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“I thought I’d sing a little song for y’all tonight. I hope that’s okay.”
Hearts explode on the screen, so I assume they’re okay with the idea.
“This song is new. Brand new. I wrote it a few weeks ago with a guy I’m sure you all know, Leo Nash. He was kind enough to let me sit in on a writing session with him and our friend, Brax Adler. Now, I know those two guys are rock stars, and I’m a country singer, but I think you’re going to be pleasantly surprised by what we came up with.”
More hearts fill the screen, and that boosts my confidence.
“The song is called ‘Little Miss’. And I’m not going to tell you anything else about it because I want you to hear it. So, here we go.”
I check the screen once more and see that there are now twenty-five thousand people here with me, and I blow out a breath to settle my nerves.
Why is this harder than singing in front of an arena full of people?
I begin to strum the strings and settle into the song. Like I told Leo, it’s so moody, just in the middle of my register, so I’m able to really sink in and just live in the song.
By the time I hit the chorus, I’m fully absorbed, loving every word, every note.
And when I’ve finished, I glance up at the screen and see it explode with red hearts. They go on for what seems like an hour, and I take that to mean that they’re applauding.
“Thanks, everyone.” I smile at the phone. “Really, I’m so glad y’all like that song. It’s pretty special to me. Now, while I’m here, go ahead and shout out a few requests, and I’ll play a couple. What would you like to hear?”
I lean in to read some of the comments.
Best voice in country music!
You sound like an angel!
Marry me.
You need to wear more clothes.
Wow, okay. We give life advice on here. Good to know.
Finally, requests start popping up, but the one that always blows the others away is “Life in the Slow Lane”.
“It always makes me so happy that y’all love that song,” I say as I return to my guitar. “I wrote it a long time ago, but I feel like it continues to resonate with me. I’m glad it does you, too. Okay, let’s do this.”
As I begin to play the guitar, my front door opens, and Keaton walks in. His eyes narrow when he sees my setup, and understanding immediately what I’m doing, he quietly closes the door and moves soundlessly to the piano.
“You’re going to hear the piano in the background,” I inform my listeners. “I have a friend here who wants to stay off camera. But this is going to get good.”
I grin, and as Keaton adds the piano, I start to sing, and just as I did before, I let the song wash over me until I’m unaware of everything else.
It’s just me and the music.
When the last notes fade away, I glance back at Keaton, who’s watching me with green eyes full of something I can’t quite put my finger on.
And I don’t have time to explore it right now, with so many people watching.
“This has been fun,” I say with a big smile. “It’s something I’ll definitely do again. Thanks for hanging out with me tonight. Take care of yourselves out there, okay? Love you, guys.”
I reach out and stop the video, and then I let out a gusty breath and turn to Keaton.
“That went well.”
“You’re fucking incredible.”
Chapter 14
Keaton
“I’ve outgrown streaking.”
Hudson and I share a look and then bust up laughing.
“Why? Because you’re an old man of twenty-six now?” Hudson asks.
“Well, yeah,” Liam admits. “And I have to say, it makes me a little sad. I’ve moved on to a new phase in my life.”
“And what phase is that?” Drew wants to know. He’s been standing behind Liam, listening.
“Adulthood.”
We all snicker again.
“You’ll be in that phase until the day you die.” I pat Liam on the shoulder. “However, I see that you’re still wearing those loud-ass Hawaiian shirts.”
“No one said that I can’t wear my shirts.” He’s defensive as he looks down at the blue-and-green monstrosity he’s wearing. “I like them. They’re fun. And they’re comfortable. So leave my shirts alone.”
Stella happens to be walking by and raises an eyebrow. “Who’s giving my Liam a hard time? I’ll punch them out.”
“All of these assholes,” Liam says, pointing to us. “Kick all their asses.”
She could. Stella’s a badass.
“Don’t make me break all your noses,” she says with a glare and then moves on.
“I’m Stella’s favorite,” Liam says with a proud grin. “Anyway, what’s up with all of you?”
“I’m moving out,” Drew announces and raises his beer in cheers. “I love living in the compound, but I think I’m taking that job with the pro team, and I’d like a place closer to work. It was fun while it lasted, and I’m grateful for the opportunity that our parents give us to live here, but it’s time to give up my room to someone else.”
