Page 97 of Playing With My Heart Strings

A flush creeps into her cheeks. “Thank you, that means a lot. I am truly so grateful to have this opportunity. And to have met Dusty in the process, of course.”

“We’re happy to have you here. Let’s take a seat, shall we?” Rob gestures to the table.

I pull out a chair for Valerie and take a seat between her and Craig.

“So, Valerie, tell us a little about yourself. Your background, aspirations, where you see yourself, and how we, here at Ace High, can help you achieve your goals.” Rob leans back in his chair. I don’t trust him, but I know Valerie can hold her own. I’ll step in if I need to, but she’s strong and I know she can handle him.

“I’ve been performing for about five years now. I don’t live in Nashville, because I wanted to stay close to my family, but I’m willing to relocate if an opportunity arises. My hope is to break into the country music industry to help support and give back to my parents. They did so much for me to be able to be sitting in front of you today, and they’re so resilient, so I want to make them proud. I would love to work with Ace High Entertainment. I’ve seen what you have done for Dusty, and I think we could be a strong fit.” Even though she’s explained alot of her background already on the show, she doesn’t leave out any details, speaking to them as if they haven’t watched her on national television. She’s so eloquent when she speaks. She’d be a great spokesperson and addition to the label.

“There’s no doubt that you’re incredibly talented. We’re really looking forward to a potential partnership, and I want to wish you the best of luck this final week. If Dusty’s smart, he’ll be bringing you back.” Rob winks and Valerie chuckles, but I also know it’s a threat directed at me.

A warning to make the right choice.

“I personally think Valerie would be an excellent fit for Ace High Entertainment,” I add when there’s a lull in conversation. “Like you said, she’s talented and our voices blend well together, but I think she’s also a strong enough performer to hold her own as a solo act.”

“Do you have any released songs or demos that you could send over?” the director of the A&R department asks.

Valerie nods. “Yes, and I’d be happy to send some samples of my work.”

“That would be great. It’ll be nice to have, even if you’re the winner. Helps us prepare for Dusty’s forthcoming album.”

When we leave the label, Valerie has a bright smile on her face, excitement pouring off her in waves, and I’m confident that regardless of what happens at the end of this week, she’ll be just fine.

40

baylor

The Road Not Taken

Tensions have beenhigh since the concert in Atlanta, yet somehow Dusty chose me to go through to the final week. He’s hardly spoken to me, but he still wants me here for some reason.

After Katherine was eliminated, we traveled back to Nashville. Valerie had her final date with Dusty yesterday, so today is my final date. I have no idea what’s in store, but I’m hoping it’s something that allows us to talk and work things out—at least end things amicably as friends. The secret of my identity is out, and I can’t change that—the show can’t change that—but I would hate to lose Dusty at the end of this because of it. I can only hope the song I worked on with Charlie was enough to show how devoted I am to this process now.

When I head down to the lobby of the hotel room, the producers are already waiting for me.

“Morning, Baylor.” Alex is the producer on site today, which is odd, because it’s normally someone else. I don’t miss the slight discrepancy in his tone. I’m not sure if that’s becausehe’s figured out my relationship with Dusty was more than just emotional or if there’s something else going on.

“Hi, Alex.”

“You’re going to meet Dusty at BNA,” he says.

“The airport?” I ask, confused. We were just in Knoxville, so I’m unsure why we’re traveling again when the last concert is here in Nashville.

Maybe you’re finally getting sent home.

That would certainly make the show more dramatic. End it with a real bang by blindsiding me. It’s my own fault for getting tangled up in this web of emotions. I wasn’tsupposedto fall for him, I know that. I was supposed to fade into the background after the first couple weeks then get eliminated.

“Yes. I can’t explain much more, Bay. Your car is waiting outside.” Alex practically pushes me out the hotel doors.

When we arrive at the airport, I’m not taken to the main terminal like I expected. And my bags aren’t there waiting for me either. Instead, we pull right up on the tarmac where Dusty—and a private jet—is waiting.

“What are we doing?” I shield my eyes from the sun.

“Thought we’d take a little day trip. It’s a surprise, but I think you’ll like it.” He takes my hand to lead me over to the stairs to board the plane, and it’s as if any hostility he may have felt for me before has melted away. Even if it’s a temporary relief, my shoulders relax, and I follow him onboard.

I’ve never been on a private plane before, so I have nothing to compare it to, but Dusty’s isnice. It lives up to the expectations and pictures that movies have painted in my mind. The cream interior is complete with a couch, dining table, lounge chairs, and a flat screen television.

“I know you’re famous, but I guess I didn’t realizehowfamous you are to have your own plane,” I murmur as I carefully walk on the carpet as if I’ll accidentally ruin something.

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