Page 32 of I Wish He Would

Once I’ve taken a moment to gather myself, I head home.

But my heart is right there where he left me, bruised by all that it lost before even having it.

Present Day

“Let’s go, Mustangs, let’s go.” I clap my hands twice along with the crowd.

None of my friends or family were able to make it to today’s game, so I’m alone in Austin’s box suite. I love having people with me, but I also don’t mind being the only one here. When you’re in a stadium filled with screaming fans, it’s like an instant community, and I’ll always show up for every home game I can to support Austin.

Today, they’re playing their rivals, the Knoxville Fireflies, and the game is currently tied at 4–4. The Mustangs’ designated hitter, Hayden Patterson, just hit a double, and there are two outs in the bottom of the ninth. That means if we’re able to score right here, we’ll win the game. If not, they’ll have to go into an extra inning.

My heart rate picks up when I realize Austin is up to bat. I know how much pressure he puts on himself every game, and I hate that he has to be feeling the weight of his team and all the Mustangs fans on his shoulders.

My phone buzzes in my purse with an incoming text. I pull it out and see it’s from Rhett.

RHETT

Sorry I was MIA yesterday. My schedule in Charleston was jam-packed. How was your day?

ME

It was good! I had a full day of clients. How was your concert?

RHETT

See, I knew you were super talented at hair. Even despite the Kool-Aid snafu *winking face emoji*

The crowd was epic. The whole stadium felt electric!

The girl I brought on stage for the serenade cried the entire time. Like, full-on sobbed.

ME

Haha lucky for my clients I’ve moved on to salon-grade hair dye.

Does it freak you out when random fans cry?

RHETT

I can handle tears, but it’s a little difficult onstage.

It’s sweet that the song means that much to them, but it’s a little awkward.

ME

Totally understandable.

Wanna know a secret?

RHETT

I love secrets.

ME

“Somethin’” is still my favorite song of yours, and I love that you choose to bring someone onstage for it at every concert.

RHETT