Chapter 22

Date night wasn't going quite as planned. Becket couldn't get so much as a smile from Nova. She just sat pushing her food around on her plate at the restaurant, as he sat quietly watching her. A deep sadness had washed over her and it was obvious something upset her.

"Nova, are you okay? You've barely touched your food. Is something wrong with it? I can send it back and get you something else."

"No. It's fine. I'm just not very hungry."

"I'm sorry if this date sucks. I'm trying."

Nova's head shot up to look at him. "What? No. I love being with you. I just have some things on my mind."

"Want to talk about it?"

"Well, sort of. Can I ask you something?"

Becket reached over taking her hand in his, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles. "Of course."

"Do you think it's possible to forgive someone for something if you care for them?"

"Yes. Why do you ask?"

"Even if it was something really bad in their past that they're ashamed of? Something so bad that may make you look at them differently?"

"I would think if I really cared for someone their past wouldn't matter. It's who they are now that is important."

Nova sighed. "I guess that's true but some things are not that easy to forgive."

"True, but everyone has things in their past they may not be proud of."

"I guess so," she said with a shrug.

Becket's eyes narrowed as he studied her expression. "Is there something in your past that makes you ask this?"

Nova shook her head no but knew she was lying. Telling him the truth about her past could mean losing him before she ever really got the chance to be with the man she deeply cared for, for so long. "I guess I'm just overthinking. Never mind. I don't want to ruin our date."

"Know what? How about we go do something fun. Something to cheer you up."

"Like what?"

"Humm? Movie?"

"Boring."

"One of those wine and paint things?"

"I can't drink. Sobriety, remember?"

"Oh, yeah. Sorry. I don't drink either. Humm? I got it! You'll love it." Becket got up throwing a tip on the table and pulled her up from her seat.

"Where are we going?"

"First we head back to the hotel to get your guitar. Just trust me."

An hour later, Nova and Becket were sitting in a small little coffee house that was having an open mic night. They were seated in a secluded corner booth listening to the poets, musicians, and comedians' performances and Nova was smiling ear-to-ear. This was one of her favorite things to do and hadn't had the chance since she had become a big star.

She looked over at Becket who was laughing at one of the comedians on stage watching the light dance across his eyes. Nova scooted closer, laying her head on his shoulder, and wrapping her arms around his bicep.

Becket looked down at her with a smile asking, "Having fun?"

"Tons. I miss doing this sort of stuff. How did you know I would like this?"

"I saw an interview with you once and you were talking about how you would slip off when you were younger and come to places like this. When you were talking about singing in dive bars and old run-down places like this, you seemed happier than talking about the big rock concerts."

"I was. I just wanted to sing. I didn't even care about all the fancy stuff. Do you know why I always liked to sing?"

"Why?"

"My granny used to sing to me when I was little. She would have me sing old folk songs with her. I was named after a song she wrote."

"Super Nova, your new hit song. I heard it was a remake of a song you dedicated to her."

"Yes. Part of the song was my words but most of it was hers. I told her one day if I ever became famous I would sing her song for the world to hear. She had the most beautiful voice. It was an old fashion tone, like a bluegrass singer, and I loved it. My granny was the one who taught me to play the piano and guitar. She said that when everything is bad in the world, music can bring people together. A song can hit all your emotions, and at the same time bring the world to its knees."

"That's beautiful. She's right. When a song resonates with me it changes my whole way of looking at things. Your song Smoke and Mirrors was one that did that for me. I was so consumed with celebrity life because it can be so overwhelming. Your song showed me that I'm not the only one in the world who felt that way. It showed me that someone else saw that being a star isn't always what it's cracked up to be."

"Wow. I didn't think anyone ever really listened to the words enough to understand what I was saying," Nova said, smiling up at him.

"I did. I always listen to every word you sing." Becket took her hand in his, kissing her fingertips. "You're not the only one who had a crush here, Nova. I've been attracted to you for years. Well... besides when you were still in high school. I just wasn't into you like than then. Over the past few years I... sort of developed this crush."

Nova looked up with wide-eyes and press lips, trying not to smile. "You have?"

"Well, yeah. You're beautiful. I may have not agreed with how you started at Powerbomb, but I still couldn't deny how stunning and truly talented you are."

"That's actually really flattering. So, why did you want me to bring my guitar?"

"I want you to sing without that fancy stage lights and glam rock. Just you. I love your voice when it's just you and your guitar."

"You've never heard me sing without the band."

"Really? I used to hear you hiding away in the arena's fire exit stairwells when you were younger. I would sneak around and follow you so I could listen to you sing. I sat there for a long time just closing my eyes taking in your beautiful voice. No one knew. I was afraid they would think I was being creepy. Regardless of age you were still my friend back then."

"That's nice. I went there because of the acoustics. I didn't know anyone knew I did that," she said with surprise.

"I knew. I noticed you more than you realize. How could I not? I knew you would be a star one day."

The coffee house owner got on stage to announce the next singer, bringing them out of the conversation. "We have a special guest this evening. A lady we've seen on stage and film. She is here to sing one of her songs for us; acoustic and unplugged. The Arts Cafe is proud to welcome, Nova!"

The guest clapped and cheered excitedly as Nova made her way to the stage. She perched upon a stool on the little stage and looked over the crowd with glee. "Wow. This is amazing. I haven't played in a place like this in years and I am so excited to be here. A friend brought me here that you all may recognize, Mr. Becket Knox."

Becket got up and waved to the crowd and sat back down watching his girl in her element. As he sat back in the booth watching proudly as joy spread across her face.