Unexpected Harmony

19. Three thousand miles

Chapter 19

Three thousand miles

A car horn startled Aspen as she dragged her suitcase up to her front stoop. After months of listening to waves hitting the beach, the sound of New York traffic was already grating on her nerves.

Ducking into her house just added to the feeling of otherness. She was used to the quiet, but now it pushed into her, suffocating with its silence. Sighing, Aspen walked through the empty house. Andi, her trusted personal assistant, had kept everything running smoothly, including making sure the cleaning service continued in Aspen’s absence. She’d also lined up and was working through a few potential new managers.

Aspen walked into the bedroom and froze. In all her months away, she’d forgotten to prepare herself for the moment of seeing her room again. Everything was the same yet different as she walked through the echoes of her past. She couldn’t believe it had already been eight months since the event.

She searched for pain to lance through her but found only a sense of destiny. Things hadn’t been okay for a while, and if it hadn’t been for a colossal event like the humiliating livestream, she wasn’t sure she would have taken the leap out of her comfort zone on her own. For that she owed Morgan flowers or something—oh. There was the anger she’d been expecting.

Damn Morgan for being the puppet master behind her going to California at exactly the right moment. Without the debacle she wouldn’t have met Zoey. The thought of Zoey brought a light to her chest. Lifting the loneliness for just a moment. It didn’t mean Aspen would re-hire Morgan, though. That was for sure. One of the things she was doing in New York was cutting out the toxic things in her life. Morgan was one of those things.

Aspen’s lawyers were working on the severance package, but that hadn’t stopped Morgan from trying to contact her a few times. Each call was met with the silence of voicemail.

The shrill ring of her phone broke her thoughts. Hearing the tone, Aspen felt a smile tug at her lips. She didn’t even have to look to see who it was.

“Hey, this is a welcome surprise. Miss me already?” Aspen rolled her suitcase to the foot of her bed before sinking into the mattress with her phone.

“I missed you as soon as I left your house this morning,” Zoey said, the longing coming loud and clear through the phone. “Especially after you did that special thing with your tongue you know I like,” she added impishly.

Groaning, Aspen flung herself backward, throwing her arm over her eyes. “You don’t play fair. How am I supposed to get anything done with that image rolling through my head?”

“Well, what are you wearing?” Zoey asked, lowering her tone. There was a distinct click in the background.

“I’m wearing my airplane clothes. Leggings and an oversized hoodie.”

The bed springs squeaked on Zoey’s side. “Well, I’m sliding my shorts off. Care to join me?”

Finally catching a clue, Aspen scrambled up the bed, tearing off her pants as she listened to Zoey while she worked herself from the other end. “If I was smarter I’d postpone this little escapade while I cleaned up from the trip just to tease you further.” She received a moan in response.

Aspen marveled at the trust she felt with Zoey. Never before would she have allowed herself to let loose like this, always assuming someone would be out to exploit her in some way. Full trust meant being in a vulnerable position with Zoey, knowing she would never take advantage of the access she had to Aspen’s inner life.

Letting go and fully immersing herself in the moment, Aspen wiped the tear that trickled out of the corner of her eye. “I’m touching your nipple now, flicking the bud with my tongue,” she managed, working her hand down her belly.

“Mmm, and I’m sliding along your strong thigh… My juices are running down your leg.”

“ Fuck . Okay… My hand is grabbing your ass.”

“Damn, Aspen. I’m on top. Shit. Your fingers just sank into me. I’m riding your fingers. Shit, right there, that’s good. Rub my clit.”

Aspen lost all ability to think as she drifted through Zoey’s voice, her fingers working as she imagined Zoey touching her. Working in tandem, they both let out screams. Sweat coated Aspen’s skin as she listened to their breathing.

“I’m going to need to hop in the shower,” Aspen chuckled when she finally calmed down. Twisting to her side, she trapped the phone between her pillow and cheek.

“Mmm, shower sex is my favorite. Oh, and you’ll have to wait to see the little present I got for when you return.”

“Wait, present? I want to know what it is.” Aspen pouted even though she knew Zoey couldn’t see her.

“You want to see a picture of it?” Zoey’s voice lowered again, causing a tingling in Aspen’s lower belly. “Okay, hold on.” Her voice got further away. “I have to see if I can figure it out, just a second. At least I’m already naked.”

The last part was muffled, but that’s what it sounded like. Curious, Aspen waited, comfortable listening to Zoey grunt and bang around the room.

“Okay, hold on. Let me see if I can get an okay picture.” Zoey’s voice came through clearly, although she still sounded far away. “Okay, picture sent.”

Aspen rolled onto her back, putting the phone on speaker. “I don’t see anything yet.”

“Give it a moment. The poor satellites are far apart, and there is probably something about data packets. Oh god, can I unsend this? What have I done? Does it go to the cloud? Retreat. Delete. Unsend. Siri, unsend,” Zoey frantically called out as Aspen’s phone dinged with an incoming text.

