Always the Baker

Chapter 15

15

B rax

As Billie’s beat-up sedan rumbled down Main Street, I couldn’t help but grin. This place was so different from the big cities I was used to. Quaint storefronts with hand-painted signs, people actually smiling and waving as we drove by because they were friendly, not because I was a celebrity.

“So, this is where the magic happens, huh?” I teased, nudging Billie’s arm.

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile. “Oh yeah, real magical. Wait until you see our world-famous grain silo.”

I laughed, feeling more relaxed than I had in months. There was something about this town, about Billie, that made all the pressure of my life melt away.

“Seriously, though, I want to see everything. Show me your stomping grounds.”

Billie’s eyes lit up. “Really? You actually want to see this Podunk town?”

“Hell yeah. It’s a part of you, isn’t it? I want to know every part.”

She blushed, and I felt my heart skip a beat. How did this girl have such an effect on me?

We pulled up to a diner that looked like it hadn’t changed since the 50s.

“First stop on the Billie Hopkins tour… best burgers and milkshakes in Tennessee.”

As we walked in, I noticed a group of people around our age huddled in a booth. They all turned to stare as we approached. I could tell Billie was nervous about introducing me, and it made sense why when she said they were three of her four friends from school. The two guys were laidback and cool. The girl initially gave me a hard time because she thought I was playing with her friend. After I assured her that wasn’t the case, she softened toward me, and we enjoyed our lunch.

The diner did have some bomb burgers and milkshakes. It reminded me of Jasper’s in Rose Valley Hills and Dixie Queen back in Memphis. However, the ones here had more of a grilled taste and they weren’t as greasy.

As the conversation flowed, I felt Billie relax beside me. Her friends were warming up, asking about my music and sharing embarrassing stories about Billie’s childhood. It was cool being around them, and they invited me to meet them at the bar later for pool and darts. If Billie was down, so was I, but my main priority would be spending as much one-on-one time with her as I could.

When we finally left the diner, Billie let out a big exhale. “Well, that wasn’t a total disaster.”

I laughed, pulling her close. “Man, say… They loved me. I’m practically an honorary townie now.”

She snorted but leaned into me. “Yeah, yeah. Don’t let it go to your head. You still have to meet my best friend, Ember.”

As we walked down the street, hand in hand, I realized I didn’t want this day to end. I wanted to soak up every bit of Billie’s world, to understand what made her who she was.

“So, where to next on this grand tour?”

Billie’s eyes twinkled. “Oh, just you wait. I’m about to rock your world, city boy.”

“Rock my world? Now that’s something I’ve got to see,” I teased, squeezing Billie’s hand.

“This is my favorite spot in town.” She stopped in front of a small, weathered building. The sign read ‘Starlight Lake Access.’

“A lake?” I raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t peg you for the outdoorsy type.”

Billie laughed, tugging me toward a narrow path. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Brax Adams.”

As we walked, I couldn’t help but notice the curious glances from passersby. An elderly couple openly stared, whispering to each other.

“Isn’t that the Hopkins girl?”

“With that rock star fella?”

I leaned in close to Billie. “I think we’re causing a stir.”

She blushed, ducking her head. “Small town, big gossip. You’ll be the talk of the town for weeks.”

The path opened up to a stunning view of a crystal-clear lake, framed by towering pines. Billie’s entire demeanor changed. Her shoulders relaxed, and her smile widened.

“This is where I come to think, to dream. To imagine a life beyond this place.”

“It’s beautiful.”

As we stood there, taking in the view, I heard more whispers behind us.

“That can’t be him, can it?”

“What’s he doing with Billie Hopkins?”

I turned, catching sight of a group of teenagers, phones out, not-so-subtly trying to snap pictures.

“Looks like your fan club found us,” Billie said with a wry smile.

I shrugged, pulling her close. “Let them look. I’m exactly where I want to be.”

And as I gazed out at the lake, Billie warm against my side, I realized I meant it. This quiet corner of the world, so far from the chaos of my usual life, felt right. It felt like a place I could breathe, could be myself. With Billie, I wasn’t Brax Adams the singer. I was just Brax, a guy falling hard for a girl with big dreams and an even bigger heart.

I followed Billie into the small office of her parents’ printing company, taking in the cozy, creative atmosphere. Bright posters and mood boards covered the walls, and the air smelled faintly of coffee, cardboard, and ink.

“It’s a nice place,” I said, grinning as Billie rolled her eyes.

“It’s more like the place where I struggle to make local businesses look cool on a shoestring budget.” She sat down in her chair.

I leaned over her shoulder, peering at her computer screen. “What’re we working on today, boss?”

Billie chuckled. “We? I don’t remember hiring you as my assistant.”

“First day on the job,” I said, grabbing a nearby chair and wheeling it next to her. “I’m a quick learner.”

