Page 102 of Playing With My Heart Strings

“Hello?”

“Where were you today?” Rob snaps on the other line.

I roll my eyes, huffing out a breath. “Had a change of plans.”

“What could have been more important than meeting with the label?”

“My future.” I hang up. It’ll probably get me in trouble later, but I don’t care. I’ll deal with the consequences, because spending that time with Baylor off camera, without expectations, was worth it.

It’ll always be worth it.

The format for the finale concert and final decision is different from the previous ones. Valerie and Baylor will not only get to perform a small set of five songs each, but my set is split in half, allowing them both to perform songs with me at the very end. Songs that the label has proposed for my next album: the one I’m recording with the winner ofHeart Strings. It’s the ultimate test.

The concert and final decision are being held at the Ryman Auditorium, but the winner will also have the opportunity to perform on the Opry stage with me.

I made my Opry debut when I was twenty-three, and it’s been a long-time goal to one day be inducted as a member. I wonder if Baylor and Valerie have dreamed of singing in the circle.

We have a full day of rehearsal, because we have six new songs to learn. The album will be anywhere from twelve to fifteen songs, so the ones we’re performing tomorrow are just a small taste. I was able to look them over, and I was impressed—not that my approval of them really matters to Rob. It’ll be interesting to see the girls’ takes on them.

They’ve been practicing their own sets with the band for the past couple hours. I wanted to be surprised, so I’m waiting backstage. It’s a small blessing, also, being able to reflect on my time here. If someone had asked me a year ago, or even a couple months ago, if I thought I’d be finding love on a reality dating show, I would have laughed in their face. It’s unconventional, yes, but it’s worked. And in my opinion, it’s no different than meeting someone on a dating app or a blind date, other than it being televised for millions of people to watch every week.

“Dusty, we’re ready for you, buddy,” Charlie chirps in my earpiece.

I head to the stage, nodding to a few of the producers as I pass them.

Valerie and Baylor turn their heads when they see me, Valerie with a beaming grin, and Baylor with a more reserved expression. They’re both wearing more casual clothes, yet they each have a distinct style. Baylor’s got on a pair of leggings and an Auburn T-shirt, while Valerie’s wearing a tennis skirt and tank top.

“Hi, Dusty,” Valerie greets me, walking up to pull me into a hug.

“How’d rehearsal go for you two? Feeling good about your sets?”

They both nod.

“I’m excited for you to listen. I think we came up with some really good material,” she continues.

“Baylor?” I call her name.

“Yeah, I’m feeling good.” A shyness creeps through in her tone, and for a moment, I question where my fiery girl went.

“Glad to hear it. The label gave me six new songs from the upcoming album to try out, and you’ll each get to perform three with me. Did the band show you the songs already?”

“They did.”

“Great. My thoughts are to have you, Valerie, perform ‘Lights Down Low,’ ‘Make It or Break It,’ and ‘Stay Here Forever,’ with me, and, Baylor, you’ll perform the other three,” I explain. Neither of them protest, so I nod at the band. “Valerie, we can go over our songs first, so then you can take a break when Baylor and I go over ours. Does that work?”

“That sounds good to me.”

Baylor exits the stage, and my eyes follow her as she leaves.

Practicing the songs with Valerie goes extremely well, without any bumps or issues. Even though she’s never performed the songs before, the melodies and harmonies come natural to her, like she has perfect pitch.

“What did you think?” She places her hands on her hips as she looks up at me, sweat gleaming across her forehead.

“It was perfect,” I confess. “How did you feel? Do you want to run through them again or do you feel good for tomorrow?”

She shrugs nonchalantly. “I feel pretty good. Besides, we’ll have to do a short run-through tomorrow during soundcheck, and I think that’ll be enough for me.”

“Good to hear. You’re good, then, I think. If you want to go get Baylor, we can run through her songs, and then I’m sure the producers will have something for you guys.”

---