“I better head back. See ya after my set.” Chase put his hands in his pockets and took a few steps backward.
“Okay, good luck.” Maggie encouraged him. He was emanating nervous energy but gave her a grin and a nod before walking away.
Chapter 10
Chase
AsChasewaitedtotake the stage, he peered out into the crowd and spotted Maggie at the merch table. She had a light, easy smile as she sat tapping her foot to the beat of the soft rock music. Before grabbing his guitar, he wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans.I never get nervous to go on stage. What’s wrong with me?
Taking one last deep breath to calm his sudden jitters, he heard, “Next up, we have Chase Smith!”
Giving a small wave to the crowd, he approached the mic and began singing his own version of “Suspicious Minds” by Elvis. The audience cheered. Chase chanced a glimpse in Maggie’s direction. She was on her feet swaying to the music. Sensing her enjoyment, he felt himself relax.
The next songs on his setlist were by James Bay, Shawn Mendes, and two songs by Ed Sheeran. Although there were girls giving him flirtatious glances and catcalls, Chase’s eyes kept landing on Maggie. He found himself singing in her direction most of the show. After finishing “Thinking Out Loud,” Chase thanked the crowd and made his way backstage.
Arlo walked up to him, hit him on the chest and said, “Good set man. And you said Maggie’s just a friend, right?” With a big smirk on his face, he waited for Chase to respond.
“What?” Chase shrugged. “I barely know her, so yeah, she’s just a friend.”
“Uh huh… and so are the girls I stare at all night.” Arlo chuckled to himself as he walked toward the bar and proceeded to put his arm around a gorgeous blonde woman.
Chase bent down to lay his guitar in the case.Dang, was I that obvious?
As he made his way to the merch table, Maggie was busy taking cash and handing out CDs.
“Hey, great job!” Maggie managed while counting back change.
“Thanks. Glad you liked it.”
A few people waiting in line complimented him as well.
“Hey, I think I saw you perform in Nashville last year,” a petite redhead said as she touched Chase’s arm.
“Oh really?” Chase scooched away and pretended to be busy looking for something.
“Yeah, pretty sure it was at Blue River Cafe.”
“Oh okay, yeah maybe.” He didn’t want to be rude, but he also didn’t want Maggie or anyone else to overhear. He moved to LA for a fresh start. Hoping to change the subject, he told the girl, “Thanks so much for coming.”
“Of course, you were great. See you again sometime,” she winked and turned to talk to her girl friends again.
Broden had begun performing, so Chase leaned in next to Maggie to ask, “How’s it going?” Being so close to her sent a shiver up his spine.What is it with this girl?
Maggie whispered loudly in his ear, “Good. You sold quite a few CDs and a few shirts.”
“After we pack up, you wanna grab some food? I’m starving and I’d love to treat you… as a thank you for helping out on such short notice.”
“Okay yeah, that sounds good. I’m actually hungry too.”
As Chase loaded up his once white ‘97 Jeep Grand Cherokee, he felt the guard around his heart shooting off alarms.You know how this is gonna go. You fall and she breaks your heart. Don’t do it, man.Chase slammed the back door closed, determined to shut his fears in there as well.
Chapter 11
Maggie
“Pizzaokay?”Chaseaskedas they walked down Santa Monica Pier. Dusk was settling in on the horizon, and the lights along the pier sparkled.
“Actually, I don’t usually eat pizza.” Maggie grimaced, feeling bad for not being on board with his choice.
