“This isn’t over, not by a long shot. The way I managed the situation could have been better, I can admit that. But it left me in a very awkward position, you have to understand. Damage control isn’t just black and white, it has many layers.”
“Goodbye, Richard.”
“You can’t do this!Brett!”
“Watch me.” I end the call, block his number, and toss my phone across the counter.
Who the fuck does this guy think he is? Richard is one of the main reasons I left Nashville altogether. The second the court hearing was over, I left town. My parents understood I needed to get away, they thought it was a good idea. Not that they know I’ve been shoveling shit the last few days and working on a Christmas tree farm just for the fun of it. But they know where I am, and that I’m taking some much needed time off.
The new album is in the works. But with everything going on, I had to put it on the back burner.Fuck.I scrub a hand over my face and wonder what will happen when I eventually confess to Bailey about my identity. That I’m America’s top country singer, or was until a false accusation marred my reputation. This woman wasn’t just a looney tune, she was a stalker, tracking myevery move, even breaking into my tour bus. When I wouldn’t agree to her advances, that’s when things turned ugly.
Luckily, no one has sprung me here in Wyoming yet, which is a good thing. I don’t want to be found out. The beard and hair can only hide things for so long.
Granted, I do want to tell Bailey because essentially, I haven’t told her the full truth.
Maybe I can’t keep it a secret forever, but I have to admit that it has been nice just being able to do my own thing and not have to be on such a tight schedule. I’ve needed some freedom. And this has been the perfect escape for me. Okay, it’s only been a few days, but something about this place makes me feel welcomed. Not just from meeting Bailey—though that has been a major highlight—and hanging out with Jed. The whole town feels like a cozy blanket on a chilly night, ready to wrap you up and make you warm again. And I’ve craved that more than I even knew.
Catching up with Jed has also been something I’ve wanted to do for ages. He’s talked about this place so much over the last couple of years that I knew exactly where I wanted to go when I took a career break. So far it’s shaping up to be perfect for my sanity and I’m enjoying being around the Christmas tree farm.
When I join the boys for morning tea in the tool shed though, I seriously think my cover is blown. A woman comes bouncing in and stops in her tracks. She takes a double look at me, and my heart thuds in my chest.
“Izzy, this is Brett, Brett this is my little sister,” Zane says, thumbing to each of us.
I hold out my hand. “Ma’am.”
“Brett?” She scrunches her brow, pausing, then, “Rock Altman?” she finally squeaks, her mouth round and her eyes bulging.
My eyes widen.
Uh, oh.
My mouth opens, then closes again. “Just, Brett?—”
She looks me up and down, still shaking my hand. “Rock Altman? The country singer?”
“Um,” I start. “Well, there’s a funny story?—”
“Iz, give it a rest,” Zane says. “Brett’s here incognito, got it? Don’t go sayin’ anythin’ to anyone because if you do, you’ll be the one leavin’ town permanently.”
“You mean youknewRock Altman was here, and you said nothing?” she screeches.
“He only found out yesterday,” Jed pipes up. “Brett’s my friend, Iz. Seriously, it’s important that you don’t say anything to anyone. If this gets around town, the press will find out, and then his cover will be blown.”
She’s still shaking my hand and not about to let go. “I can’t believe nobody else recognized you already,” she says. “I mean, the hair and the beard are kinda un-Rock like, but the cowboy hat kinda gives it away?—”
“Iz!” Zane scolds. “And let go of the man, Jesus.”
I smile. “It’s fine, really, Izzy, it’s nice to meet you.” I tip my hat as she finally lets go of my hand, but panic surges through me. There is no way Bailey isn’t gonna find out about this. I wanted to be the one to tell her.
“Your secret is safe with me. I have all your albums, by the way. My favorite song is probably ‘Wilder than My Heart,’ or maybe ‘The Sound of the Last Goodbye,’ though that always makes me sad because of the lyrics. Is it true you wrote that about an ex-girlfriend?”
“Isabelle!” Frank says, walking into the tool room with his coffee. He catches on quickly. “Leave the man alone.”
I wave him off. “It’s fine. I did, in fact, write it about an ex. Most country boys need a little heartbreak in order to write good songs.”
She laughs. “Sooo, any insider information for when the next album will come out?” She bounces on her toes excitedly. This chick sure as shit doesn’t come up for air.
“Nope. Just spending some time chillin’ with Jed and your brother for a while.”
