Unexpected Harmony

18. Unexpected Harmony

Chapter 18

Unexpected Harmony

“ T hat’s not what I’m saying at ALL!” Aspen huffed out a breath, pacing the living room.

“Aspen, come on, it’s literally what you just said.” Zoey ran her hand through her hair.

“You’re taking what I mean out of context. I literally meant that for kids to have a healthy relationship with their parents, they need structure. This comes from someone who never had a bedtime so I crashed from exhaustion at twenty-two and slept for almost a full day.”

“It sounded like you were talking about nearly jailing kids. I was saying that as someone who did have a lot of structure, I think I could have used some fun free time. There are a lot of expectations I put on myself due to the fences placed around me.” Zoey’s voice softened for the first time in a half hour.

“Okay, we’re getting somewhere. I might not have communicated my thoughts as clearly as I hoped, but I don’t understand why this turned into such a big argument.” Aspen fell onto the couch, finally able to relax a smidge.

“I don’t know. I might have been triggered by what you said ten minutes ago, but it sounds like we have similar points. I went the wrong way in communicating my parts.”

“Thank you.” Aspen held her fingertips towards the ceiling. “That’s all I was getting at.”

They stayed silent for a moment, absorbing their first argument. It shouldn’t have escalated like it did, but lack of sleep the past five days had grated on them more than they realized. Who knew there were drawbacks to making love all night for a week straight?

“I’m sorry. Do you want to finish this, or should we step aside today?” Zoey patted the bench next to her at the piano. The sheet music they had been working on spread haphazardly along the top.

“Let’s finish. We only have one more part to go through.”

The truth of the words hit Aspen. The collaboration would soon be over. She was no longer worried about Zoey disappearing into the night. Now that they were together, an end to a collaboration wasn’t something to worry over, but still, a mountain of unknown towered over them. After the work was completed, they would have to face the next steps of their relationship.

“Well, get over here then. I think I found the perfect ending.” Zoey swung her legs around but waited for Aspen to join her. “Actually, go get Drew. I think he can help add to the piece.”

Aspen jumped from the couch, always ready to bring out her trusty guitar. It was a wonder she didn’t play it more often on stage since her heart soared whenever she played a few strings.

Sinking to her knees beside her bed, Aspen fumbled until she grabbed hold of the beat-up handle of her well-used case. Rushing back to the living room, she pulled a chair next to the piano, not wanting to crowd Zoey with Drew’s neck.

“What do you have going on in that big brain of yours?” she asked, mindlessly tuning her guitar.

Zoey helped by playing a few keys on the piano until he was ready to go.

“I think the added sound will lift this last song. It’s close, but listen. It’s missing another piece.” Zoey played the first part they had worked out. Lyrics would come later, but she was right, there was something missing.

Aspen stumbled but came in with a different beat and lower register on the guitar. It was close, but not quite. Increasing her pace to double speed, her fingers flew across the strings. It was frantic, but it still didn’t quite match the unlocked flow.

Zoey moved to a lower register and slowed her part down. Taking her cue, Aspen moved up to a higher register and matched the speed at which Zoey was playing. The tones locked into a dance. Aspen was mesmerized by what was flowing from them. It was slightly different than what they’d originally worked out, but the music was ebbing and flowing as they played. Both instruments, separate sounds, flowed together in a river of longing, loss, and love.

Aspen reached for her phone and hit record, wanting to capture what this piece could mean. If she got the lyrics right, it had potential to be something big.

Goosebumps trailed along her arms as she locked eyes with Zoey. The moment was electric between them as the song came together. This was it. This was the last piece that hooked together, slotting like a puzzle piece.

The notes rang out as they held their position, neither wanting to break the connection of magic swirling in the air.

“That was…” Zoey started.

“…everything,” Aspen finished in a whisper.

Leaning in, Zoey captured her lips, careful not to jostle Drew. When they parted, Aspen saw a glint of a tear about to run over.

