“May I?”Kelly raised her hand toward my hair and when I nod, Kelly gently pulls a section of long blond curls over my shoulder.“The hairdresser did such a good job.”
I don’t know exactly what the hairdresser spent such a long time doing, but I do know my hair is now looking more like it used to, with the addition of extensions and some serious conditioning treatments.
The flight attendant ushers us toward the stairs, and I step out to see a small crowd of people with their cameras and phones raised to capture the first images of me out in public in almost four months.
I take a deep breath, plaster on that sparkling smile, and wave.People cheer and call out to me as I step down onto the tarmac.A young girl who couldn’t be more than eight holds out a poster in one hand and a pen in the other.
I walk over to the barrier separating us.“Hi, would you like me to sign that?”
The girl nods, a huge, starstruck smile on her face.
I take the poster and look at the picture.It was taken at least nine years ago.I vaguely remember the photoshoot.I’m wearing my signature cowgirl boots—this time with tassels—super-short denim shorts and a white crop top.The pose is sexy and provocative.I wonder why this girl’s mother let her bringthatphoto.
“What’s your name, sweetheart?”
“Lily,” the girl replies.
I write her name and then sign mine, just as I have millions of times, adding a heart in place of the dot in theiin Bayleigh.
“Can we get a photo?”a man with a professional camera calls out.
“Would you like a photo?”I ask Lily, who nods excitedly.
Security opens a gap in the barrier and Lily joins me.The girl snuggles in close as the photographer snaps away.Then Lily is escorted back to her mother as I move on to sign more autographs and pose for more pictures.
Finally, I wave goodbye to the fans and climb into the waiting black car.Kelly sits next to me and the driver takes us towards the town.
“That was really good.Nice move with the little girl.”Kelly smiles.
“She was so cute.But that picture of me that she had.”I cringe.“Glad they don’t make me pose like that anymore.”
The landscape changes as we leave the desolate farmlands and enter the bustling town.The street is filled with a mix of old buildings that have been updated with modern touches and new structures adorned with flashy signs.We pass by a charming diner with outdoor seating, a boutique clothing store with an unfamiliar name, and even an art gallery showcasing a stunning wooden chaise lounge in its front window.As our car halts at a red light outside it, I can’t help but admire the intricate woodwork on the piece of furniture.It is truly a work of art, and I wonder if it would be as comfortable to recline on as it appears.
“Is it how you remember?”Kelly asks, following my gaze.
“Not really.”I pull my attention away from the store and take in the rest of the busy street.“There used to be a movie theatre there.”I sigh.The once entertainment hub is now a common department store.The memories of family outings for dinner and a movie are quickly pushed aside.
The car moves again and soon after pulls up in front of the Claremont Hotel and I climb out to be welcomed by a porter and another man.The building is as grand as any hotel in New York, and I can’t help but be impressed by the inviting couches and soft lighting.
“Welcome to Sweetgum Valley, Ms.Gilmore.I’m Ian Dobson, the hotel manager.”A man in a crisp suit with the hotel’s logo emblazoned on the jacket holds out his hand.
I shake it with a smile.“Thank you.This is a lovely hotel.”
“It was recently re-opened after being renovated.You are our first VIP guest, so if there is anything we can do for you, please just ask.”
“Oh, I’m not staying, but thank you for the offer.”
I catch the confused look on his face before Kelly gestures for me to follow her.We head to the elevator and Kelly pushes the button for the top floor.
“Where are we going now?”I ask.
“To freshen up while we wait.Brendon said he’d call when the mayor was on his way.”Although she seems confident, I have the distinct impression she is just as perplexed as me.In a few hours we will be wheels up, heading back to Nashville, so why are we wasting time here?I’m eager to get to soundcheck and get ready for the show.
I follow along as Kelly swipes the key over the penthouse door card reader and opens the double doors for me.The suite has the same luxurious-but-friendly feel as the lobby.There is a large sitting area with a table for four by the window.I wander over to see the view.Below me sits the town of Sweetgum Valley.It is bigger than before, at least twice the size now with commercial businesses and shops lining the streets.The hotel is the highest building at four floors and I can easily see the main street below.It is wide, with a strip of central parking down the middle splitting the main drag into a divided road.Cars bake under the fall sun as the locals go about their business.The people are walking along the streets at a relaxed speed, not in any sort of hurry like they are in Nashville.The pace here is slower than in a city, as though the residents want to take in all their surroundings and not miss a thing.
Behind me, I hear Kelly answer the phone and I turn.I haven’t bothered getting a new cell for myself since losing mine before going to rehab.Kelly is always with me and takes care of the running of my life.I am glad not to be connected like everyone else with distractions constantly buzzing and interrupting me.
Kelly takes the phone from her ear and holds it out for me.“It’s Brendon.He wants to speak to you.”
