There’s a look of disappointment on Frankie’s face, but it quickly changes to determination.“Alright, man.Thanks for coming.I know you hate these things.”He squeezes my shoulder gently.“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”I smile back at him.“Now go get yourself a record deal!”
“I’ll do my best.”Frankie grins and heads back into the crowd.
I scan the room and easily spot Bayleigh surrounded by fans.I let my gaze linger on her, knowing that this will probably be the last time I see her.She will likely be kept busy and unless she steps into my gallery again, there’s no reason for our paths to intersect.I’ve made peace with leaving the past in the past; there’s no sense in digging it up now.Nothing good could come from that.
With one final look at Bayleigh, I turn and make my way towards the exit, ready to return to my quiet life away from the spotlight.
CHAPTERNINE
Bayleigh
The aromaof freshly brewed coffee fills my senses as I wake up.My night was filled with restlessness, my mind consumed by thoughts of Chase.Whenever he crosses my mind, a sinking sensation drops into my stomach.My therapist would probably label it as regret, but maybe guilt is a more fitting term.
I sit up in bed and rub my tired eyes.I’m itching to start working on some new music.I love performing, but I also love being in the recording studio, creating new sounds.
“Kelly?”I call out, and my faithful assistant appears at the door with a steaming cup of coffee.
“Morning.I had that cute diner down the road deliver this for you.”
I wrap my hands around the warm cup and take a deep breath.“Thank you.”After taking a sip, I place the cup on the bedside table.“I need some new songs for my next album.Can you have Brendon start looking for some?”
“Already on it.”Kelly pulls out her iPad and starts typing furiously.“He’s been asking around and should have some options for you soon.I know the album isn’t locked in till you’ve done the show on Saturday, but things are looking good for that—especially after yesterday.”
“Great.”I push back the covers and stand up next to the bed.“I need this comeback album to be really exceptional.”
“Have you ever tried writing your own songs?”Kelly asks with a frown.
I shake my head.“No, not in years!I’m not a songwriter.There are much more talented people out there for that.”
“Okay.”Kelly shrugs.“I think you could write some amazing songs if you tried.”
Before I can reply, Kelly’s iPad pings with an incoming email.
Kelly’s expression turns somber as she looks up from her iPad, her eyes filled with concern.“That was a message from Brendon,” she says gravely, her voice trembling slightly.“Cam, has come down with the flu.He won’t be able to play the show.”
“Seriously?How will we find a guitarist at such short notice?”I exclaim, collapsing onto the bed in frustration.“What are we going to do?”
Kelly sighs, her shoulders slumping.“Brendon has been reaching out to musicians, but everyone who knows your music is already booked for other gigs.”
“Damn,” I mutter under my breath, running my hand through my hair in exasperation.The weight of the impending setback presses heavily on my chest.“We can’t cancel the show.It’s too important.”
“I have an idea,” Kelly says slowly, moving closer to me on the bed, her eyes filled with determination.“I know you remember Chase from Frankie’s band.He played with you guys the other night and he was amazing.”
I swallow hard, my heart racing at the thought of reaching out to Chase.“But he doesn’t know our set.He might not even be available.”
Kelly’s eyes narrow with resolve.“There’s still time to rehearse with him before the show.It’s not for a few days.We have to try.”
I wrack my brain for any other option, my mind spinning with anxiety.I don’t want to spend more time with Chase than necessary; his presence is like a tempting drink, reminding me of what I can’t have.“He’ll probably turn us down,” I say, my voice tinged with doubt.
“That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t ask,” Kelly insists, her voice steady and encouraging.“We need to give it a shot.He might surprise us.”
“Alright,” I concede, my heart pounding with a mix of hope and dread.“Ask him for help but continue searching for other options.He can’t be our only choice.”
Kelly nods, her face a mask of determination as she exits the room to make the call.I watch her go, feeling a surge of gratitude for her unwavering support.Alone in the room, I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves.This comeback album means everything to me, and I can’t afford any more setbacks.
The idea of reaching out to him fills me with unease.I don’t need any more distractions in my life right now and Chase would definitely be a distraction.I collapse onto the bed, letting out a groan.This trip just keeps getting more complicated.
