Page 150 of Shattered Melodies

I grinned, tipping my hat. “Someone has to say and make it stick.”

That got a laugh out of him, which was always my goal. “You’re ridiculous,” he said, but the fondness in his voice made my heart swell.

“Yeah, but you love me anyway,” I shot back, leaning in for another kiss.

“You ready for this?” Liam asked once he pulled back.

I shrugged, aiming for nonchalance. “Born ready. You?”

Liam hesitated, his eyes darting around the barn. “I don’t know. Jimmy just told me he spotted my mom in the stands.”

That got my attention. “Your mom? What about your dad?”

“Doesn’t look like he’s here,” Liam said, his voice tight. “Just her.”

I studied his face, trying to gauge his reaction. “How do you feel about that?”

Liam ran a hand through his hair, a nervous habit I’d come to recognize. “Honestly? I have no idea. Part of me is glad she came, but…”

“But you’re worried she might cause a scene,” I finished for him.

He nodded, looking relieved that I understood. “Yeah. I just hope she doesn’t ruin the show, you know?”

I reached out, squeezing his shoulder. “Hey, listen to me. You’re Corey fucking King, alright? You’ve played sold-out arenas. This? This is nothing. Just get out there and give ‘em hell. Show ‘em what you’ve got.”

A slow smile spread across Liam’s face. “You always know exactly what to say, don’t you?”

I grinned back. “It’s a gift.”

“Alright, lovebirds,” Jimmy’s voice cut in. “Two minutes till showtime. You good to go, Caleb?”

I took a deep breath, nodding. “Yeah, I’m good. Let’s do this.”

As I stepped out onto the stage, the roar of the crowd hit me like a physical force. For a moment, I was that kid again, dreaming of making it big. I scanned the audience, taking it all in. The locals who’d come out to support the ranch, the reporters hovering at the back, their cameras at the ready. And of course, the fans who’d shown up for Corey King.

I stepped up to the mic, feeling a rush of adrenaline. “How’s everyone doing tonight?” The answering cheer brought a smile to my face. “First off, I want to thank you all for coming out and supporting this fundraiser. Thanks to you, we’ve not only met our goal, but we’ve surpassed it!”

The applause was deafening. As it died down, I caught sight of Elijah in the crowd, grinning from ear to ear.

“Alright, let’s get this show started, shall we?”

I launched into my first song, a ballad I’d written years ago. As I sang, I felt all my worries melt away. This was where I belonged, up on stage, sharing my music with the world.

After my solo, the band joined me for a couple more songs. The energy in the barn was electric, everyone on their feet, singing along.

Finally, it was time for the main event. I stepped back up to the mic, grinning. “You’ve all been amazing, but I know who you’re really here to see. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage… Corey King!”

The crowd went wild as Liam stepped out, his mask glinting under the stage lights. He gave me a wink as he passed, and I felt my heart skip a beat.

I made my way off stage, joining Jimmy and my parents in the front row. Mom immediately pulled me into a hug.

“You were wonderful, honey,” she said, her eyes shining with pride.

Dad clapped me on the back. “Damn good show, son.”

I grinned, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. “Thanks, guys.”

Up on stage, Liam was addressing the crowd. “Thank you all for that incredible welcome. Before I start, I just want to say a few words.” He turned, gesturing towards where I sat with my family. “To the Winchesters - thank you. For welcoming me into your home, for trusting me with your story. This fundraiser wouldn’t have been possible without you.”

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