Starstruck (Heartstrings Duet #1)

24. stood by me

[ 24 ]

STOOD BY ME

LENNON

“BELIEF” BY GAVIN DEGRAW

“ H ey, Lens,” Paige says with a grin as she enters my office with lunch. It’s a rare occasion for her to visit me at work, but it’s been a while since I’ve seen her, so it’s nice that she came. Isa’s already seated across from me as I hold up my finger to Paige, focusing on what The Lighthouse’s manager is saying on the other end of the phone.

“Yeah, thanks Erica… Okay, cool. Thank you so much… That’s great, talk soon,” I say before hanging up. Then I look to my best friend and sister with a smile on my face and nod. “They’re in.”

Smiles fill both their faces as they begin to cheer. I surprise myself when I cheer along with them, but I’m damn proud of how far this concert has come. We’re just under four months out, but considering I spent the first three months looking for a goddamn headliner, I’m impressed with what I’ve been able to pull together in the past one .

Because as of just now, I have officially confirmed all sixteen performers for the concert.

Finally.

“So, what’s next?” Isa asks as she takes a bite of the chicken souvlaki Paige brought.

I unwrap my pita and switch tabs back to the spreadsheet on my computer, examining the rough schedule I’ve outlined for the day. It currently has each performer in order of when they go on, their genre, and how long their set will be, and I plan to add in the exact times once I have a more concrete idea of how much time is needed between sets and how early the show will begin.

Now that they’ve confirmed for sure, I delete the question mark next to The Lighthouse in the slot I reserved for them. Then, with a smile on my face, I let my shoulders fall.

“Next, I need to begin advertising. Jeremy and I agreed to get tickets on sale at the end of June, so that gives me a month and a half to get the word out there. I didn’t want to start advertising until I had a solid lineup, but now that I do, I need to get people talking.”

“Just say the word and I’ll make a post.”

“Me, too,” Paige adds, the corner of her mouth turning up.

I smile at both of them. “Thanks, guys. I’m honestly not too worried about ticket sales. This lineup has a great mix of genres, and considering I have two of the most famous artists at the label, I have no doubt they’ll sell out.”

They glance at each other before looking back to me, their brows raised as if they’re calling me out.

“Okay, okay,” I surrender. “Maybe I’m a little doubtful, but that’s normal. Isn’t it?”

Paige nods. “It is. And it’s okay. Because we really don’t have any doubts.” She reaches forward, placing her hand over mine. “I believe in you, Lens. We all do. Mom and Dad would, too.”

I really am thankful for her constant reassurance. My sister and I may have our issues, but the truth is, I have no idea what I would do without her .

I’m glad she’s here, especially since Mom and Dad can’t be.

“It’s going to be great, Lenny.” Isa grins as she claps her hands, her dark curls bouncing. “Oooh, I’m so excited! Now I really need to get a move on finishing my album, so I have some new stuff to perform for you.” She winks at me, and I laugh.

“I’m excited, too. It feels surreal that it’s really starting to come together. But there’s also so much left to do.”

“Well, we’re here to help in any way we can,” Paige tells me.

“True.” Isa smirks. “And so is Baxter.”

My cheeks heat, Isa’s eyes widening as she realizes what she just said. I love her to death, but sometimes she really doesn’t know when to keep her damn mouth shut.

“Oops,” she mutters when she notices my sister’s expression.

Her eyes narrowed at me and suspicion clear in her tone, Paige asks, “Baxter James?”

I nod, pulling my lips between my teeth.

“I see.” She nods, the expression on her face unreadable. But thankfully, she doesn’t say anything else. I’m sure Isa’s comment was enough to let her know there’s something between us, but Paige is too poised to confront me about it now. She’ll let it simmer, put the pieces together in her own time, and then ream me out for it later.

Reminder to self: avoid her for the foreseeable future.

I finish my lunch and turn back to the computer, changing the subject away from the man consuming my every thought. “Do you want to help me decide on some merchandise options?”

Paige stands from her chair. “I really should be getting back to the office. Have a big trial on Friday that I need to prep for.”

My face falls, but I nod. Either the timing is just weird, or she’s leaving because of the mention of me and Baxter, and if I were a gambler, I’d bet it’s the latter. I love my sister dearly, but she’s also one of the most judgmental people I know, and Baxter James is damn near last on the list of men she would approve of me with.

“Okay,” I say, standing to walk her out. “Well, thank you for coming by and bringing lunch. I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch much lately. I’ve just been busy.”

My big sister meets my gaze, our heights matched. She looks me up and down, a worried crease forming between her brows. “Are you doing okay?” she asks, unable to hide her motherly side.

I take her hand in mine. “I’m okay, P. Really,” I return, and for once, it actually feels somewhat true.

Her head tilts slightly as a small smile fills her face. “Dinner soon, okay? We all miss you.”

I nod. “I miss you guys, too. Say hi to Trev for me.”

“Will do,” she says with a smile before turning and walking out the door.

I make my way back to my seat with my brows raised, watching Isa hide behind her hands.

She flinches when she notices my expression. “I’m sorry!” she shouts, and I can’t help but burst out laughing.

“Is, it’s okay. I mean, if it were up to me, I would’ve kept Baxter and me secret for the entire time we agreed on, but apparently, life had other plans.” I shoot her a teasing look. “Paige finding out isn’t the worst thing in the world. Dylan, on the other hand…” I trail off, letting her fill in the warning to be more careful around my brother. He’s always been extremely protective of me, and nothing good will come over him finding out I’m in a purely sexual relationship with the world’s most notorious playboy.

Nothing.

“Got it.” She stands from her chair. “I should really get down to the studio, but bring the merch options by later and I’ll help you go through them, ’kay?”

I grin. “Sounds good. Love you, Is.”

“Always, Lenny.”