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Chapter32
LANDON
Unable to speak, he peered at his wedding band. His throat tightened.
How was he supposed to answer the attorney’s question?
“Mr. Paige, are you there? Did we lose the connection?”
He could hang up on the lawyer and blame it on a bad telephone line.
But he didn’t.
“Yes, I’m here. Can you give me a second?”
“Take your time.”
He had to think this through carefully.
Was Harper ready for the spotlight?
Perhaps, she wasn’t.
She’d been skittish with the press. And while she’d overcome her bout of stage fright during the first challenge, due largely to a massive accidental psychedelic substance intake, he wasn’t sure she was prepared for what would be required. It might appear glamorous, but life as a budding recording artist was a grind. Not only that—they’d gotten into a rhythm with their music. They’d become a family of three, and he wasn’t sure if Aria could handle more changes in her life. Less than an hour ago, he’d professed his love. Less than an hour ago, he’d thought he had it worked out. They’d reside in Denver. They’d continue crafting his new sound. And if the crowd loved his new tracks at Red Rocks Unplugged, which he was sure they would, that would spark a tour and more recording sessions to capitalize on the momentum.
That was the reality of their situation, but it didn’t stop a hollowness from settling in his chest.
This was what he wanted, right?
He craved the stage.
He wanted to shed the bubble gum pop star image and start anew.
Or did he?
He closed his eyes, and an image of a stage materialized. It wasn’t a stage that faced a sprawling stadium packed with screaming fans. The stage that had come to mind was significantly smaller and packed with young adults.
He’d pictured the stage inside the intimate concert hall at New Beats.
The hollowness in his chest subsided as he pictured himself and Harper fielding questions from the audience. He recalled the relief and lightness he experienced when he’d spoken about his life in the foster care system. He’d relished the excitement of creating a dialogue with the young budding musicians. He’d sat in the spotlight not as the heartthrob but as an artist and a guest lecturer.
Did he want to play the part of a heartthrob rock star?
Was that still his dream?
He pictured Trey and Leighton. There was only one answer to that question.
He had to follow through for them.
He opened his eyes, returned his gaze to his wedding ring, then stuffed his left hand into his damp pocket.
Had guilt caused him to do it?
Maybe, but he had to stick with the plan of focusing on his new sound.
Life would get hectic once things took off.
They’d be wise to take it one step at a time.
