Page 54 of Playing With My Heart Strings

“I’ve always done what others expect of me. Or at least tried to. I’ve spent my entire life trying to prove that what I want is worth something to others. But with this show, with music,I realized it’s whatIam passionate about. WhatIwant to do. So I went for it. Even if it’s not what everyone else wants from me.” I didn’t mean for all of that to come out, but it did. Deep down, I think I have wanted to try a career in music, but the pressure from my parents and wanting to prove myself to them has always overshadowed my own dreams. It’s about time I take my life into my own hands and stop worrying about whether or not it pleases someone else, even if it’s risky.

Daniella would be so proud if she were here right now.

Dusty doesn’t say anything, and I worry for a moment that I’ve said something wrong.

“Did I—” The words falling out of my mouth are cut short as Dusty cups my face with his hands and leans in, our lips brushing gently. This kiss, unlike the ones we’ve shared off camera, is soft, unhurried.

My eyes flutter shut as I lean into him—his touch like waves crashing over me, both of us taking small breaths before diving back under the surface. His thumb strokes my cheek, and I wrap my arms around the back of his neck.

“I thought I might have said something wrong,” I whisper into his mouth.

“No, Baylor, you didn’t. That was exactly what I needed to hear.” He plants a kiss on my forehead then pulls back, gazing at me for a moment, his lips quirking up in a quick smile.

We stay there, embracing each other for a while longer, like we don’t care if we lose track of time and let the night slip away from us. He’s in no rush to get back to the other women, and I’m just following his lead.

He’s the same Dusty from the rooftop, but I’m not the same Baylor.

I don’t like being dishonest with him, but when the cameras are on, so am I.

I just hope he can’t see the truth behind my lying eyes.

the confessionals

Producer:So, how has this week gone so far? I know there were some important conversations you wanted to have.

Dusty:I think I’m at the point where I’m able to put all of the drama in the past. I believe I’ve gotten the clarity I need on the Aspen-Baylor situation, and I’m ready to move forward.

Valerie:Baylor and Dusty were gone for a long time. I wonder what they talked about.

Aspen:It’s really not fair that he spent so much time with her. We all deserve to have time with Dusty.

20

dusty

A Future with You

We’ve reachedthe turning point of the show, where relationships start to become deeper and decisions are more difficult.

Today, we’re in downtown Nashville on lower Broadway, with security and producers flanking us on both sides to prevent fans who recognize us from getting too close.

It’s slightly annoying, having so many watchful eyes on us, but I understand the concern with it being the whole group. If it were only two of us on a solo date, the security wouldn’t be as necessary because, hypothetically, it would be easier to blend in.

“Oh my God, is thatDusty Wilder?”

“It is! They must be filming today.”

“Ugh, those girls are so lucky.”

Whispers and faint squeals can be heard as we pass people on the sidewalk.

One of the girls next to me stifles a laugh, clearly hearing the comments being made as we pass. I focus more on their reactions, rather than the attention from fans.

“How do you deal with this all the time?” Baylor mutters, and I flick my eyes toward her, amusement probably painting my features. She catches me looking at her, and her eyes drop to the ground, like I wasn’t supposed to hear her comment.

Aspen, on the other hand, seems to be soaking in the attention, holding her head up high and flashing smiles to the people who stare a bit too long.

We eventually enter a bar at the end of the strip. Security guides us to the V.I.P. section directly in front of the stage.

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