Page 103 of Playing With My Heart Strings

“Sure thing.” She bounces around the corner to go backstage.

Baylor replaces her and walks over to me gingerly. I pull her into my arms, kissing the top of her head.

“What’s going on? You okay?” I whisper.

She cranes her neck to look up at me. “Just nervous, I guess. There’s a lot riding on this performance.”

“You’ll do amazing. I know you will.”

She nods, but I’m not sure she believes me. All I want to do is reassure her, validate her, ease her nerves. Because she is amazing. I don’t need perfection, I just need someone who will stand by me and fight for us.

We sing through the songs a few times, but I sense her confidence coming back after each one.

“How did that last one feel?”

She bounces on her heels. “A lot better. If I’m honest, I think continuing to run through them will be beating this to death. I’ll be fine tomorrow, and if not, there’s nothing I can do about it.”

I cup her cheeks. “You’ll be just fine. It’s just a bout of nerves. It’s natural.”

Chatter from the crowd fills the auditorium as more and more people file in for the concert.

This is it. After tonight, everything will change. The future of my career lies in my hands.

Craig sits on the plush couch in my dressing room, scrolling on his phone. I exhale a little bit louder than anticipated, and his eyes snap up.

“Are you all right?” His gaze fills with concern.

I nod, but my chin’s tucked, eyes focused on the ground.

He sets down his phone. “Be real with me, Dusty.”

“I’m just worried I’ll be making the wrong decision at the end of all this. That’s been my concern since the beginning.” I put air quotes aroundwrong decision, because although I’ve never been more sure of whoIwant to pick, I know the label and I don’t see eye-to-eye.

“As long as you’re confident, does it really matter what anyone else thinks?”

I suck my bottom lip between my teeth. “I guess not. But what happens if Rob doesn’t approve? What if I lose my career over this?”

“Let me ask you this. Not as your manager, but Craig to Dusty. What’s more important to you? Continuing to make music even if it’s with someone you’re not happy with, or being with the person you care about even if it means you have to shift? The music will always be there, Dusty.”

I let his words sink in for a moment. He’s right, the music isn’t going anywhere, but what I have with Baylor may be a once in a lifetime opportunity. You don’t just let go of lightning in a bottle.

“You have time, but just remember that. There’ll be other opportunities out there if that’s what we have to do. I know I’m probably supposed to tell you to do what the label wants, but I know you, and there’s a ninety percent chance you wouldn’t listen to me anyway.” He shoots me a crooked grin. “You know yourself better than anyone. Those girls out there?” He points to the TV screen displaying Valerie’s performance. “They’re both talented. Incredibly so. But you’re the only one who can speak on your connection with them. Listen to what this is telling you.” He gets up, poking me in the chest.

“My sternum?” I tease.

“No, you idiot.” He lets out a bellowing laugh. “Your heart, Dusty. It’ll never let you down.”

I listen to the rest of Valerie’s performance and Baylor’s. The band must have worked with her on another song, because at the end of her set, she plays an original that has the crowd on their feet.

Then I go out, and I perform the concert of my life.

Valerie exits the stage, her dress flowing behind her as she waves to the audience and blows them kisses.

Our performance blew the fans away. Even Rob praised me in my earpiece.

But now it’s Baylor’s turn. She lifts her head high when she walks out, but I can see her hands shaking, even if the audience can’t.

When she stands next to me, I take her hand, giving it an encouraging squeeze. A little reminder that says,I’m here with you.

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