Page 70 of The Rebel with Broken Strings
He had been back in Nashville for a week now, but it still felt surreal. He had brought two suitcases with him, not admitting to himself that it felt like he was moving back and leaving Timber Falls behind…and leaving Aubrey behind.
But as the spotlight hit him and he began to strum his guitar, all thoughts of the past were replaced with the joy and passion of performing. And as he sang his heart out on that legendary stage, Gunner knew that he was exactly where he was meant to be, which brought a world of confusion with it.
How could he feel so torn and comfortable at the same time?
The label had set up a show for him to play some new songs live along with the old. His fingers danced across the guitar strings, muscle memory taking over as he lost himself in the music. The newest song flowed from him, raw and honest, laying bare the struggles he’d faced.
Gunner’s lips curved into a smile as he sang, watching the crowd react to his music. This was what he lived for. This connection, this ability to touch hearts with nothing more than his words and melodies. The label had been right; trying out the new material live was electrifying.
As the chorus hit its peak, Gunner’s gaze swept across the sea of faces before him. His breath caught in his throat, the next lyric dying on his lips as his eyes locked on to a strikingly familiar face. His fingers stumbled, the guitar emitting a discordant twang that pierced through the music.
“Aubrey,” he said into the microphone. What was she doing here? His heart raced, a mixture of hope and disbelief coursing through him.
Gunner blinked, willing himself to focus on the performance, but his eyes kept drifting back to her. She looked as beautiful as ever, her blond waves framing her face, her expression a mix of determination and vulnerability that tugged at something deep within him.
“Sorry, folks,” he said into the microphone, forcing a chuckle. “Guess these new songs are still a bit rusty.”
The crowd laughed good-naturedly, but Gunner barely heard them. His mind was reeling, memories of their days and nights together flooding back. The taste of her lips, the softness of her skin, the way she’d looked at him like he was the only man in the world.
As he strummed the opening chords of the next verse, his gaze remained fixed on her. She was moving through the crowd now, each step bringing her closer to the stage. His voice wavered slightly as he sang, the lyrics taking on new meaning in her presence.
“I’ve been runnin’ from my demons, but they always catch up,” he crooned. “Maybe it’s time I turned and faced ’em, let ’em set me free.”
Aubrey was at the edge of the stage now, her eyes never leaving his. His heart thundered in his chest, drowning out the music, the crowd, everything but her. He knew, in that moment, that whatever happened next would change everything.
The final chord hung in the air, suspended like a held breath. Gunner’s fingers stilled on the strings, the silence that followed shocking in its suddenness. The crowd’s excited chatter dissolved into confused murmurs, a ripple of uncertainty spreading through the packed room.
“What’s going on?” someone called out.
Gunner barely heard them. His focus was entirely on Aubrey, her presence magnetic. She stood at the edge of the stage, her eyes locked on his, a storm of emotions swirling in their depths.
“Aubrey,” he said again.
In the crowd, Aubrey took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. The sea of people seemed to part before her as she moved forward with purpose, each step deliberate and sure. Gunner watched, transfixed, as she drew closer.
“Is this part of the show?” he heard someone ask.
Gunner’s heart raced. He wanted to run to her, to sweep her into his arms, but he remained rooted to the spot, his guitar a barrier between them.
As Aubrey reached the foot of the stage, Gunner found his voice. “Folks, I’m gonna need a moment here,” he said into the mic.
The crowd’s confusion was palpable, but Gunner couldn’t bring himself to care. All that mattered was Aubrey, standing there, looking up at him with a determination that made him unravel.
His heart thundered in his chest, a wild rhythm that threatened to drown out the confused murmurs of the crowd. He felt pulled toward Aubrey like a magnet, every fiber of his being aching to close the distance between them. But doubt and fear held him in place, his fingers still frozen on the strings of his guitar.
She went to climb up on the stage, but security stopped her.
“Let her up,” he said, sliding his guitar onto his back.
As Aubrey took his hand, he marveled at how perfectly it fit in his. He helped her onto the stage, pulling her close, their bodies fitting together like they were made for each other.
“Hi,” she said, smirking.
He chuckled. “Hi.”
The crowd fell silent, a collective hush blanketing the venue as Aubrey stood before Gunner. Her chest heaved with each breath, her eyes never leaving his. The air crackled with electricity, heavy with anticipation.
“I can’t do this. Being away from you, it’s not working.” She glanced back at the crowd. “I know the timing is terrible, but I couldn’t wait to say all this to you.” She stepped closer, and he wrapped his arms around her as she said, “I’m tired of being left behind. This time, I’m choosing to chase after what I want. And what I want is you, Gunner Woods.”
