35. Rory
RORY
Since “Red Light” is one of their biggest songs, the band sometimes performs it last, which is the case tonight.
Jace stands on the stage, looking so beautiful, it almost hurts to look at him.
Tonight, he’s sporting more scruff than usual, and it’s a flashback to the rugged cowboy I spent time with on the ranch.
The arena is packed, and fans scream around me. I pick up my camera and start recording. I already know Frank will want me to post this footage. Without moving the camera, I peek down to check on Layla. She’s kicking her feet and chilling out.
“Some of y’all might know this song,” Jace says into the mic. “It’s called ‘Red Light.’”
Everyone screams, and I hold my breath because I know what’s coming.
He strums a few notes and leans in to add, “By the way, I have a surprise tonight.” The crowd quiets as he holds out his hand. “Help me welcome the lovely Marlowe Miller to sing this one.”
People around me lose their shit. One girl starts crying.
I suck in a breath as Marlowe struts across the stage in a short, shimmery, high-cut red dress and tall, black cowboy boots. Her hair flows down her back in thick waves.
The woman next to me shakes her head. “Damn. She’s gorgeous. Her legs are like a mile long.”
Don’t compare yourself to her, Aurora. Don’t do it. Comparison is the thief of joy.
It’s a losing battle. I’m only human.
Swallowing, I glance down at my legs. I’m wearing blue jean shorts and Chucks. I have bug bites from running around the ranch and a bruise from bumping into the kitchen counter on the bus.
I blow out a strand of hair that’s sticking to my sweaty forehead and wonder how much worse this is going to get.
The band keeps looping the intro, and when Marlowe reaches Jace, she hugs him and says, “Hi, darlin’. Long time no see.” Of course, it’s loud enough so we can all hear it on the mic.
When Jace backs away, he starts strumming his guitar.
As far as I know, Marlowe’s just supposed to sing backup on the chorus, but she leans into the mic again.
“Hey, Dallas. I’m so excited to be here tonight.
I wanna thank Wayward Sons for inviting me to join them.
” She glances at Jace, all sweet and flirty, then back to the audience.
“I’m not sure if y’all know this, but Jace Walker and I used to be an item a few years back, and I think this song might be about me. ”
Have you ever seen a pigeon get hit by an airplane? It’s an explosion of feathers. Its little body pulverized into vapor. Zapped away like it never existed.
I stagger but somehow manage to stay upright while the crowd freaks out. The camera wobbles in my hand, but I lean against Layla’s stroller and manage to keep it focused on the beautiful couple on the stage.
Jace chuckles and mumbles, “Come on now. Don’t give away all my secrets.”
Some part of me disconnects as I watch them perform the song. It’s one I’ve heard dozens of times, but tonight it hits different.
Leaning into the mic, Jace starts singing. The first verse is all about how this woman is stacked and gorgeous. Marlowe holds up her hand as though she’s Vanna White on Wheel of Fortune, displaying herself as he smiles. As though this is all part of the act.
She’s a red light
A full stop on a country road
She’s a switchback
With curves you wanna take nice and slow
On the chorus, she leans in, almost nose to nose with my husband, and sings a pretty harmony. I’m grateful for his baseball cap and the mic, which are the only things keeping her from getting any closer.
Red light, red flag
What’s the difference, baby
We’re bad for each other
And this crash is gonna be crazy
The song keeps going, the next verse about how they’re out of control.
I’m white-knuckled
Just hanging on to what I know
Clinging to that yellow line
Driving where she wants to go
On the chorus, she sings louder, looking at Jace like she’s planning to lick his face any minute now.
Red light, red flag
What’s the difference, baby
We’re bad for each other
And this crash is gonna be crazy
They sing the next verse together, Marlowe’s voice rising above Jace’s, giving the song a haunting feel.
The brakes are screaming
Let’s lean into the spin
We’re a beautiful disaster
Neither of us can win
That bittersweet note continues into the bridge as they keep singing together.
Are we a dead end?
A cliffside with a broken rail
Let’s keep the engine running
Pretend we’re a fairy tale
It’s almost done, but Marlowe has one last move up her sleeve.
On the last hook, that bitch grabs Jace’s baseball cap and turns it around on his head.
She keeps her arm draped around his shoulder, and he gives her a crooked grin that makes me want to vomit.
My thumb finds my wedding band on the wrong hand.
Red light, red flag
What’s the difference, baby
We’re bad for each other
And this crash is gonna be crazy
Now I’m the one trying not to cry. Because I gave Jace the green light to perform this song with Marlowe tonight.
But it’s clear this entire situation is a giant red flag.