“I don’t like what he’s wearing.”
My eyes go from her to Harrison and back to her. She’s dressed in her usual wear: gym shorts, a football shirt and tennis shoes.
“You don’t like what your dad is wearing?”
Peyton looks up at me with her baby blue eyes. Her long brown hair is in a messy pony tail, which I’m sure she did herself because she refuses to let Katelyn touch her hair.
“Noah. I don’t like that he looks like that. Football players aren’t supposed to dress funky.”
I can only nod and keep my comments to myself. I’ve suspected a crush was developing, but thought it would pass. The five-year age difference, while it’s an issue now, won’t always be. Not that I expect them to end up together.
“I don’t know why Noah is dressed like his dad tonight, maybe they got dressed together?” I’m grasping at straws here and she knows it. Since she and Harrison found a common bond, we’ve all been able to relax a little. Losing Mason, while extremely hard on all of us, shattered her world. For the longest time it was like we were walking on eggshells. That is, of course, unless your name is Liam or Noah. They can do no wrong when it comes to Peyton.
As soon as Noah pulls out his guitar, my heart starts to beat a little faster. Liam is encouraging Noah to do anything he wants, and when he asked to learn how to play, Liam happily taught him. Occasionally, I hear Noah practicing in his room, but he’s never played for me.
“I think we should get a seat.” I tug on Peyton’s hand and even though she sighs loudly, she follows. Katelyn, Elle, Jenna and Eden have seats saved for us. Eden is yelling for Jimmy and getting angry that he’s not coming for her. She has him wrapped around her finger. If ever there were a family that needed each other, it’s them. Jimmy needed Jenna to change his ways, and she needed him to find herself again. Eden was just the icing on their proverbial cake. She makes them both better people.
“We want to thank everyone for coming tonight. I know there’s a bunch of you still outside and if you can hear me, please listen to Sarah at the door when she tells you to wait.”
Liam pulls a stool closer to his mic stand and winks at me. “So, tonight, 4225 West is heading back to LA.”
The collective groan from the patrons reverberates through me. I can relate.
“In our careers, we all start somewhere and the place where we started is going under. We’re going to try and save it. We don’t know if we’ll be successful, but we owe it to the owner to help her. So tonight, we’re going to give you a little show before we have to catch the red-eye. But up first is my son who has something special to say.”
My heart soars with pride as Noah steps up to the microphone. He clears his throat, looks at Liam who nods, and then looks at the audience.
“My dad helped me learn this song for my mom.”
Katelyn squeezes my leg as once again, my mouth falls open. Noah and Liam sit down on their respective stools, both holding guitars. Noah strums the first chord, followed by Liam, who can’t take his eyes off our son. A look of pride and encouragement is in the smile Liam holds as he watches Noah move his fingers up and down the fret board.
I know the song in an instant as the lyrics come pouring out of Liam’s mouth. His eyes are focused on me as he sings. She’s Like the Wind is one of my favorites and I used to make Noah dance to it with me over and over again. It has always reminded me of Liam and to hear him sing the words now brings tears to my eyes.
I don’t know who to watch: Liam or Noah. My watery eyes are moving back and forth between the two loves of my life as they play this song for me. Harrison and Jimmy have chimed in and are playing the melody behind my guys, with Harrison even singing backup. The group effort isn’t lost on me, even though I’m focused on the Westbury men.
Before I know it, the song is over and I’m bum rushing the stage, pulling both of them into my arms. Noah’s arms are wrapped around my waist as I cry into Liam’s shirt. So much for him looking dapper tonight, now he looks like a snot rag. Maybe that will deter any women from speaking to him on the plane...
“I don’t know what to say. Is this why you wouldn’t play in front of me?” I ask Noah.
He looks up, still holding on to my waist. “Yes. Dad tried to get me to sing, but that’s his thing.”
“It was beautiful, thank you so much.” I let my fingers comb through his hair, which is just slightly longer than Liam’s right now. He looks more like his dad with each passing day. I know deep in my heart if Liam hadn’t come back when he did, I’d be looking for him.
When I glance at Liam, he’s beaming with joy at Noah and his accomplishment.
“Thank you for this. I really needed it.”
“Anything for the woman we love,” Liam says, kissing me chastely on the lips.
The crowd behind us erupts in a cheer, much to my embarrassment. Noah takes my hand and leads me off stage so the guys can put on the show they promised their fans. Peyton slides one seat over to the left, instead of moving closer to her mom. She wants to sit by Noah who is all too eager to start talking to her. I know there’s going to come a time when he won’t have anything to do with her and that’s going to be hard on Peyton. Not sure how Katelyn will prepare her for that day. I just pray it doesn’t happen anytime soon.
The motorcycle speeds by, dangerously close to the limousine. Sam is yelling at the driver to step on it while the driver is cussing at her in some language I’ve never heard before. We’re a wreck waiting to happen.
“The windows are tinted and we’re over an hour early for our flight. What’s the rush, Sam?” Harrison asks, as he pulls the strap on his seatbelt. His gesture reminds me to put mine on, and I kick JD in the shoe and motion for him to buckle up as well. I can feel Sam glaring at me, but I don’t care. I’m not a free spirit like her.
“It’s the rush, Harrison. You’re rockers. Live on the edge, be free, and take a fucking risk every now again.”
“I have a son, which means he needs me.” Harrison pushes the button that drops the window between us and the driver. “Slow down my friend. We’re in no hurry. Don’t listen to the crazy bitch.”