Free Pleasure in the Rain by Inglath Cooper Page B

for you.”
     “Not true,” Case says. “You’re here because you’ve got some incredible talent, and the world’s gonna want to hear it. Henry sent me a link to the new album. There’s not a song on it that’s not great. Y’all know how excited he is about you?”
    I shake my head and try to say something in response, but nothing wants to come out of any significance, so I just murmur, “Thank you, Case.” He gets the same from Holden and Thomas.
    Case asks Holden about the guitar he played on the record, and the three of them are soon in deep conversation about things only guitar enthusiasts know about.
    “I need to powder my nose,” Aunt Vera says, heading off in search of the ladies’ room.
    Knowing her as I do, I’m sure she is trying to give Mama and me some time alone.
    I take her hand and say, “Want to get some fresh air?”
    “Yes, of course,” she says and follows me along the edge of the room to the open French doors that lead out onto a balcony. A wrought iron railing encloses the terrace. We stand looking out at an enormous field where horses graze in the moonlight.
    “Are you angry with me, honey?” Mama asks.
    "Why would I be angry with you?”
    “I wanted to tell you that I was coming after all, but Case thought it would be a nice surprise.”
    I study her for a few moments. “Is there something you’re not telling me about you two?”
    Mama looks down at her hands and then back at me with a small smile on her mouth.
    “I’m not sure I even believe it myself yet, but he’s been coming to see me in Virginia.”
    “He has?” I ask, failing to hide my surprise.
    “I know,” she says. “It’s crazy, isn’t it? A man like that wanting to see me?”
    “No,” I say. “Of course it’s not crazy.”
    “He just started calling me at night, and we would talk for hours sometimes. I guess he needed someone to talk to who might not judge him about how he was trying to manage his pain.”
    “I heard he might be drinking,” I say because I can't help feeling suddenly protective of her.
    “He was,” Mama says.
    “And he’s not now?”
    “No.”
    I shake my head, still a little stunned. “Mama, is this romantic?”
    I don’t know that I ever remember seeing my mama blush, but she’s blushing now. And there’s a light in her eyes that gives me the answer before she even says the words.
    “Maybe.But honey, I’m not looking past today. I’m not even looking as far as tomorrow. For now, we’re just enjoying each other’s company, and that’s all.”
    “In a romantic way,” I tease.
    Mama’s cheeks light up again even as she says, “It’s nice to hear a smile in your voice. And you look absolutely beautiful tonight.”
    “Thank you.” I smooth a hand across the front of my dress. “You don’t think it’s too fancy for me?”
    “I think it’s perfect for you. Do you know how proud I am of you?” She reaches out to pull me to her, hugs me tight. “Promise me something.”
    “What?” I ask.
    “That you’ll let yourself enjoy this, that you won’t feel guilty about it. You worked hard to get where you are. Anybody who knows you knows that.”
    “Thank you, Mama,” I say, a crack in my voice.
    “All right, then,” she says, smoothing her hand across my hair. “I’ve monopolized you enough. You need to get back out there and enjoy your party.”
    “It wouldn’t have been the same without you here. I’m so glad that Case came to get you.”
    “Me, too, honey. Me, too.”
    "The two of you. . .it's really nice."
    Her answering smile makes me happy in a way I haven't felt in a long time.
     
    ♪

CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE
    Holden
     
    Thomas and I are standing in a circle, talking with some people who work at the label. Case walks up and steps into the group. He makes small talk with the ones he obviously knows, then looks at me, saying, “Have you got a minute, Holden?”
    “Ah, sure,” I say. Thomas raises an eyebrow at me. I have to admit I’m wondering what