Pretty Baby

Chapter 19

The Nashville sun beats down on us as Jade and I step out of the house, determination etched on our faces. We've spent the last few days trying to reach Xavier, but he's been dodging our calls and texts. It's time to take matters into our own hands.

"Where do you think he might be?" Jade asks, sliding into the passenger seat of my beat-up Range Rover. Xavier has always handled the limo service for me, and since he’s been radio silent for almost a week, I’m on my own.

I run a hand through my hair, sighing. "Your mom's place, maybe? He always goes there when he's upset."

Jade nods, her expression a mix of hope and apprehension. "Worth a shot."

As we drive through the winding streets of Nashville, I can't help but feel a twinge of guilt. Xavier has been my manager and best friend for years, and I've betrayed his trust by falling for his sister. But looking at Jade, her profile illuminated by the golden afternoon light, I know I wouldn't change a thing.

We pull up to the modest suburban home where Jade and Xavier grew up. It's a far cry from the glitz and glamor of where I’ve been living, but there's a warmth to it that always makes me feel welcome, and also envious at the same time.

Jade's mom, Linda, answers the door before we even have a chance to knock. Her eyes light up when she sees us, and she pulls Jade into a tight hug.

"Oh, sweetheart, I'm so glad you're here," she says, her voice muffled against Jade's hair. Then she turns to me, her smile just as warm. "Zac, come in, come in."

As we step into the familiar living room, I can't help but notice the absence of Xavier's booming voice or infectious laughter. Linda must see the question in our eyes because she shakes her head sadly.

"He's not here, I'm afraid. Hasn't been by in a few days."

Jade's shoulders slump, and I reach out to squeeze her hand reassuringly. "Do you know where he might be, Ms. Holmes?" I ask.

Linda gestures for us to sit on the well-worn couch, settling herself in the armchair across from us. "I have a pretty good idea what's going on," she says, her eyes twinkling knowingly. "You two finally told him about your relationship, didn't you?"

I feel my jaw drop, and Jade lets out a surprised laugh. "How did you know?" she asks.

Linda chuckles, shaking her head. "Oh, honey, a mother always knows. Plus, I've seen the way you two look at each other. It's the same way your father used to look at me."

I feel a warmth spread through my chest at her words. "And you're... okay with it?" I ask hesitantly.

Linda reaches out, patting my knee affectionately. "Oh, pretty baby, I've known you for years. I've seen how much you love your daughter, how hard you've worked to be a good father. And I've seen how happy you make my Jade. Of course I'm okay with it."

Jade's eyes fill with tears, and she leans forward to hug her mother. "Thanks, Mom," she whispers.

As they embrace, I feel a lump form in my throat. Acceptance isn't something I'm used to, especially when it comes to relationships. But here, in this cozy living room with these two incredible women, I feel like I've found a home.

Linda pulls back, wiping a tear from her cheek. "Now, as for Xavier," she says, her tone turning serious. "He's hurt, and he's angry. But he loves you both. Give him time, and he'll come around."

We thank Linda and head back to the car, both of us feeling lighter despite not finding Xavier. As I start the engine, Jade turns to me, her brow furrowed in thought.

"What about Mason Records?" she suggests. "He practically lives at the office these days."

I nod, already pulling out onto the street. "Good thinking. Let's go."

The drive to Mason Records is tense, both of us lost in our own thoughts. I can't help but worry about what Xavier might be thinking, what he might do. He's not just my manager. He's my best friend. The thought of losing him over this is almost unbearable.

As we pull into the parking lot of the sleek, modern building that houses Mason Records, I spot Xavier's car immediately. "He's here," I say, relief evident in my voice.

We make our way around the building, heading for the picnic area where Xavier often takes his lunch breaks. As we round the corner, I stop dead in my tracks, my blood running cold.

There, sitting at one of the tables, is Xavier. And across from him, looking as beautiful and infuriating as ever, is Chloe. My ex-girlfriend. The mother of my child.

And between them, happily munching on a sandwich, is Penny. My heart clenches at the sight of my daughter, whom I haven't seen in days due to the custody arrangement.