Reaching for her cheek, Aspen’s fingertips tingled at the contact. “What’s wrong?” A pang hit her chest at Zoey’s vulnerability peeking out.

“Nothing, I promise. This happens sometimes when a song comes together. Plus, we’re done with the songs. What happens next?” Zoey took a shuddering breath.

“Well, we’re still dating unless you were only going out with me for the fame and the job,” Aspen joked, but it fell flat, stings of the past clouding her tone.

“No chance. If anything, your fame is a drawback.” Zoey’s teasing tone was undercut by the truth shining in her eyes.

“Fair.” Aspen shrugged, the hairs on her arms still standing up as the tingle of the song continued zapping along her synapses. Reaching for her phone, she hit the button to stop recording. “Shall we hear our masterpiece one more time?” She got up to put Drew back in his case.

“Let’s do it.” Zoey rose from the bench, settling on the couch, tucking her feet under her like she’d lived there her whole life. The domestic move had Aspen’s chest warming with light. Overwhelmed with dopamine, her head spun. For a moment, she wondered if she could overdose on a good feeling, but shook off the fleeting thought and rested her head on Zoey’s lap.

Moaning as Zoey’s fingers started massaging her scalp, she lazily hit play on the phone, closing her eyes to hear the song fully. She knew this song was it. The emotional ballad would fall on track three when she released her new album. It was the song people would request at concerts. If she wasn’t already at the top of her game, she was positive this song would put her on the map.

Lyrics started flowing as she pictured Zoey playing the piano during a concert. That was far down the line, but she couldn’t help the kernel of a dream from forming. It wasn’t full-fledged popcorn yet, but with enough heat, she could see it now—she and Zoey on stage, playing side by side.

The dream was interrupted when Zoey’s cell shrilly rang, cutting into the music like rancid meat on a beautiful sandwich. Pausing the song so it wasn’t further sullied, she waited while Zoey fished out her phone from the depths of her tight jeans.

Aspen sat up to give her more wiggle room and observed Zoey’s expression change from curious to worried when she studied the caller ID.

“Hello?”

The questioning tone must have been rhetorical; surely she knew who was on the phone. Aspen watched as Zoey’s shoulders tensed.

As Zoey listened to whoever was on the other end of the call, Aspen tried to find the excitement from just moments ago. Reaching over to the notepad she kept near the couch—there were multiple stashed around the house, but this one was closest—she started working through some lyrics that were rumbling through her head. Nothing quite fit, but it was good to get something on paper.

“Really?” Zoey squeaked, pulling Aspen away from the page. When she looked up, her heart stuttered. Zoey’s eyes were bright with excitement.

“Yeah, I can work on it this week. No, it’s no problem, I promise. I’ve been working diligently through therapy, and I can handle it. Thank you so much, Professor Lang.” There was a pause where Aspen could hear a chuckle and mumble on the other end. “Christina, then. That will take some getting used to. Do you need my email? Oh, right. Okay. Yeah, I’ll be waiting for the additional details. Thank you so much.”

Zoey brought the phone to her chest, holding it to her as she stared at the wall. Aspen was bursting with curiosity but allowed her the time to process the call.

“So…” Zoey said after a few minutes. “That was my old professor, Professor Lang, or Christina as she apparently wants to be called now that I’m not technically a student.” She put her feet on the floor, using her hands on her thighs to launch herself off the couch. Aspen waited while she paced in front of her.

“So, one of the film students who recently graduated is working on getting their work into festivals, but the producers can’t find someone they like to do the music. Apparently the director asked Professor Lang for a recommendation, and she wants to give the producers my name. She sent them some of my work from school, and everyone was certain it would be a good match. Can you believe it?”

Zoey stopped suddenly in front of Aspen, searching her face for some sort of reaction. Aspen could tell the anxiety and self-doubt were trying to crawl into her consciousness. Not on her watch. Aspen grabbed Zoey’s hands, pulling her onto her lap.

