When I see Manny, I wave him over.
“Hey, my dad’s having surgery next week, and he’s gonna be laid out for a couple of months. I have to go take care of him, so I won’t be able to be here.” I scratch my jaw, my nails grazing the ridged scar that lines it. “But I have a buddy who can take my place—he’s great. He can meet up with y’all in Nashville in two weeks for the next leg of the tour. I’ll send him all my notes. The mix is programmed. It won’t cause any trouble.”
Manny’s eyes widen. “Okay. Does Lucy know?”
“Of course. She understands. And I’ll be back for the next tour. For anything she needs,” I add, even though I shouldn’t.
Manny gives me a knowing smile. “I bet you will.” Then he shakes my hand. “I’ve been around the industry a long time, butI’ve never seen someone give more than you do. You’re a good guy, Patrick.”
“Thanks, Manny. You too. Oh, and don’t let the label push her around, okay? She already has a hard enough time believing she earned a seat at the table.”
Manny’s eyes sharpen. “They’re making her think she doesn’t deserve to be here?”
“Every night, those execs surround her like piranhas. They want to sell her songs to Nash.”
Manny curses. “It’s because his last album was a flop, and the label’s afraid they’re losing their biggest star to irrelevance. I’ll talk to Lou’s agent. She’s the rising star, and his is plummeting to earth. We won’t let that happen.”
The room gets dusty, and I blink to cover my emotion. “Thanks, Manny. I knew I could count on you.”
Manny gives me a once-over. Then he chuckles and walks away.
By mid-morning, Lou’s band shows up, ready for rehearsal. When I spot Delilah, I pull her aside. But since the band has gotten close, the rest of them follow.
“Hey, I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but I won’t be here for the second leg of the tour.”
“Oh no! We’ll miss you.”
“Thanks. I was wondering if you could do me a favor and… keep an eye on Lou—Lucy—for me.”
Delilah’s smile is every bit as knowing as Manny’s. She and the girls swap a look. “We’ll look out for her. She has a good heart.” Then Delilah squeezes my arm. “And so do you.”
I can’t stop my brows from pulling together. What is it with everyone trying to build me up? Did some tour-wide memo go around that we need more positive affirmations or something?
Soon, Rafael and a few other guards escort Lou in. Her hair’s up in a high ponytail, and with her athletic gear on and her bareface, she looks strong. Determined. Normally, this would be the moment she goes straight to work.
But instead, she smiles and waves at me. Then she takes a deep breath and walks over to her band.
“Hey, guys! How are you liking Memphis?”
“It’s great!” Abby says. “We had the best barbecue last night.”
“You should come next time. Open invitation,” Delilah adds.
Lou’s smile slips—just for a second. Her shoulders creep up.
I expect her to stand taller. But instead, she looks at me. I hold her eye for a moment, trying to give her the confidence to trust. To let people in. To not fear that it’ll make her weak.
And then, instead of shaking off whatever she’s feeling, she cocks her head slightly, shoulders still high and almost hunched.
And just like that, a piece of her armor crashes to the ground.
She looks tentative. Hopeful.
Open.
“I’d love that. When we get back from our break, let’s go get some in Nashville. I know a place that’ll knock your socks off.”
“We’d love that!” Bailey says, and the others all beam.
