“Knock, knock. Is it all right if I…” Megan stuck her head around the thick curtain. “Sorry. I didn’t realize you were meditating.”
Willow uncrossed her legs and sighed. “I was doing some relaxation exercises, but they’re not working. I’m still terrified of going on stage.”
“For what it’s worth, you don’t look terrified. You seem calm and Zen-like.” Megan helped Willow to her feet. “I wanted to wish you all the best.”
“Thanks.”
“Don’t worry about the concert. Everyone is excited to be here.”
Willow swallowed. “I think I’m going to be sick.”
Megan’s gaze shot around the curtained-off sitting area. With a relieved sigh, she rushed across to a bucket and pushed it into Willow’s hands. “Use this. It will stop anything from staining your dress.”
What her dress looked like was the least of Willow’s problems. Deep inside, she knew she would be okay. But that didn’t help her nerves or the rush of adrenaline each time she heard the crowd clap and cheer.
Megan rubbed Willow’s back. “Where’s Ryan?”
“He went to check something with his publicist.”
“On a positive note, you look amazing. Did you buy a new dress for the concert?”
“This was one of the dresses I wore when I was touring.” Willow touched the sparkly fringe on the white jacket. “I’ll probably get too hot, but it’s a good outfit for the first couple of songs.”
“Have you got a bottle of water to take on stage with you?”
Willow pointed to a cooler sitting on the ground. “There’s plenty in there.”
If it weren’t for Megan, she would be shaking like a leaf by now. Her friend knew she was scared of performing. This was her way of making sure she was okay and able to go onto the stage.
“Is Emma looking after Nora and her friends?”
Megan nodded. “The girls were happy to go with her. Especially when they’re sitting in a different area than their parents.”
Willow took a calmer breath. “Thanks for coming. I feel better already.”
“That’s good. Remember, no one will be judging you. They’re here to enjoy themselves.” Megan looked around the curtained-off area. “I’m surprised John created this room for you. It isn’t exactly Caesar’s Palace, but it has a rustic charm.”
Willow smiled. “As long as the rustic charm gives me some privacy when I need to change, I’ll be happy.”
“I wouldn’t count on it. It might pay to ask someone to hold the curtains closed. Otherwise, someone like me could barge in and catch you half dressed.”
“I wore my sensible bra and panties.”
“Oops.” Zac’s head appeared around the edge of the curtain. “I don’t think I was supposed to hear that.”
Willow sighed. “It’s okay. Thank you for coming.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it for anything.” Zac studied her face. “You look a little pale. Are you feeling all right?”
“She’s nervous,” Megan said on Willow’s behalf. “I’m not sure how we can help her.”
“Has Willow tried any natural remedies? Lavender oil is great if you want to relax.”
“I thought about bringing some with me, but Mabel had already closed the general store by the time I drove past.”
Zac frowned. “I could always look in someone’s garden. There has to be a few stalks of lavender somewhere in Sapphire Bay.”
“Hello?” Willow waved her hand in front of Zac’s face. “I’m standing right here.” For a few seconds, his smile confused her. Then, with a soft groan, she dropped her chin to her chest. “I’ve done it again, haven’t I?”
