Unexpected Harmony

11. Pressure

Chapter 11

Pressure

A spen finally dragged herself out of bed at eleven the following day, having had difficulty falling asleep. Her heart thundered every time she thought of Zoey and that song. The embarrassment she felt at first, thinking someone was handing her a guitar, was quickly burned away when she heard the notes of her favorite song.

She hadn’t even realized she started singing until Zoey’s surprised eyes fell on her. By then, though, she was too deep into the song. She could not have stopped herself, even if she wanted to.

Everything about Zoey was different from what she was used to, and Aspen was sure that was a good thing. Zoey provided a window into what her life could have been if she hadn’t pursued music the way she had.

The scent of coffee filled the room as Aspen waited for the brew. Thoughts of the future scrolled through her mind like a news ticker at the bottom of TV screens. She had no idea what her next steps were. The songs she and Zoey were working on were coming along nicely, and the yard was almost done. What would she do without these built-in time slots to spend with Zoey?

Seeing her reflection in the microwave, Aspen asked to herself, “Do I see if she wants to go on a date?”

That innocuous question led to five more. New York had been her base for almost a decade, but it wasn’t like she couldn’t transfer things here. Sure, some of the people that helped her life run smoothly would either have to move, or she’d have to find new people. That wasn’t a bad thing necessarily. Maybe it was time to look at these hard choices.

“That’s a lot of life-changing thoughts before your first cup of coffee there, Lake,” Aspen huffed, taking the first sip.

“Knock, knock.” Morgan came into the house.

“We’ve got to talk about that,” Aspen groused into her cup.

“Oh, there you are. What did you say?” Morgan was already distracted and hadn’t seen her.

Aspen, still in her robe, continued leaning against the counter. “I said, we need to talk about you barging into my house anytime you want. I might ask you for your key back. Could you at least knock first?” There was a little more bite to her words than usual. Coffee tended to smooth out her tone.

“Ahh, okay? I’ll try and knock first.” Morgan’s eyebrows raised as if she was taken aback at the new boundary Aspen was trying to set. But it had to be done if she wanted things to change going forward.

“That’s all I ask. I don’t like you just waltzing into my house.” Aspen sipped her lukewarm coffee.

“What’s gotten into you lately?” Morgan settled at the counter, her ever-present computer screen lighting up the room.

Aspen turned to the small window above her sink. “Nothing. I need some changes, and a small one is not having you walk in like you own the place.” She felt the heat spread on her cheeks.

“Fine, fine. Like I said, I’ll work on it. Now, I found someone for you to date. It’s set up three days from now, and tomorrow, I’ve got a show lined up for you.” Morgan’s fingers tapped on the keyboard as if she had just been commenting on the weather.

Aspen’s stomach rolled. Looking into the half-drunk cup, she poured the rest of the liquid down the sink. Zoey’s teasing smile filtered through her memory. “I don’t want to date someone you set me up with. I want to see where things can go with Zoey.”

“Aspen, be real. This woman is perfect. She’s new to the music scene and just released a new album. It goes hand in hand with yours. She’s also a smoking ten. I’m sure she was a model at some point.” Morgan twisted the screen.

The woman had thick blonde hair that cascaded down her back. Just the type of hair that would be satisfying to run fingers through. Her teeth were straight and so white they were hard to look at, while bright blue eyes had you leaning in, wanting to tell her all your secrets. All of that, and she did nothing for Aspen. Everything looked too manufactured and fake for anything real to develop between them. She was the polar opposite of Zoey, and the more Aspen stared, the more she wanted to run away.

Aspen shrugged, turning from the photo. “I’m sure she’s great, but I don’t want you to set anything up.” She tried to plan how she’d ask Zoey out. A small smile grew as she thought of taking her out to dinner.

“Zoey isn’t who you think she is. I’ve been looking into her, and she’s bad news. Plus, she can’t offer you anything.” Morgan closed the lid of her laptop with gusto.

“Stop it.” Aspen didn’t want to hear anything disparaging about her new friend.

“I think you should ask her why she didn’t finish school. I’m only trying to protect you, Aspen. I’ve always had your best interests at heart.” Morgan huffed when the phone rang. She held up a finger to take the call, leaving Aspen to wonder what she meant.

Did it even matter why Zoey hadn’t finished school? There were clearly some things she didn’t like talking about, but that didn’t mean anything nefarious was going on. No, Aspen decided after a moment. Whatever happened, she hoped Zoey would open up to her about it eventually, but only because she wanted to know more about her. She wanted to learn Zoey’s hopes, dreams, and things that kept her up at night. Everything that encompassed getting to know someone, Aspen wanted to find out.

