Page 18 of False Promises

Tonight, I’d chosen to do something else. Instead of sauntering through the city I was playing in and immersing myself in the energy it provided, I had locked myself in the green room. My nerves were raw, and every second before walking on that stage felt like hours.

It’s like riding a bike. It will all come back to you.

Would it, though?

A knock on the door stopped my racing thoughts. June, Riley’s assistant slash my personal assistant, opened the door and poked her head in, her exotic caramel-brown eyes fixed on me. “Hey Carter, are you ready? It’s time. The whole stadium is chanting your name.”

I coughed and swallowed the nervousness tightening my throat. Yes, I was ready. Sixty thousand people were waiting for me. Jitters spread through my stomach. My heart felt as if it could escape my chest. I wasn’t a fan of big crowds, usually preferring the smaller shows. More intimate. That let me connect with my fans. When we got signed as a band all those years ago, the big stadiums were impressive and were a measure of success in our minds. Back then, entertaining huge crowds shot me with adrenaline. It became addictive. But nowadays, and even more, now that I was about to do this on my own, they had lost their appeal.

Or perhaps it was just the nerves talking.

With a long exhale, I straightened my back. “Yes. Coming.” I rose to my feet, relishing the tingles of excitement, the ones I only got whenever I went onstage, that were begging to make a comeback too. I stretched my arms and legs to release the numbness that had taken over me in the last hour.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

Grabbing my Taylor—my favorite and lucky guitar—I adjusted my gray plaid shirt and the usual pair of washed-out denims and the leather bracelet around my wrist, ready to follow June through the dark hallways leading to the back of the stage.

The sound of screaming fans jolted my heart back to life.

They’re chanting your name.

The realization sent a surge of ecstasy through me. It quieted the screams in my head that had echoed a solo career wasn’t in the cards for me.

Carter, Carter, Carter.

A large grin, impossible to tame, stretched my lips. Yep, that was my name they were yelling.

With a firm back and a high chin, I walked toward the stage. Toward my destiny.

I fastened my grip around my guitar, the one thing in my life that had never failed me. The one thing I could always count on, no matter what.

“Carter, you’ll do great,” June encouraged, slowing down to meet my laid-back pace. At six feet five inches in height, I was over a foot taller than her, even when she wore high heels. Yes, June was a tiny, pocket-sized woman. But she had fortitude. More than anyone would ever give her credit for. And through the years, she had become my personal watchdog. Nobody, no matter how big or powerful they were, should ever underestimate Juniper Stewart.

People in the industry feared her whenever she got upset. Angry June was not a great sight. Always making sure I got the best of everything, she never took no for an answer. Our professional relationship had evolved into friendship, and every day, I was thankful Riley had added her to our team.

“It’s weird, you know. The idea of being out there by myself…”

Riley joined us as the words left my mouth. Just like June, our relationship wasn’t just professional. Over the years, he had become a brother to me. A role model. And a confidant. We watched each other’s backs. All the time. He had witnessed my ups and downs. Highs and lows. My tears and joys. And my fears. We traveled the world together and grew up to be the men we were now by each other’s side.

“Carter, listen”—he squeezed my shoulder—“we’re all proud of you. I know it’s been a rough year, but you are ready. I wouldn’t send you out there if you weren’t.” He pulled me into a hug. “It will be epic. You need to go back on a stage. Trust me.”

I hugged him back. “I always do. You know that.” I sucked in a shaky breath. “It’s just a big step. After everything…you know…this seems like a dream. Everyone but you two has deserted me since the last time I gave a concert. It’s…it’s hard to explain.”

In the last fourteen months, my life had changed a lot. Stud moved to fucking Oregon, Dahlia to Green Mountain, and following my brother’s death, my parents—heartbroken—ditched me too, right after the burial. What was left was me, a lonely life, and a career I was trying to revive.

Only Jack was the shining light in my life. And my music. I refused to lose them too.

June rubbed my forearm with her tiny hand. “This seems like a big deal right now, but please enjoy every minute. I’ll be right back.” She left us, and I brought my attention back to Riley.

“It’s your night,” my manager continued, “and you gotta make the most of it. Your album has been number one for weeks now. Stop worrying. I promise you’ll do great. I have faith in you. June has faith in you. The entire planet has faith in you. He—”

“What?”

“Huh. He’d be proud of you too. From wherever he is, I’m sure he’s watching over you. Cheering on you. Jeff was always your biggest fan, man. Imagine you’re dedicating this show to him. It could be a great way to honor his memory.”

I stared at my friend silently, at a loss for words. Emotions I hadn’t revisited lately balled inside my chest.

“Jeff would be right here if he could. He would never miss your big return.” Riley waved a hand around us. “In many ways, I know he is with you tonight. Making sure the show runs smoothly. That you get your bearings back and shine like you’re meant to.”