“Got it.” She smiled, waiting for the picture to finish downloading. “Oh shit,” she moaned. “Don’t tell me you got a rainbow-colored strap on.”

“Mmhmm. I can see my panicky recall didn’t work.”

“This was just cruel to send. Knowing I have to wait three weeks to see you in this in real life. God, it’s hot.”

“It’s fun too. If I poke it, it wobbles then stands straight up again.” Zoey laughed, her existential crisis seeming to be over.

“Damn, this is going to be hard.” Aspen wanted to record Zoey’s laugh so she could play it in the empty house.

“Like you said, it will be over soon. So, what’s the plan for after this trip? Are you thinking of splitting time between there and here?” Zoey asked.

“I’m not sure yet,” she said, leaving it at that for now.

Aspen smiled, not ready to reveal she’d contacted a realtor to help her look for a new house in California. Preferably one that could house her recording equipment, piano, and girlfriend when the time came. She’d keep her cottage on the ocean but needed a bigger place to fit her life.

Part of the trip was making sure she was doing this decision for herself and not for Zoey. She had to make sure there wasn’t any part of her that wanted to stay in New York. So far, it was a resounding no. She couldn’t wait to get back to the West Coast, where her heart was waiting.

“Did you get anywhere with the score?” Aspen asked after a beat but knew it was the wrong thing to ask as soon as it was out of her mouth.

“No. I did take a break, though, so at least there’s that.” Zoey sounded so defeated.

“Do you want some help?” The sigh that blew through the speaker was the only answer she needed. “I’m sorry. I know you want to work on it alone. Just know I’m here if you need anything.”

“No, you’re on the other side of the country.” Zoey’s pout could be heard through the phone.

“True, but there is this amazing technology out there that makes things easier. Phones, recordings, even this little box that can show your face in real-time. What’s it called? Real Face?”

“That sounds like some AI bullshit,” Zoey joked, breaking the tension. “But I see your point. I’m going to try and slog through, but I’ll reach out if I hit that brick wall.”

Aspen sat up and stretched. “I’m going to go take a shower. Thanks for calling. I… I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” Freezing, she stumbled over the last sentence, almost saying the big L word, which wasn’t something she wanted to say over the phone from three thousand miles away.

“Think of me when you’re in the shower. I’ll count the minutes until we speak again.” The kiss that Zoey blew her way whooshed in her ear before the call was disconnected.

Sighing, Aspen dragged herself from the bed, wondering if the hour since she’d landed was enough time to know she didn’t want to be here, especially when her heart was in California.

Stretching her arms over her head after being hunched over her desk for so long, Zoey looked over the first song. She’d found the groove of the score once she came up with the music hooks during scene buildups or transitions. It had taken a few tries to find the few short notes that would be used to tie into the first score, but when it finally clicked the rest of the music started flowing.

The deadline was pressing on her, but she was sure this was the right track. Turning off her alarm, she walked downstairs.

“Can we watch Aspen’s interview? This TV is way bigger than the other one,” Zoey asked her parents, who were cuddled on the couch.

“Oh, is it on? Yeah, let’s watch it.” Erin handed the remote over to Zoey.

“Do you want this recorded, or can I change the channel now?” Zoey asked as she sat on the loveseat.

“Go ahead and change it. I wasn’t paying attention, were you?” Erin lifted her head to see Mateo’s mouth wide open in sleep.

Grinning, Zoey changed the channel from a cooking competition to a late-night talk show. A commercial for medications people were supposed to ask their doctor about blared as she fumbled to turn down the volume.

“Sorry,” she whispered, sheepishly looking at her parents, although her dad slept on.

“He’ll sleep through a fire alarm if you let him.” Erin sat up, rubbing her eyes. “How’s the score coming?”

“Good. I think I finally have the foundation I want to build on. Sometimes that’s the hardest part to find, so I’m hoping it will be smooth sailing from here.” Zoey watched the screen, not wanting to miss a moment of Aspen’s interview.

“That’s what I’ve heard. I’m excited to hear it when it’s done.” Erin quieted when she saw the show start.

“…You’re one of the hottest…” The host paused, providing a lecherous smile that highlighted his fake teeth. Nothing is meant to be that white , Zoey thought as the host went on. “…selling artists of the decade. Everything you touch turns to gold. I’m sure they should rename you Midas. Your newest album hit number one on the charts for sixteen weeks. So tell us, Aspen, what’s next in the works? We’re all at the edge of our seats.”

Aspen’s smile was forced, but most likely only Zoey could tell. “I can’t say much, but let’s say I do have a favorite new song. I can’t wait for everyone to get a taste of it.” When she talked about their song, Zoey saw a genuine smile grace her lips before disappearing behind the celebrity version.

Zoey held her hand over her heart, feeling a flutter at seeing Aspen’s smiling face on the screen. The familiar ache of missing her was a constant companion nowadays.

