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I know she’s referring to our conversation last week about the song I was struggling with. She knows what this means to me. Even though she’ll only hear it for the first time tonight, she knows this song is a piece of me going out into the world. It’s me taking a big step forward, letting the pain, anger, and heartache go.
“Yeah, I think so.”
She smiles and leans in to kiss my cheek, holding my chin with her thumb and forefinger for just a second. “I’m proud of you, my girl. You play what’s in here.” She taps my chest. “No matter what anyone else ever tells you. There’s a load of knockoffs here, so show them something real.”
I give her a quick nod, unable to let her words sink in too deeply. I can already feel my emotions coming to life, knowing I’m going to sing something so personal in just a little while.
I step away but stop, looking back at Sean. “Sorry for all of that. I guess you got two shows for the price of one.”
“It’s ok. I’m looking forward to the second.” The corners of his eyes crinkle. “At least it wasn’t my ass getting roasted this time.”
“The night’s still young, and it looks like I’ll have the mic.” I smile, and he laughs. I notice his face is different tonight. It’s less stoic and more relaxed. I wonder again why he stood there through all that and why he’s even here. He’s the last person I’d expect to see at one of these, especially alone. Where’s his entourage? His girlfriend?
I let it go, not having time to think about it. “Careful hanging out with this one.” I step away, pointing to my grandmother. “She’s taught me everything I know.”
I leave Gem and Sean as I make my way to find Jonesy and the girls, ready to treat these people to something original. It’s all I know how to do, even if my mother despises it.
Chapter 11
SEAN
I watch Andie Parks disappear down a hallway, and I have no idea what to think about what just happened over the past few minutes.
When I walked through the doors and saw her piercing green eyes, my shock instantly morphed into a pleasant surprise. I don’t know why, exactly. Especially when it was clear I was the absolute last person she expected or wanted to see here. Although, after our previous encounter, I get it.
“So, Sean,” the older woman next to me says. I feel her eyeing me as I drag my gaze away from the crowded room and to the woman whom I imagine looks the epitome of Mrs. Robinson–all youth under the wisdom and snark.
I meet her glare as she steps closer, but just as she’s about to say something, someone grabs her attention.
“Gemma Taninbaugh, in the flesh.” A woman approaches, and I take the opportunity to escape.
I step aside, but the spry older woman snatches my arm. “I’ll be catching up with you later,” she winks.
I give her a quick nod, heading straight into the ballroom and bypassing the cameras and reporters, looking for their morning story or latest social media post. It doesn’t take long for a man to recognize me, and once again, I’m cornered. Trying to be polite,I answer a few questions about my season so far but search the large room for a place I might hide for the evening.
I don’t mind socializing, but I’d rather learn more about how the funds raised tonight will be spent. I also might be just a bit curious about this little performance that will occur at some point.
When an opportunity presents itself, I step away, finding a quiet spot along the wall to pull out my phone. I Google the name Taninbaugh. Beyond being surprised to see Andie, I was even more caught off guard by the interaction between her and her parents.
At first, I was going to excuse myself, but once I heard how her mother spoke to her, my instinctual defenses flipped on, and I wasn’t going anywhere. If there’s one thing I cannot stand, it’s hearing someone berate another. Being the recipient of a verbal pummel is something I’m entirely too familiar with and won’t tolerate.
I couldn’t believe her mother would talk to her like that, especially in front of others. First, it was about her dress, which was freaking stunning, exactly as I said. Andie was beautiful at the stadium, but tonight, she looks striking in a way that is all her own. Her petite figure, wrapped in black with skinny silver heels, gives her a devastatingly badass look. All her curly dark hair spilling around her, and her soft pink smart mouth that, for some reason, just makes me want to smile every time she opens it.
When her mom started in on her about playing tonight and only now getting wind of her singing at the stadium, some of what she said to me at the meet and greet might be starting to make sense.
In the elevator, I’m sure I gave Andie the impression that I’m too good for my own reflection and that I was judging her. Maybe I did, or maybe I just wanted to understand why shewould be there alone. But given my state that day, I definitely wasn’t the most gentle in my curiosity. I think I might be starting to understand her pushback, at least partially.
But her comment about performing tonight, and that being all she’s good for, really bothers me. I wonder if she really feels that way. Based on that little altercation in the hallway, I wouldn’t be surprised if she did. That might be something the two of us have in common–that feeling of only being wanted for your talent or what someone can get out of you and never interested in anything more.
After scrolling for a second, I find what I’m looking for. Gemma Taninbaugh, the woman I was just standing with, is Nashville’s daughter. She descended from the line that founded Nashville. Scrolling a little further, I see Dr. Jeffrey Taninibaugh is now Chief of Staff of the children’s hospital funds are being raised for tonight.
Damn. After two hours in an elevator and a few quick interactions, I realize how wrong I was about the woman who picked out my pre-game hype song. That day, I had no idea about her losing her husband. If tonight showed me anything, it’s that her parents clearly don’t respect her or her talent, and that’s probably only half of it. Never in a million years would I have seen this coming, and now I’m curious to know more.
My thoughts are interrupted when a speaker takes the stage, asking us to find our seats. I wander to the seating chart, hoping I don’t find myself at a table full of fans. I’d be happy to sit quietly with people who have no clue who I am.
I find my table in the middle of the room and see Andie’s parents seated up front. I can’t help but search the faces surrounding them, wondering which one is the guy Andie was talking about. That thought brings to mind the fact that these people thought I was here as her date, and she didn’t correctthem. I find that very interesting, given our minimal history and her inability to tolerate me.
The current speaker is replaced by another as I take a seat. Everyone’s eyes are focused on the stage, and luckily, no one at my table seems to notice my late arrival. Dinner is served as I listen and learn about the research being conducted and how the funds raised tonight will help further their efforts. Afterward, a short video showcases the hospital and staff before Dr. Taninbaugh takes the stage.
