Page 43 of The Perfect Melody

My shoulders slump in acceptance. “Thanks for the advice.”

“Have I ever steered you wrong?”

“August 2023,” I automatically remind him.

He’s still cackling when I hang up.Dick.

Chapter Eighteen

Austin

I wake longbefore my alarm sounds, which is completely out of habit for me. Thanks to years of shift work, my sleep schedule is all over the place, and I always need an alarm to wake me up. Not today. No, after spending most of last night staring at the ceiling, I’ve been awake long enough to watch the strip of daylight visible beneath my navy blackout curtains change from the soft glow of dawn to the strong gold of day.

Accepting I’ll need to get through the day fuelled by caffeine and stubbornness rather than any actual rest, I throw back the covers and get dressed. When I open my curtains, the only signs of last night’s storm are the puddles dotted across the ground. Today’s all blue skies and fluffy white clouds. It’s a good job I got the replacement heater and tables set up outside in time for the party at the bar tonight.

I’m meeting Mum for breakfast soon. She insisted on celebrating the official grand reopening of Bowman’s together before the main event tonight—something about wanting to make sure I don’t spend the whole day stressing. I dress in jeans and a plain forest-green v-neck before padding downstairs.

Once again, my mind fills with thoughts of Cassie while I pour the last of my milk into my mug of coffee—I’ll have to stopat the shop before work. I’d be lying if I said thoughts of the tiny brunette weren’t the reason I was awake half the night. Between worrying about tonight’s big party and wondering how the hell I keep finding myself having these… moments with Cassie, it’s no surprise I’m already craving my second cup of dark roast.

Beans & Bakes is a hive of activity when I arrive, but I’m able to snag a table right after two women vacate it. Mum joins me only a couple of minutes after I’ve sat down.

“It’s busy today,” she comments, taking off her lightweight jacket and hanging it over the back of her wooden chair.

“Mmm,” I agree, nodding. “Hopefully we’ll be just as busy tonight.”

She reaches across the table to squeeze my hand. “We will be. You’ve done an excellent job.” Mum picks up a menu as if she’s not been here enough to know it by heart. “I never would have thought to create a stage area for live music, but you had a vision for Bowman’s, and you’ve made it a reality.” Her expression turns wistful. “I wish your grandparents were here to see this. They’d be so impressed.”

My throat tightens with emotion. While we’re in a much better place, her inability to let go of the past and how her parents used to do things was a constant source of conflict between us until I finally took over. For Mum to say that my grandparents would approve of the bar’s transformation… It’s not something I ever thought I’d hear. “I’m glad you think so.”

“Iknowso,” she assures me. Her expression morphs into that soft but stern look I think every mother has a version of. “I also know your mind’s already running through everything you need to do to make sure tonight goes smoothly, but it’s important you make time to enjoy this moment.” She flips open the small menu with a cheery grin. “I might get the waffles with fruit and syrup. What do you think?”

“If that’s what you want.” It’s a far cry from her usual poached eggs on toast, and I’m not sure what’s inspired the change. My mother is a creature of habit.

Noting my surprise, she chuckles. “It’s a special occasion. What do you want? It’s on me.” I open my mouth to object, but she holds up a hand to silence me. “Don’t argue. Today is your day. I’m going to treat my son.” Her tone leaves no room for argument.

“Thanks. Waffles sound good.”

Chapter Nineteen

Cassie

After the crowd last night,I knew the reopening of Bowman’s would be busy, but I never imagined the bar would end upthispacked. It feels like everyone in Pine Grove has come out to support Austin and his mum. Like the rest of the floor and bar staff, I arrived at four-thirty and, from the moment the doors opened at five, there’s been a steady stream of customers.

There were a few families here for dinner, but the bar became adults-only at nine, and now the party atmosphere is really kicking in. The music’s turned up a little louder, the lights lowered to create a more intimate atmosphere, and the drinks are flowing.

Taking advantage of a momentary lull while all my tables are currently taken care of, I nip through the staff-only door for a quick pee break. I’m on my way back down the corridor when I hear a muffled curse coming from the office.

Edging closer, I peer through the gap where the door hasn’t swung fully closed.

“Fuck, fuck, fuckingshit.” Austin’s staring at the phone is his hand, roughly running the other through his copper waves in distress.

I lightly tap my knuckles on the door, feeling bad when the sound makes him jump. “Are you alright?”

“What are you doing back here? You have tables to look after.”

Ah, there’s the Austin I know. Suddenly I’m less concerned about catching feelings for him. “If you must know, I had to pee. I was on my way back out there when I heard you cursing up a storm and thought I should check on you. My mistake.” I turn to leave.

“Wait. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bite your head off.”