and walked over to say hello to their guests.
“There he is!” Jillian said with a smile before she hugged him. “I hear you were a knight in shining armor again.”
Austin couldn’t help but laugh. “The phone conversation?”
She nodded. “Mia was just telling us about it. I only wish I could have been a fly on the wall to see the look on Beverly’s face when you hung up!”
“You’ve got a gift,” Dex said as he shook Austin’s hand. He was older than all of them, with a wild mane of salt and pepper hair and the look of an aging rock star. He’d been in the business for a long time and it showed, but he was one of the most down-to-earth people Austin had ever met.
Shrugging, he laughed. “I’m not so sure most people would agree, but I’m not going to stand back and let them harass Mia.”
“They weren’t exactly harassing…” she offered meekly.
“Stop making excuses,” Jill told her as she walked over and hugged her. “I hope no one minds that we changed plans. Susannah–she’s your aunt, isn’t she, Austin?–recommended the Chinese restaurant for takeout. We were all a little more in the mood for fresh seafood, but the thought of being able to wear stretchy pants and kick off my shoes won out.”
“And that makes you my knight in shining armor,” Austin teased. “This is definitely my preferred way to hang out after working all day.” Turning, he saw a young kid standing in the corner of the kitchen. He took a step closer and smiled. “Hey, you must be Simon. I’m Austin.” He held out his hand and Simon shook it. That’s when he realized he wasn’t really a kid. Early twenties and scruffy enough that he wasn’t too pretty, but he could see why Dex thought he was going to make it big in the music business.
“Hey,” Simon replied quietly. “It’s good to meet you. Thank you for inviting me to your home.”
And he had manners.
“Make yourself comfortable,” Austin told him. “Can I get you something to drink? Beer? Wine? Soda?”
“Just water. Please.”
Okay, really good manners.
Everyone was talking, and by the time they were all sitting around the table and serving up food, several topics were being discussed–the wedding, the town, the B&B, and Simon’s choice of music for the reception.
“Considering it’s a luncheon,” Mia said, “I don’t think we need a big, loud playlist. I don’t know if you have any original stuff you want to sing or if you just want to do covers…”
“We have backup music recorded for the songs I’ve chosen for Simon,” Dex explained.
“Oh, so…how is this going to work?” Mia asked, and Austin could tell she was trying not to look overly concerned. “He’ll just be alone on the stage with the music coming from some hidden speakers or something?”
“Dex, stop,” Jill chided, smacking his arm playfully. She grinned at Mia. “We have a few studio musicians who will be backing Simon up. We do have a list for you to look at and approve, though. The band is already down at the hotel in Wilmington. Simon will join them tomorrow to rehearse so they’ll be good to go for Sunday.”
Dex grinned. “It’s going to be a good test for all of them. We’re hoping this is going to be the lineup to go on the road with Simon once he starts touring.”
Austin noted how the kid simply nodded as he stared down at his plate and had to wonder if this was actually something he wanted to do or if other people were making decisions for him.
“Glad we can be the guinea pigs,” Austin teased, hoping to lighten the mood.
“Oh, it’s not like that,” Jill said. “Simon has been working with this particular group for the last month and they work well together. It’s just a matter of which songs you’d like. I can get the list out if you’d like.”