Sloane groans. “That’s a good start, but unless we’re seen in multiple videos or photo ops live, people could say it’s fake news or AI generated.”
Jax pipes in with, “So we go on a couple of double dates and make sure the photogs are tipped off. Maybe we go out in Portland or someplace other than Seaside, so people don’t think we’re staying here the entire summer.”
I’m willing to be seen with Finn in public if it can help my sister and the band. But a thought crosses my mind that might be the most obvious. “Uh… have either of you even asked Finn what he plans to do about this?”
Not only are the paparazzi going crazy around my hotel, hoping to catch me in the act with the wrong twin, but now I’m sitting at the Lancaster family dinner where her father shoots daggers my way when he thinks no one’s looking. It’s clear he respects his daughter’s choices, but like any father, I’m sure he’d rather not see her image splashed across the tabloids leaving a hotel room.
When Jax gave me the scoop about her dad just minutes before I arrived, I nearly shit myself. He’s a freaking lieutenant colonel in the Air Force. He’s been a pararescue pilot for the better part of his career. He’s had Special Forces training. He knows how to hide a body, and I’d be nothing but a memory to my family should he choose to do away with me. Christ, I feel like a sixteen-year-old getting caught in the back seat of his parents’ car with a girl, rather than the twenty-seven-year-old man who should know better about keeping my private life out of the public.
As a set musician, I never had to worry about photogs keeping track of me, so this newfound fame is nothing I’ve experienced. I haven’t had the chance to talk much with Raven,but I do know she’s agreed to be seen with her sister, Jax, and me to set the record straight about me having an affair with Sloane.
After having my manager and some execs at the label hand me my ass for causing such a PR nightmare, I came straight to this dinner, in hopes of talking with Raven and putting this fiasco behind us. Little did I know when I was invited, it included her extended family. It was bad enough meeting Lizzy, Lanie, and her fiancé, Ryan, but the hits just keep coming when her dad and his sister, Mable, arrive.
I nearly die on the spot when her father mentions seeing the headlines because he’s flagged our band’s name to keep tabs on Jax’s success. I love that he’s tech savvy, but have I mentioned I hate technology?
The sisters wasted no time setting the record straight about a misunderstanding at the hotel yesterday.
You could’ve cut the tension with a knife.
This will go down as one of the worst possible “meeting the family” scenarios ever.
Ten out of ten, do not recommend.
What sucks most about this fucked-up situation is that Raven is someone I could see myself dating. She’s smart, sexy, and fun to hang out with. I know we’ve only spent one night together, but I’d love to get to know her better.
However, the cold shoulder I’m getting from her at the moment has me thinking she might feel differently. It’s awkward as fuck having a huge elephant in the room. Like a neon flashing sign blinking, “Finn slept with Raven.”
Fuck, everyone knows what we did last night. I’m like a fish out of water in this situation. If only we could talk privately. Though, it’s practically impossible to get a moment alone with her. Between her sisters, Aunt Mable, and the guys from the band calling me away for one thing or another, I haven’t been able to pin Raven down for the conversation we need to have.
It's driving me crazy.
With a beer in hand, her dad finally approaches. “How’s it going, Finn? You get enough to eat?”
This conversation could go so many ways, and my stomach flips as I clear my throat. “Yes, sir. I did. Thank you for having me.”
“It’s on the girls’ invitation that you’re here. I had nothing to do with it.”
Well, shit. What do I say now?
Thankfully, he must realize I’m at a loss for words because he asks, “So, how long have you been playing the drums?”
Can’t say I was expecting that.
“Hmmm… let’s see…I’ve been tapping out rhythms since I could walk. I was that annoying kid always drumming my desk in school. I think it was my third-grade teacher, Mrs. Welker, who suggested I should get a drum kit for Christmas, so I could put my talents to good use.”
This at least earns me a laugh from Mr. Lancaster.
Is that what I should call him? Mister? Or do I address him as Lieutenant Colonel? Fuck if I know? There’s no way in hell I’m calling him Mark. Sir comes naturally, growing up in the South, but I’m out of my depth when it comes to addressing active-duty military officers.
“Do you play any other instruments?”
My shoulders fall from my ears, and I feel the tension loosen slightly. I can handle this conversation. “I can play the guitar and piano, though my preference is drums.”
“I’ve heard some of the tracks you’ve participated in. You all sound fantastic together.”
Shocked at the compliment, I say, “Thanks. Jax, Ryker, and I are fire when we play together. I can’t wait to lay down tracks on our first official album this summer.”
“I’m coming back for the festival. Sloane’s snagged me some tickets, and I can’t wait to catch up with some buddies who’ve recently retired. Apparently, Jax is the new Harry Styles or something with the teens.” He chortles once and shakes his head. “Thanks to Sloane, my buddy Harps is scoring big by getting his daughter Frankie tickets. Apparently, she nearly passed out when she found she’d also get to see you perform at Lanie’s wedding.”