“No, no, she’ll be there tonight, I guarantee it.” Morgan’s voice dipped as she promised the world to whomever she spoke with. “She will be there. Yes, three hours, I understand.”

Aspen sighed when Morgan looked her way, mouthing for her to get dressed. She had a session with Zoey today and didn’t want to miss it. Morgan got off the phone and cleared her throat.

“I’ve just squeezed in another taping and it’s in three hours. Go get changed, and I’ll deal with the car.” Morgan shooed her to her room.

“I have plans with Zoey. We’re working on a few songs.” Aspen realized at that moment her life hadn’t been her own for a long time. She’d constantly been shuffled to places, too tired to care. Now that she’d actually taken a break, she was finding it harder to relinquish control back to the people whose job it was to schedule her life.

“Cancel them. This is more important. Sales are starting to dip, and the exposure is needed.” Morgan waved her off as if erasing her concerns, guiding her to her room like a sheepdog wrangling the cattle.

When Aspen stepped into her room, she closed the door on Morgan, needing a moment to think. Zoey wasn’t working on the yard today but would be over in a few hours to work on the collaboration. Aspen had woken up so happy after yesterday’s picnic, her happiness increasing with the thought of seeing Zoey again.

Now, a raincloud the shape of responsibilities was hovering over her head. Taking out her phone, she stared at her contacts, wondering when she’d put Zoey in one of her favorite slots. Her subconscious was trying to tell her something—if only she were strong enough to listen.

“Hey.” Zoey’s warm tone slithered in her ear when she answered.

“Hi you.” Aspen was finding it hard to continue the next words. “Something’s come up. I have to do this daytime interview. I’m going to have to postpone our session today. Are you free tom—” She paused, remembering Morgan had set up a few things in the coming days. “Actually, I’m not positive if tomorrow would work, but I can reach out when I know more.”

“Of course. Just let me know.” Aspen could hear the sluggishness of disappointment in Zoey’s voice.

“I will. I’m sorry, Zoey. I was looking forward to spending time with you today.” That was the truth. She wished she could cancel on the interview and instead play around with Zoey all afternoon.

“It’s okay. It was bound to happen one of these days. Just let me know what time works for you, and I’ll see if I’m free. I should go. I’m going to see if Dug and Theo want to go for a walk down on the beach.”

“Don’t go walking into strangers’ houses, okay?” Aspen joked, wishing she could prolong the conversation.

“No promises, as you well know.” Zoey chuckled. “Bye, Aspen. Good luck with the interview. I’m sure it will be great.”

Aspen kept the phone to her ear long after Zoey hung up, wanting to soak up the residual warmth the phone call provided, only moving when Morgan knocked on the door to see if she was almost done.

Placing the phone on her dresser, Aspen tried to decide what the best outfit would be. Something that said, I’m here as an obligation and would rather be playing tunes with my landscaper . If she went down that road, she was sure Morgan would force her to change.

Tapping her lip, she sighed, pulling out a navy suit with a plain white button-down shirt underneath. Tying the outfit together were her comfortable Converse, the pair she always put on for her shows.

The change in plans wasn’t nearly what she wanted, but her life wasn’t her own right now, and she didn’t know how to wrestle it back. For now, she’d be a good puppet, but for too long, she’d gone through the motions of life, content to go where other people said.

No longer. It was time to try and live.

Zoey pushed the off button on the TV after watching Aspen’s interview. Something behind Aspen’s eyes made the interview hard to watch, and she found herself wanting to wrap Aspen in a hug. She looked so small in those overstuffed chairs.

She trudged upstairs, pulling out her phone on the way. Back in her room, she propped the phone up and navigated to the app that would connect her to her therapist for their appointment.

As she waited, Zoey looked around the room, noticing for the first time the childish hues and knickknacks she’d grown out of. Her dorm in college had been different. It had been sparse but sprinkled with a burgeoning sophisticated style.

“Hi, Zoey. Sorry I’m late.” Allison’s smiling face came through the screen.

“It’s okay. I was just looking around my room, thinking it might be time to redecorate.” Zoey put her hand under her chin.

“That makes sense. Rearranging furniture, cleaning out old stuff, or getting a new outfit are all common things to do during this journey.” Allison looked down to something out of the screen. “Last time we spoke, you talked about playing the piano again. I’d like to check in to see how you’re progressing there. Have you found yourself pulled into any more obsessive sessions?”

And so the therapy session went. By the end, Zoey was emotionally drained but felt lighter. Especially after Allison pointed out the excellent work she’d been doing in checking in with herself and ensuring she didn’t fall into her old habits.

“Before we go, I wanted to ask if you’d be interested in trying out art therapy in addition to our sessions. Adding art therapy can be a beneficial way to enhance healing and provide a different outlet for your thoughts. If you’re interested, I have a few people in mind, but I think Dr. Bhandari would be a great fit.”

