Page 88 of The Perfect Melody

“I’m proud of you, Cassie.”

I swallow around a lump of emotion. “Thank you. Listen, I need to get to work, but I’ll let you know how it goes after I… you know.”After I tell my boyfriend I’ve been hiding an alter ego who happens to be a world-famous country music star from him. No biggie.

“OK. Bailey and I are here for you if you need anything.”

“I appreciate that—more than you know.” Blinking away tears, I fix a bright smile on my face. “I’ll be fine. Whatever happens, I won’t ever regret coming here.”

Chapter Thirty-Five

Austin

“How’re you doing there, Boss?”Cassie asks, taking a seat beside me and laying a comforting hand on my back. We both worked the first half of the Saturday night shift, but now it’s almost nine-thirty and time for us to go on stage. She left to change out of her uniform a few minutes ago, and since then I’ve been sitting on the sofa in my office trying not to let my nerves get the better of me.

If people could stop barging in without knocking, Cassie could have just changed in here, but she didn’t want to risk it—not that I blame her. Unfortunately, the silence in the wake of her momentary departure allowed space for my doubts to grab hold of me. Even knowing the practice run for our friends on Thursday evening went well isn’t enough to comfort me now.

I’m doubled over with my head between my knees, forcing deep breaths past the tightness in my chest. “Remember when you said you threw up before your first show?”

“Yes,” Cassie replies warily, rubbing my back in gentle circular motions.

“There’s a strong chance I might follow in your footsteps.”

“Oh boy.” She bravely moves to kneel in front of me, taking my clasped hands in hers. “Look at me, Austin,” she commandssoftly. I lift my gaze from my boots to her baby-blues. “You’re going to be fine. We’ve practiced these songs so many times you could perform them in your sleep.” Her voice is warm and reassuring as she reminds me of our hours of preparation. “Take a deep breath with me, OK?”

At my nod, she inhales slowly, maintaining our eye contact, holds her breath for a few counts, then exhales. It takes a couple of attempts, but soon enough I’ve matched my breathing to hers.

“That’s good. Here, have a sip of water.” Cassie presses a glass into my hands, making sure I’ve got a good grip on it before she lets go.

The cool liquid washes away the dryness in my mouth.

“Better?” Cassie asks.

“Yes, much.” I pass back the glass. “Thank you.”

“It’s time. Do you need another minute, or are you good to go?”

Pausing before answering, I mentally take stock of myself. “I’m good.”

“You’re going to be great.” She smiles, stealing the breath from my lungs. “Don’t forget to have fun.”

Before I know what’s hit me, we’re there beneath the hot stage lights, and Cassie’s looking over at me with reassurance.

“Evening everyone. My name’s Cassie and I’ll be playing for you all tonight, but first, Bowman’s very own Austin has agreed to join me for a couple of songs.” Someone—probably Dev—whistles loudly while a few people clap in encouragement. Cassie leans away from her mic. “Ready?”

Giving her a tight smile, I nod.It’s now or never.

We make it through the first song without any hiccups, and I’m able to relax enough to enjoy performing the second one now nobody’s tried to boo me off the stage. Keeping my focus on Cassie, I sing to her and only her, shutting out the crowd and imagining this is just another practice session in my living room.

If the lights illuminating the stage area are bright, then Cassie is incandescent. She really does transform when she’s singing. My mind drifts back to the conversation we had on our first proper date. I don’t know why Cassie thinks nobody wants to hear her original songs, but I’m going to make it my mission to encourage her to keep sharing them here as often as she likes. Bowman’s might be a much smaller stage than she deserves, but it’s the only one I can offer her. While she certainly has the talent and fire to take her far beyond the borders of Pine Grove, I know her well enough now that I’m no longer afraid she’ll get bored and move on to bigger, shinier things. She might be happy on stage, but she’s happy here too.

As our voices blend in perfect harmony, I thank whatever lucky star is shining down on me that this incredible woman who hides her big heart behind an even bigger attitude choseme. Three minutes later, the final chord lingers in the air as the crowd gathered closest to the stage erupts into applause.

Stepping away from her mic, Cassie looks up at me, her eyes shining with pride. “You did it.” She grins.

“Wedid it,” I correct. There’s no way I would have ever made it up here without her. “Now finish your set and show them how it’s really done.” Leaning in, I kiss her rosy cheek before striding offstage. Cassie may have been right about me enjoying singing with her, but I’m more than ready to hand the spotlight over.

* * *

Cassie