The guy who won Breakthrough Artist at the CMAs two years ago. Whose star’s been rising ever since. Whose last three singles have beeneverywhere. Who sells out arenas. Who people are calling the next Tim McGraw.
“Are you sure?” The words tumble out.
“Yes.” She laughs. “God, Summer, when are you going to realize you’re the next big thing? Start believing it!”
“I—when? How does this even?—”
“I’m still working out the dates with his team, but I’ll email over the tentative details. I just got the news, but had to tell you right away.”
“Does Boone know?”
There’s a pause on the line. I’m assuming Boone will produce it. Things have been better since our come-to-Jesus moment last week, but I’m not sure we’re at the going-to-bat-for-me level yet.
And, of course, I’ve told Kendra nothing about the rough start with him. Like if I didn’t say it, it wouldn’t be true.
“Good question… I assumed, but I’ll double-check.”
I nod, even though she can’t see me.
Kendra fills the silence. “Congratulations, Summer. This is what you’ve been working for. It’s all happening.”
The call ends, and I just stand there on the freezing sidewalk, staring at my phone.
Cash Walker wants to record with me.
Cash Walker.
A laugh bubbles up, surprising me. Then another. Before I know it, I’m grinning like an idiot in the cold, my breath clouding in front of me.
This is real. This is happening.
I need to tell?—
Miles.
I spin and push back through the door, the warmth of the bar hitting me. I barely register the noise, the crowd, anything except the tables in the back corner.
Excepthim.
He’s watching me approach, and something in his expression quickens my steps. I don’t go back to my seat. I go straight to him, leaning in close enough that he’s the only one who can hear me.
“Cash Walker wants to record a duet with me.”
His eyes widen. “Summer?—”
“Kendra just called. His team reached out. They wantme.” The words are tumbling out too fast, but I can’t stop them. “Miles, this is—this could change everything.”
A smile breaks across his face. It reaches his eyes, then something shifts behind them. “That’s incredible. When?”
“I don’t know. Soon? Maybe? They’re still figuring it out, but—” I shake my head, the reality of it hitting me. “I can’t believe this is my life. That he wants to collaborate withme.”
“Of course he wants you.”
My heart beats an unsteady rhythm, and I’m about to say something—I don’t even know what—when Natalie’s voice cuts through.
“What’s going on?”
I glance past Miles to find the entire table watching us.
