Page 118 of Everything In Between
Silver Shadows has been working hard to rebuild their reputation in the time since I left. Meghan Connelly—bless her—made a public apology, saying she didn’t realize the song had been mine, and she rescinded her offer with Callum, only agreeing to stay with Silver Shadows under different management. Callum resigned after receiving significant backlash from the media and internet and is now officially out of the music industry. Tonight, I’m making a statement. I’m taking this piece of the industry for myself and putting my name back out there.
Jersey Matthews. TherealJersey Matthews.
And after tonight, Hayes and I will start planning for our wedding.
We’re planning to get married next spring, in the offseason.
I’m not settling for anything short of greatness, for the both of us.
I can’t wait to be Hayes’s wife. I can’t wait to continue to accomplish all of my hopes and dreams with him by my side, and I can’t wait to watch him do the very same with all of his goals.
Thinking about all this, I wrap my arms around his waist and hug him. “Thank you for believing in me, Hayes. I really couldn’t have done this without you.”
He kisses the top of my head and tightens his arms around me. “You could have. I just made it easier.”
He’s made everything in my life easier. I can’t imagine my life without him.
When we make it to Red Zone, I’m awestruck by everything once more. Fans are lined up outside of the bar, waiting for me to arrive. As soon as I step out of the car, they chant and scream my name, holding up photos and vinyl albums for me to sign.
I can’t fight the smile off my face, waving at them as I pass, choosing to stop here and there to take photos and thank everyone for coming and supporting the album. Hayes is behind me the whole time and keeps a hand centered on my lower back, letting me know he’s close by just in case I need him.
But I don’t.
It’s like I fit right back into the version of myself who was the world’s top charting artist with no hesitation.
Once I saw everyone there, excited to see me, it all came back, like riding a bike.
By the time I make it inside the venue, I’m filled to the brim with gratitude. My hands are shaking, but more from excitement rather than nervousness.
Roman and Bethany meet me not long after I’ve entered. Bethany hugs me while Roman shakes Hayes’s hand.
Bethany holds me at arm’s length, taking me in head to toe. “What a knockout dress.”
“Thank you,” I say, swishing the skirt a bit for good measure.
Mickey and Preston walk up on cue, Chloe standing next to her dad. She gives me a quick hug, and then asks, “So, what do you think?”
The lighting in the bar is lower, creating an ambience. A DJ is stationed at the other end of the building, vibing with all the dancers already out on the floor. Servers walk around carrying trays of champagne and appetizers.
“This is incredible. I can’t believe you guys organized all of this.”
“You deserve it.” Mickey grins and Preston readily agrees.
“And you two helped?” I ask Roman and Bethany, though I know their answer already.
“Moral support.” My brother winks.
I laugh and roll my eyes. Same old answer, same old Roman.
“Where’s Kelsey?” I ask, searching the room for my ex-publicist.
Roman surprises me when his expression hardens for a second, eyebrows furrowing in as he scans the room. “She’s here somewhere.” He rubs the back of his neck, for a second almost appearing worried. “I should go find her. She doesn’t love big events like this.”
I know he’s right. For being in PR for as long as she was, she really hated attending events. Now that she’s working as Roman’s personal assistant, I can imagine being in this environment might not be her most favorite thing. She was overjoyed when I told her my brother needed a new PA, and she didn’t hesitate to take the position. When I told her I would have her back, I meant it. And I’m so glad to still have her in my life as a friend.
Before I can get another word in, Roman saunters off, still looking slightly worried. I turn to Bethany. “What’s going on there?”
“Who knows?” She shrugs, unbothered, as she checks her watch. She’s been my friend long enough that she’s used to Roman’s odd actions every once in a while. “We should get you up there. I said we’d introduce you at exactly nine o’clock.”
