Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 87091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
Crystal’s team were so well trained, and the timing so carefully orchestrated, that with only a nod from her, the enormous buttercream cake, its twinkling candles protected from the sea breeze with a special glass screen, was carried out.
Margot blew out the candles to more applause and the staff cut the cake while Damien sang his final song. He’d been asked to end with “Colors of Love,” his current hit and the song he’d written for Arch and Tessa’s wedding. Crystal scanned the crowd and caught a glimpse of them, standing together in a quiet spot. As the familiar song began, Arch pulled his new wife into his arms and kissed her.
Crystal felt the breath catch in her throat. It was such a beautiful sight to see two people so in love. Crystal knew it hadn’t been easy for Tessa to go from a caregiver looking after a movie star with a broken leg, to the wife of that movie star. And then her own career had taken off and she was becoming a famous painter in her own right. Talk about being thrown into the limelight. And yet Tessa seemed to be taking it all in stride. She was quiet, humble, and focused. And so in love with her husband that Crystal could feel the warmth of it on the other side of the lawn.
The final chords of the song faded into the night. There was a split second of absolute silence as the audience stood in wonder, and then it was quickly replaced by thunderous applause. Crystal watched in awe as the crowd surged, clapped, and cheered, their faces alight with adoration.
Damien took a bow, his smile genuine. But Crystal knew him well enough to see that it was tinged with relief. He had been nervous. The famous Damien Davenport was still the sweet and slightly shy musician she’d known since they were teenagers.
Chapter Two
Damien carefully set his guitar in the stand and then descended the steps. As he walked, his hair was tossed by the breeze. He went first to Margot, giving her a kiss on the cheek and accepting a slice of the delicious-looking birthday cake.
Margot was obviously delighted with him and they chatted for a few minutes. Then she watched as Damien was absorbed into the rest of the party, accepting handshakes and no doubt streams of praise for his performance, embracing the guests he knew with big bear hugs––the kind his father, Howie Davenport, was famous for.
Everything was going so smoothly, the waiters circling with more canapés and slices of birthday cake, that Crystal allowed herself to enjoy the party a little. Another, less famous, band took their place up on the stage and, looking around at the happy faces, she knew she’d helped create another successful and fun event. She wasn’t going to fool herself—getting Damien to play had been the cherry on top of a particularly rich and expensive birthday cake.
While she was musing on whether or not to accept a piece of cake, Damien reached her side and silently handed her his own. She smiled, discreetly taking the china plate from him. He liked to eat clean. He also avoided alcohol and drugs, having seen too many rock stars derailed by excess. He’d cut into the cake with his fork, probably so it would look like he was eating it.
Taking a bite, she said, “You have no idea what you’re missing.”
“A lot of refined sugar and white flour.”
She raised her eyebrows and gave him a teasing look. “Don’t worry, I’m sure we could find some raw carrots in the kitchen for you.”
He snorted with laughter, accepting the ginger drink a waiter presented to him on a silver tray. She’d told the waitstaff to keep an eye on Damien and make sure he was supplied with his favorite soda, poured into a fancy crystal glass, of course, and topped up with ice.
He raised his glass to Crystal. “You really do think of everything. This is another great event. Congratulations.”
She fought the blush that threatened to color her cheeks. “You were what made this so successful. And you were— That was—” She paused, trying to find the right words. “It was incredible,” Crystal half-whispered, her chest tight with a confusing mix of emotions. Pride, certainly; she’d always known Damien had this in him, before the rest of the world even knew his name. But there was something else there too, a warmth that spread through her body when their eyes met. His gaze searched hers and she wondered for a moment if he could be feeling it too—that special warmth reserved only for him.
The moment broke when a fan came to ask for Damien’s autograph and a selfie. With an apologetic look, Damien allowed himself to be dragged away. Crystal forced a bright smile. She knew this was part of his lifestyle, that he was never truly not working when he was out in the world. He had to give his fans what they wanted. To be gracious and generous, at any given moment. She was surprised by how easily it seemed to come to him. No, that wasn’t true—she wasn’t surprised. Damien was just a good person through and through. She was impressed, not surprised.