“Okay ...”I narrow my eyes at them suspiciously as they exchange glances before Frankie continues.
“They want you, Chase.After your performance the other night, they were blown away and want you to join Bayleigh’s band.”
My jaw drops.“Wait, what?Me?You’re kidding, right?”
They both shake their heads.Kelly smiles widely.“You are incredibly talented and would be an excellent addition to the show.”
“This could mean big things!”Frankie adds.
I shake my head in disbelief.“No way.I’m not a professional musician.Get one of your fancy guitar players to fill in.I’m not cut out for this.”
“But you are!”Kelly rises from her seat and comes over to me, placing a hand on my arm.“Bayleigh specifically requested you.”
I quickly turn my head to meet her gaze.There is no way she actually wants me to play alongside her on stage.Sure, that one performance we did together was incredible, but it was a one-time thing.She couldn’t possibly want me for such a big show.This is supposed to be her big comeback, and I don’t want to ruin it for her.There is too much at stake.
“We all heard you at Monty’s.The chemistry between you when you played was like nothing I’ve ever experienced,” Kelly explains.
“You have to do this, man.It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you can’t turn down,” Frankie adds, coming to stand next to me.“This is a huge deal.”
“It is,” I reply, my voice louder than I’d intended.“But there are other musicians with more experience who would be better suited for this.I just play for fun; I don’t want this kind of pressure.”
“We need you, Chase,” Kelly pleads.“Bayleigh needs you.And the town needs you.”
“Think about Sweetgum Valley and all the families that could benefit from the money this show will bring in,” Frankie insists.
“Shit, guys, that’s not fair.”I run my hand through my hair, feeling overwhelmed.All I want is a simple and quiet life.I’m not the young dreamer who craved fame and bright lights anymore.I have already lost my chance once before, and I don’t want it again.
“Just come to one rehearsal and see how it goes,” Kelly urges me.“If you hate it, we’ll find someone else.Please?”
I take a deep breath and look at both Kelly and Frankie before spotting my guitar in its stand by the TV.A wave of anticipation washes over me as memories flood back: cheering crowds, bright stage lights, and the steady beat of the drums.“Fine.One rehearsal, but no promises.”
“Yes!”Frankie punches the air in excitement.“You won’t regret this.”
“Why do you even care?It should be you up there,” I say.
“Nah, I’m a singer, not a guitarist,” Frankie replies with a shrug.“But having you on stage will only make us look better as a band.”
Kelly nods in agreement.“The record label is very interested in signing your guys.”
“As I told Frankie, I’m not looking to change careers now.I’ll help the guys out, but don’t include me in any big plans.Music is just a hobby now.I’m not trying to make it anything more than that.”
Kelly’s smile tightens, and she nods again, clearly holding back any further arguments.“I’ll forward you the setlist so you can practice today and then come in for rehearsal tomorrow at nine am.I’ll text you the details.”
“Fine.”I open the door for them and watch as they walk down the path together, with Frankie draping his arm around Kelly’s shoulders.
I shake my head in disbelief.Something is definitely blossoming between those two.
As I shut the door and lean against it, my gaze falls back to my guitar.What were they thinking, asking me?Whose stupid idea was this, anyway?Can’t have been Bayleigh’s, surely.
After she left town, I stayed behind and pieced my life back together, creating a new path for myself that was far different from what we had planned together.We were supposed to share the spotlight and chase our dreams together, but that didn’t happen.And now, I doubt she will want to share the stage with me again.
I guess I’ll find out for sure tomorrow at rehearsal.I’ll keep my word and show up; after all, I’m not the one who breaks promises.
CHAPTERELEVEN
Bayleigh
I openmy hotel room door and spot Max standing guard.“Have you seen my assistant?”
