Page 74 of Playing With My Heart Strings

The venue we’re performing at has a larger stage than anywhere I’ve performed before, not that I have atonof experience performing, just the small stages at bars in Nashville for the show. Before I joinedHeart Strings, I didn’t really show off my singing abilities. I was strictly a shower performer and occasionally drunken karaoke.

But, for whatever reason, I’m not nervous. Not like I thought I’d be, knowing I’d be performing live in front of thousands of Dusty’s fans. Fans who’ve been judging me for the past six weeks. I’m sure the nerves will hit me in the actual moment, but for now I’m soaking it all up. My childhood dream of performing is coming true.

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dusty

The First Live Concert

I glanceover my reflection in the dressing room. “You’re Dusty Wilder, international country music superstar,” I mumble to myself as if I need a reminder. “This is what you do.”

It’s been so long since I’ve toured, I’m a bit worried I’m out of practice. Performing in the studio and in bars around Nashville is different than performing in a stadium.

Tonight’s concert is in a smaller venue, with a max capacity of 1,500 people. But as the weeks go on, the sizes of the venues will increase. The concert venue in Atlanta houses just over two thousand, and Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville accommodates about fifteen thousand. I’ve performed at Neyland before, but over a hundred thousand fans would probably be overwhelming for the girls and counterproductive to the reality show.

The finale concert, however, is being held at the legendary Ryman Auditorium. It’s an honor and a privilege to perform on the hallowed stage of the Grand Ole Opry, so the catch is that only the winner will get to sing in the circle with me afterthe final decision. I truly believe any of the four finalists would thrive on the Opry stage, but there’s only one woman I want standing next to me at the end.

Baylor.

A hollow knock at my dressing room door startles me, and I clear my throat before adjusting my cowboy hat.

“Come in.” I make my voice as gruff as possible. The door swings open to none other than Brooklyn James. “Brooke, what the fuck are you doing here?”

“Wow, Dusty, what happened to ‘Hello, how are you?’ I came to support my favorite country singer, of course.”

“You’re your favorite country singer.” I playfully roll my eyes.

“Fine. My favoritemalecountry singer,” she corrects.

“We both know that’s Riley Green, not me,” I scoff, shaking my head in amusement.

“I do love that man,” she sighs before plopping down onto one of the couches. “But, no, seriously. I came here to give you some moral support. Maybe offer some advice on who should make it to the end of this little competition here.”

“Trust me, I already know who I want to make it to the end.”

“YOU DO? And you haven’t spilled the tea yet?” She slams her palms down on the plush couch, not that it made any kind of noise at all or had any dramatic effect. “I want to know everything, Dusty, I swear to God.”

“Technically, I signed an NDA, so I don’t owe you shit.” I laugh, teasing her. “But remember the girl you saw on the solo date with me?”

“Yes! Baylor, right?” She leans forward, her elbows resting on her knees and her chin in her palms.

“She’s special. She makes mefeel, Brooke. I’ve been at an impasse with songwriting, but her being here sparked something in me. It’s not anything the label would want, but the only thing that matters is the inspiration. That has to meansomething. And we have pretty good chemistry, too, I’d say.” The last part I mumble under my breath, hoping Brooke won’t catch it.

She gasps. “You had sex, didn’t you!” It’s more of a statement than a question. Aloudstatement.

“Shh! Be quiet!” I hiss. “Physical intimacy in that manner isn’t allowed on the show. I could lose my contract.”

“It’s a risk you’re willing to take, though, isn’t it?”

Both the angel and the devil on my shoulders nod along with me.

“I think I’m falling for her. We’ve had some secret dates off camera, and I’ve learned a lot about who she is. Her dreams and fears and her family. I’ve also told her things I haven’t told many others. About why I came to Nashville in the first place.” Brooke already knows my story. We’ve supported each other from the very beginning, navigating the music industry together. “It’s like there’s a string tugging me toward her. I can’t get her out of my head.”

“Look at you!” Brooke juts out her lip as she gets up to walk over to me. “Dusty Wilder, all grown up and falling in love. I’m proud of you.”

“Don’t get all sappy on me now, Brooklyn. You’re gonna make me think you’ve gone soft.”

Her arm reaches out in a flash as she slaps me on the arm. “I can be a strong, independent woman and a romantic all at once, thank you very much.”

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