Surprisingly, in a room of industry executives and fellow musicians, everything breaks. Applause is immediate, overwhelming.
I take it in before stepping back.
Alek and I are ushered back to my seats.
Time blurs. Categories move fast. Names are called. Lights shift. People stand. People sit.
Then— Best New Artist.
My name is called and I don’t hear the rest. Alek kisses me. I stand. Walk to the stage. Try not to think. I’m handed the award and turn to the mic.
The room waits.
I let it. Look right into his eyes.
“I want to thank someone who changed everything for me.” My voice holds. “I wouldn’t be up here today if it weren’t for my husband, Alek.”
Husband.
The word is right. It always has been since the day we got married.
“He found me at my lowest point and didn’t question whether I was worth the effort.” I find him in the crowd. “He shows up every day. Not for this.” I gesture around the room. “For me. For the real version of me.”
The room stays quiet.
“He gives me the kind of love you can’t plan for. It’s not always something you recognize when it’s right in front of you.”
I hold the moment.
“This is for you, my love. Thank you for never letting me walk away from myself.”
The applause comes again. Louder.
I don’t hear it.
I’m looking at him and he’s looking at me. Exactly the same way he always has.
Like he chose me long before I understood why.
Thank you for reading Chords of Destiny. If Hope and Alek's story touched you, I'd love it if you left a quick review here
Everyone in the Less Than Zero world has a destiny still to be told. Join me for first access to everything coming next in the Backstage Confessions series.
Speaking of what's next… Lake Lyon knows how to hold his ground. Then Noa Calder walks in. Click to preorder Fractured Destiny.
Zane's story began long before The Mission. Keep reading for an excerpt from Timeless.
Behind the Scenes
Peoplelovethefantasyof music.
The stage lights. The crowd. The rush of a perfect set.
Part ofChords of Destinywas inspired by Brandi Carlile and the stories about her early days busking at Seattle’s Pike Place Market before the world knew her name. Busking has always fascinated me because there’s nowhere to hide. No lighting tricks or polished production. You either connect with people or you don’t.
The character of Hope was inspired by Brandi and me imagining a young musician living with the financial instability so many artists quietly endure.
The truth is, most people don’t realize how fragile life can become for working musicians when something goes wrong.
