“Y’all know I’m better at singing than speaking, so how about I do that for y’all tonight?”I ask and am met by a roar of excitement.I turn and nod to the band behind me and start singing one of my songs.As always, I turn inward and put all my focus on my performance, putting my whole heart into the lyrics.This is how I capture the audience’s attention.
I lose myself in the music and the lights, and let the song speak for me.
CHAPTEREIGHT
Chase
I watchher from the shadows at the back of the room, mesmerized by her ability to captivate the audience with every note.This is a talent she has possessed since I first met her.It’s what makes her such an incredible performer, and when that’s combined with the perfect songs written specifically for her, it is no surprise that she remains one of the greats, despite any past indiscretions.
She looks stunning in her black dress and boots, her blonde curls cascading down her back, a glimmering chain around her neck.Others try to imitate her style, but this is simply a part of who Bayleigh is; there is no need for her to try to be anyone else.
The applause erupts around me as the song comes to an end, snapping me out of my trance.I wave over a waiter and quickly take a sip from the flute they offer me.I’m only here because Frankie begged me to come.He hopes that rubbing elbows at this social event would open up some doors for our band.Right now, he’s deep in conversation with Kelly, Bayleigh’s assistant, and I can’t help but wonder if his intentions tonight are more than just business-focused.
I look towards the door, already planning my escape when Frankie jabs me in the ribs.
My body freezes as Bayleigh gracefully strides over to our group and joins us.She looks breathtaking tonight.And those sparkly boots!I wouldn’t mind if she kept them on in the bedroom.
Our eyes meet for a brief moment before she turns and talks to Kelly.I finish my drink and try to focus on what Kelly is saying.She then gestures towards Frankie and me.“Do you remember Frankie, the lead singer from the band who played the other night at Monty’s?”
Bayleigh smiles and shakes Frankie’s hand.“You were amazing.I’m surprised you haven’t been signed yet.”
“Thank you so much.That means a lot,” Frankie says, but I can’t hear their conversation anymore.I’m too consumed by the scent and feel of being near Bayleigh.Her necklace dips into the small space between her breasts, and I wonder if a pendant hangs from it.Something precious she holds close to her heart?Her breasts are full and pale, and I have the urge to feel their weight in my hands.Desire stirs deep within me.I’ve been with plenty of women over the years.I’ve dated casually, but I’ve never found someone who I could see myself in a serious relationship with.
Bayleigh was my first everything: my first friend, my first girlfriend.My first kiss, My first love.The memory of our first time, where we both lost our virginity, often keeps me awake at night.I relive those tender moments of touch and kisses, the rush of sensations and release that only ever felt as good with her.The way she trembled in my arms, her soft gasps, the way our souls seemed to meld into one—it was pure magic.Even now, the mere thought of those nights sends a shiver down my spine, a longing so fierce it aches.She isn’t just a part of my past; she is a part of me.And no matter how much time has passed, that connection burns as brightly as ever—a flame that refuses to be extinguished.
“Can you move in closer?”A photographer gestures.I step to the side, knowing I’m not important enough to be included in a picture with Bayleigh Gilmore.But Kelly and Frankie wave me back over, so I oblige.
“Stand here, next to Bayleigh.”Kelly shows me where to pose, so I’m flanking Bayleigh with Frankie on the other side.
“A little bit closer,” directs the photographer.I take another step closer and stand at a slight angle, with Bayleigh’s back against my chest.I breathe in her fragrant scent and try my best to focus as the photo is taken.
I linger in that position just a moment longer than Bayleigh, who turns towards me and accidentally brushes her bare arm against my chest.Our eyes meet and she apologizes reflexively, as one does when touching a stranger by accident.But those are the words I have been longing to hear from her.
I desperately want an apology from her.Something that shows she regrets her actions and the pain she’s caused me.
But when our eyes meet, an electric jolt of longing surges through me, leaving me frozen and unable to look away.For a fleeting moment, I let myself drown in the sea of possibilities, hoping that perhaps, against all odds, things could be different between us.
My heart aches, a deep and painful throb as she glances at my mouth, her lips parting slightly as if she has something to say but doesn’t know how to say it.Her gaze is searing, a tangible touch that leaves my skin burning and my pulse racing.Every moment feels stretched, and the space between us shrinks as if the world itself is urging us to close the gap.
The emotions that swell within me are a tempest—desire, regret, love, and a desperate yearning for what once was.Her presence is intoxicating, and the memories of our shared past flood my mind, each one more vivid and bittersweet than the last.The connection between us is undeniable, a flame that refuses to be extinguished, burning brightly despite the years and the distance that have separated us.
However, we both know that our lives have taken different paths, and there seems to be no way for them to intersect.But a small part of me still wants to try.
My hand reaches out and touches her arm of its own volition.She tilts her head down to where my hand is resting on her skin, but makes no move to stop me.Slowly, my calloused thumb brushes over her soft, pale bicep.
When she raises her head again, there is a silent plea in her eyes.Reluctantly, I remove my hand.With just one look, I can tell that her feelings for me never truly went away either.The intense connection we once had is still there despite the time and distance that has separated us.
In an effort to keep myself in check, I step back into the shadows.Just because the connection remains doesn’t mean it’s good for either of us.We lead completely different lives now with no room for compromise.
As I watch Bayleigh being swept away by Kelly to socialize with others, I can’t help but hope that she will turn around and look at me one more time.
“Dude, something crazy is going on between you two!”Frankie appears in front of me, blocking my view of Bayleigh.
I clear my throat before replying with a dry tone, “There’s some history there.”
Frankie grins knowingly and opens his mouth as if to say something.
“Don’t even ask,” I cut him off before he can start.“I think I’m going to call it a night.”
