Chapter 24
Brett
Dale and my sister set everything up within twenty-four hours.
With the dynamic duo at the helm, I wonder how I ever did this before without them.
Dale is managing things for me until I find a new manager, and Brianna is acting as my PR spokesperson, setting the stage for my live broadcast from the bar, Whiskey Business, at eleven am.
Of course, the locals fought over who should host, but as a country singer, I figured the bar would be a better fit. They also have a stage that can be set up with a long table for the press conference.
Andre and his team drafted something up for me to say, but me and Bailey spent most of the night re-writing it.
I get Andre has to think of the legal implications, but I want it to be heartfelt.
People want to know what happened, how I feel, and when I’m coming back to doing what I do best: creating music.
It’s my shot at putting the past behind me, and giving them what they want so they’ll eventually leave me alone. Bailey will be a topic of hot conversation for a while, but after they’ve taken their photos and time has passed, it’ll be yesterday’s news.
It’s something I’ve known I had to do, but I’ve been putting off. I can’t escape my problems, and I need to inform my fans about upcoming plans because my tour dates were canceled this year.
I want to work the upcoming tours and shows around Bailey’s schedule.
Getting to know her is my top priority, so I don’t want to be away from her for long periods of time.
I want to get to know her properly. That’s how I plan on running things from now on.
My way. If people don’t like that, then too bad.
I’ll keep the ranch—which my sister is more than happy to move into and keep an eye on things when I’m not there—and I’ll work my way between the two places.
“What do you think of all that?” I ask Bailey when I run it by her when we’re almost ready to hit the road to get to Whiskey Business.
“Do you think that’s something you’d be okay with?
I love Nashville, but I want to explore things with you more.
I won’t make a comeback for several months, then I could do several shows over a few weeks, then come home. ”
“Home,” Bailey whispers. “But you haven’t been here very long?”
I cup her face. “Home is wherever you are. I love you, Bailey. I want to be with you.”
Tears form in her eyes. “I’m tough, you’re not supposed to make me cry!”
“As long as you love me too, we’ll work our way around anything.”
She wraps her arms around my neck. “I love you more than I ever thought possible. We’re both crazy, by the way.”
“Oh, I know,” I laugh. “But what’s life without a little crazy?”
“My place is a lot smaller than what you’re used to,” she says, wincing a little. “It’s not much.”
“Yet, I’ve never felt so welcomed in my entire life. Your place has character and charm, a lot like this town I’ve also fallen in love with.”
“You won’t be saying that after you’ve had a lecture from Mrs. Thorne for no good reason, or Mr. Mackie who loves to give unwarranted fashion advice, then you have Martie, the repair guy, wanting to fix things that don’t need fixing just so he can talk your ears off—”
“I don’t mind any of that, as long as I have you.” I peck her lips, caressing her gently.
“You say that now, but we still have to get to know each other.”
“And we will,” I say. “If you’ll let me in. I know other guys have let you down in the past. Their loss is my gain. I’m gonna do everythin’ in my power to show you how serious I am.”
“I love the sounds of that. Opening up will be a gradual process for me, but I’m here for it. I know you haven’t had the best of luck either in relationships. Maybe their loss is my gain too.”
I touch her chin softly. “You are something else, Bails.”
“And don’t forget there’s also the bunkhouse you are welcome to use while we’re getting to know each other. I know it needs a bit of work, but it’s slowly coming together,” she adds.
She showed me the bunkhouse one afternoon while we were hiding away and I love the small, rustic charm of the space she’s created while keeping the integrity of the space.
It’s a baby-version of Cedar Hollow. “I’d be happy to help,” I say.
“And you make a good point, while we’re getting to know each other you might need a bit of space. ”
She taps me on the arm lightly. “I don’t know if there’s much chance of me needing space.”
“You never know.”
“And you’ll come back? After you go on tour?” she asks.
“I won’t even go if you don’t want me to.”
She shakes her head. “I’d never stop you doing something you love doing, not ever. Even if it means we may be apart for a little while.”
“You know, that bunkhouse would make a great recordin’ studio down the track.”
Her eyes widen. “Consider it done.” She leans up onto her tippy toes and kisses me. “Whatever you want, if it means I get to keep you a little longer.”
“Honey, I’m never gonna let you go.” I press my lips to hers, but then I hear someone clear their throat. I glance up over Bailey’s shoulder and see… My mom and Dad?
