Bonus Epilogue
Two Years Later
“Another one bites the dust.” I crumple up the piece of paper and toss it toward my bedroom trash can on the tour bus.
Naturally, I miss. Because I can’t seem to get anything right lately. Not my lyrics. Not my melodies. And not even my trash can–basketball shots.
Songs usually flow out of me like water from an open spigot.
But not recently. And I can’t help but think it’s because something’s missing in me.
Which sounds ridiculous. What more could a guy like me want?
I know who I am and the kind of music I want to produce.
I play sold-out shows multiple nights a week on my own headlining tour.
I have a great band. A supportive manager.
Music accolades most artists dream of having. And all this by the age of thirty-two.
But every time I strum the strings on my guitar, lovingly named Dolly after the country music legend that made me want to pursue singing and songwriting in the first place, it’s like she’s trying to tell me something isn’t right.
That there’s a missing piece I need to breathe life and story back into my songs.
I just wish I knew what it was so I could get out of this rut already.
My phone buzzes with an incoming text. I click on it without even looking at the name, assuming it’s my manager letting me know how much time I have until soundcheck.
But it’s not a text from him. It’s a new group text from my best friend’s fiancée and the friend that she attempted to set me up with when I first started this tour.
From the posts Mallory’s shared on social media, it looks like things turned out well for Alyssa and her best friend Austin, since they’re married now.
I’m happy she was able to find the love she was looking for, but it makes this group text even stranger.
I look down and read the messages.
ALYSSA
Hey, Rhett. I hope you’re doing well. From your socials, it looks like the tour has been amazing!
This is the point where you’re probably like, “Um, why is this girl I went out with two years ago texting me?” so let me get to the point…
I made a promise to you that I’d make it my personal mission to help you find love. I’m sorry it took me so long, but I’ve recruited Mallory, and we think we have the perfect girl for you.
I guess I should’ve asked first. Are you single?
MALLORY
Oh, he’s single all right. Griffin wouldn’t hear the end of it if Rhett was in love.
ME
Can confirm I’m single as a pringle.
Also, hi.
You two are crazy.
ALYSSA
And you’d be crazy if you don’t hear us out!
We have the perfect plan.
ME
I’m listening.
MALLORY
Remember how you got me and my girls front-row seats and VIP passes at your show next week for my bachelorette party?
ME
Yeah, did you not get the info? My manager should’ve sent it to you.
MALLORY
I got it! There’s just one other favor I want to ask of you while we’re there.
ALYSSA
It could be the start of your forever!
I have no idea what crazy plan Mallory and Alyssa have come up with.
I want a family, someone to come on the road with me and talk to at the end of a long day.
But dating on the road is hard. It takes a special person to trust their significant other going on tour and touching hands with hundreds of fans or seeing the creative tour signs women make and hold above their heads when they scream how much they love me.
I’ve been looking for the right woman for years, and I haven’t found her yet. I’m not even sure she exists. But I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to hear Mallory and Alyssa’s idea.
ME
Okay, I’m listening.
You won’t want to miss Rhett’s book, When Emmy Falls in Love—a country music star romcom.