The next morning, Brinley arrived at Fast Track Music with a sense of anticipation that made her chest tingle. She pulled open the door and was immediately greeted by the familiar buzz, phones ringing, muffled laughter, the low hum of guitars being tuned. Today felt like a continuation of yesterday's rhythm, but she knew each day brought its own challenges.
"Morning!" Nitika waved from across the room, headphones around her neck as usual. "Ready for round two?"
Brinley smiled, feeling some of the tension from last night melt away. "I think so," she said. "Let's see if I survive another day."
Her first task was reviewing schedules for two artists who were recording back-to-back. She moved quickly, checking room availability and adjusting recording times to avoid conflicts. Her mind raced, but it was the kind of busy that left little room for fear or doubt.
Jaxson passed by her desk halfway through the morning, tablet in hand, eyes scanning the room. He paused just long enough to meet her gaze, a subtle acknowledgment that didn't demand attention. She found herself smiling faintly. She was no longer bracing for rejection or judgment. His presence was neutral, steady, calm, respectful. That small shift was enormous.
Brinley caught herself glancing at him occasionally, noticing the way he interacted with the staff: patient, focused, confident without overpowering. It reminded her that this wasn't the man who had walked away in Paris. That man had feared the complications between them. This Jaxson… he was different.
By late morning, Brandon stopped by her desk under the guise of checking in. "Everything going okay?" he asked, voice casual, but his eyes scanned the room carefully.
"Yes," Brinley replied. "It's… different, but good. I think I'm getting the hang of it."
Brandon nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Good. Just remember, you're learning more than just scheduling or production. You're learning how to navigate the people side of this industry. And that includes him," he said, nodding subtly toward Jaxson.
Brinley's stomach fluttered. "I know," she said quietly. "It's… easier than I expected. Less heavy."
"Patience and consistency," Brandon said, almost like a mantra. "That's what matters. And you've got both."
The afternoon brought a surprise: a brief recording session with a new artist. Brinley was tasked with coordinating the session and keeping the notes organized for Nitika. It was high-pressure, but she thrived on it. She moved between the engineer, Nitika, and the artist with confidence, her hands steady and her mind sharp.
Jaxson observed from the corner of the studio, offering a few quiet suggestions here and there, never hovering. When she acknowledged one of his notes, he nodded once, satisfied, and stepped back.
She realized that part of her progress wasn't just her own capability, it was his restraint. Seeing him allow her to manage without interference helped her trust herself and him at the same time.
During a break, Nitika nudged her toward the hallway. "You're doing great, Brinley. I know this is new, but you're handling it better than most."
Brinley smiled. "Thanks. I think… I think it's easier when the person I'm worried about isn't trying to make it harder."
Nitika grinned knowingly. "Exactly. You two are making progress without words. That's huge."
Brinley considered that as she returned to her station. It was true, no dramatic apologies, no declarations, just steady presence. Small allowances of space, a shared understanding, mutual respect. That, she realized, was the foundation she had been waiting for.
By late afternoon, the office quieted down. Brinley moved through her final tasks, double-checking schedules, logging notes, and organizing files. Jaxson passed her desk once more, holding a clipboard.
"You've got a good rhythm," he said quietly. Not a compliment. Just a statement. She understood it.
"Thanks," she replied. "I'm learning a lot."
"Keep it up," he said, and with that, he continued down the hall. No lingering. No pressure. Just… acknowledgment.
Brinley leaned back in her chair, breathing deeply. She felt a growing sense of competence, and safety. This place, these people, and yes, even Jaxson, were teaching her that forgiveness didn't need to be sudden. It could grow with time, steady and unforced.
By the time she packed up to leave, her mind buzzed with ideas for organizing the next day, ways to assist Nitika more efficiently, and little observations about Jaxson that made her smile quietly to herself. She didn't need to rush forgiveness. She just needed to keep showing up, and letting the steady rhythm of work and interaction do the rest.
Brandon was waiting by the car, as usual, giving her a thumbs-up. "Survived day two?" he asked.
Brinley laughed. "Barely. Just kidding, I actually liked it. And… it's easier than I thought it would be, being around him."
Brandon's grin widened. "That's all you need to hear. And it's a start."
She nodded, realizing that each day here wasn't just about work. It was about trust, forgiveness, and slowly letting her heart feel again. And for the first time in months, she didn't feel like she was risking anything, just building.