Mockingbird: a Songbird Sequel

Sixteen: Colt

"There's the world's hottest soon to be grandpa."

My eyes widened as Eden swung her summer dress covered hips into Culprit's. "Easy," I hissed. "Not exactly spreading the news right now."

Eden rolled her eyes as she perched herself on an empty barstool in front of me. "No one's even here to hear me."

I jerked my head to the side, motioning to Phil and Robbie at the end of the bar.

Eden chuckled. "Like they heard me. What are you doing here? I thought you and the missus were supposed to be leaving for some birthday weekend extravaganza."

"We're leaving tonight when I get home," I responded, continuing to dry the glasses on the counter just as I was before the platinum blonde walked in here. "Thought you were supposed to be at the studio."

"We took a break," Eden stated. "Thought I'd come get a drink and see if you're any closer to coming to Nashville with me."

I sighed, and set down the pint glass in my hand, just to grab a High Life and crack the top before sliding it to Eden. "With everything going on, I'm further away than I was before."

Eden stared at me, hard. "Colt, it's only like six weeks. Eight max. The baby won't even be fully cooked before you get back."

"Weird analogy," I said with a chuckle. "I know. I just... I don't want to leave Lennie to handle everything herself. The farm, the bar, the kids... it's a lot. There's a lot of shit going on right now."

"Lennie's a tough broad. She can handle it."

"Doesn't mean she should have to," I stated. "I'm sorry, Eden. I'm sure the other guys will do just fine without me."

"I don't want them without you, Colt," Eden argued. "Eden James and Whiskey River. Come on. It's perfect."

"Whiskey River died a long time ago, E."

"So, resurrect it."

"I can't," I replied firmly. "That part of my life is over, Eden, I'm sorry."

She blonde rolled her eyes and tipped her beer to her lips. "And I thought Lennie was exaggerating about how fuckin' stubborn you are."

I chuckled. "If anything, she probably undersold it. Not that my wife has any room to talk."

"It's endearing... for the most part," Eden said with a shrug. "Except when it's stopping me from getting what I want."

"Why me? Why is it so important that I'm there?"

"Because you're the star, Colt. I can find a drummer and a bass player anywhere. You? You're something special."

"I promise you, I'm not."

"You are though. Lennie sees it."

"Lennie's blinded by love."

"Shut up. That girl's been in this business a long time. She knows what she's talking about."

"Didn't say she didn't."

"You know she wants you to go."

"She wants me to go because she thinks I want to. I don't."

"You're a liar, Colton Hayes. I've seen you onstage. You come alive. Don't act like you don't feel it."

"Doesn't matter if I do," I retorted. "My life is here. With my wife. My family."

"It doesn't have to be."

"Eden, give it a rest," I sighed. "It's not gonna happen."

"We'll see about that..." Eden stated, giving me a long, hard look up and down. "Men don't usually say no to me."