“Oh, surprise!” Bailey says, wincing ever so slightly, gauging my reaction.
“Mom? Dad?” My eyes spring wide open.
“Hello, son,” Dad says, grinning from ear to ear. “Got a call from the little lady over here invitin’ us out here for your big press conference. Somethin’ tells me you might need a little pep talk.”
I stride over to them as Mom barges past Dad to get to me. “Brett!” she cries, throwing her arms around me. I hug her tight and pull Dad in for one, too.
“I’ve missed you guys,” I say. “I’m sorry I’ve been a little distant lately.”
Mom pulls back then looks over to Bailey. “And we can see why.” She lets go of me and moves across the room to Bailey. “Hi, honey, I’m Faye, Brett’s Momma. So happy to meet you.”
“Hello,” Bailey says with an almost shy connotation to her voice, one I haven’t heard until now. “It’s so lovely to meet you, too.”
Mom wastes no time in pulling Bailey into a tight, extended hug.
Bailey looks at me over Mom’s shoulder and, after a moment of bewilderment, presses her lips together in a smile as she hugs my mom right back.
“And this is Jack, Brett’s father,” she says as she lets go a little and waves towards my dad, who’s hovering in the wings.
“Nice to meet you,” Bailey says as Dad reaches out his hand to shake hers, then pulls her in for a hug—not quite the bear-hugging type my mom just gave her. But my folks are huggers, what can I say?
“It’s great to meet you,” Jack says. “Thank you again for being the sounding board for Brett in this situation. It seems he can’t go anywhere these days.”
“You’re more than welcome,” Bailey gushes, another thing I haven’t seen her do yet.
“She’s beautiful,” Mom says, turning to me. “You certainly didn’t exaggerate when you told us about her.” Mom beams at me, keeping one arm wrapped around Bailey.
Bails looks at me with wide, interested eyes at Mom’s confession. Way to go, Mom…
I don’t really care that she knows I’ve been talking about her to my folks, in fact, I like it. But trust Mom to just throw it out there.
“Mom, Bailey is still standing right here.” I shake my head and chuckle under my breath. When my eyes flick to Bailey I see she has a slightly embarrassed smile on her face. My god, is my girl all shy and coy for the first time in her life?
I may be new on the scene, but I can’t imagine she’s ever quite lost for words.
“I’m sure Bailey won’t mind knowing you’ve been talking about her non-stop.” Mom winks as she turns her head to Bails. “Do you, honey?”
Bailey laughs quietly, her grin evident that she doesn’t mind one bit. “Not at all. In fact, your mom might spill a few more details after the press conference.”
“I’d love that!” Mom claps her hands together and looks positively glowing.
Dad winks at Bailey and says, “Don’t worry, I’m fairly certain our son has it bad.”
Kill me now.
“Let’s just get this press conference out the way,” I say, quickly explaining to Mom and Dad what’s about to go down this morning, though they already knew the gist of it. “Then maybe we can all catch up with Dale and Brianna for lunch?”
“That sounds wonderful.” Mom smiles.
“Love to,” says Dad.
“I’m in,” Bailey agrees.
Dale and Brianna are going to meet us at Whiskey Business, and I have a sneaking suspicion that Brianna knew Mom and Dad were on their way here.
The support I have from my family once again means a lot to me.
A lump forms in my throat as I watch Bailey fall into easy chatter with my parents.
They quickly fill us in on what’s been going on in Nashville while I’ve been gone.
I smile as I watch them, happy they’re here.
My first hit album, which reached number one, allowed my parents to retire.
Dad spends his days on the golf course when he can, and Mom is in various groups where she gets to enjoy her hobbies like macrame, pottery, gardening, her bookclub and bowling.
I like that they can enjoy their twilight years without financial strain.
It makes me think I’ve accomplished something much bigger than music.
An hour later, I’ve trimmed my beard, got a haircut, and I’m dressed in my usual button down, jeans and cowboy hat. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m really ready for this.
I’m ready to get back in the saddle.
Bailey squeezes my hand as we wait in the back until it’s time.
Whiskey Business was very accommodating, and it helped that they’re closed for minor renovations so there were no patrons in the building.
My sister and Dale, along with Jo-Beth and Sadie, all helped get the trestle table and audio equipment set up, along with chairs for the press.
Not that I plan on dragging this out. I want it to be over quickly.
“Are you okay?” Bailey asks, looking worried.
I nod. “I’m gonna be.”