As Billie explained the project, a logo redesign for a local bakery, I found myself genuinely interested. It was so different from my world of music and stadiums, but there was something appealing about its simplicity. Music was always the plan for me, so I didn’t bother with going to college to learn anything else. She thought I was playing, but I was genuinely interested.

“Okay, hotshot,” Billie said, pushing the mouse toward me. “Show me what you’ve got.”

I cracked my knuckles dramatically, earning another eye roll and giggle from Billie. “Prepare to be amazed.”

Twenty minutes and several frustrated groans later, I had to admit defeat. My attempt at a cupcake logo looked more like melted icing with thunder strikes for sprinkles. I guess this was how she felt when I was teaching her about the smart fridge and TV back at the penthouse.

“I think I’ll stick to writing songs.” I laughed, leaning back in my chair.

Billie giggled. “Probably for the best. Though I have to say, watching you struggle was pretty entertaining.”

I feigned offense. “Hey, I’m used to being good at things. This is humbling.”

“Welcome to the real world,” Billie teased, but there was warmth in her voice.

As we worked, well, as Billie worked and I offered increasingly unhelpful suggestions, I found myself relaxing.

“I could get used to this.”

Billie looked up with surprise flickering across her face. “What, watching me work?”

I shook my head. “No, this simplicity. It’s refreshing. In my world, everything’s always so complicated, so high stakes. But here? It’s just life.”

Billie’s expression softened. “I always thought it was boring. That’s why I dreamed of the city, of making it big.”

“Grass is always greener, I guess. But there’s something beautiful about knowing your neighbors, about building something from the ground up in a place like this.”

Billie was quiet for a moment, then smiled. “Maybe we both needed a little perspective.”

I was just about to suggest grabbing a bite to eat when Billie’s mom, Gina, appeared in the doorway of the office. Her eyes locked on me, and I felt a chill run down my spine.

“Brax, could I have a word?” she asked, her tone leaving no room for argument.

I glanced at Billie, who shrugged helplessly.

“Of course, Mrs. Hopkins.”

We stepped outside, and the warm afternoon sun did not penetrate the cool look in her eyes. She crossed her arms, and I resisted the urge to fidget like a teenager.

“Listen here, Mr. Rock Star,” she began, her voice low. I had to hold in my laugh. Older people always called me a rock star just because I played guitar. To me, I was a mix of gangsta poetry and neo soul when I sang. It was hard to describe what I did because it hadn’t been done before, which was why I’d been so successful over the years.

Maybe the closest descriptor would be Tupac if he sang love songs. That was also why I hated having to do shorter songs that could potentially trend on TikTok. When I realized I wasn’t really giving Gina the attention she deserved, I cleared my throat as she continued on with, “…I’ve seen your type before. You sweep into town, turn everything upside down, and then you’re gone with the wind. Billie’s got a good heart, and I won’t stand by and watch you break it.”

I swallowed hard, feeling my palms start to sweat. “Mrs. Hopkins, I…”

She cut me off. “I’m not finished. Billie’s got dreams, but she’s also got responsibilities here. If you’re just looking for a good time, you can turn right around and head back to your fancy tour bus.”

I took a deep breath, meeting her gaze. “Mrs. Hopkins, I get it. I do. But I need you to know something. I genuinely care about Billie. I love her. This isn’t some fling or publicity stunt. She’s, well, she’s different.”

Mrs. Hopkins raised an eyebrow. “Different how?”

“She sees me. Not the image, not the rock star as you called me, just me. And I see her too. Her talent, her dreams, her kindness. I’m not here to sweep her away or change her. I’m here because we increase each other’s happiness.”

For a moment, Mrs. Hopkins just stared at me. Then, slowly, her expression softened.

“I suppose that’s a start.”

“Can I say something as well?” I lowered my voice so she wouldn’t take me as a threat, but I was protective of Billie too.

“Go ahead.”

“You mentioned Billie’s dreams… but do you actually care about them?” She blinked as her expression went slack. “What happened between us had a lot to do with the fact that she isn’t satisfied with her job or her life. I know you may think it’s not my place to speak on this because we haven’t known each other long, but we know each other intimately, and she shared things with me that she hasn’t been brave enough to share with you. You never have to worry about me breaking her heart, but you do have to worry about her never reaching her full potential and being unsatisfied with her life because of her obligation to you and this place. I don’t want her harboring resentment toward you or herself for that matter.”

Scoffing, Gina crossed her arms over her chest. “How dare you—”

“I mean no harm or disrespect,” I said quickly, lifting my hands in surrender. “All I’m saying is, I care about my sweetheart and want her to live the life she deserves. I’m going to do everything in my power to make that happen, and I hope you don’t work against me by trying to keep her here under you.”

“My daughter knows she can do whatever she wants with her life. I’m not stopping her.”