I feel a surge of anger and betrayal. What the hell is Xavier doing talking to Chloe? And why does he have Penny?

I start to move forward, ready to confront them, but Jade grabs my arm, holding me back. "Zac, wait," she says urgently. "We don't know what's going on. Let's not make a scene."

I want to argue, to storm over there and demand answers. But looking at Jade's pleading face, I force myself to take a deep breath. She's right. Flying off the handle won't help anyone, least of all Penny.

"Okay," I say through gritted teeth. "But I'm not leaving until we figure out what's going on."

We watch from a distance as Xavier and Chloe talk, their expressions serious. Penny, oblivious to the tension, continues to eat her lunch, occasionally reaching out for Xavier or Chloe to wipe her face or help her with her drink.

After what feels like an eternity, Chloe stands up, gathering Penny in her arms. She says something to Xavier, who nods solemnly, and they hug. Then she turns and walks away, Penny waving goodbye over her shoulder as Xavier blows a kiss to her.

Xavier remains at the table, his head in his hands. I feel a pang of sympathy despite my anger. He looks defeated, lost.

"Come on," Jade says softly, tugging on my hand. "Let's go home and figure out our next move."

Reluctantly, I allow her to lead me back to the car. As we drive home in silence, my mind races with possibilities. What were Xavier and Chloe talking about? Why did they have Penny? And most importantly, what does this mean for my custody battle?

Back at the house, Jade and I settle on the couch, both of us exhausted from the emotional rollercoaster of the day.

"What do you think they were discussing?" Jade asks, her voice soft with concern.

I run a hand over my face, trying to make sense of it all. "I don't know. Maybe Chloe's trying to get Xavier on her side in the custody battle? Or maybe..." I trail off, not wanting to voice my worst fear.

"Maybe what?" Jade prompts gently.

I sigh, meeting her eyes. "Maybe Xavier's thinking of dropping me as a client. Maybe he thinks I'm too much of a liability now."

Jade shakes her head firmly. "No way. Xavier wouldn't do that to you. He's angry, sure, but he knows how important your career is; how much you've worked for this."

I want to believe her, but doubt gnaws at me. "I hope you're right," I murmur.

We sit in silence for a while, each lost in our own thoughts. Finally, Jade speaks up. "We need to talk to him," she says decisively. "Clear the air, explain our side of things. No more hiding. No more secrets."

I nod, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "You're right. First thing tomorrow, we'll go to his office. Make him listen to us."

Jade leans into me, and I wrap my arm around her, drawing comfort from her presence. "It'll be okay," she whispers. "We'll figure this out together."

As we sit there, wrapped in each other's arms, I can't help but think about Penny. Seeing her today, even from a distance, has reignited the fire in me. I'm not going to lose my daughter. And I'm not going to lose Xavier either.

Tomorrow, we'll face the music. We'll talk to Xavier, clear the air, and hopefully begin to rebuild the trust we've broken. It won't be easy, but nothing worth having ever is.

For now, though, I allow myself to relax into Jade's embrace, drawing strength from her support. Whatever challenges lie ahead, I know we'll face them together. And somehow, someway, we'll make it through.

As the sun sets outside, casting long shadows across the living room, I find myself thinking about the albums I wrote all those years ago. The ones where I talked about finding the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life conversing with. I realize now that Jade is that person for me.

"Hey," I say softly, breaking the comfortable silence that has settled between us.

Jade looks up at me, her eyes questioning. "Yeah?"

"I love you," I say simply. It's not the first time I've said those words to her, but somehow, in this moment, they feel more significant than ever.

A slow smile spreads across Jade's face, lighting up her eyes. "I love you, too, Zac," she replies, leaning in to kiss me softly.

As our lips meet, I feel a sense of peace wash over me.

As night falls and the city lights begin to twinkle outside our window, I find myself feeling hopeful for the first time in days. Whatever tomorrow brings, we'll face it together. And really, what more could a reformed fuck-up like me ask for?