Indy stares at me with her mouth gaping open. It’d be funny if it weren’t for my pulse racing in fear of her rejecting me.
“Indy,” I call and she blinks to bring me into focus. “Will you forgive me for being a dumbass?”
“Forgive him! Forgive him!” Dylan begins the chant, but the crowd in the bar is quick to join in.
The five gossip gals climb onto the stage to stand next to me. They insisted on being a part of my apology. It was the only way they’d agree to help set this whole thing up. I’m man enough to admit I’m feeling more than a bit apprehensive over what they have planned.
“One,” Sage begins counting off. “Two, three!”
On three, they whip open their sweaters to reveal bright pink t-shirts with the wordsGossip Gals Vote Yesin gold lettering on them.
“Say yes, Indigo!” Sage shouts.
Feather nods. “He’s better than a book boyfriend.”
“I’ll give you some free massage candles,” Petal adds.
Cayenne winks at me. “I’d show him how flexible I can be any day of the week.”
Before Clove can speak, I step forward. “I’m sorry, Indy. I let…”
I trail off when the noise in the room cuts off and everyone leans close to listen. Shit. I didn’t think this through. I don’t want to have this conversation in front of the entire town.
“You can use the storeroom,” the bartender hollers.
I don’t wait for her to change her mind. I jump off the stage and rush to Indy. She allows me to herd her toward the back hallway and into the storeroom. This is a good sign, right?
Once we’re hidden from the crowd behind a closed door, I cradle Indy’s face in my hands. “I’m sorry, sweetness. I let your mom’s words burrow into my head and I couldn’t get them out.”
“Head?” She raises her eyebrows. “Don’t you mean your ass?”
“Yeah, yeah. My head is up my ass. But it isn’t any longer.”
“You’re not going to run scared every time my mother visits?”
I lock my muscles to stop the shiver at the idea of her mothering visit. Raven may have birthed the woman I love, but she is not a nice person.
“No. But I may hide in the studio whenever she visits.”
She studies me and I let her see it all. My love for her, my regret for hurting her, my determination to continue my life with her by my side.
“Good thing dear old mom won’t be visiting until she apologizes.”
Damn it. I’m still coming between her and her mom. “Indy.”
She raises her palm. “Nope. I don’t want to hear it.”
I blow out a breath and let it go. Discussing Raven will only lead to another fight. And I don’t want to fight with Indy.
“Will you give me another chance?”
“How can I compete against a song on the TV?”
“Hey now. It’s true I’m a musician, but I’m also just a man. A man who loves you.”
She bites her lip. I can see the wheels turning in her head. “How would this even work? You’re on the road most of the time. I’ll be here in Winter Falls.”
“My idiot half-brother pointed out there are these things called phones. We’ll speak every day. Maybe we’ll even have phone sex.” I waggle my eyebrows.