Page 90 of Our Little Moments

I consider her words. “I would love to but . . . I’m scared.”

Her smile turns gentle. “Of what?”

“Scared that people will want something else from me. That I was always meant to go down the life set out for and that I don’t have a choice. That I’ll fail if I choose a different path. I’mgoodat fighting in those tournaments back in the city. I’m admired for my hard work in these competitions. I don’t want to choose to become a singer and suck at it. I don’t want everyone to say, ‘Well, Stella Brookstone, she really sucks at singing and should juststick to what she’s good at.’”

Layla listens to what I say and looks me in the eyes as she addresses every word. “First of all, you won’t suck. I’m telling you, and I will repeat it until it gets through your head, your songs are amazing. Your voice is enchanting. Your music is heartfelt. Second, this isyourlife. You must fight to get the life you dream of, not the life others want for you. It’s hard. It’s the battle of a lifetime for so many people. But it’s a key element to being happy. Third, you have the opportunity right now to build a different career. From what you told me, everyone is wondering what you’ll do. You don’t have to return to a life that doesn’t make you happy, Stella. I’d be willing to bet that now is the perfect time to start fresh because everyone in the city is wondering what you’ll do and their curiosity will be piqued with whatever you choose. Everything is aligned for you to make a different choice, so don’t let your fears win.”

I’m speechless. It’s hard to believe everything she’s saying because the fear of not letting people down is all-consuming, but her words reach both my heart and my logic. I want a different life and following my childhood dreams makes me want to dance through life. Logically, I know she’s right. If there’s one moment in my entire life to go after my dreams of singing and it being a success, it’s now.

“You’re right.”

She smirks. “I know. Now let’s get back into writing those masterpieces.”

When Layla leaves for the night, our conversation about my music sticks with me. I’m giddy at the thought of sharing my music with the world, but also terrified.

I pick up my phone to call Derek, deciding to make this dream a reality before my fears take control of me. I know this dream can come true and I know it’s what sets my heart on fire. I want to live a life that makes me feel alive, even if the first step on that path fucking terrifies me.

Derek picks up on the second ring. “Hey. What’s happening?” He chuckles lightly. “It must be pretty serious if you’re calling me so late.”

I laugh, but start pacing around my room in nervousness. “Yeah. I mean I could have waited, but . . .”

“But you didn’t want to let your overthinking win,” he guesses.

I smile. “Exactly.”

I can hear the grin in his voice as he asks, “So what’s the big news?”

I push through the fear and admit, “I want to follow my dreams with music. I don’t want to go back to competing. I want to share my songs with the world.”

“I knew you would find new dreams to follow, Stella. It was only a matter of time. So, what’s the plan?”

I halt to a stop. “Wait, you want to help me?”

He chuckles like I asked the stupidest question. “Of course. That’s what friends are for. They help each other make their dreams come to life.”

My vision gets blurry. “Thank you, Derek.”

“It’s nothing, Stella. You helped me more than you realized in all our years training together. You’re the reason I decided to follow my own dreams only a few months ago.”

I laugh. “I think you give me too much credit.”

“And you don’t give yourself enough.” He clears his throat. “So what’s the plan? How can I help?”

I grin. “We’re planning a concert.”

“Always shooting for the stars, aren’t you?”

“Yep, I always have big goals.”

“That’s why you’re so inspiring. Well, let’s make this concert come to life.”

Chapter 36

Adrian

The sun isn’t even up when a frantic knock echoes around my house.

I was about to wake up soon anyway.

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