Songs of the Heart: Lyrical Odyssey Rock Star Series Book 3 Read online

  Songs of the Heart

  Lyrical Odyssey Rock Star Series Book 3

  Charli B. Rose

  Contents

  About the Book

  Note From the Author

  Prologue

  1. Chapter 1

  2. Chapter 2

  3. Chapter 3

  4. Chapter 4

  5. Chapter 5

  6. Chapter 6

  7. Chapter 7

  8. Chapter 8

  9. Chapter 9

  10. Chapter 10

  11. Chapter 11

  12. Chapter 12

  13. Chapter 13

  14. Chapter 14

  15. Chapter 15

  16. Chapter 16

  17. Chapter 17

  18. Chapter 18

  19. Chapter 19

  20. Chapter 20

  21. Chapter 21

  22. Chapter 22

  23. Chapter 23

  24. Chapter 24

  Epilogue

  Thank You

  Sneak Peek!

  Lyrical Odyssey Rock Stars Book 4

  Synopsis of Blood Song

  Excerpt from Blood Song

  About the Author

  Let’s Keep in Touch

  Acknowledgments

  Copyright © 2019. Charli B. Rose.

  First Edition. All rights reserved.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations in a book review.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  The author acknowledges the trademark status and trademark owners of various products referred to in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication / use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  The lyrics to the song “The Difference” were used with permission by Tyler Rich, singer/songwriter.

  charlirosewriter.wixsite.com/website

  Cover design by Susan Garwood

  Cover photo edit by Elora Kiefer

  Cover photographer by svetikd photography

  Edited by Silvia Curry & Nathanie Serrano

  Interior Formatting by The Side Hustle

  Always to my boys,

  who put the song in my heart.

  I love you both so much.

  Life is a song. Love is the music.

  ~ Wisdom Quotes Community

  About the Book

  Sometimes love’s song needs rewinding.

  Izzy

  Best friends to soul mates to … nothing. Since we were six, Dawson was the most important person in my life. He was my first everything. First friend, first boyfriend, first kiss, first love, first heartbreak. For years our love was a masterpiece. Then two years ago, he ghosted me. Now my world is grey. I’m finally trying to start over, to add muted colors back. Beckett has helped let the light back in. And he’s ready to paint our future. But I’m not sure if I can give it to him, even if I owe him. Every time I consider moving forward my heart starts singing a familiar tune.

  Dawson

  Now I know why they call it falling in love. The splat at the end. I should’ve known better than to fall for my best friend. Because now I’ve lost my love, my friend and the inspiration for every song I ever wrote. I know the truth now about how it all ended, and I long to fix it. But there’s a new man in her life. A good man. One who hasn’t broken her heart and doesn’t put her at risk by just being around. My head says I should love her enough to walk away. Too bad we don’t love with our brains.

  Best friends to lovers to heartbreak.

  To a second chance?

  NOTE: This is part THREE (and the conclusion) of Dawson and Izzy’s story. Part ONE of their story can be read in Beats of the Heart and is available here, and part TWO of their story can be read in Notes of the Heart and is available here.

  Note From the Author

  For those of you who’ve read the first two parts of this love story, you know how instrumental music was in the creation of Dawson and Izzy’s story. I have been imagining, writing and listening to their love for over a year now. A lot of their love story was inspired by song lyrics. A song on the radio would spark a scene. A single line of lyric would hit me in the gut about some feeling these two characters experienced. Their love story isn’t just a journey through the highs and lows of love but is a lyrical odyssey that can be experienced as you read through the integrated playlist. Songs from all walks of life and all ages have touched this story in one way or another. I hope you enjoy the ride. In addition to a link for my Spotify playlist, there are little music notes ♪ scattered throughout the book. In the e-book version of the book, if you click on the music note, you’ll be taken to the official YouTube video or the Spotify link for a song that’s relevant to the scene it’s in. (If you’re reading the paperback, obviously the notes aren’t clickable, but next to the music notes, I’ve listed the title of the song and the artist in case you want to check them out.) I do not own the rights to any of these songs. They are added merely for reader enjoyment.

  This story picks up immediately after Notes of the Heart ends, so make sure you’ve read Beats of the Heart and Notes of the Heart before you proceed. This is not a stand alone book.

  ♪ Spotify Playlist Link

  Prologue

  Izzy

  ♪ The First Cut is the Deepest by Sheryl Crow

  When I woke up later, Beckett was pulling into my parents’ neighborhood. “Welcome back,” he greeted me when he saw me stirring in the passenger seat.

  “You remembered the way.”

  “Yep.” He parked in the driveway.

  Before we could even get out of the car, my mom was rushing down the steps to greet me. “Don’t open the trunk while she’s out here,” I muttered under my breath.

