Page 48 of Sticks and Stones
“I think I’m ready to shift gears, maybe slow down a little.”
“I’m listening.”
“I’ve been working on some new stuff. Country, I guess you could say.”
Reg rolled his eyes. “You know I’ve never been big on following trends. How many rockers have thrown their hat into that ring in the past few years? The odd time it works, but more often than not they just end up embarrassing themselves.”
“So what?” Gunnar shrugged. “No risk, no reward, right?” He really had nothing to lose. He didn’t need the money and wasn’t so crazy about travelling anymore. If his debut album didn’t do well, the label wouldn’t support it. And he’d have another difficult decision to make, but at least he’d be able to say he tried.
“You’re really willing to risk everything for a shot at—”
“A new life?” He nodded. “Yeah, I really am. ’Cause this life isn’t working for me anymore, Reg. Gi’s found a place that makes her happy and I think the girls would be happy there too, in time. If they’re there, that’s where I want to be. It really is as simple as that.”
“Will you still feel the same way if Gianna doesn’t want you back?”
He hated to think about that possibility, but he knew he had to. “Yeah, I will. My daughters will still be there. I won’t have many years left with them before they leave for college and I want to make the most of them, spend as much time with them as I can.”
“I guess I can understand that.”
“So, I have a meeting lined up with the record label later today.”
“You want me to go with you?”
“Thanks,” he said, standing to offer his hand. “But I think I need to handle this by myself.”
“Anything you need, you just call, okay?”
Having Reg’s support meant more to Gunnar than he could express, so he simply muttered, “Thanks, I will.”
***
Gianna had mixed feelings about her mother’s visit. She missed her and looked forward to spending time with her, but since Ramsey confessed she’d spilled the beans about Gunnar’s visit to her grandmother, Gianna knew she’d be bombarded with questions.
Standing in the midst of a small crowd at the airport, Gianna waved to her mother, who pulled a small carry-on bag behind her. Since she was only staying for a few days, she hadn’t checked a bag, which meant after a brief hug, they were on their way back to the car.
“It’s so good to see you,” her mother said, squeezing her shoulder. “You look wonderful.”
“Thanks, Mom. You do too.” They’d always been close, but her strong opinions about Gunnar had always been a bone of contention between them.
“Your father said he thinks we’ll still come out for the girls’ birthday if that’s okay?”
Ramsey and Keegan’s birthdays were only five days apart and they usually celebrated them together with family and friends. “Sure.” She reached for her mother’s bag and hoisted it into the trunk of her SUV. “But just so you know, Gunnar will probably be here too. He’s trying to be more involved—”
“About time,” she muttered. When Gianna shot her a warning look, she sighed. “I’m sorry, but what do you want me to say? He’s never been there for them or you—”
“That’s not fair. He has a demanding career and a lot of responsibilities. He did the best he could.”
She pursed her lips and gripped Gianna’s shoulders. “I was afraid of this when I heard you two were spending time together. You’re not thinking about going back to him, are you?”
“I’m not getting into this with you, Mother. I know how you feel about Gunnar, and if I tell you I’m having second thoughts about leaving him, you’ll just list all the reasons I shouldn’t get back together with him. And I don’t need to hear that right now.”
She was already confused enough without the people who loved her chiming in with their opinions and confusing her more.
Once they were in the car, her mother reached for her hand. “You know I love you and only want what’s best for you, right?”
Gianna stared straight ahead as she heard the emotion welling up in her mother’s voice. “Of course.”
“I’ve always wanted you to find a man who loves you and puts you first.” She squeezed Gianna’s hand tighter when she didn’t respond. “Who isn’t afraid to shout from the rooftops how much he loves you.”
