“Are you kidding me? I’m pissed I’m not by your side right now to celebrate properly. Next time you have a life-changing event, try to remember I live on the opposite coast, and I can’t get there with a week’s notice.”
I smile so hard that my cheeks hurt. The support I’ve gotten from her since day one is unreal. “You got it.”
“Love you, girl. I’m so proud of you.”
I blink away a tear. “Thank you.”
I blow her a kiss, and we end the call.
Cailin runs over and wraps her arms around my waist. “You were so amazing. I think this is the best song yet.”
Adam picks her up, so we can all hug together.
Linda holds up her phone. “Let me get a picture of you three.”
We all smile big as we mark the moment with a picture taken of the three of us together.
* * *
I didn’t get a wink of sleep last night. I was too happy to even try. Adam and I stayed up late, watching the numbers climb on views as well as the social media posts that followed.
I had expected the naysayers and the haters, but overall, the response has been amazing. People are loving seeing Adam finally in love and sharing his life with his fans. Girls keep saying how jealous they are of me, and I can’t blame them one bit.
Hell, I’d be in their same shoes if this wasn’t my actual life.
Our surprise made front-page news on a few music journals, and it’s also mentioned onBillboard Magazine’s daily blog.
As we’re drinking our morning coffee, still flying high from the night before, a buzz at his front gate makes us turn to see who’s coming by for an early morning visit.
Visions of my mom’s blue Honda come into view, and my face pales. I wanted so bad to call her last night but chose not to. I didn’t want anything to ruin my high, and knowing she was next to my father, it was just too risky.
When Adam takes in my expression, he comes up to me, asking, “Is this someone you want to talk to?”
I inhale, setting my coffee cup down and standing up. “It’s my mom.”
He places his hands on my shoulders, leaning down to meet my eyes. “Don’t let your mind go wild until you know why she’s here. It’s very possible she’s here to congratulate you.”
I nod, and he kisses me before hitting the button on the gate, letting her in.
Rubbing my hands together, I make my way to the door and down the stairs, awaiting her arrival.
Please be proud of me, Mom. Please don’t ruin this for me.
She exits the car, and I have the answer to my prayers as soon as I see her eyes that are filled with tears.
She heads toward me, throwing her arms around my neck, pulling me in and hugging me harder than she ever has. “You were absolutely amazing, Sarah.”
That’s enough to break the dam I’ve been holding back for the past week, and I cry into her shoulder. Tears of joy, tears of relief, and tears of pure happiness flood my soul as I let go of all the stress I’ve had on my shoulders the past years.
“I’m so proud of you,” she says, pulling back and wiping her face. “I must’ve watched the video a hundred times last night with your sister.” She wipes my cheeks and hugs me again.
I inhale a deep breath. “Thank you, Mom,” I try to say, but my voice cracks.
“Thank you, sweetheart. Thank you for continuing to follow your dreams. You will be such an inspiration to everyone around you.” She laughs, wiping her eyes. “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
“I know.” I blink and look up to the sky, trying to stop more tears from coming. “I’m really glad you’re here.”
“Me too, honey. Me too.”
