But I miss me more
I miss my own beat, to my own snare drum
I miss me more
Miss my own sheets in the bed I made up
I forgot I had dreams, I forgot I had wings
Forgot who I was before I ever kissed you
Yeah, I thought I'd miss you
But I miss me more

Clap Clap Clap

Cassie turns to find Nat standing there with a smirk on her lips. She sat the paper to the side while Nat walked over to sit down beside her before picking up the notebook. Cass bit her lip waiting to hear her friend's thoughts. She looked out to the back yard enjoying the serenity. 

Nat sat read over the lines her friend produced and could feel her tears ducts working. She was so proud of her. She is turning her experience into her legacy. It was clear that she was over Landon and that made Nat so fucking happy. 

"I found my independence... Can't believe I ever lost it" 

Nat read out loud as her friend nodded her head looking to her lap. She could tell the wound was still fresh but Cass was wanting to move past it and that is the most important thing. She reached out taking her friend's hand squeezing it. Cass looked up to her with glossy eyes before clearing her throat.

"This place has been working wonders Nat. I couldn't write a song to save my life in Cali."

"I'm glad"

And she meant it. Having Cass here was not only good for Cass but it also put Nat's worries to rest. She had an idea of something she wanted to do for her best friend but wanted to see how the next few weeks go. 

Ahem

A clearing of a throat made both girls turn their heads to the intruder. Standing where Nat previously was is Keith. Cass' eyes shamelessly drinking his physique in. Nat tilted her head before turning to Cass who had her 'fuck me' eyes. Nat could feel her body cringe but played it off by scratching her neck. 

"Yea Keith?"

"How's it coming back here?" He says nodding towards the notebook. Cass instantly beams. 

"I wrote the lyrics for the first song!" She practically was jumping in her seat. 

Keith chuckled stepping forward. Nat's eyes were dancing between the two. His hand outstretched to her which she took blushing as she stood up. Nat groaned standing up making both look to her. Her finger moving between the two. 

"I don't care what is going on here but Keith I am telling you what... Brother or not, I will castrate you if you hurt Cass."

Keith's eyes going wide and his body going stiff while Cass threw her head back laughing. She tugged his hand away leaving Nat to flop back down sighing heavily. Her hands rubbing down her face as the pair move out of sight. She sits there for a minute pulling the notebook back to her lap. A small smile gracing her lips. 

"Mrs?"

Nat looked up to find Miguel standing there ringing a towel in his hands. Nat looked to him confused and gave him her undivided attention. 

"What is it Miguel?"

"My brother was asking if you would come by and visit him and Naomi. I told him about you being back in town."

Nat smiled fondly. Miguel's older brother is Julio Torres. Him and his wife, Naomi ran the saloon in town. Julio also happens to be Keith's best mate. Julio was practically raised with her and Keith. Naomi was from a tribe on one of the resorts when they met by chance. Keith was hooked and did all he could to win her chief's approval and Naomi's heart. Nat became pretty close with Naomi because of this. They were an incredible duo. 

"You didn't mention Cass did you?"

"No ma'am. I know the rules."

Nat nod laying her head back. She trust her team, however she did advise that Cass was to not be mentioned as she was currently wanting to lay low. The staff agreed to keep it under lock and key. No one besides Tate knew where she currently was and until Cass was ready... It would stay that way. 

"Let your brother know that I will come by tonight."

"Yes ma'am"

He turned and laughed making Nat giggle gently. Miguel was only 15 and he always seemed timid towards her. She thinks it's because of the warning Keith gave to all the workers to stay clear of the Miss of the ranch. Either that or Julio told him horror stories of their childhood adventures. 

She got up taking the guitar and notepad back inside. She walked through the kitchen and stopped seeing Jackson standing by the window looking out. She gently laid the guitar and notepad down before sneaking up on him. Her arms slowly wrapping around him. He jumped slightly but settled quickly as Nat kissed his cheek laying her chin on his shoulder. Thank god they were close in height. 

"Yes Tate- I mean No" Jax says trying to focus on the call but the fingers rubbing on his shirt making him loose his focus. "Listen, I'll call you back."

Clicking the phone off, he felt his body relax against Nat's. Her soft lips gracing his neck momentarily while his hand came up to lay over hers on his abdomen. 

"What's wrong at the label?"

Jax sighed before turning to lift one arm and wrap it around her effectively moving her to his side as he kissed her hair. 

"Tate says the papers are blowing up a shit ton of bogus stories about Cassie. It appears are attempt of getting her out of the public eye may have made matter worse."

"How so?"

"Everyone is saying she was in the wrong and Landon is the victim... It's his story since Cassie isn't there to voice hers."

