“So,” Brianna says as soon as Dale has left. “Mom and Dad don’t believe any of the rumors, and I can see you’re clearly not pregnant, but you know how things get misconstrued? I think they kinda deserve a phone call, Bretty.”
“I sent Mom and Dad a message this morning. I’ll call them the second I’m done here,” Brett says. “If you can keep out of trouble for five minutes.”
She links her arm with Bailey’s. “Fine. Me and Bailey have girl stuff to catch up on. I’ve got to fill her in on all your bad habits, annoying traits, and those embarrassing childhood stories I usually save for Christmas morning.”
“Fantastic,” Brett sighs. “I can see this is gonna be one helluva afternoon.”
“I don’t know,” I say. “I like the idea of hearing firsthand what I’m gonna be dealing with.”
Brianna snorts. “Oh, girl, you have no idea.”
I wince, jokingly, of course. “Should I be scared?”
“Terrified,” she laughs. “But seriously, Brett is an amazing brother. And as long as you don’t turn out to be like all the other pretentious, fake, gold digging little climbers—which I’m sure you’re not—we’ll get along just fine.”
Wow, blunt. It kinda reminds me of someone…
“I think I can safely say I’m none of those things,” I reply, giving Brett a side eye. “I care about your brother, and I wanthim to know that no matter what, I’m here for him. Even when the going gets tough.”
“I love her already,” Brianna exclaims excitedly. “Please tell me we can eat at that weird little grill called The Perky something before we go.”
“Perky Porch,” Brett corrects her. “And truth be told, I’m not sure I’m gonna be goin’ anytime soon, sis. I like it here. I like my home, too, but maybe if you were up for it, you might think about movin’ out to the ranch, I know you’ve outgrown your apartment.”
Her eyes widen. “Holy shit, really?”
“Well, I haven’t exactly discussed it with my girlfriend over here, but I wanna try to make a life between the two places, and I don’t want to sell my home.”
Brianna looks between us both. “Okay, that’s a great idea—the part where I move in. But you two have only just met, how about you slow those horses down just a little? Get to know each other first?”
“That’s a great idea,” I say. “Once those reporters get the hell out of town, maybe we can actually go on a date. The novelty will wear off with the locals soon, and people will go back to normal, I promise.”
Brett leans over and pecks me on the cheek. “Sounds like a deal, but first, I have to actually get rid of the reporters. That might mean physically removing them.”
Brianna grins a little mischievously. “Leave it to me. I’ve got just the thing.”
CHAPTER 24
Brett
Dale and my sister set everything up within twenty-four hours. With the dynamic duo at the helm, I wonder how I ever did this before without them. Dale is managing things for me until I find a new manager, and Brianna is acting as my PR spokesperson, setting the stage for my live broadcast from the bar, Whiskey Business, at eleven am.
Of course, the locals fought over who should host, but as a country singer, I figured the bar would be a better fit. They also have a stage that can be set up with a long table for the press conference.
Andre and his team drafted something up for me to say, but me and Bailey spent most of the night re-writing it. I get Andre has to think of the legal implications, but I want it to be heartfelt. People want to know what happened, how I feel, and when I’m coming back to doing what I do best: creating music.
It’s my shot at putting the past behind me, and giving them what they want so they’ll eventually leave me alone. Bailey willbe a topic of hot conversation for a while, but after they’ve taken their photos and time has passed, it’ll be yesterday’s news.
It’s something I’ve known I had to do, but I’ve been putting off. I can’t escape my problems, and I need to inform my fans about upcoming plans because my tour dates were canceled this year.
I want to work the upcoming tours and shows around Bailey’s schedule. Getting to know her is my top priority, so I don’t want to be away from her for long periods of time. I want to get to know her properly. That’s how I plan on running things from now on.My way.If people don’t like that, then too bad. I’ll keep the ranch—which my sister is more than happy to move into and keep an eye on things when I’m not there—and I’ll work my way between the two places.
“What do you think of all that?” I ask Bailey when I run it by her when we’re almost ready to hit the road to get to Whiskey Business. “Do you think that’s something you’d be okay with? I love Nashville, but I want to explore things with you more. I won’t make a comeback for several months, then I could do several shows over a few weeks, then come home.”
“Home,” Bailey whispers. “But you haven’t been here very long?”
I cup her face. “Home is wherever you are. I love you, Bailey. I want to be with you.”
Tears form in her eyes. “I’m tough, you’re not supposed to make me cry!”
