Angel shook his head. “Not sure, to be honest. This is our first run at Time Rock too. But we could just jam here instead — got the whole place to ourselves. Would that suit better?”
The Opals nodded, looking at each other to group-confirm the plan.
“I like it. I’ll have someone bring our instruments over.” Then Zamarron cocked an eyebrow and grinned. “Now, any chance us weary travelers could get some coffee while we wait for those instruments to arrive?”
He looks so familiar, Nell thought again — and it clicked. He was dark where Eamonn was fair, but the eyebrows were identical. Flipping hell.
Fortunately, Eamonn had already moved to lead the way to the coffee station in the reception area, and Zamarron’s arm was around his shoulder, the other men following. But Nell’s eyes met Mandy’s, and the older woman froze for a fraction of a moment before slowly approaching. She must know. And she saw that I… saw it. But Eamonn?
“So nice to see you again, honey,” Mandy said, and quite unexpectedly wrapped Nell in a hug.
After everyone had been supplied with their beverage of choice and the Bad Luck Opals’ instruments had arrived, the two bands sequestered themselves in a conference room next to the dining room to figure out their set lists and practice together.
Mandy Yarrow unwound her giant feather boa to expose a sequined vest and tailored white satin capris. “Is there somewhere I can put this? Feathers are fun for making an entrance, but a bit inconvenient after that.”
“Come up and put it in our room,” Nell offered. So Mandy followed her up the stairs and into room 20 to deposit her armful of magenta feathers on top of the dresser.
“You saw it,” Mandy said, after a bit of awkward silence.
“I saw what?” Nell asked, curious to see if Mandy would spell things out.
“The resemblance — the eyebrows, mostly, but there are other things. Earlobes, jawline. Gossips have always looked at blond and blue-eyed rockers to guess about Easy’s father, but he got his coloring from me.”
“Eamonn doesn’t know?”
“Oh, honey, even Zam and I don’t know for sure, never wanted to poke around with DNA tests and such. It’s better left alone.”
Nell felt cold. “Why?” she asked.
Mandy shrugged. “I chose to keep my baby, and he’s mine. End of story.”
“Okay, that’s fair. But… you can see it, I saw it. With them performing together this weekend, someone else is going to notice, and then what?” If it explodes all over the tabloids, will he be happy to finally know? Will he be hurt or angry that no one told him before?
“I’ll talk to Zam, I guess,” Mandy said, closing her eyes as though the thought was painful. But why would it be, if she was close enough to her old lover to call him to the rescue? Presumably, she was staying at his hotel, maybe even in his room. And the Opals’ front man had looked like he’d be proud to claim a closer association with Eamonn.
“Why would that be so bad?” Nell asked. “You get along with him, don’t you?”
“I love him, honey, always have. But we don’t do commitment, just good times.”
And that, somehow, made Nell feel sad. Nothing fully works without commitment. It was what broke boards, won sparring matches, achieved goals. So, love without commitment is… what? She took a deep breath, seeing two diverging paths ahead of her clearly. I don’t want to end up like that. “It’s never too late. But you do what you want.”
Mandy grimaced, her mouth so like her son’s. “I guess I’ll have to talk to both of them. Not this weekend, but soon.”
Nell nodded. “Now, do you want to go down and listen to the rehearsal session, or — I’m assuming you’re familiar with the number of women crew here. Would you rather have a visit with them?”
“The Smidgettes are great fun, but I’ll always choose my boys and their music, every chance.” Mandy put her sunglasses back on and headed for the door. “I can find my way down, honey. Join me there if you like, or I’ll see you at dinner.”
When Mandy was gone, Nell slumped onto the bed, her hands trembling with adrenaline. I can’t do this. Eamonn belonged here — his us was his band, and now it seemed he was about to be crowned heir to rock royalty. Maybe that conversation wouldn’t happen for a week or two, if the tabloids and gossip websites didn’t explode with the resemblance overnight, but one way or another, it would come out, and the world’s eyes would be on him. She saw no place for herself in that. I can’t be a glamorous groupie, or a blushing bride. Without consciously making a decision, she found herself on her feet, rapidly stowing her things into her backpack. Better to just be gone.
She took a last glance around the room, feeling sick. Took her key card out of her pocket and laid it on the dresser. Should I leave a note? Or just… text him later?
Going home was sensible. She’d find a job and carry on with her training. Maybe if she got her red letters, she’d call him. As an employed person and World Champion, she’d have something to offer a rock god. She smiled to herself as the thought crossed her mind of him coming around to see her when he happened to be home in Seattle, taking her to the Frog and Ball for a drink or meeting her at the Coffee Witch. Yeah, no. He was far too wrapped up in making music and at last belonging with his band. And with the Opals as their mentors, there was no limit to their future.
Love without commitment is a hollow, shallow thing — but to give my heart to someone whose commitment lies elsewhere? Never. So it’s time to go.
She picked up her bag and turned to leave, and there was Eamonn in the doorway, swinging in around the
