Page 52 of The Song We Lost

Luke flinches like he’s been hit.

Security’s hands are on him now; he tries to surge forward. Jackson doesn’t move and neither does the wall of security.

Luke’s eyes burn into mine one last time.

“I can fix this,” he snarls, voice cracking on the edge. “I can... Bailey... ”

I lean forward slightly, just enough that my voice reaches him without the room hearing. “No, you can’t.”

It’s the simplest sentence I’ve ever spoken. But it is anything but simple; it feels like a door locking.

Security moves Luke back, as Jackson’s hand touches my back, guiding me away. Rachel stays close, her presence steady. We leave the room. But my body shakes anyway. Because seeing Luke like that felt brutal.

Back in the hotel, the silence is different now, it feels like the quiet of an aftershock.

Rachel walks me to the door, “You did good,” she says softly.

I almost laugh.

Good?

I survived, that’s all.

Jackson’s team messaged Rachel to let her know they did a security sweep, ensuring nothing got out about the confrontation with Luke. Everything is contained, controlled... Quiet. The way my life is becoming: tragedy wrapped in professionalism.

Rachel waits.

“Do you want me to stay?” she asks.

I shake my head. Rachel nods like she understands and waits until she hears the door latch.

I stand in the room for a long time. My arm aches where Luke grabbed me and I know it will bruise. I rub it, absently, like I can erase his touch with friction. I walk to the bathroom and stare at myself in the mirror. The version of me the world buys stares back. Perfect hair. Perfect makeup. Perfect life.

A mask.

My body starts to shake, so I reach for the sink. I grip it like that will hold me together... but I can't be held together, not right now... so finally... finally, I let it happen. A quiet collapse, tears spill as I press my hand to my mouth to try and keep the sound in. I slide down to the floor, back against the vanity, knees drawn up like I’m trying to make myself smaller inside my own body. I think of the boy who promised me the world and the girl who believed him. I think of every year, every compromise I made to try and hold us together. And then I think of him and her and that video when he knew exactly what it would cost.

I breathe in.

Breathe out.

My chest hurts.

I let myself fall apart on the bathroom floor of my hotel room.

what they say

BREAKING:

Bailey Brooks spotted without wedding ring during surprise appearance with Jackson Reed

Fans are asking questions.

@CountryPulse:

I don’t think we have ever seen her without her ring.

@HeartlandFM: