Rhythm of Heartbreak

Chapter 29: Tangled Melodies

Jess sat in Fred's diner, enjoying the comforting familiarity of the place. It had been a while since she last visited, and everything looked the same, bringing a gentle smile to her face.

"We're glad you could swing by," Fred said, setting a slice of cake in front of her.

Jess smiled back. "I meant to come by when things calmed down, but it's been hectic." With her album release coming up, choosing the right songs had been overwhelming. She remembered the many hours she and Shaun spent on their first song, a reminder of simpler times.

"How's everything going?" Fred asked, his warm eyes showing genuine concern.

Jess hesitated. Her mother, Kris, was stable now, no longer on a ventilator, but still fragile. Their last visit had been emotional, filled with talks about the past, finances, and wills—a reminder of their limited time together.

"I found my mom," Jess said finally, her voice mixed with relief and sadness.

Fred's eyes brightened at the news, and they chatted a bit longer before Jess's phone buzzed. Shaun's name appeared on the screen.

"Excuse me, Fred," she said, stepping away to take the call.

"Where are you now?" Shaun's voice sounded urgent.

"At Fred's," she replied.

"Stay there, I'm coming over," Shaun said before hanging up abruptly.

Jess looked at her phone, puzzled by Shaun's sudden visit. It wasn't long before he walked into the diner, looking refreshed in a stylish dark blue shirt and denim. His sunglasses and casual demeanor made him look effortlessly attractive.

"Hi," Shaun greeted with a cheerful tone that was a stark contrast to their last tense encounter.

"You seem better today," Jess noted, seeing his easy laughter and warmth, which only highlighted his appeal.

Fred, returning with a slice of cake, stopped in his tracks as he recognized Shaun. "Isn't he the singer we saw on TV?" he exclaimed, surprised.

Jess smirked, a mix of nostalgia and annoyance. She remembered Fred's previous skepticism about Shaun. Now, Fred's surprise was almost satisfying.

"You said he was your future husband," Fred blurted out, catching Jess off guard. She blushed, her cheeks flushing as Shaun's grin widened, clearly enjoying the moment.

"Your future husband, huh?" Shaun echoed, amused.

"There's a misunderstanding here," Jess quickly said, trying to ease the awkwardness as Fred looked between them, unaware of the tension.

"So, you two know each other?" Fred asked curiosity piqued.

"Yes, we're childhood sweethearts," Shaun said enthusiastically, causing a whistle from the staff.

"Our little Jess is all grown up," Jose said, pretending to dab at a tear, his tone teasing and sentimental.

Jess rolled her eyes. "You're all mistaken. Shaun, stop it. You're giving them the wrong idea." She shot him a frustrated but pleading look.

The teasing smiles from Fred, Jose, and Leny faded as they retreated, leaving Jess and Shaun alone. The playful mood disappeared, and Shaun's eyes, now visible without sunglasses, drew curious glances from onlookers.

"Why is Rick acting so possessive of you lately?" Shaun asked, casually sipping her drink, his voice genuinely curious.

Jess took the drink back, her fingers lingering on the glass. "I'm not sure," she said lightly, hoping he wouldn't dig deeper.

In truth, Jess was as confused as Shaun. Her relationship with Rick was a tangled mix of unspoken feelings and physical attraction. She hadn't fully explored or understood their bond, which left her feeling vulnerable.

Shaun's hand gently covered hers, his touch unexpectedly grounding. "I ended things with Cindy," he said, his voice sincere and filled with regret. "The label is giving me a new manager. I want to do what's right, Jess. I need to prove I'm worthy of you."

His words echoed, but the magic they once held had faded. Her complicated feelings for Rick, filled with uncertainty and fear, overshadowed any hope she had for Shaun.

"Shaun..." she began, struggling to find the right words. "I'm proud of you, but... we can't. I can't anymore."

"Is this about Rick?" Shaun's knuckles tightened, his lips trembling with restrained anger.

Jess hesitated. The truth was, she didn't have answers about Rick's past, his family, or his friends. The realization of how little she knew about the man she was falling for struck her painfully.

*********

Later that evening, the concert venue was packed, and the crowd buzzed with excitement. Jess had never felt claustrophobic before, but the crush of people and the strong mix of sweat and perfume made her feel dizzy. She wasn't sure how Alexander had convinced her to come, but here she was, supporting her label's event and Rick Reed, a rising star in the music scene.

Rick's performance was a highlight of the night. Jess knew she needed to be seen supporting the event for her career. It was also a chance to clear her mind after Shaun's unexpected visit earlier.

When Rick started singing "Close to You," the familiar melody calmed her nerves. His voice was smooth and rich, wrapping around her like a warm blanket. She closed her eyes, letting the music take her away.

"Why do birds suddenly appear
Every time you are near?
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you."

The soft lyrics and Rick's charismatic performance seemed to reflect the connection Jess longed for. The song's playful tone and Rick's sincere voice provided a brief escape from her tangled thoughts.

When the song ended and the crowd cheered, Jess felt overwhelmed. Shaun's earlier words echoed in her mind, leaving her unsure about her feelings.

Walking along an empty side street, lost in thought, she stumbled on uneven pavement. She braced herself for a fall, but strong arms caught her and steadied her.

"Careful, Jess," Rick's voice teased as his hands rested on her waist. "Daydreaming under the moonlight isn't safe."

"Rick..." she breathed, surprised to see him there.

"I've been wanting to do this since I saw you leave the concert," he whispered, pulling her closer.

Before she could react, Rick's lips met hers, and she kissed him back, giving in to the moment. Her mind screamed that she was weak, but her body melted into his embrace.

Unbeknownst to them, Shaun watched from a distance, his suspicions confirmed. Anger surged within him as he saw Jess in Rick's arms. Without thinking, he stormed toward them, his steps heavy with rage.

Shaun grabbed Rick and punched him three times in the face. Jess screamed, and the sound snapped Shaun back to reality as he realized what he had just done.