As I shower and dress, I resign myself to be happy with the time we’ve had together.It was more than I ever expected, and I will take these memories with me forever.This brief happiness will be worth every shred of pain that I will no doubt feel when she leaves.
I head to the main house for breakfast with my mom.She has bacon sizzling when I get there, and I give her cheek a kiss as I reach for the coffee.
Today’s the day.Are you excited?”she asks me.
“Yeah.We have a media junket this morning, then sound check before the big show.”I wonder if I’ll get to talk to Bayleigh alone today.It is a busy day, and she has a lot to do to get ready.I don’t want to distract her, but I do want to get a chance to wish her luck.
“I’m so excited to watch you perform tonight,” Mom continues, handing me a plate of eggs and bacon.
“You’ve seen me play at Monty’s.This will just be on a bigger scale.”A much bigger scale, with an outdoor stage, proper lighting, and sound.
“And it’s getting streamed live.Maybe you’ll get offered a deal like Frankie.”
I chuckle.“I doubt it.I’m only on guitar.No one will even notice me.Not when they can be looking at Bayleigh.”
Mom looks at me then, studying me like she can see all my secrets.“You want to be with her.”
I stop chewing, and my mind races.Can she read my thoughts?“It’s not like that.Besides, she’s only here for the show,” I say defensively.
“I remember how close you two were as kids.When she left, it was like a piece of you went with her,” my mom says softly, her understanding eyes trained on me.
My heart clenches at the mention of Bayleigh and how Mom was there for me during the most difficult time of my life after the accident.Bayleigh had no one to lean on.She was young and all alone when she left.
“It was hard then, and it will be hard when she leaves again.But what other choice do we have?How can a bird and a fish make it work?”I sigh, staring down at my plate.
“There’s a piece of you that belongs to her, and she’ll take it with her when she leaves,” my mom says gently, placing a comforting hand over mine.
Her words hit me hard.I could go with Bayleigh, but what about my obligations to this ranch?My mom interrupts my thoughts with a suggestion that catches me off guard—"We could sell the ranch and start fresh somewhere else.”
I look at her with wide eyes.“No, we can’t do that.”
She shrugs.“Why not?This was your father’s dream.It’s not yours though.”
“But this place is everything to you.It’s Dad’s legacy.”I interject.
“It’s not the same without him here.”Her voice fades off and I look around the kitchen where so many family meals have taken place.I am filled with memories—both good and bad.I couldn’t just give it up.Could I?
This is my home, my safe haven.I don’t think I could ever leave it behind.But maybe ...just maybe ...it’s worth considering.
Would being with Bayleigh be worth it, if it meant sacrificing my own desires?I have no idea what she wants or if there is even a place for me in her life.She is constantly on the go and has little time to think about the future.I can’t help but wonder if she would even have space for me in her busy life.But despite these doubts, a glimmer of hope remains as I finish my breakfast and make my way into town.It is a hope that I’ve never allowed myself to entertain before, but now it lingers, begging to be explored.
CHAPTERTHIRTY
Bayleigh
The morning passes quickly,consumed by phone calls, meetings, and preparations for tonight’s show.I hardly have a moment to think about Chase and the night we shared.
“We have this media junket first, then soundcheck, and finally we can get you into hair and makeup,” Kelly says as she guides me through the hotel to another room where members of the press are waiting.I see Chase, Cassie, and the others standing in front of a closed door.Our eyes meet, and I can’t help but smile at him.
He’s dressed in a blue denim shirt that makes him look like he just walked off the ranch.He looks sexy as hell, and I know the female audience will go wild for this cowboy.A pang of jealousy hits me.I don’t want those women lusting after him, undressing him with their eyes.He belongs to me and only to me.
Well, damn.That definitely complicates things.But I push the thought aside.I don’t have time for these emotions right now.My focus needs to be on my job, and dealing with the media is a big part of that.We have to put on a good show here before we even step foot on stage.
“Good luck, everyone!”Kelly shouts out before opening the door for us to enter.Cassie goes in first, followed by myself, and then the others take their seats on the stage.
I look out at the audience.The room is full of people.From the local newspaper to social media influencers and tabloid reporters.I hate them the most and my eyes stop when I see Laura Evens sitting in the front row.I swear that woman has it out for me.Her life mission seems to be to reveal all my secrets.She’s cracked a few, but thankfully not the biggest.That could be the final nail on the coffin of my career, and I send up a quick prayer that she will stay far away from finding out the truth.
“Bayleigh, how does it feel to be back home?”a man in the second row asks.
