Rhythm of Heartbreak

Chapter 22: Conversation and Chances

Jess sat alone in the hotel café, lightly touching the keys of her keyboard. The early morning quiet was broken only by the soft clinking of coffee cups and the hum of the espresso machine. She focused on making final tweaks to the song she and Shaun had worked on. Today was their last chance to submit it before the winners were announced tomorrow. Jess was determined, putting her all into perfecting each note and harmony.

The events of the past days played in her mind. Rick had left suddenly, and their unfinished conversation from the campfire night still haunted her. She wasn't sure if she was ready to face him again or what she hoped to gain from their talk. Thoughts of Rick's dark hazel eyes and their brief kiss filled her mind, making her bury her face in her arms to push them away.

She absentmindedly brushed her lips, recalling the sensation.

A gentle touch on her hair made Jess look up in surprise. It was Shaun, showing an unexpected kindness. The touch was soft and comforting, a stark contrast to the detached attitude she was used to from him. She pulled away from his touch.

"Why do you look so upset?" Shaun said. His concern seemed genuine.

"Nothing!" Jess replied. "Don't mind me, Shaun, it has nothing to do with you." 

Shaun's nodded and shifted the conversation. "Are you ready to record the final track?" he asked, grinning widely. His joy was contagious, and Jess felt her anxiety ease, replaced by a renewed excitement.

"Let's do it!" Shaun exclaimed, holding out his hand. Jess hesitated for a moment, unsure if she wanted to do this with him. But eventually, she reached out and took his hand.

"You're still you," she whispered. "I'm glad."

Shaun nodded. "I'm still me." They shared a look that showed things were changing between them.

The studio was filled with soft, soundproof panels and the buzz of equipment. After hours of recording and tweaking, the studio echoed with the rich sound of their completed song. Jess and Shaun, bathed in the warm light from the studio windows, shared relieved smiles, proud of their hard work.

"And now we wait," Shaun said, handing Jess a cold drink. The chill of the drink was refreshing after their intense work.

Jess asked, "Why didn't you use your last name when you started?"

Shaun laughed. "Seriously, this is so random? Who wants to hear 'Ladies and Gentlemen, Shaun Parker'? That's hilarious," he said with amusement.

Jess laughed along, then asked, "Do you think it's necessary to change my name?"

Shaun's smile faded to a thoughtful expression. "Not really. Your name is already catchy. They might pitch it for marketing if they decide to rebrand you."

Jess considered this. "Do you like where you are now, with all the fame and glory?"

Shaun's face softened. He looked away, thinking. "I wanted this to prove my worth to my parents. It's about pride and success. But music has always been my escape, my refuge. That's why I'm so dedicated to it." His words revealed the personal reasons behind his public persona.

Jess nodded, understanding his drive. "I hope you find the happiness you're looking for," she paused "I think this time, I can start forgiving you," she said softly.

Shaun looked at her. "Why do I feel like you're saying goodbye?" he asked, concern in his voice.

Jess shrugged, looking at the serene sea outside. Suddenly, a familiar voice broke the studio's calm. "Jessie," the voice called. Jess's heart raced as she turned to see her mother, Kris Lynn, walking toward her.

Jess froze, her breath caught as she saw the woman who had been absent for so long. Kris's once-bright appearance was now worn and tired, her face lined with age and struggle. Her eyes held a tired but recognizable look of regret.

"Mom," Jess whispered, her voice trembling.

Kris's lips formed a faint, sad smile. "You've grown so much, Jess," she said warmly.

Shaun, sensing the emotional weight, stepped back with a quiet nod. "I'll be in the lobby," he said gently, giving them the space they needed.

Jess watched him leave, then turned to her mother, their shared silence filled with unspoken words and unresolved feelings.