Library

8. Eight

Eight

Kendrick

“Is it always this busy?” Cassidy asks, her face practically pressed to the glass.

“Always,” Cass says, smiling at her. “It’s New York City. There’s always something happening.”

The car weaves through the thickening traffic, and we drive in silence, all of us lost in our own thoughts. For me, it’s the tension of the past. I’m unsure about bringing Cassidy into this world of excess and manipulation. For Cass, it’s probably being able to share this world—and continue to spend time with his daughter. And for Cassidy—well, she’s got the thrill of the city and finding out her favorite singer is also her newfound father. I can only imagine what this must feel like for her; the world suddenly expanded, filled with new experiences and all kinds of possibilities.

Finally, the SUV pulls up to the private entrance of our hotel. Cass’s manager checks the area, signaling us to get out. “Alright, go straight in. I’ll get you all settled upstairs.”

We step out, and I glance at Cass, a flicker of uncertainty tightening in my chest. This world of polished luxury and endless excess feels foreign, almost alien. And while a part of me hates that I feel so cautious, another part feels drawn to him, to the way Cass navigates this life with such ease. There’s so much between us—so much I can’t say.

As we step into the elevator, Cassidy stands between us, looking back and forth with a grin. “This is… wow, just wow. I didn’t think my first time in New York City would be like this.”

I give her a smile, smoothing a stray strand of her hair as she glances at me. “It’s a special trip, Cassidy. And I’m sure your dad will be arranging some time for you to experience what it offers.”

I can tell my words make an impression on Cass because he meets my gaze with a hint of gratitude and approval glimmering in his eyes. There’s so much history between us. But for now, I let the elevator doors slide shut, taking us up to the unknown.

The doors open, and we step directly into the penthouse. I feel an overwhelming blend of awe and discomfort. The room’s floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the iconic New York City skyline. It’s breathtaking, but this world could pull Cassidy in far too easily, with its glittering surface hiding the cold, unyielding reality beneath. I’ve seen what it can do to people–what it did to me. I don’t want that for her.

My daughter, on the other hand, is practically floating. Cassidy’s eyes sparkle as she darts from one end of the suite to the other, her fingertips brushing the velvet upholstery and lingering on the cool, polished surface of the grand piano near the windows. There’s also a glossy bar that’s stocked with more bottles than I care to count. She looks back at me, her face lit with excitement, and I force a smile. She deserves a moment of wonder, even if my heart aches watching her so captivated by this decadent life.

Derrick walks in behind us, his footsteps silent on the thick carpet. “Top-floor penthouse. Only the best for our superstar,” he says, his tone harsh as he waves a hand at the opulent room. “Cass said you’ll be staying through the weekend.” His eyes narrow as they settle on me, and I feel the judgment in his gaze. He’s assessing me, trying to determine my intentions and my weaknesses.

“Is this… really all for us?” Cassidy asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

Cass smiles, glancing down at her with pride. “Of course, Cassidy. Only the best.” He glances at me, almost as if he’s hoping I’ll join in on their excitement, but all I feel is a sense of unease.

Derrick clears his throat, the sound sharp and deliberate, and when I look over, he’s holding a mid-sized envelope, an official-looking paper sticking out the top.

“Before you get too comfortable, there’s just one thing we need to handle.” He nods toward Cass and Cassidy, his sneer barely hidden, his eyes cold. “I thought it would be best to get this out of the way. It’s a paternity test, just so there’s no question.”

Cassidy looks up at Cass, confused. “What’s that?”

Cass kneels, his voice gentle as he looks at her. “It’s just a little test, Cassidy. It’s to show everyone that you’re my daughter. Nothing more.”

Cassidy nods, still slightly confused but trusting him. She glances up at me, and I swallow, giving her a reassuring nod. Derrick watches the exchange, a frown settling on his face as he hands the envelope to Cass.

“It’s simple,” Derrick says, his voice curt. “Just a quick swab from both of you to confirm everything. I don’t want there to be any misunderstandings here, Cass.”

I see Cass stiffen slightly, but he keeps his gaze steady. “There won’t be any, Derrick. Cassidy’s my daughter, and I don’t need a test to tell me that.”

The tension in the room feels thick, pressing down on us as Cass and Derrick exchange a silent standoff. Oblivious to the subtext, Cassidy watches them both with wide eyes, her excitement dimming slightly. I feel a surge of protectiveness rise up, wanting to shield her from this strange new world where everything—people, intentions, and even a child’s parentage—can be questioned and dissected.

I force a smile, not wanting Cassidy to sense my fears. My head tells me that a paternity test is logical, but my heart feels bruised that there’s even a hint of doubt.

After they finish the test, Cassidy walks toward the balcony, Cass following her. Soon, their lowered voices float back into the room through the open sliding doors. My heart clenches at the sight of them together, so naturally connected, but a nagging worry lodges itself in my mind. I know from experience that fame has a way of blinding people.

Derrick watches, his calculating gaze flitting between Cass and Cassidy, his lips tightening slightly as if the sight of her disrupts his carefully curated plans while coldly ignoring me. Finally, he speaks up, “Cass, you have soundcheck in half an hour. Better head down soon. Also, Pixie is in town, she asked about a party–”

Cass walks back into the room, cutting him off. “No, Derrick, please tell her I’m unavailable.” He looks down at Cassidy by his side with a quick grin. “You ready to see how it all works backstage?”

