Page 88 of Everything In Between
“Even still, this rehab won’t do itself. My doctors said these early weeks are the most important for my overall outcome. I don’t have time to jet off to LA”
“You could do your exercises there. Meet with the training staff virtually.”
He shakes his head and frowns down at his knee. “I need to be around for the team too. Hopefully I’ll be able to sit on the sidelines and cheer them on. There’s so many reasons why it would be better for me to stay home and focus right now. I have to be in the best shape for next season.”
My shoulders deflate and I twist my hands in my lap. “I understand.”
Moments later, Hayes reaches for my hand and threads our fingers together. With a dejected sigh, he says, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get snippy with you.”
“It’s okay,” I tell him and meet his eyes. “I’m just sad I won’t get to see you for a while. My first show is the first weekend of February. But then maybe I can come back here to watch the Super Bowl with you and spend a few days before I go to Austin for the second one.” I pause and then add, “You know, if the team doesn’t make it to the Super Bowl.”
He’s wearing an expression I can’t place my finger on, but his eyes have softened from frustration to affection, making me melt inside. “What?” I ask him.
His gaze traces my face, and he raises his hand to cup my cheek. My breath catches as he leans in and places a gentle kiss over my lips, making me swoon right where I’m sitting.
Finally, he pulls away and his lips curve into a sad smile. “Nothing. I want every second I can have with you. I just—I wish things were a little different right now.”
“It’s a transition period. You’ll be back and better than ever, and all of this will be behind us.”
“I hate feeling like I’ve let people down. The team, my coach,you.”
“You haven’t let me down, Hayes. And you haven’t let the team down.”
“I hope you know how special you are to me.” His voice turns husky. “I don’t want you to ever feel like you’re not. Even when things like this get in the way.”
I lean my forehead against his, loving the way his presence surrounds me. “You’re special to me, too.”
When I close my eyes, I imagine what the future will bring. I can see each of us fulfilling our dreams, reaching our goals, knowing one is behind the other, supporting and cheering the whole time.
It’s everything I could ever want.
Hayesis everything I could have ever wanted.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22
The next few weeks in LA are a whirlwind of checking boxes and meeting required deadlines. The next two months contain six shows across the country. All my time is spent in rehearsals, nailing the choreography and set list, or in the studio, finishing the recordings for the next album.
“Jersey!” Cal hollers for me. “We need to re-record these harmonies. Chop, chop, this is our last day in studio for months, so there’s no time to waste.”
“Okay, coming!” I call from my position on the couch. The recording studio has become my home for the last few days, and I’m grateful Hayes decided to stay in Milwaukee for this period. He would’ve been bored out of his mind by himself.
I hand my notebook to Kelsey before getting up. “Will you slide this in my bag for me?”
“Of course.” Kelsey nods and takes my stuff for me. “Also, before you leave today, we need to discuss scheduling some interviews for before and during your next stretch of shows. I have a few good ones lined up. We just need to find a time that works for your schedule.”
“Perfect. I’ll find you when I’m done here.”
Bethany is tapping away on her phone but looks up when I approach her a few minutes later after doing a few neck and upper back stretches. “Do you need lunch or a coffee or anything?”
“A sandwich and coffee would be great.” I look over to where Cal has his head bent as Kelsey hoists her bag over her shoulder. She nods at something he says and glances away from him quickly. She’s probably running the press options by him too before we discuss later. “I have a feeling today’s going to be a long day.”
I’m right on the money. By the time I get home, I’m exhausted. I drop my work bags in the guest room and run myself a hot bath. My muscles ache from rehearsal and I need a chance to unwind before tomorrow.
Half an hour later, when I’m relaxed, I tuck myself into bed, snuggling into the pillows. Reaching for my phone, I click Hayes’s contact information and the FaceTime starts ringing.We haven’t spoken much more than a few quick texts over the last few days and I’m missing him something fierce.
He answers shortly, giving me a tired smile once he sees me. “Hey, honey.”
“You look like you’ve had a day like mine.”