“It’s the best thing I’ve heard all day, and that’s even after creating the musical equivalent of a grand slam. You know what this means, right?” Aspen lowered her voice as if she was going to tell a secret while smoothing down Zoey’s ruffled hair.

“What?” Zoey leaned in, curiosity burning in her eyes.

“We’re a power couple now.” Aspen winked but leaned in, gently nipping at Zoey’s upper lip. “Seriously, though, I’m proud of you, and it sounds like an amazing opportunity. Do you want any help?” She pulled her in closer, enjoying the cuddle.

“Not right now, but let me wet my beak first. I need to see the movie, then come up with ideas. There’s a deadline, but I can’t remember what it is right now. I’m sure it’s all in the email Professor Lang will send.” Zoey took a breath before finishing. “But thank you. I appreciate the offer.”

“I’d give you the world if I think you’d even remotely like it,” Aspen joked, moaning when Zoey teased her nipple over her shirt.

“I’m happy just being in your world,” Zoey answered.

Without warning, Aspen stood, keeping Zoey tucked in her arms. Her squeal almost pierced Aspen’s eardrum, which would have been a bummer for her music career.

“I want to make love to you. Too many good things are happening, and we need to express them with our bodies.” Aspen kicked the door open to her bedroom.

“That was a horrible line, but great execution. You’ve been hiding these guns from me.” Zoey caressed her biceps.

“It wasn’t my best work, but that’s why I go through twelve layers of drafts. And these are a product of having to get back in shape if I want to get onstage anytime soon. I have to find a new manager, and I’m certain I’ll have to do some events.” Aspen gently placed Zoey on the bed, reaching for her pants.

“We’ll find a way, right?” Zoey paused, lifting her shirt.

“Find a way to what?” Aspen was distracted by the sliver of skin.

“Can we find a way to date while you travel and I work?” Zoey continued, lifting the shirt from her body.

Groaning, Aspen crawled onto the bed, hovering over her. “We’ll have to. I’m not letting you go now that I’ve just found you.”

The rest of the words were spoken with their bodies. Aspen tried to convey her feelings with every movement. She wasn’t ready to say the words out loud, but her body was screaming them for her.

The crinkling of paper covered up Zoey’s frustrated grunt as she threw away another useless draft. There was a niggling of guilt from the waste of resources, but she’d tried using an app and found the screen restrictive to her creative process.

After two days of stopping and starting, a pile had started building. The movie, which Zoey had memorized at this point, was playing on a loop on her open laptop, the only source of light in the dark room.

“Zoey, you haven’t been downstairs in a while. How about you take a break, get some food, and come back to this.” Erin peeked her head into the room, looking around with a frown.

“I’ve almost got it. It’s right there, but every time I reach, it slips further away.” Zoey didn’t even look from the paper, just continued writing.

“I’m insisting you stop. Just for a few hours.” Erin stepped further into the room. “I love you to the moon and back, but you stink. The room needs to be aired out, and you need some sustenance in your body. Plus, your dad says he might not recognize you if you passed each other on the streets,” Erin joked, but there was concern lacing through her tone.

Zoey sighed, tossing her pencil onto the desk. She reached over and pushed stop on the movie for the first time in two days. The silence was a relief.

“Shit, it’s happening again,” she whispered, looking around in horror. At least this time, there wasn’t random writing on the pages. There were legit notes that were getting increasingly shaky. Standing up from the desk, she stretched out her back. “What am I going to do?” A darkness fell over her, pulling her further into a pit.

“Focus on one step at a time. Take a shower, then come downstairs. Your dad is making your favorite. And most importantly, know we are here for you.” Her mom stepped forward, pulling her into a hug.

The darkness receded but followed her like a shadow, ready to overtake her anytime.

Freshly showered and feeling a little better, she bounded down the steps, her nose leading her to the kitchen where her mom was laughing with Aspen over pots simmering on the stove.

