Chapter 28
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Bayleigh
As Chase pulls up in front of the hotel, I feel a pang of longing. I don’t want this night to end. His hand rests on my thigh, warm and comforting.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he says softly.
I nod, not trusting my voice. After a moment’s hesitation, I lean over and kiss him deeply, trying to convey everything I can’t say out loud. When we finally break apart, both slightly breathless, I whisper a quiet “thank you” before slipping out of the truck.
I watch him drive away, the taillights fading into the darkness, before heading inside. The lobby is quiet at this late hour, just a lone night clerk behind the desk who nods politely as I pass.
In the elevator, I lean against the wall and close my eyes, replaying the events of the evening in my mind.
The raw emotion at Harper’s grave, the tenderness and passion with Chase at his cottage .
. . For the first time in years, I feel a glimmer of hope.
Maybe I can find a way to heal, to move forward without completely abandoning my past.
The elevator dings and I make my way down the hall to my room. As I fumble for my key card, the door next to mine opens and Kelly steps out, looking disheveled.
“There you are!” she exclaims. “I was starting to worry.”
I give her a small smile. “I’m fine. Just . . . had some things to take care of.”
Kelly’s eyes narrows as she takes in my appearance—slightly damp hair, flushed cheeks. A knowing smirk spreads across her face.
“Things, huh? Would those things happen to involve a certain handsome guitar player?”
My cheeks flush even more under Kelly’s scrutiny. “Maybe,” I admit with a small smile.
Kelly’s eyes light up. “Ooh, details please! Was it good? I bet it was good.”
I laugh and shake my head. “A lady doesn’t kiss and tell.” But I can’t quite hide my satisfied grin.
“Fine, keep your secrets,” Kelly says with a dramatic sigh. “But seriously, are you okay? After yesterday . . .”
The reminder of my breakdown sobers me quickly. “I’m . . . better,” I say carefully. “Chase and I talked. About a lot of things. It helped.”
Kelly nods, her expression turning serious. “I’m glad. You know I’m here if you need anything, right?”
“I know,” I say softly, touched by her concern. “Thank you, Kelly. For everything.”
Her grin grows wider as she leans in to share her news. “Brendon called today. They want you to perform at a show in Nashville next weekend. And it’s not just any show.”
My eyes widen in surprise as she names the venue, which can hold up to a thousand people. It may not be the biggest audience I’ve ever played to, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction.
“That’s amazing!” My heart is beating fast with excitement. Offers are already coming in before the show tomorrow night. This could be the turning point I’ve been waiting for. Even if it means leaving Chase behind. We both knew this was only temporary—just for old times’ sake.
The thought of leaving him and never seeing him again fills me with dread.
I can’t bear the idea of walking away from the relationship, but I also can’t give up on my own dreams and ambitions.
If only he would be willing to leave everything behind and join me on this crazy journey.
Perhaps he would. A glimmer of hope sparks within me, and I hold onto it tightly.
It is the only way we could make things work.
If he truly cares about me as much as I do about him, maybe he will take a chance and start a new life with me.
Later, when I’m in bed as I drift off to sleep, I fantasize about all the possibilities our future could hold together.
Him performing on stage with me, playing, loving, sharing our lives together just as we always should have been.