Chuckling, I ran my hand over my beard. “Okay, Mrs. Hopkins. Just please keep this conversation in mind if she comes to you wanting time off to pursue those dreams you mentioned. I understand she has responsibilities, but those responsibilities are because of your commitment to this business. I hope you allow her the grace to pursue the dream you planted in her heart when yours became deferred.”

When she finally heard the intent behind my words, her frame softened. With a bob of her head, she gave my hand a gentle squeeze.

As we headed back inside, I caught sight of Billie through the window. Her brow was furrowed in concentration as she worked. I knew every word I’d said to her mom was true. This was real, she was real, deserving of so much more, and I was all in.

By the time the office closed for the day, Billie had a glint in her eye. “So, do you want to spend the evening playing darts with my friends, or do you want to go to the fall fair?”

I pretended to think about it for a minute, but the decision was an easy one. A night in the bar was cool, but I needed one-on-one time with Billie.

The local fair was crowded, and I believed Billie when she said it looked like over half of the whole town had come tonight. Her eyes lit up as we entered. Her hand was warm in mine.

“Oh my God, Brax, look!” She tugged me toward a cotton candy stand. “We have to get some. It’s fair law.”

I laughed, pulling out my wallet.

“Well now, I can’t allow you to watch me break the law.” I shifted my attention toward the vendor. “Two, please.”

As we walked, Billie took a big bite of her cotton candy, leaving a pink mustache on her upper lip. I couldn’t help but grin.

“What?” she asked, self-consciously wiping her mouth.

“Nothing,” I said, shaking my head. “You’re just adorable.”

She rolled her eyes, but I caught the blush creeping up her cheeks. “Says the guy with blue sugar all over his beard and chin.”

I swiped at my face, chuckling.

We wandered through the fairgrounds, laughing at the ridiculous carnival games and people-watching. It was so different from my usual scene—no paparazzi, no screaming fans, just regular folks having a good time.

“Oh no.” Billie groaned suddenly, pulling me to a stop.

“What’s wrong?”

She pointed to a booth where a bored-looking teenager was halfheartedly calling out to passersby. “It’s the ring toss. I’m absolute garbage at it, but that stuffed penguin is so cute.”

I sized up the game as a cocky grin spread across my face. “Leave it to me, sweetheart. Ya man got this.”

“Brax, you don’t have to.”

But I was already walking toward the booth, fishing out some cash.

“Wait… Did you just say you were my man?”

Ignoring her, I continued toward the counter. The kid perked up, explaining the rules rapid-fire.

Five minutes and several dollars later, I was starting to regret my bravado.

“This is rigged,” I muttered, tossing another ring that bounced uselessly off the bottles.

Billie giggled beside me. “Told you. It’s impossible.”

I narrowed my eyes as determination set in. One more try. I took a deep breath, visualizing the toss like I was aiming for a perfect guitar riff.

The ring sailed through the air and settled neatly around a bottle neck.

“Holy shit. Yay!” Billie cheered, clapping and jumping up and down.

The teenager looked as shocked as we were, robotically handing over the stuffed penguin. I presented it to Billie.

“Your prize, sweetheart. And yes, I’m your man. Are you my woman?”

She hugged it to her chest, beaming up at me.

“My hero… and my man.” The pure joy in her voice made my heart skip a beat. “Yes. I’m your woman.” I wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. “Thank you, pooh.”

“Anything for you,” I murmured, meaning it more than I’d ever meant anything in my life.

The Ferris Wheel loomed above us, its colorful lights twinkling against the darkening sky. I glanced at Billie.

“Wanna ride?” I asked, nodding toward the wheel.

She bit her lip, looking nervous. “I’m not great with heights.”

I squeezed her hand. “I got you. Promise I won’t let go.”

As we climbed into the carriage, Billie clutched her new penguin tightly. The wheel creaked to life, and I felt her tense beside me.

“You okay?”

She nodded, but her knuckles tightly gripped the bar. I wrapped my arm around her shoulders, pulling her close and placing a kiss on her temple.

“Look,” I said, pointing toward the stars. “It’s beautiful up here.”

Billie’s breath caught.

“Wow,” she whispered. “I’ve never seen it like this before.”

As we reached the top, the wheel stopped, leaving us suspended in the night air. Billie turned to me, her face inches from mine.

“Brax, thank you for today. For everything.”

I cupped her cheek gently, drawn in by those captivating eyes. “Billie, I…”

She closed the distance between us. Her lips were soft against mine. The world fell away. The fair, the music, everything but her disappeared. My fingers tangled in her braids as I deepened the kiss, savoring her warmth, her sweetness.

When we finally broke apart, both breathless, I rested my forehead against hers.

“That was…” I trailed off, at a loss for words.

Billie grinned.

“Yeah.” She agreed. “It really was. And so are you.”