Whisky Lullaby: Rock Star Romance, Step-brother New Adult Romance (Tennessee Romance Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

lived paycheck to paycheck, David’s other family lived like the upper crust on Park Avenue. It was a lot for Ashley to swallow.
    “Ashley honey…” her mom repeated. “Did your father call?”
    She sighed. “He hasn’t. I don’t think he will. I think he’s still upset about Juilliard.”
    “Ahh, honey. I’m sure he’s pleased. You picked a good school. At the end of the day, it was your choice, not his.”
    “Yeah, it was my choice.”
    “I’ll miss you while you’re gone, but I’m glad you’re getting a different experience outside of New York.”
    “I miss you too, Mom,” Ashley assured her.
    “Maybe you should try to give your father a call.”
    Ashley sighed. She didn’t get why her mother cared so much. Not a cent of this college experience was coming from her father’s pocket. Ashley earned her education with scholarships and hard work. “All right, I will in a bit.” She didn’t want to disappoint her mother.
    “Give me a call tomorrow, after you’re done with your classes! I can’t wait to hear about them!” The enthusiasm in her voice was genuine.
    Ashley smiled. “Okay, Mom. Bye… Love you.” She hung up the phone as she reluctantly looked at a photo that sat on her bureau. Growing up, she had always been something of a daddy’s girl. She adored her father. David Slater was the type of father other kids dreamed of having themselves. He was playful, supportive, strong and funny. Although, Ashley was an only child at her parents’ townhouse, she was not David’s only child. Across town from their midtown townhouse, her father had another family – a beautiful wife, twin babies and even a golden retriever. The thought made Ashley sick to her stomach. She felt like everything her father had every told her was a lie.
    Despite the battery acid feeling that swarmed in her stomach, Ashley picked up her iPhone again and dialed her father. She tried his cell phone, but it went straight to voicemail. Rolling her eyes, she pressed the end key and hit the number for his house. His mistress’ house phone.
    Well, technically Corinna was his wife now. She waited for someone, anyone to pick up. After fifteen rings, the call went to voicemail: “Hi! You’ve reached the Slater Family! David! Corinna! And the boys! We’re not here right now, leave us a message and we’ll call you back! Bye!” The sugary sweet message made Ashley want to puke.
    Stifling her sick feeling, Ashley managed to find some composure as the loud beep sounded in her ear. “Hey, it’s Ashley. Just wanted to let you know I arrived. Call me or… whatever. I have my cell.”
    She hung up the phone and dropped it down on her bureau. Giving her father’s photograph another glance, she placed the frame face down, so that she didn’t have to look at his face again until she was good and ready. 
    She moved away from the desk, dragging the chair with her. Pulling out her cello from the case, she decided that rather than bottling up her fears, she was going to release her anxiety through the intricate composition of Bach on her strings.
     
    ***
     
    “Look what the cat dragged in…” Dale nudged Zip as Logan strolled through the front door of the apartment with his banjo strapped to his back. Logan had an unreadable expression on his face, and he looked like he was in desperate need of a beer.
    “Oh, shit…” Gavin shook his head. “Yo Dale, pop open a beer for ‘em.”
    “Logan! Back so soon?” Zip didn’t get up from the couch but nodded at Logan.
    “Yeah, looks like you have a new roommate for definite,” Logan said in a dry voice.
    “Shut up!” Gavin laughed, trying to act like he didn’t see the dark look in his buddy’s eyes.
    “You told your mom?” Dale handed Logan a tall, cold can of beer.
    “Yup and her grease monkey husband.” He popped open the can and slugged half of it back before dropping down onto the sunken plaid couch that had clearly seen better days.
    Gavin followed suit, giving his