“So, Aspen. After your spectacular train wreck of a proposal, one would think you’d stay away from dating for a while, but our sources say you’ve been seeing someone during your hiatus in California. Is that true? Are you playing out some summer love scenario before buckling back down in New York?”

Aspen’s look didn’t change, but Zoey swore there was a twitch in her cheek as she clenched her teeth. “I think you’ve seen the photos. I am seeing someone. She’s special, and that’s all I’m saying on the topic.” She sat back, crossing her legs as if to say, do your worst .

After an up-and-coming actor and a mainstream comedian who was touring also went through interviews, Aspen was up again, this time performing a song from her old album. Zoey couldn’t take her eyes away from the screen as she watched the performance, which seemed to be just for her.

She barely restrained herself from walking up to the TV and watching like a kid taking in cartoons. When the last notes rang out, Aspen winked at the camera, which might as well have been a caress to Zoey’s nipples. She blinked, realizing for the first time how dried out her eyes were. Groaning, she got up from the loveseat, tossing the remote to her mom.

“I’m going to bed. Love you.”

Before falling asleep, Zoey texted Aspen, saying she missed her and that the interview had been great.

The next morning, Zoey twisted in bed, searching for her phone to see if Aspen texted. No new notifications. Disappointment stabbed in her gut. It had been a week since Aspen had left, and this was the first time Zoey had woken up without a good morning message.

Dragging herself out of bed, Zoey flew through her morning routine, including a shower she didn’t forget this time. She moved her mouse to wake up her computer, yawning while the movie loaded. As she waited, her finger hovered over the internet search for Aspen.

As a rule, she stayed away from gossip sites, but Zoey ached for some connection to her girlfriend.

What she got was a show of partying: Drinks flowing, girls hanging off Aspen, and one short clip of Aspen’s old manager caressing her cheek. It cut off as Aspen leaned in. Most likely it was to hear whatever Morgan had to say, but the churn of the unknown soured Zoey’s stomach. Was Aspen better off in New York? It sure looked like she had more fun there.

Zoey looked more closely, noticing the timestamps on the photos were from the night before. Maybe Aspen was still sleeping from being out all night? Although with a three hour time difference that seemed unlikely. She tried calling again, but it rang through with no answer.

Unable to concentrate with the screen teasing her with its blankness, Zoey placed the phone screen-down on her bedside table before shaking off the bad feeling and instead focusing on finishing the first draft of the movie score.

Wishing she’d stayed away from that search button, the silence of her phone grew into an unruly monster as the day progressed.

One day rolled into two as Zoey finally found the groove. Music flew from her as she worked on different parts, testing everything on her computer piano first, then the real one downstairs, before adding additional instruments. After each part was done, she sent it to the director and producer for their feedback, and so far, everything was coming up aces.

She’d tried reaching Aspen several times throughout the day—both texting and calling— but still hadn’t talked to her. After the third day of no contact, Zoey buried the phone in the depths of her drawer, hoping the battery would drain out in the slow, painful way her heart was at the moment.

Even with the silence from Aspen, Zoey’s score was coming along nicely. She was able to work with an orchestra from her old school. It was inspiring to hear her music grow into something tangible. After sending off the final piece, Zoey waited, wondering if this first step into realizing her dream.

An alert for an incoming call popped up on her computer. Her heart stuttered, but ultimately, she waved off the childish excitement that Aspen might be calling. Instead, it was one of the producers.

With anticipation, she answered the call on her computer. The glare from the screen showed her haggard look, complete with dark rings under her eyes. Smoothing out her frizzy hair, Zoey sent a silent thanks that it wasn’t a FaceTime call.

“Hey, Zack.”

“Zoey, how’re things in your neck of the woods?”

She couldn’t deduce anything from his chipper voice since that was how he always sounded, and she had no facial expressions to go on.

“You know, just trying to pass the time. I’m at the edge of my seat, Zack. Don’t leave me hanging.” Every muscle was in use as she froze, not wanting to miss anything he had to say. She couldn’t risk an errant squeak of her desk chair.

A light chuckle came from the other end. “All right, fair is fair. We…love it. The sounds and tones are taking the shots in a different direction than we originally thought, and because of that, we need to do some editing and reshooting on our end, but this just elevated the film. I think we could win some festivals with this. Seriously.”

Crumbling in the seat, Zoey felt the release of all her hard work. This could be it, the start of something special. The bittersweetness of it all twisted on her tongue. “That’s amazing. Thank you.”

“No, thank you. We owe you everything for this work. Don’t worry, we’ll be keeping your number at the top of our list for next time. It was great working with you.”

After pleasantries, Zoey stared at the screen, her face warped in the reflection. Her sense of satisfaction was quickly overpowered by bone tiredness. Slipping into bed, Zoey curled up, ready for a nap.

Before drifting off to sleep, her last thought was to reach out to her cousin Kelsey to see if she would celebrate with her on the completed job. She didn’t even try calling Aspen, not wanting to taint the good by setting herself up for disappointment.