“Sorrel, shots—let’s go!”
I take the tiny shot glass from her hand and throw back the liquor. It tastes horrible.
“What the hell was that?”
“Fireball. That's all I could find.”
“Gross,” I say, gagging and looking for some water. Note to self, ask what it is before I drink it.
The boys left to do sound check and rehearsals so it’s just me and Charli now.
“All right, spill it Saxxon. How are you really doing?”
I sigh. “Everything's been great. It’s fun but I can’t lie and say I don’t miss the ranch.”
“I knew it,” Charli says, taking a drink of her coke.
“It doesn't help that their tour manager is a raging bitch.”
Just as the words fly out of my mouth, lo and behold, said tour manager walks in.
Emily puts one arm up on the doorframe and tilts her head. Her beady eyes narrow in on me. “What was that, Sorrel?”
“Um…” I have no words. I’ve been utterly caught.
“She said you’ve been a bitch.”
Turning around in the booth, Charli looks Emily up and down. “What’s up with that?”
Emily scoffs and does her signature eye roll.
“I don’t know who the hell you are, but neither of you should be here. Denton has real talent, Sorrel, and this ‘relationship’ ofyours is temporary. I’ve been in the business long enough to see how it all plays out. Trust me.”
That’s fucking it. It’s time to stand up for myself. I’ve held back long enough.
“Fuck you, Emily! You have no idea what Denton and I have been through, and I don’t need to prove to you how real our relationship is.”
“It may be real for now but it will also bereal oversoon,” she says, smirking. “I know you see all the women that throw themselves at him. He could have anyone in the world. Why would he want some nobody cowgirl whose world is so small all you know is ranch life? Don’t hold him back. His world is going to be so much bigger than yours and there won’t be space for you in it.”
Tears begin to pool in my eyes, and Charli gives me a look and mouths, “Don't cry.”I know I can’t let her see me cry or she’ll think she’s won. But I can’t help the doubt that creeps into my mind. His world is bigger than mine. I don’t want a bigger world; I love the ranch and it’s more than I could ever want out of this life. It makes me wonder if Denton and I are too different in that way.
His life will be award shows and music videos. Sure, I can tag along but I don’t want to be famous. I don’t want my picture taken at award shows and put on the internet for people to mock and judge. I never wanted any of this. I’m just a cowgirl. A cowgirl who fell for a star.
I rush past Emily as she snickers at me. I need air now. It’s cold tonight and I shiver in this stupid little skirt and crop top. I feel silly now and I want the comfort of my jeans and a long-sleeve button-up. I miss the simplicity of my life. I miss not wearing makeup every day and putting my hair in a braid. Being out on the ranch, with horses and cows. I’ve been around people for too long.
Dash is getting homesick too. When the bus is parked, I set up a temporary pen so he can spend time outside but it isn’t nearly the same freedom he has at the ranch. I’ve been feeling guilty for bringing him with us.
“Don’t worry. I gave that bitch a piece of my mind, Sorrel. I think she’s going to be acting a lot different now,” Charli says as she comes down the steps of the bus. The door is still open and I’m sure Emily heard everything she said. I don’t respond. I’m done fighting with Emily.
Charli slams the door shut and comes to sit in the chair next to mine.
“I think I need to go home.”
“Sorrel, don’t give up just yet. It’s only been a couple of months.”
“I’m not giving up. I just need to go home and regroup. Figure things out.”
“What’s there to figure out? Denton loves you. He’d do anything for you.”
