Page 62 of Two Hit Wonder

Iona opened her mouth to deflect. To make a joke, change the subject, do the thing she always did when conversations got too close to things she wasn't ready to say. But Shepherd was looking at her with the patience of a man who had all night, and she was tired of pretending.

She sighed. "I have feelings for her," she said. "Maeve."

"I know."

"You know?"

"Iona, I've known since the first time I saw you two in a room together." He smiled, not bitter at all. "I always knew I was the booby prize."

"Don't say that."

"Why not? It's true." He shrugged. "I got a brilliant friend and a brilliant daughter out of the deal. That's not a bad return on investment."

Something loosened in Iona's chest. "You really don't mind?"

"Mind that you're falling for the terrifying Irish singer who once made a record executive cry? Why would I mind that? I mean, as long as it’s what you really want." He grinned. "Can I give you some advice? As a friend?"

"If I said no, would you give it anyway?"

"Absolutely."

"Then go ahead."

"Be careful with her." He leaned forward. "Maeve is fragile. She always has been, even when she was pretending otherwise. Don't rush her. Don't push her. Let her come to you."

Iona nodded. She knew he was right.

"And what about advice as my agent?"

"As your agent?" Shepherd's grin came back. "Do whatever it takes to make that woman happy. When Maeve is on form, she's magic. A magic lead singer is worth any amount of personal drama."

Iona laughed. "You're a terrible person."

"I'm a practical person. There's a difference." He raised his glass. "To complicated feelings and excellent music."

She clinked her glass against his.

✽✽✽

A rehearsal was supposed to be about the music. Focus on the music. Don't think about Iona. Don't think about the kiss at the cafe, or the fact that she'd agreed to try something she was absolutely certain she would ruin.

She was thinking about all of it. Terrified and panicking and turned on.

But there was something else, too. Something that was almost calm. If anyone could guide her through this, it was Iona. Iona, who had known her for too many years to count. It wasn't like starting out with someone new, someone she'd have to explain herself to. Iona already knew who she was.

That was either petrifying or comforting. Maeve hadn't decided which yet. After all, perhaps there was something wrong with Iona for still wanting to be with her when she was so obviously… herself.

Ellie was working through a bass line, Cam was actually keeping time for once, and Iona was bent over her guitar, adjusting something with a frown of concentration. Maeve's eyes kept drifting to her. The curve of her neck. The way her hair fell forward. It was ridiculous. She was a grown woman, not a teenager with a crush. Ellie stretched, rolling her wrist. Cam twirled a drumstick and nearly dropped it.

"We’re not bad now," Maeve said because she needed to say something.

"High praise from Her Majesty," Cam replied. "Should we get that in writing?"

Iona looked up, and their eyes met. Something sparked.

Maeve looked away quickly. Not quickly enough, because Cam started humming. It took Maeve a moment to recognize the tune. When she did, she wanted to strangle her. "Love Is in the Air" was not a subtle choice.

"Stop it," Maeve said. Cam kept humming, switching to "Can't Help Falling in Love" with a beatific expression. "I will come over there and shove those drumsticks somewhere extremely uncomfortable."