Zoey stopped, studying the odd scene. “What are you doing here?”

Aspen looked a little guilty, but her eyes did light up when they landed on Zoey. “I tried texting a few times, and when I didn’t hear from you, I thought I’d come to see if you were okay.” Aspen took a few tentative steps. “Your mom let me in.” She pointed behind her with her thumb.

Shit. She’d forgotten to charge her phone.

“I’m sorry. I’ve been dropping all kinds of balls lately.” Zoey cringed at how fast and far she’d fallen. “Want to talk for a bit before dinner? Is that okay, Mom, or do you need us?” she asked, reaching out for Aspen’s hand.

“You kids go ahead. Your dad will be back to help soon. Your brother is playing in his clubhouse in the yard.”

“Thanks, Mom.” Zoey pulled Aspen to the living room.

“Thanks for letting me in, Mrs. Estrada.” Aspen waved.

“Erin, please,” she called out to their retreating backs.

“Here, sit down. Shoot, I forgot to ask if you want anything to drink. And I have to remind my mom you’re allergic to shellfish.” Zoey’s scattered brain tried to catch her zooming thoughts.

“Hey, hey. It’s okay. Your mom mentioned the allergy, so she’s aware, and she offered me something to drink as I walked into the house. So please, sit and relax.” Aspen tapped the couch next to her.

Zoey approached Aspen carefully, like she expected Aspen to jump up and declare she was too much to handle at any moment.

Another pat by her side had Zoey plopping down, losing all control of her muscles. Aspen scooted over, running her hands through Zoey’s hair and hitting the spots that made her melt.

“Everything okay?” Aspen ran the tip of her finger across Zoey’s ear.

Zoey let go, snuggling into her side, soaking up the affection. “Why do you ask?” The evasion of the question sat heavily on her shoulders.

“I tried getting a hold of you the last couple of days. I know we’re still new, but I don’t like being ghosted.” Aspen’s tone stayed calm, but Zoey could hear the underlying hurt in it.

A tension tightened in Zoey’s chest. “You’re right. I’m sorry.” She hated that she’d started falling into the pit again.

“What happened? I’m just asking that you try to not shut me out.” Aspen leaned to kiss her temple. The gentle question calmed any anxiety Zoey had about messing up to the point of no return.

“I know. I’m sorry.” Zoey released a whoosh of air, her shoulders relaxing.

“What I’m saying is I don’t need you to be sorry. I just don’t want to be pushed out.” Aspen leaned back on the couch, pulling Zoey so she was halfway lying on her. “I want to know what’s going on with you. I want to be there for you for the good and bad times. I know it won’t all be roses and good times, but I want it all with you, Zoey.” She swallowed deeply, taking a breath.

Zoey snuggled deeper into her arm. “I’m not used to opening up, especially when I’m struggling. But you make me want to try.”

“Thank you. I know it’s hard, but I’m not going anywhere. We’ll work through everything together.”

Zoey grunted when Aspen’s arms wrapped tighter around her. “I wish we were at your place.” Her hands slid up Aspen’s side, gently moving the shirt to caress her skin.

“I’m not about to miss out on your family’s homemade dinner, but just think about how satisfying it will be once we’re alone again at my place tonight. You can stay over, right?”

Playing dirty, Aspen nibbled on the lobe of her ear, a sensitive zone that melted Zoey into a puddle. The struggle of the past few days slid away. A night with Aspen was the perfect antidote for her block.

“The day I pass on those plans is the day I need my head examined,” Zoey joked, rubbing her hand up and down Aspen’s thigh.

“Shall we see if your parents need help with dinner?” Aspen asked. “Oh, wait, I need to tell you something.”

The bubble of comfort that had developed between them burst, replaced by a ball of anxiety. “Oh?” She tried to keep her leg from jumping up and down.

“I have to go back to New York for a few weeks. I’ve been putting off a few things and have some interviews to run through. There is also?—”

Zoey interrupted. “Hey. I get it, Aspen. The time apart is going to suck, but don’t worry. I understand.”

