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Much to my surprise, I tell him everything. All my concerns and what Annie just offered me.
And when I’m done, Leo’s quiet on the other end of the line.
“Did you get sick of me and hang up?”
“No, I’m absorbing. And, I hope you don’t mind, but Sam heard, too.”
“I definitely don’t mind.”
“Honey,” Sam says in that husky voice that I’ve always thought was hella sexy, “have you talked to Keaton about this?”
“No, you’re my first call. I don’t think it’s fair to dump this on him.”
Sam snorts. “You have to be honest with that kid. Look, you don’t have to choose here.”
“I don’t?”
“Hell no,” Leo adds. “I was always based out of Seattle after I met Sam. Luke’s in Seattle, as well as several other members of the family who have fame. The cool thing about being famous and being the one making the label all the money is, you get to call some shots, shortcake.”
“Did Leo Nash just call me shortcake?”
“You’re short,” he says.
“Leo’s big on nicknames,” Sam puts in. “And he’s right. Don’t sweat this. Sign that unbelievable contract and chase that career of yours, honey. You’ve totally got this.”
“Thanks.” Breathing a sigh of relief, I say my goodbyes and hang up the phone.
I hope they’re right.
So far, the awards have gone well. According to the producer, we’re ahead of schedule, which makes her very happy because going over the time slot costs money. I guess the speeches have been short and sweet.
I’m behind stage, ready to go out and perform. Scarlett Kincaid is announcing the winner for best country song of the year, and then I’m next.
“And the award goes to…‘Knockin’ Boots’, songwriters Misty McIntyre, Bob Gillmore, and Rusty Davis.”
“Holy shit!” I bounce on my heels, clapping and losing my mind. “Oh, my God!”
I watch the monitor as Misty, with tears in her pretty eyes, climbs the steps to the stage to accept the award, and I have to actively fight not to cry as she gives her speech.
“…and, of course, to my bestie, Sidney Sterling, who I think is backstage right now, for always being my rock and biggest cheerleader…”
“I love you!” I call out, even though I know she can’t hear me.
When Misty is escorted backstage, we have time for a quick hug while the commercial break happens.
“I’m coming to your suite tonight,” I promise her. “And we’re gonna drink all the champagne in Dallas.”
“Hell yes. Holy shit, I won!”
With the biggest smile on my face, I walk to the edge of the stage.
It’s pitch dark, just like we planned. We decided to make this feel intimate, with me on a stool with my guitar, the piano next to me, and the rest of the band in the background.
To start, I’ll sit on the stool, and the spotlight will hit me, and then when the piano joins, that light will come up, and then the rest of the band.
I think it’s going to be super cool.
With a twinge of regret that Keaton isn’t here, I walk out, guitar in hand, and take my seat.
I miss him. I know this isn’t his thing, but I so wish he was here, even if he was just back at the hotel, waiting for me to get back later.
But I don’t have time to think about that anymore when I’m introduced, and the spotlight comes on.
I start to play my guitar, singing the first few lines of ‘Little Miss’, and I’m absolutely shocked to see that many of the people in the audience are singing along.
The song is brand-new, and industry people already know the words!
Rick is in the audience and winks at me, singing along. I see Annie beaming, sitting next to Misty. Even Dolly’s here tonight, and she’s smiling at me.
God, what is this life?
When the piano joins me, that light comes up, and I glance over and feel my heart stop.
It’s a good thing that I know this song inside out, and I’m used to surprises while performing, because I’m staring at Keaton.
Keaton is fucking here!
And he’s playing the piano with me while I sing.
He just grins at me, looking cool as a damn cucumber as we make our way through the song. When the rest of the band joins in, all the lights come up, and there’s a round of applause from the audience.
Little Miss do it all
Little Miss cannot fall
Little Miss get it done
When you want to run
No more having fun
And your life is on the line…
I watch his fiery green eyes as I belt out every note of this song that I love so much, and when it’s all over, the crowd stands, the applause deafening.
But then, to my utter shock, Keaton stands and walks around the piano to me. He’s not mic’d, but I can hear every word he says when he kneels before me and pulls out a ring.
