Page 23 of Polly

“I will, thank you.” Polly smiled at him and slipped his business card into her purse.

Polly knew her reaction screamed confidence, but inside she breathed a sigh of relief that they’d stopped talking. Grady’s treatment shook her confidence.

Their attention shifted as a spotlight bathed the podium that sat mid-stage. Two large screens sat on the sides of the stage for the crowd’s view.

The announcer, a well-known country artist, crossed to center stage and talked into his microphone.

“Good evening, everyone. Thank you for coming. We are here today to recognize some of the greatest musical talent in existence. To start us off, we have a performance from one of this country’s favorite jazz bands.”

The audience cheered and applauded before he even got the band name out.

“I see they need no introduction,” he said with a laugh. “Enjoy.”

Polly applauded and made the appropriate oohs and ahhs as the night progressed. She cheered for Gideon as he won his nomination and congratulated him when he returned to his seat.

Polly snapped candid pictures of the attendees and the awards. Her mind wandered freely, imagining the what-ifs of her future. The only part of her life set in stone was her record contract. Otherwise, she had no obligations and could do anything. Could someone like Gideon be in her future? Had she met her “forever” yet? Would she be good enough for him?

Unexpectedly, Gideon and his manager stood. Before he left, Gideon whispered, “I’m sorry. I got an emergency message. I have to leave. It was nice to meet you. Call me, okay?”

Polly frowned. “Okay. I hope everything is all right.”

He shook his head. “I hope so, but I don’t know. Take care.”

“Thanks, you too.”

Quickly, Gideon and his manager exited. They left behind empty seats.

Polly’s thoughts drifted again.

When Flynn gripped her hand and bounced his knee restlessly, she squeezed his hand and focused back on the announcer. Flynn pulled her hand to his lips and mumbled something against it. She couldn’t hear the words, but she assumed he prayed.

Flynn put up a front and acted like this award was no big deal, when really it could do wonders for his band.

“...and now for Song of the Year.”

Clips of the nominees’ music videos played on the screens.

Tension filled the room as the videos played and the announcer waited to tell them who won. Flynn’s grin stood out to Polly on the screen as his band’s video played.

The announcer drew out his speech but finally he said, “Our winner is... Late Nyght Smoke for What It Means.”

The band jumped from their chairs and cheered. Polly leapt up and hugged Flynn.

“Congratulations, Flynn!”

“Thank you!”

Flynn leaned in and his eyes flicked to her mouth as his lips grew closer. Polly’s heart thudded and butterflies of anticipation fluttered in her stomach. Was Flynn really going to kiss her?

At the last second, though, his lips touched her cheek. Unexpectedly, disappointment flooded her, but she forced a smile and congratulated him. How strange. She’d never had feelings other than friendship for Flynn. She was sure he didn’t have other feelings than friendship for her.

Polly stepped out of the way and clapped as the band filed from their seats, congratulating each of them as they passed her on their walk to the stage.

She settled in her chair and thought about this new development. She watched Flynn’s handsome grin as the band stepped up to the podium. He glanced at her and winked. She’d always known he looked good, but seeing him on that stage increased his appeal. That hard, chiseled body and panty-melting smile... For the first time since Grady, Polly had scandalous thoughts about someone. The fact that they were about Flynn surprised her. Could she and Flynn be “more” or would it ruin their friendship? Would he want to be more?

The band accepted their plaques with a huge shout out to the fans, and their lead singer, Will, gave a gracious speech on their behalf. “Thanks for your help in achieving this award. We can use all the help we can get so we’re lucky that our fans are the best,” he said. Camera flashes filled the room, and they held their poses for a minute to let the paparazzi finish. Polly got a great photo of the band and their awards for Flynn; she knew he’d want it.

Before she knew it, the guys were back in their seats and Flynn’s warm body pressed into the spot next to hers.

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