Page 70 of Rising Star

“Is it—?” I asked, unable to complete the question. The song wasn’t the same that he sang to me at the hospital. I’d never heard it before.

“It’s yours. I had no idea he had written it. And I bet he has written a few. It’s his way of coping with the hardships of life. He played it last night. Out of the blue. As an encore. Said he felt closer to you. That he wished his words could reach you somehow. To help him hold on to the specks of hope that you’d let him back into your life.”

“It’s beautiful. Listen…I didn’t mean to push him away. I just wanted to ease things for him…”

“I’m aware.”

I couldn’t move my focus away from the screen, immersed in Sam’s performance. In who he was. In the man hurting and pouring his heart to me.

The song ended, and I was a sobbing mess.

Riley made a box of tissues and a glass of water appear, and I thanked him.

His lips stretched into a smile while he tapped something on his phone before bringing his attention back to me. “I was thinking. If you’re up to it. You could surprise Sam at his show tonight. We’ll miss the beginning, but we should be there for at least the second half. It’s just an idea.”

Warmth swirled inside me at the thought I’d see him again. And never leave his side afterward.

“I love it.”

“Welcome back, Madison.”

* * *

From where I stood, away from the stage, I let out a long breath, waiting for Riley’s direction. Sam was delivering his heart to the crowd, and I could hear him, even though I couldn’t see him. Just the sound of his voice was powerful enough to wake the flutters in me and warm up my skin.

Sadness laced his voice. His tone didn’t convey the same potency, the same mesmerism as the time he sang in that bar.

He sounded…lonesome. That was the only adjective I thought was fitting to describe Sam Stevens at this moment.

The pleasure to be on stage was missing from his performance. Sure, he was still an incredible artist and musician, but I knew him well enough to make out the difference.

A vise closed around my heart at the realization he was hurting because of me. Because he thought I too was abandoning him. Because the moment we chose to be together, everything went sideways.

Even though his vocals were filled with heartache, steeped in every word leaving his mouth, my love for him multiplied. Because he was him. The one who didn’t shy away from his emotions. That’s what made his music so unique. So intoxicating. And right there, I understood why he had been named the Legend of country music.

I watched my phone for the umpteenth time when Riley’s text message appeared.

Riley: A guy named Rocky will come to get you. Stay on the side where he directs you. There will be a stool so you don’t fatigue yourself. I made sure he’ll play your song again as the encore. That’s your cue. Like you asked. I’ll be cheering on you from the sideline.

Me: Thank you. You’re like our fairy love godmother.

Me: Or godfather, I guess.

Riley: Not sure Sam would agree with this term of endearment.

Me: It fits. What can I say?

Riley: Go, surprise your man. We’re babysitting tonight. Devon’s orders.

Me: I’ll owe you one the day you have kids of your own.

Riley: We have a deal.

I followed Rocky, maneuvering my crutches the best I could, and took my place next to the stage, just behind the thick black velvet curtain, out of Sam’s sight. For the first time, I was grateful for Claudia’s harsh ways to get me ready for this day. Without her, I would probably have been still in bed, alone with my dark thoughts.

Sam sang four more songs. And the crowd exploded in cheers and applauded, begging for an extended performance.

My heart jackhammered in my chest. All my senses were attuned to the man singing his heart out. And just being in his vicinity was enough to make me forget about the pain numbing the left side of my body.