In an instant, I am filled with recognition as I see her long blonde curls and the face that used to consume my thoughts every day during my youth.Her smile is familiar, yet it holds a new depth that wasn’t there before.It has been what, eighteen years since I’ve gazed into those eyes, and though she is still undeniably beautiful, there is a sense of lingering sadness in her appearance now.She is no longer the innocent child I once knew.
I’ve kept up with her career, as has the whole town—her successes and failures, highs and lows.And now, she is headed towards the stage.I can’t help but notice how her jeans cling to her thighs, reminding me of how smooth they’ve felt under my touch.
Frankie hands her the microphone before coming over to stand next to me.“Can you believe it?Bayleigh Gilmore is going to join us in singing ‘Maybe, Darling!’”He beams at me.“No pressure, bro.This will go viral by tomorrow.”The weight of his words settles on my shoulders as I take a deep breath.
I quickly sift through my thoughts to find the music for her first hit single.I’ve listened to every one of her songs, willingly or not.Every chord change and every beat is etched into my memory, as if she’s performed each lyric just for me.
I begin strumming the guitar, and my fingers move effortlessly over the strings, driven by muscle memory.As she starts singing, the room falls silent, except for my guitar and her mesmerizing voice.
My gaze remains fixed on her and I sense the exact moment when she relaxes and becomes lost in the music, and I am drawn in with her.Together, we remain entranced for the duration of the song.Memories, dreams, and regrets drift over me like passing clouds.But just as quickly as it starts, the song ends, and she turns to face me.Our eyes meet and I cannot bring myself to break the connection.
She walks off the stage and returns to her seat.My heart aches as I watch her, wishing I could run after her and talk to her.There are so many questions I want to ask, so many things I want to say.But as she sits at her table, I realize that the hole she’s left in my heart has never truly been filled.Seeing her again, being this close, only makes it more apparent.
I’m not over Bayleigh Gilmore.And I don’t think I ever will be.
For the next two songs, I can’t take my eyes off of her.Every note I play is tinged with grief, knowing that she may never be mine again.But our eyes keep meeting, as if we are still connected somehow.
And then, just like before, she leaves without waiting for me to finish my set.She walks out the door, just like she did all those years ago.And this time, I wonder if it is really goodbye.Will she ever walk back into my life again?
I am well aware that she will be performing at the upcoming charity concert.The entire town of Sweetgum Valley has been buzzing about it for weeks.I’ve mentally prepared myself to avoid her at all costs.Attending the concert is not on my agenda, and in fact, after tonight, I plan to go back to the ranch and throw myself into work there.I don’t want to have to hear about her or constantly be reminded that we are only miles apart from each other.My mind is made up—as soon as our set finishes, I’ll gather my belongings and make a swift exit from Sweetgum Valley, and I won’t return until she’s left it far behind.
Then I can return to the monotonous existence I’ve created for myself.The physical ache for her is manageable—I’ve survived without it for a long time now.But the emotional ties with Bayleigh are too strong.We’ve had too many shared memories and intimate moments.She’s been by my side for half of my life, and we’ve formed countless core memories together.Losing her was the most excruciating pain I’ve ever experienced.I never want to go through something like that again.That is why I won’t put myself in a vulnerable position with her or anyone else.This time, maybe I can find the closure I’ve been yearning for all these years.
After our set, I am putting my guitar into the case when Frankie slaps me on the back.The man has been buzzing all night.As hard as the evening has been for me, I know this could have a major effect on my bandmates, who, unlike me, are very ambitious and hope to make music their career.
“Check out this video, bro!”Frankie shoves his phone screen in my face, and I can’t help but watch Bayleigh singing into the microphone again.
“It’s great, man.I really hope something comes of it for you,” I say with as much enthusiasm as I can muster.
“How fucking lucky were we?I mean, who would have expected her to walk into Monty’s tonight while we were playing?”Frankie practically dances with excitement.
I return Frankie’s smile, grateful for his friendship.He moved to Sweetgum Valley as a teenager, seven years younger than me.Unlike most people in town, he doesn’t know about my past with Bayleigh.Bayleigh and I used to be childhood friends and more, but now that feels like a distant memory that no one dares to mention.It ended long ago, and yet, I can still feel the sensation of her hair slipping through my fingers, reminding me it was once real and not just a figment of my imagination.
“Aren’t you thrilled about this opportunity?It could be huge for all of us!”Frankie says.
I sling my guitar case over my shoulder.“I’m genuinely happy for you and the rest of the band.But you know I’m not chasing after those kinds of dreams like you are.”
“We couldn’t have made it this far without you, man.That intro, when it was just you and her playing together ...I can’t even put into words how amazing it sounded.”
“Really?”I’d thought the moment had just been in my own head.
“Really.It was like y’all had hypnotized us.Crazy!”Frankie laughs and taps the screen of his phone.“I’ve sent you the video.Will you stay for a drink?”
My phone buzzes in my back pocket.“Nah, I got to get home.Need an early night cause I’m working in the gallery tomorrow.I’ll talk to you in a few days.”
“Bro, you can’t leave now!You gotta help us.Media and influencers will be swarming this place.We gotta make the most of it.Play more gigs.”
I shake my head.“I can’t.Ask Davy instead; he can play acoustic just as well.”
But Frankie won’t give up, his big brown eyes pleading with me.“Please, we really need you.You’re the best.”
“Hey, guys.”Carlos, the owner of Monty’s, interrupts us.“I just had a call from Bayleigh Gilmore’s manager.Her label is interested in talking to you.”
Frankie’s jaw drops so low, I am worried I’ll have to scoop it up off the floor.
“Already?”Frankie asks.
“Yep, got the call just after you played together.Her assistant called her manager during the set, and he heard y’all over the phone.”
