I’ve got this.
“Eyes closed,” the makeup artist instructs. I close them and try to breathe.
We saidI love youunder the stars. It couldn’t have been any more perfect. We’ve said it a hundred times since, in the last two weeks. Weeks spent making love, growing closer, and supporting each other. We’re a team. A power couple. We’re good together.
Tonight is just one night. He’s playing Round 1, Game 7, and I’m going to the CMAs. One little scheduling conflict. We’re making it work.
But, God, do I wish he were here. Maybe if he were, I could breathe a little easier. This dress must be a size too small. I tug at the fabric around my waist, and it gives. So, I do have room, but I still can’t manage a full breath. I’m not sure I’ve gotten a good gulp of air since I got on the plane to Nashville yesterday.
“You okay?” Cash’s voice cuts through the noise in my head and the room.
I blink. He’s sitting there, one ankle crossed over his knee. The picture of calm.
I nod rapidly.
He focuses on his phone with a shake of his head.
“Eyes closed,” the makeup artist repeats.
“Sorry.” The room goes dark behind my lids again.
I’ll perform. Miles will play. And tomorrow, we’ll be back in Chicago together, and everything will be good.
God, how many times can I say good?
The point is: we’re both going to succeed.
And tomorrow, we’ll celebrate together.
This is what I wanted. Whatwe bothwanted.
Our careers don’t have to compete. They can coexist.
We can have both.
Ugh, I’m spiraling.
I’m definitely spiraling.
Who can blame me? This is huge. Walking my first red carpet at the freakin’ CMAs. Singing live on national television. I wonder how many people will be watching…
Doesn’t matter.
I’m going to kill it on stage.
He’s going to win his game tonight?—
Wait. Should I not have said that? Is that jinxing it?
Oh crap, I jinxed it.
No. No, I didn’t. It’s not like I said it out loud. It only counts if it’s out loud.
Right?
Heck, I almost forgot.
Me:
