Page 152 of Stolen Hearts
I ignore the questions. Connie had told me to leave everyone guessing to build the intrigue and because it will drive the speculation, like what happened after the Grammys.
Where can I get the vinyl?
Will you be touring the release?
My gaze drifts to the dashboard, 4:02 p.m. The website should be live now with the preorder bundles.
“You can head to the link in my bio or to my website to order yourself a copy right now. And I’ll be personally signing the first run of vinyls too.”
I’ve chosen my words carefully. The firstrun, not the firstbatch. I will never make the same mistake as I did in Vegas again. The mountain of sleeves I signed still haunts me.
I see a black Escalade drive past in the direction of my house and assume it must be the car to take us to the airport. I’ve done everything I need to, so I start to close out the live stream, but I see several comments asking to hear a snippet of the song.
I pause for a beat, deliberating first whether to play something or not, and then which song to pick. I guess I should hold off onWon’t Fall Anymore, but I can play a bit ofDarkest Days.
“Okay, I’ll play you a little snippet of one of my favorite tracks from the album. This isDarkest Days.”
I cue up the song and let the first verse and chorus play out on the live stream for everyone to hear.
I know you're tired of everything you’re going through
Life’s been knocking you down when you’re already bruised
Unanswered questions leaving you so damn confused.
But I am here with you
It breaks my heart to know there’s nothing I can do.
I’d take away the troubles haunting you
Everything that causes you pain I would remove
Still, I am here with you.
I’m the light, I’m the light
And I’ll keep on shining
Through your darkest of nights
When your sun isn’t rising
I’ll be the light, be the light
Help you while you're fighting
Leave it all on the line
I got you through all of your darkest days
I stop the song as hundreds of messages flood through, commenting on how beautiful the song is and how heartfelt the lyrics are. I get caught up in reading them before I see a call come in from Christopher.
Shit. It’s already 4:06 p.m. and I really should get off this live stream.
“Right, everyone, I’ve got to head off. Thanks for all your love and support as always. I can’t wait for you all to hearBetty.”
I end the live stream and drive down to my house.
