Page 111 of A Country Kind Of Love
“You’re only here to promote the new single. I have briefed them on a number of topics you will not discuss, so those questions won’t be asked. Give me your phone.” Garrett holds out his hand. Peyton obliges. She has no idea what topics are off-limits. “I’ll snap a pic of you going in. I will be directly behind you to the right whilst y’all have the interview. I have been instructed by Marisa to make sure I get enough content.”
Marisa is on vacation, and Peyton is thankful for the downtime. She’s grown to love her over the past two months, but Peyton looks at her social media manager like social media itself. She hates that she loves to scroll mindlessly. She complains that half of Facebook insists on updating her on what they’ve had for lunch, which is exhausting, but the pictures they post do look nice. They make Peyton want to go to the nearest Five Guys and order a bacon cheeseburger with pickles, hot sauce, and fried mushrooms, and wash it all down with a milkshake. That’s Marisa; she’s exhausting butinfluential.
The greetings and photo opportunities last roughly fifteen minutes. Then they’re ready to go on air. It’s the first radio appearance Peyton’s ever done; naturally she feels like her throat is closing up. Cleois unphased.
The host greets them with open arms. The producer guides them to their seats, and Garrett stands by the window with his thumbs stuck in the air like a proud dad at a football game. The opening 5-10 minutes ease them in gently.
“So, you performed your new single ‘The Luckiest Hand’at the Bluebird this past week. How did it feel to be back at the venue that put youon the map?”
“Amazing, the Bluebird Cafe is legendary. It’s the first place we sang live together. It was so great to be back,” Cleo responds.
“The chemistry the two of you have is what people are excited about. This love story...” she gestures between the two of them, “...is captivating audiences all over America. Did you expect that kind of reaction?”
“No, but I hoped above anything that people would resonate with the song,” Peyton answers. She places her hand on Cleo’s kneefor comfort.
“Cleo, you said in a recent interview withCountry Music magazinethat you feel there aren’t enough ‘out’ artists in the music industry. Do you think there is still a stigma around being gay in the industry? Particularly in country music?” Cleo glances at Garrett who shakes his head. He doesn’t want her to comment. Does that cross the boundaries of political? He specifically told them not to comment on anything other than the music, but she’s never been one to obey the rules.
“I think more and more artists have found the courage to live authentically as themselves, but I think particularly for men there is still that age-old masculinity that’s associated with country music. Fortunately, you have incredible artists like Brandi Carlisle, Ty Herndon, Lil Nas X, and Brandy Clark amongst others who have been trailblazers for the LGBTQ+ community.” Garrett shrugs as if to say,okay, it could’vebeen worse.
“And now you guys,” the host sayscheerfully.
“Yes, of course. We’re extremely proud to be a part of the community,”Peyton adds.
“Tell me, how did the two of you meet?”
Cleo looks at Peyton, she nods. “I’ll take this one.” Peyton straightens up; she’s never been one to talk about herself. It makes her feel incredibly uncomfortable, but as Marisa often informs her, “you have to get fans invested in your personal brand”.
“We met outside the building of the record label we’re now signed to. I was feeling sorry for myself, and I looked up and saw this shining light.” Peyton winks at Cleo. “There was something about her. We had a conversation; she was so easy to talk to, and when she had to go, she left me with this.” Peyton raises her right hand where the green Aventurine gemstone ring sits. “It’s supposed to bring prosperity andgood luck.”
“Well, I’d say it worked, wouldn’t you?” the host squeals.
“Yes.” Peyton laughs and reaches her hand up to brush along the side of Cleo’s cheek. “It was very smooth.”
“That might be the cutest thing I’ve ever heard.” She stares at them for a moment. “I am 1000% shipping this. You’ve got a fan forlife here.”
“Thank you so much,”Peyton says.
“Let’s talk about your music. You’re performing your new single for us today. We’ve been playing it on the radio all week, and we love it. It’s on track to break into the Top 20 this week; that must feel amazing?”
“It feels incredible. We can’t believe the reaction. Garrett, our manager showed us a TikTok trend the other day with the song, which is so cool,” Cleo says.
“Can you tell us the inspiration behind the song?”
“It’s a little corny I guess, but it’s just about how Cleo made me feel when we first started dating. I felt so incredibly lucky to have this wonderful woman by my side. Every moment together, every longing stare, every night we stayed up until the early hours of the morning writing a song. I realised she was my full house, and I know nothing about poker, but the sentiment was there.” Peyton chuckles. She looks at Cleo, she lifts the hand she’s holding so shecan kiss it.
Cleo mouths the words, “I love you.”
The host places her hand on her heart. “I could literally tear up. You guys are adorable.”
They cut to a quick break whilst they play a classic Carrie Underwood hit.
“And we’re back with Peyton and Cleo. Before you go ahead and sing us a very special version of ‘The Luckiest Hand’, is there anything you’d like to say toyour fans?”
Peyton still can’t get over the fact they’ve even got fans. They were noticed by three different people outside on their way in, and another in the elevator.
“Thank you so much for believing in us, for listening to our music, and for helping make our dreams come true,” Peyton says sincerely.
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