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“Annie.” I feel the tears come, partly from exhaustion and partly because I’m officially terrified. “This career is all I want. I’ve given up everything else to have it.”
“I know.” Annie’s not a touchy-feely type, but she pulls me in for a hug. “I know, sweetie. You take some time to rest, and then you’re going to make the biggest comeback in country music history, I promise you.”
“You’d better be right, or I’ll hire a new agent.”
“Psh.” She pulls away and shakes her head. “You would never. Sid, you have to make people want more from you. You always put new music out there so quickly that you don’t give them time to miss you. Make them miss you.”
“Maybe I should cover that Sam Hunt song.” I blow out a breath. “Fine. I am tired, so I’ll take a little time off. But you get me those interviews and shoots. I don’t want to disappear entirely.”
“Absolutely not. No way. Now, go get a massage and take a nap. Get a facial while you’re at it.”
“You know, you’re so good for my ego.”
Now she laughs and pats my cheek. “If I can’t be honest with you, who can? I’ll be in touch next week.”
“Next week? Why not tomorrow?”
“Because you’re resting, remember? Jesus, Sidney, learn to relax a little.”
With that, she shakes her head, reaches for her bag, and walks out the front door.
I don’t have a label.
Jesus.
Numbly, I climb the steps to my bedroom. As I suspected, my clothes have been unpacked, washed, and put away by the amazing Wendy. The bedroom smells like freshly laundered sheets and sunshine.
My house in the suburbs of Nashville isn’t huge, but it’s all mine. After that tour with Reba, I was able to buy it outright, and I snatched up that opportunity and remodeled the old house to make it my own.
I converted one of the bedrooms into a large closet and dressing room, and I walk in there now to change into pajama shorts and a tank, then walk back into the bedroom, peel back the covers on my king-size bed, and slip inside.
If I’m going to get my career back, I have to get some rest first. Then, I’m going to kick some ass and show that label that they made a huge mistake.
“Welcome home,” my soon-to-be sister-in-law, Stella, says in my ear. My brother started seeing, and then living with, Stella a little over a year and a half ago, and although Gray is one of my favorite people in the world, his fiancée is quickly moving up the ladder to join him at the top.
I might even like her more than I like my brother.
Of course, I would never tell him that.
“Thanks.” I yawn and check the time. “Shit, I slept almost all day.”
“Not surprising. Your shows are super physical. I had no idea you played guitar, danced around, and did all the other things you did in concert. Thanks again for the seats here in Seattle, by the way. We had a blast.”
“You’re welcome. I’m glad everyone liked the show.” I yawn again and climb out of the bed. I’m starving, so I walk downstairs and pray that Wendy left me something in the fridge.
Of course, she did, along with a note.
Hey, kiddo:
You were sleeping like a baby, so I let you be. We’ll catch up tomorrow, and you can tell me everything about the tour. Can’t wait to hear about it! There’s food in the fridge.
Xo,
Wendy
I immediately pull out the big bowl of salad and pour some dressing over the top and dig in without dishing it into a bowl.
I live alone. I can do these things.
“Listen, I know you just got home after being away for months, but I was wondering if you’d consider a trip to Seattle.”
I frown as I chew a big bite of kale and cucumber. “What’s going on there? Is everything okay?”
“Well, I think we finally set a wedding date for later this summer. I know I’ve been so stupid about it, but my family is big, and there have been so many other weddings and stuff, you know?”
“Sure, but you deserve to have your wedding, too, Stella.”
“Everyone keeps telling me that. Anyway, I’d love it if you could come and help me shop for a dress and do some fun wedding stuff with me. If you don’t want to, or if you can’t get away, I totally understand.”
Actually, it’s not a bad idea at all. Being in Nashville is only going to be a constant reminder that my career is in limbo. Maybe I need to get away and spend some time with people I love.
“You know what? I’m in.”
“Really? Holy shit, thank you! I’m so excited! Now I just have to talk Maya into it, too. Your sister doesn’t want to leave your parents for long these days.”
