He shakes his head. “You would have. You’re the strongest person I know.”
I squeeze him to me, burying my face in the scent of cedar and fresh laundry. “You’re my center, Jasper. The only thing in my chaotic world that makes sense.”
“You have me, Quinn. I will be by your side every single day. For the rest of our lives.”
I smile against his neck. “As long as it doesn’t snow in Denver.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
QUINN - SIX WEEKS LATER
“Thank you, Nashville! You’ve been amazing tonight.”
Looking around, cheers echo around the intimate venue where I’m performing tonight. It’s an out-of-body experience. The crowd, the lights, the music. Everything feels different. Better.Euphoric.
All evening, everyone has been singing along. I was so worried about tonight, having put it together on such short notice. By the time I came back out for the encore, every single person was on their feet.
“I can’t tell you what this moment means to me.”
It’s my first show in over a year as more cheers ring out. Lights from phones and signs held up shine from the seats.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been in front of a crowd like this and to do it in front of my adopted home crowd? It’s the best feeling in the world. I love all of you and I love this city.” Glancing over to the side of the stage, even though I can’t see him, I know exactly where Jasper is. Having just gotten back into town from a road game, we had little time together before the show tonight.
With the Knights heading to the playoffs, our lives are going to get even busier. It’s why I decided to do one show here in Nashville to raise money for the team’s charitable foundation. I mean, that’s how Jasper and I met, so I figured it’d be the perfect way to get back into things.
Having signed with NASH—Nashville Artists Studio House—I’ve been able to start recording again. Who knew falling in love with therightperson could make some damn good music? Better than anything I’ve done in the past.
“I want to thank you all again for coming out tonight. You sold this place out when I was worried none of you would show up.” More raucous cheers. “Before I go and close out tonight, I want to debut a brand-new song for you. I’ve been keeping this one close to the vest. It’s reminiscent of the journey I’ve gone through, and I thought tonight would be the perfect opportunity to debut it.”
The crowd goes wild as the opening chords of “Plastic Smile” come on even though they’ve never heard the song.
It’s only me on the stage. No backup singers and only a single spotlight shining down on me. I get lost in the words as I sing.
When I come to the first bridge, my voice wavers. No one but me would notice it. A broken heart. Shattered. Crushed.
It’s something I haven’t felt in a long time.
Because I feel safe. Loved.
The world can throw anything at me, but with Jasper, I can handle it.
When I get to the chorus again, the fans are already singing along. Emotion clogs my throat as I try to sing, but I can’t.
I hold the mic out for them to sing and they respond in kind.
One time and they know the words. It’s why I have the best fans in the world and love getting to do this. They’re supporting me as I get back to where I want to be.
Then you came walking in
Open arms, safe and sound
A place to land
The home I never had
Tears are pouringdown my face as I get to the part about falling back in love. I can’t help it. I’m feeling everything tonight.
I lean into the music as I hit the final note. Opening my eyes, I look out and the crowd is going wild. It only makes more tears fall. Goose bumps break out on my skin at the excitement coursing through me.