“That’s why I need you to communicate. I can’t go away thinking I won’t hear from you.” Aspen sat up, dislodging Zoey from her shoulder, twisting on the couch, and grabbing her hands.

“I promise we’ll talk every day. You don’t have to worry about me.” Zoey hoped the second part was true. “Oh, I know.” She grabbed her phone. “I’ll put a daily alarm on my phone. It’s three hours ahead there, so let’s see… How about two here and five there?” Her mind rushed through plans on how to stay connected.

“I love that you’re going to try, but my time isn’t set. I have no idea what my schedule will look like. I’ll try to be free then, though.” Aspen stood, holding out her hand for Zoey.

“And I’ll try to remember to keep my phone charged and answer if you call outside that timeframe. When do you leave?” Zoey took Aspen’s hand, standing and scratching Aspen between her shoulder blades.

“A few days from now.” Aspen twisted, resting her arms on Zoey’s shoulders.

“Damn, I’m going to miss you.” She leaned in, capturing a kiss for the first time in a few days. The comfort of Aspen’s lips chased away the last remnants of anxiety.

“I’ll be back in your arms before you know it,” Aspen cooed, kissing her again. “Let’s go see if we can be useful with dinner.” She slid her hand down Zoey’s arm, intertwining their hands.

“No, they did not.” Erin laughed at the story Aspen was finishing up.

“Yes! The twins sandwiched between me, trying to pull me into my own travel bus. I was so tired and sweaty from the show and couldn’t get away from these fans, especially since I was trying to get to where they were pulling me to.”

“What happened?” Zoey leaned forward, trying to scoop up beans and a chunk of meat that fell from her taco.

“Well, they had evaded my bodyguard, but she finally caught up to us. I twirled, leaving both of them into her capable hands, and I snuck back to the bus, crashing into bed without taking off my stage makeup.”

The group had been regaled by all types of stories from Aspen’s time on the road. Most were harmless, but a few rang with anxiety. It gave Zoey a new appreciation for needing a bodyguard.

“Thank you so much for this beautiful meal.” Aspen patted her stomach.

“We love to cook for people who enjoy food.” Erin grinned at Theo, who, of course, hadn’t said anything but was shoveling food into his mouth like he hadn’t eaten in four days.

“You must be hitting a growth spurt soon.” Mateo affectionately ruffled his son’s hair.

“How’s the business going, Erin?” Aspen asked, reaching for her water.

“Excellent. Actually, we’re closing up soon for two whole weeks. It’s an annual tradition that keeps me going through the long year.”

Zoey watched her mom’s smile grow as she stared off to the far wall, presumably thinking about all the free time two weeks would hold.

“That’s amazing. I’m sure your employees really enjoy it.” Aspen raised her glass in a mimed cheer.

“I’m sure that’s why she has employees that have been with her for decades,” Zoey’s dad said with a proud tilt to his chin.

“That and the benefits,” Zoey added. “Mom treats her employees amazingly.”

“I have no doubt,” Aspen readily agreed.

Erin stood and started gathering the plates. It appeared she’d reached her threshold of compliments.

“Here, let me help.” Aspen scooted her chair out, and Zoey followed not long after.

“No, you two go ahead and get out of here. We’ll clean up. I know being apart during this new stage will be hard. Enjoy your time together, and have a safe trip to New York.” Erin walked to Aspen, squeezing her in a sideways hug.

Zoey watched the interaction with a tender heart, knowing Aspen was soaking up the motherly affection for all it was worth.

“Thanks, Mom. Love you all.” Zoey waved to her family. “I’m going to grab a bag. Be right back.” She kissed Aspen on the cheek before bounding up the stairs.

In her room, she guiltily looked at the pages she was working on, slipping the latest draft into her bag before stuffing clothes on top. Maybe there would be time to sneak away and work on the score.