Page 104 of Playing With My Heart Strings

The band starts to play the first song. I take the first verse, singing the lyrics with my entire heart and every ounce of emotion in my body. Baylor looks at me with adoration in her eyes as we sing the chorus together, her harmonies mixing perfectly with my melodies.

But then the unthinkable happens—Baylor freezes, the words of the second verse catching in her throat.

Whispers float around in the crowd, none of them understanding what’s going on. The band wraps up the song, and she runs off the stage, a look of devastation painted across her features. I want to run after her, but I can’t. Not on live television.

I finish the show alone.

the confessionals

Dusty:I know what I have to do. It’s not going to be an easy choice, and I know that. I’m going to break peoples’ hearts tonight. And I don’t know how to feel about that.

Valerie:I’m nervous, I can’t deny that. But I’m confident in what we have.

Rob Acerra:If Dusty doesn’t choose Valerie tonight after that performance, we’re going to have an issue.

Baylor:As much as I want it to be me, I know it’s not going to be. It can’t be. From a career standpoint, it has to be Valerie. Tonight’s performance was proof of that. I know it, the viewers know it, his label knows it, Dusty knows it.

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dusty

You and I, Together

“You need to choose Valerie.The musical connection you have with her is undeniable, Dusty. This is the best decision for you and for the label,” Rob barks at me backstage in the dressing room as I pace the floor.

It seems like that’s what everyone wants me to do. Even the producers are telling me that Valerie is the one.

“I trust you’ll make the right decision here, Dusty. That other girl completely froze on stage. What happens if she does that on tour? It’s unacceptable,” he chides, shaking his head while cracking his knuckles.

Mistakes happen. We all know that in this industry. There was a lot of pressure riding on tonight.

But I don’t say any of that.

“Don’t worry, Rob. I’ve got it all under control. I know the decision that I have to make,” I reply with finality in hopes that he’ll let it go and let me do what I need.

From the corner, Craig just dips his chin, a look in his eyes that says,Remember what we talked about.

We file out of the dressing room, down the hallway to the stage where my future awaits.

I close my eyes, taking a deep breath, before stepping out into the spotlights.

Baylor and Valerie wait on the left side of the stage, and Jarrod stands on the right.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome back to the stage, your lead this season ofHeart Strings, Dusty Wilder!”

Cheers echo off the walls, and fans hold various signs ranging fromWe Love Dustyto photos of my face.

“Well, my friend, this has been a wild ride of a season, hasn’t it?” Jarrod pats my shoulder.

I nod, clamping my lips together thinking about the drama that unfolded in the past ten weeks. “Sure has, Jarrod.”

“We’ve reached the end of the journey. You have two incredible women, two outstanding performers in front of you tonight. One of them will get to record an album and go on tour with you as a new country music duo. Not to mention, you’ll also perform on the legendary Grand Ole Opry stage.”

He pauses for dramatic effect, the audience clinging to every word. I look over to Valerie and Baylor. Valerie looks confident, as she should. Her performance tonight was electric and well deserving of a spot at Ace High Entertainment. I can tell Baylor is trying to hold in her emotions.

“The time has come, Dusty. Take a moment, because this is about to be the biggest decision of your career.”

Images of the last ten weeks flicker through my mind like a film reel. The first time I heard Valerie’s voice during the auditions. Our date at the farmers market and cooking together. Performing with her and realizing our musical capabilities complement each other perfectly. Introducing her to the label.

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