Nat didn't say anything for a moment taking it all in. If the public was viewing Cass in a bad light, it could hurt her future in the industry. She didn't want to jeopardize her best friend's dream. Her mind mauling over possible options when a light bulb clicks. She leaves Jax walking over to the notepad. She hands it to him while he looks to it with raised brows. His eyes begin skimming over it as he nods. 

"Did she write this today?"

"Yep" Nat says popping the p. Jax continues reading over it when his head begins bobbing. "We should use this as an early release, a debut to her new album."

"Natalia..." He thinks about the process running a hand through his hair. "It's not that easy. We would have to work out the beat and then lay it on a track-"

"No... I mean a raw acoustic version. Allow her emotions to play out and the people will see her own pain. It would give her side of the story and still keep her away from the public."

Jax thought about it for a moment and realized it's not a bad plan. It would lift some of the heat raining down on her and allow the public to get her side of the story. He couldn't help but be impressed by Talia... but also Cass. He read some of her previous songs and none of them sounded as good as this one. What ever magic Texas was playing on Cass, he hope it continued. She might meet her deadline. 

Nat wraps her arms around his neck before massaging the back of his head. Jax exhales relenting to her touch. She leans up pecking his lips pulling back only a bit. 

"Leave it to me"

*************************************************

"Keith, where are we going?"

Cass said watching her feet. She had never been so happy for her friend's boots. She would have fallen and sprang her ankle in her high heels multiple times. Keith kept hold of her hand making Cass continue smiling at his carefulness. He offered to pick her up but she declined not wanting to look like she couldn't handle the woods. 

He took her on a walk as they began talking about the most random stuff. Cassie asked about Nat and how she was as a kid. It didn't come as a surprise that she was blunt ever since she was a kid... Cass knew that on the first day she met her. What did surprise her was the fact that Nat began serving as the books keeper for the ranch at the age of 14.

Her father began trusting her early when they found out their family lawyer was swiping funds into a different account. Nat found it at only 14! Keith spoke proudly at the fact of the day she told them. Keith says it was the greatest. 'She came in and said he was full of shit and then threw the books on the table.' Cass could tell Keith thought highly of Nat and her capabilities. It was clear he cared her as much as she did. 

"Come on princess. We're almost there."

She huffed in playfulness as he chuckled at her. It only took a few minutes before she began hearing something. Her excitement heightening recognizing the sound. He pushed through some trees and then it came into view. Cass could feel her breath escape her. 

Keith slowly led her down the stones before they sat. She continued looking out at the incredible waterfall. It was enclosed by an overhead of tones and almost looked encased. The water a beautiful green and blue while the waterfall continued making beautiful ripples throughout the water. 

Cassie didn't even recognize that Keith was still holding her hand until he began brushing her hand with his thumb. She still felt overwhelmed when she turned to him with bright eyes and a wide smile.

"Thank you Keith"

He smirked and gave a single head nod. Both continuing to look out to the water. Keith began humming and Cass grinned recognizing the song. She began swaying as the words began escaping her. 

Then you rolled in with your hair in the wind
Baby, without warning
I was doin' alright but just your sight
Had my heart stormin'The moon went hiding
Stars quit shining
Rain was dropping
Thunder 'n lightning
You wrecked my whole world when you came
And hit me like a hurricane
You hit me like a hurricane

Keith turned to her impressed. She had an incredible voice. 

"Don't look so surprised. Luke Coombs is incredible singer." She bumped his shoulder. "Any particular woman in mind?"

"Yea..." He didn't elaborate and Cass didn't push it. Keith was thankful for that. Cass laid her head on his shoulder. The silence was comfortable and allow both of them to just enjoy the other's company. "Did you think you have a direction for you album?"

Cass was smiling gently. He didn't know much about music but he was trying... and that spoke volumes to her. "It's a self titled album and I want every song to be from experiences of mine... Be personal to me."

"I think that sounds perfect."

Keith felt his phone vibrate. He reached down pulling it out to find a text from Talia. 

Sis (3:48 PM) Bring Cass back, I need her

He turned his phone so Cass could read who nodded and stood back up. She wrapped her arms around his torso hugging him. Her head lying on his chest as she looked to the waterfall again. 

"Thank you Keith"

He kissed her hair earning a blush from her before taking her hand and leading her back. Cass taking one final glance back feeling her spirits finally becoming settled. Her mind wandering if she could ever really leave this now after having a taste of it. Glancing over at Keith, he continued walking. His hand locked around her own. The view a memory Cass wanted to hold onto forever. 

"Stop staring princess"

"I don't know what your talking about cowboy"

Keith chuckled at the nickname making Cass grin and her insides warm at the sound. She liked his laugh, his smile... Jesus, she was screwed.