  “Huh?” Beckett asked confused.

  “The painting’s a surprise,” I whispered behind my hand.

  “Oh, right.” A sheepish look crossed his face.

  I got out and enveloped my mom in a hug. “Sorry we’re late.”

  “No worries. Let me help you get your stuff inside and then we can go.” She moved to the back door of the car.

  “I’ll get our suitcases, sweetheart. You just grab your purse and your camera.”

  “Thank you,” I mouthed at him as I reached into the back seat to grab my camera bag.

  Linking arms with Mom, we went into the house while Beckett wrestled our bags out of the trunk. Moments later, he entered the house. “Should I take our bags to where we stayed last time?” he asked.

  “That’d be lovely, dear.” Mom patted his cheek affectionately before turning back to me.

  I smirked at him behind Mom’s back. When Beckett returned, I asked Mom, “Where’s Daddy?”

  “Out back.” She motioned to the backyard. “He’s hoping Beckett will go with him to pick up food for dinner.” She cast her eyes up at Beckett, where he stood with his arms looped around my waist.

  “Absolutely. And where are you ladies off to?” He squeezed my torso in a backwards hug.

  “We’re going to pick up the flowers and go make sure the venue is set up,” Mom chimed in.

  Beckett pressed a kiss to the top of my head, then headed out the back door to
find my dad. “Ready?” Mom asked as she handed me her folder full of party info.

  “Yes.” And with that we were off.

  Chapter 1

  Izzy

  As Mom drove to the florist, I opened the folder to see a list of names. “Is this the list of everyone who’s coming?” My finger tracked down the list to see who I recognized.

  Mom glanced over briefly. “Everyone who RSVPed at least.”

  My eyes scrolled down the list. “Brittany’s coming?”

  “Yes. She’s visiting her parents this weekend too. So, I thought it would be nice for you two to catch up.”

  “Thanks.” It had been a while since I’d seen her. Not since I was home recovering from surgery a couple of years ago

  “Mr. Anderson is bringing his new girlfriend?” I asked in astonishment. Dawson’s dad hadn’t ever gotten really serious about anyone after the divorce. But it was time for him to settle down again in my opinion.

  “Yes. Kimberly’s really nice. I think you’ll like her.”

  My breath hung up in my throat as I continued to read down the list. Dawson + 1 was scribbled near the bottom. “Dawson’s coming?” I squeaked out.

  “Oh, yeah. I guess I forgot to tell you I sent him an invitation. I didn’t think he’d be able to come. I mean I’m sure he’s really busy. But then he called to confirm he’d be here, and he was bringing a friend. Isn’t that nice, honey?” She patted my hand.

  “Yeah,” I whispered.

  After all this time, I was finally going to be in the same place at the same time as Dawson.

  “Maybe you guys will be able to catch up. Clear the air about whatever went wrong so you can be best friends again,” her voice was hopeful.

  “With all the people who’ll be at the party, I’m sure we’ll both be busy chatting with everyone.” I prayed that was the case. I wasn’t sure I was ready for an awkward reunion with the former love of my life, the keeper of my broken heart.

  “It’s a good thing he’s coming for dinner tonight, then,” Mom declared nonchalantly.

  “What?” I screeched.

  My heart started palpitating at an odd rhythm, and my hands got sweaty.

  “Yeah. Michael and Kimberly were already coming over for dinner. When I found out Dawson would be in town early enough, it seemed rude not to invite him and his date. Is there something wrong with that?” She turned and frowned at me.

  “Um… no. But Beckett just may piss his pants,” I joked, trying to play it off. I wiped my hands on my jeans.

  “That’s right. He’s a big fan of LO, huh?” Mom asked with a chuckle.

  “That’s an understatement,” I scoffed. “So… um… what time are you expecting them over tonight?” I asked casually. Meanwhile, I was freaking out inside.

  Could I really stand to see Dawson with a date? I hadn’t paid a lot of attention to entertainment news lately, but surely, I’d have noticed if he was in a relationship. Wouldn’t I?

  Maybe not. Especially if he had to keep it secret from the fans like he did with our relationship. My throat was thick with emotion. Obviously, in my logical mind, I expected that one day he’d be in a relationship with someone. But I never really allowed myself to think about it. My heart couldn’t handle the possibility, even after all this time.

  “I’m not sure what time they’ll be over. But I told them dinner would be at six-thirty.”

  “Mom, that’s in like three hours,” I exclaimed.

  I’d need at least that long to settle my nerves and get ready. I bet his date would be beautiful. He’d always attracted the attention of models and actresses. There was no way I could show up looking like the girl next door.

  “Well, your dad’s grilling steaks and corn. I already made potato salad and pasta salad. Dad’s going to pop the baked potatoes into the oven when he lights the grill. So, we don’t have to do anything. No need to stress.”

