She ties a daisy belt around her waist and settles her usual daisy-chain headband over her hair, completing that effortless boho rock vibe she carries so naturally. I love her like this, the casual, grounded woman with her own rhythm and style. Sure, I appreciate her in leather, commanding a stage under blinding lights, but this version of her feels softer. More grounded. Less rock goddess, more Vespa earth girl who talks about energy and balance like it’s gospel.
This is the woman I fell for.
She glances back at me and catches me staring. “Are you going to continue gawking at me, or are you going to get dressedtoo, you weirdo?” She laughs and tosses a pillow in my direction before sitting on the edge of the bed.
I dodge it easily and shake my head, turning toward the luggage to grab my clothes. “Just admiring. I love it when you dress like you.”
She snorts. “Well, I love it when you’re completely naked, but we can’t all get what we want now, can we?”
***
After an entertaining breakfast, where Kiera passionately outlined all the ways she and Raoul would be perfectly suited while I mentally died a thousand humiliating deaths, Gran settles out back to tend her garden, and Effa and I wander toward the town square to sit in the bandstand.
The day is mild, the sky painted in soft grays with the sun fighting to break through the thin veil of cloud cover. The town moves at its usual unhurried pace, the occasional car humming past on the main road reminding me just how sleepy this place feels compared to life on tour. Across the street, Kammie’s Diner is already alive with its usual Friday morning crowd, the windows fogged slightly from the warmth inside.
The trees sway gently overhead, leaves brushing together in a quiet, rhythmic whisper as the breeze rolls through. I love fall here. Everything carries a faint amber glow, and the leaves crunch underfoot in a way that feels grounding. The air smells faintly of pumpkins and cinnamon drifting from somewhere nearby.
This is the scent ofhome.
“You’re smiling,” Effa chirps as we approach the bandstand.
The vibrant tulips of summer are long gone, replaced now by amber-toned hedges and bushes preparing for winter. The white and pale green gazebo looks a little bare compared to how it looked months ago, but it’s still beautiful in its own way.
“I’m home. It’s fall. I’m with my girl. What’s not to smile about?” I reply as we climb the brick pathway and ascend the five steps into the gazebo.
We sit on the top step, looking out over the square, and I feel something inside me loosen.
Effa reaches over and threads her fingers through mine. “I love seeing you here, with Kiera, with Gran. I mean, I love who you are on tour too, but here you’re… I don’t know… centered.”
“It’s even better when you’re here,” I admit quietly.
She studies the town, nodding slowly. “I must admit, it has a good feel about it.”
I slide my arm around her shoulders and lift my free hand to wave at Mr. Jennings as he passes. He tips his head with a smile and waves back, which makes Effa giggle.
“It’s cute that you know everyone.”
I squeeze her shoulder lightly. “Isn’t there a phone call you should be making?”
She rolls her eyes. “Yes, yes… give me your damn phone. I left mine at the house.”
I hand it over, and she inhales deeply before dialing her specialist’s number. I lean back, trying not to hover, but I rest my hand on her knee so she knows I’m right here.
“Oh… hello. This is Vespa Carrington. I was wondering if I could speak to Dr. Wakefield about some symptoms I’ve been having since my release.”
She nods as she listens. “Sure, I’ll hold… okay.” She glances at me. “They’re patching me through.”
My jaw tightens.
What if something is wrong?
What if this isn’t just recovery adjusting?
If I have to take her back to Pittsburgh, I will. If I have to drag her across state lines for tests, I will. Hell, I’d fly her to the otherside of the world if that’s what it took. Her health comes first.Always.
“Oh… hi, Dr. Wakefield,” she says, pulling me from my spiral. “Yes, I’ve had a couple of symptoms over the last few days and wanted to check if I should be concerned.”
I study her face, trying to read her reaction.