Zoey stared at the wall, trying to develop a pro and con list on the fly, but was struggling with Allison’s eyes burning through the screen. “Can you send me the information? I need to think about it.”

“Of course. They only do in-person sessions, but I truly believe it will be beneficial. I’ll send it now, and you can let me know in our next session.”

Feeling confident about her mental health, she wondered if she even needed therapy anymore. Grabbing a garbage bag, Zoey started cleaning up her old clutter.

“No, not like that. Okay. How do I explain this.” Aspen pinched the bridge of her nose.

Zoey’s eyes lit up. “Oh, you mean like this?” She played the classic Chopsticks tune, laughing when Aspen launched herself at her hands.

It had been a few days since they’d been able to get together, and both of them seemed to relish the reconnection. The session was rife with flirting and silliness that made Zoey giddy. Her cheeks burned from smiling.

“Don’t. You. Dare.” Aspen’s voice was extra growly, but there was a twinkle in her eye that Zoey wanted to explore further.

“Why don’t you like that song?” Zoey gave her a mischievous grin before starting into “Fur Elise,” a song every piano player mastered in their youth.

“At least this one doesn’t burrow into my brain.” Aspen placed her hands in her lap, listening with her head tilted to the side. “You’re outstanding.”

“Thanks.” Zoey played through the blush that was threatening to overtake her cheeks. “I’ve worked hard at the piano. Violin came a little easier, and I love the guitar but don’t have much reason to play it lately.” She stopped, twisting in the seat to get a better look at Aspen, who had her eyes closed, trapped in her own world.

“You have a great grasp on writing music as well.” Aspen finally opened her eyes, pinning Zoey with her bright blue eyes, snatching the breath straight from her lungs.

Zoey froze when Aspen leaned in, trying to devise an excuse as to why something between them would be a bad idea. Aspen’s arm brushed past her collar. A wave of goosebumps pimpled along the path. Stuck in a moment of anticipation, Zoey released a shaky breath when she realized Aspen was reaching past her to grab the drafted sheet of music they’d been fiddling around with and not, in fact, trying to kiss her.

“I went to school for composition, so I’d hope I’d have at least a tentative grasp on how to throw music together, or my grandpa should ask for his money back.” Discombobulated, Zoey slid from the bench, needing space from Aspen and her damn charismatic energy.

“Oh, right. I think you said you wanted to create scores for movies. You know, I might know a few people if you want me to reach out.” Aspen scooted to the middle of the bench, pulling her legs to sit crisscross along the seat.

Zoey’s palms felt clammy. “Umm, no, but thank you. I wouldn’t let my grandfather pull strings. I want to try and make my own way into the scene. Then I won’t have to wonder if I actually made it on talent, or the fact my grandfather, or”—Zoey waved in Aspen’s direction—"you were the reason someone gave me a chance. Plus, I haven’t finished school yet, so we’ll see.”

She wanted to slap her hand across her mouth at what she’d just said, but that would cause more of a scene than she was willing to show. Instead, Zoey indicated to the piano. “I know we were working on that one section, but I’m pretty beat. Can we call it for now?”

Aspen was up before Zoey finished a complete cycle of breathing. “Of course. I just wanted to make sure I didn’t overstep anything. If you want to talk about school, I’ve got a pretty good ear. Or so I’m told. I’m almost always on key.” She grinned at her own joke.

Zoey couldn’t help but laugh. “I appreciate it. It’s awkward getting into things with a client.” She knew the moment the words were out of her mouth that it was the wrong thing to say. She watched Aspen’s shoulders hunch.

“We’re almost done with the yard. What about a friend?”

The vulnerability seeping from Aspen’s gaze was hard to look at straight on. Unable to help herself, Zoey stepped forward, putting her hand on Aspen’s shoulder, squeezing comfortingly. “I don’t take just anyone to a family picnic. I just don’t want to talk about it right now. Friends, for sure.” She released her touch and moved in front of Aspen, holding her hand out.

A warm hand engulfed hers as they shook on their friendship. The problem was that Zoey was finding it hard to let go. She was swimming in the pristine pool of Aspen’s eyes, and there, she could easily drown.

“That’s good.” Aspen’s warm tone was overridden by her contemplative expression.

Stepping back to grab her bag, Zoey needed to retreat before she did something silly, like step into her arms for a kiss. “See you tomorrow, Lake.”

“You can count on it, Estrada.” Aspen followed her to the front door.

They hovered for a moment, neither sure of their adjusting boundaries. Zoey swayed forward towards Aspen before changing her mind and heading out the door. Aspen’s loud sigh chased her down the driveway.