  I couldn’t very well tell her I needed time to primp before seeing my ex-boyfriend for the first time in two years, one month and two days—not that I was counting or anything. It was illogical for me react this way. I had a boyfriend. I’d never worried about my appearance with Beckett. Honestly, I’d never worried about my appearance with Dawson either. But I’d always wanted to look good for him—to make him pant with desire. Why didn’t I want the same with Beckett?

  “We’re here,” Mom announced as she parked in front of the flower shop.

  I forced myself to put Dawson out of my mind for the next two hours as I helped Mom set up the hall in all things pearl colored. Ropes of fake pearls draped the guest of honor table. They adorned the candlesticks, flower arrangements… pretty much everything. It was actually classy looking.

  The bulletin board boasted photos of my parents dating back to their high school days and chronicling their love story up to this past Christmas. Mom stood back and looked over everything as I set small vases filled with plastic pearls in the center of each table. The white and pink calla lilies looked beautiful.

  When everything was done, I glanced at my phone. Five-thirty. “Mom, is there anything else we need to do?”

  “Umm. I think that’s it for right now. There are a few things we can’t do until tomorrow. We can go.” She surveyed everything one last time.

  “Awesome. I’d like to shower before dinner.” I snatched up my purse and moved to the door.

  “Understood. I always feel grimy after traveling.” Mom muttered something else to herself and nodded as she locked up the building.

  I’d just let her believe I was feeling grungy from riding in a car. No way was I going to admit that I wanted to look my best for Dawson… and his date. Ugh.

  Fifteen minutes later, we pulled up at home. I dashed around back to where I heard Beckett and Daddy’s voices. Peeking around the side of the house, I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw it was just the two of them. I drew in a deep breath and stepped into the backyard. “Hey, boys,” I called cheerfully.

  “Hey, sweet pea,” Daddy greeted me. “You girls take care of everything?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  He squeezed me tightly.

  “Hey, sweetheart,” Beckett called over my dad’s shoulder. “You’ve got great timing. We just lit the grill.”

  Daddy let go of me, and I stepped over to Beckett, who drew me in for a brief kiss.

  “So, did Daddy tell you who was coming for dinner?” I grinned up at him. At least one of us would be over the moon about our dinner companion.

  “No. I mean I assumed it was more than just the three of us when I saw the number of steaks. But I didn’t ask who else would be joining us. Thought it would be rude.” He shrugged.

  “You have to promise to control yourself.” I gripped his biceps and gave him my serious face.

  “I’m a doctor; I am the epitome of control.” A cocky smile tipped up his lips.

  “Normally, I’d agree with you. But I’m not so sure about this time.” I shook my head.

  I was sure. He was going to lose it.

  “Tell me who it is for goodness sake,” he demanded.

  “Dawson will be coming over with his dad for dinner.”

  “The Dawson Anderson? Lead singer of Lyrical Odyssey is coming over to eat dinner? Here? Tonight?” his voice rose in pitch with each word that slipped from his lips.

  “Yes.” My fingers twisted my thumb ring behind my back.

  “Oh shi— I mean crap,” he exclaimed, rubbing his hand over the crown of his head.

  He cast his eyes over to where my dad smirked about Beckett’s freak out. “What am I going to say to him? What am I going to wear? What if I make a fool of myself?”

  I pressed my fingertips to his lips. “Shhh. You’re going to say ‘Hi’. And you’re going to talk to him like he’s a normal human being. Because he is. And you aren’t going to make a fool of yourself. You’re far too smart for that. As for what to wear, you look great just like you are. Me, on the other hand, I’m covered in flower water and dust. I’m going t
o go shower before everyone arrives.” I planted a kiss on his lips. “You gonna be OK?”

  He swallowed hard and nodded.

  “Remember, he’s just a guy.”

  Now if I could convince myself of that lie, I might actually get through dinner with my own heart intact.

  * * *

  After a long shower that was anything but relaxing, I dug through my suitcase trying to find something to wear. I’d tossed all kinds of items in there in my efforts to pack in a hurry. Finally, I unearthed a pair of black skinny jeans and an off-the-shoulder blue blouse. My fingers pillaged the drawer on my vanity.

  Triumphantly, I pulled out something to help dress up my appearance. I pinned my hair up on the sides with the crystal butterfly clips I’d worn to prom. The billowy sleeves of my shirt blocked my wrists, so no need for any bracelets. Though, I did slip on a necklace I’d worn all throughout high school. I covered my tattooed thumb ring with the silver butterfly thumb ring I’d bought over a year ago.

  I’d considered having the tattoo removed or altered, but I’d spent so long designing the perfect art to adorn my body forever. So, what if I couldn’t look at it now without it stirring up memories I’d rather leave buried forever?