Cassidy’s face lights up with excitement, and I have to remind myself that I wanted her to have this experience, that she deserves to know her father and be part of his life. But watching them walk away together, the gulf between my life and his feels impossibly wide. I stand there alone in the suite, wondering if I’m already losing her to her father and this lifestyle.

I take a deep breath, trying to push away my unease as I trail behind them.

When we arrive at the venue, we follow Cass to where his band is waiting. The stage setup is a whirlwind of activity, with lights being tested, speakers humming, and roadies hauling equipment. Sam, our old friend, greets us with a wide grin, his face lighting up when he sees us with Cass.

“Kendrick!” he says, his tone warm. “Feels like the old days, doesn’t it?”

I smile, a bit unsure. “Yeah, a little. It’s been—a long time.”

Cassidy bounces on her heels, barely able to contain her excitement. She looks around, taking in everything—the equipment, the instruments, the endless rows of empty seats waiting to be filled. Sam grins down at her, then shoots Cass a knowing look, one that makes my stomach twist. He’s seen us from the beginning, back when everything was different, back when it felt like we could conquer the world together–when Cass and I were in love.

Cass glances my way, curiosity flickering in his expression. “What do you think, Kendrick? It’s a little different from before, isn’t it?”

I nod, forcing a smile. “A lot different.”

The hours pass in a blur, Cassidy’s excitement never dimming as she watches every part of the setup. Finally, the time arrives for Cass to perform, and we’re led to a private area backstage where we can watch without being seen by the crowd. I try to focus on how much Cassidy is enjoying herself, but my eyes are glued to her father—Cass commands the stage with a presence I had almost forgotten—raw, compelling, impossible to look away from. The crowd roars as his voice wraps around the audience, pulling them in. Each woman in the crowd is convinced he’s singing just to her. I can practically feel the magnetic connection as he flashes his white smile, throwing back his head.

His unique voice continues to flood the arena, each note resonating with power and confidence that’s both thrilling and heartbreaking. I remember the first time I heard him sing, how I’d been immediately drawn to his energy, his passion. And now, standing here with Cassidy by my side, it’s like those memories are flooding back, raw and bittersweet. I can feel her admiration for him growing, her pride in who he is, and I know that there’s no going back from this.

When the concert ends, Cassidy claps wildly, her cheeks flushed. She turns to me, beaming. “Did you see, Mom? Isn’t he amazing?”

I nod, swallowing hard. “Yeah, honey. He really is.”

Cass joins us backstage, looking exhilarated but exhausted. He glances at me, his eyes searching mine, and for a moment, it’s just the two of us in the chaos of the post-show crowd. There’s a question in his gaze, one I’m not ready to answer, but the intensity between us is undeniable.

Cassidy tugs on his arm, her voice eager. “Can we come back again? Can I see another show?”

Cass looks at me, his face questioning as he reaches for my hand. “What do you say, Kendrick? Think Cassidy, and you can handle a little more of this?”

I force a smile, but my heart feels heavy. “We’ll see.”

He nods, understanding the hesitation in my voice, but his look never wavers.

Derrick hurries over. “You nailed it again, Cass. The crowd loved it.” Then, his smile fades into a warning frown, and he lowers his voice. “I’ve got a car waiting for you outside. Why don’t we get all of you back to the hotel.” He’s clearly nervous about Cass being seen with us.

Once we’re securely in the suite, I watch Cass with Cassidy, the two of them grinning as they share stories of the concert, their link strengthening with each moment. I try to be happy for them and let go of my worries, but it’s difficult. All that glitters is not gold. Underneath the surface of this world lies hidden dangers I know only too well. It’s a world I felt forced to walk away from.

Cass glances over at me, his face thoughtful. “Kendrick, can we talk?”

I nod, following him out onto the balcony, the cool night air filling the space between us. He leans against the railing, his gaze distant as he looks out at the city lights.

“I know you’re worried,” he says quietly. “About Cassidy, about all of this. But I want you to know I’m not trying to take her from you. I just want to be part of her life.”

I close my eyes, the impact of his words settling over me. “I know, Cass. It’s just that this isn’t the life I wanted for her. I don’t want her to grow up in an environment where everything is… conditional.”

Cass turns to me, his eyes filled with a quiet intensity. “Life doesn’t have to be like that for her. She’s got you. And now she has me. We can make sure she’s protected.”

I want to believe him, to trust that we can somehow balance this world and the one I built for her. But the fear is too real, and the memories of what fame and money can destroy are too fresh.

Cass steps closer, his gaze gentle as he reaches out, his hand brushing softly against my cheek. “I’ve missed you, Kendrick. More than I realized.”

My breath catches the unspoken longing between us, stirring to life. But I pull back, my heart pounding as I shake my head. “Cass… this isn’t about us. It’s about Cassidy. She deserves stability.”

He nods, but his eyes never leave mine. “I understand. But that doesn’t mean we should pretend the feelings we once had are completely gone.”

The words hang in the air, heavy and oh-so-tempting, but I can’t bring myself to answer him. Instead, I turn back toward the room, and I leave Cass standing on the balcony. The quiet night stretches between us like the years we’ve lost, and both of us wonder if there’s a way to close the distance.

Comments

0 Comments
Best Newest

Contents
Settings
  • T
  • T
  • T
  • T
Font

Welcome to FullEpub

Create or log into your account to access terrific novels and protect your data

Don’t Have an account?
Click above to create an account.

lf you continue, you are agreeing to the
Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy.