Page 17 of Everything In Between

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Hayes

Hey, I was at that show! I thought everything was perfect. You have no complaints from me about any of your dancing. I loved it all, and I really mean that.

My face breaks into a huge smile as I read his text.

Jersey

Thank you. I wish my label felt that way too.

Hayes

I’ll be honest, when my sister asked me to go with her to your concert, I wasn’t really sure I’d like it. I’m much more of a country or a rap kinda guy.

Jersey

I can respect that. Is that why you were in J-Money’s music video?

Hayes

Did you watch it??

Jersey

I may or may not have.

Hayes

I had a blast. Never done anything like that before. I’ve always been into that kind of music more than anything. But then I went to your concert…

Jersey

And?

After I send the text, I get off the couch and trek over to the fridge, grabbing a bottle of water before heading into my bedroom. He’s responded by the time I toss myself onto my mattress.

Hayes

And I was completely wowed. By the show. By you. One of the most pivotal nights of my life. You’re extraordinary. Your label is full of fools if they don’t see that, too.

I take a moment to think about how to respond to such praise. He texts again before I can reply right away.

Hayes

And my sister loved it too. She couldn’t stop gushing about you on the ride home.

Jersey

What’s your sister’s name?

Hayes

Riley. She’s twenty, younger than me by about thirteen years. She lives back home with my parents in Bowling Green, but she came up to see me when you were in town for your show.

I guess I never thought to have questioned how old he is or where he came from, but I’m thankful he gave me that information even though I could have easily Googled it too.

Jersey

That’s quite an age gap.

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