Page 51 of Maggie

“I’m sorry. I can’t be in a relationship right now,” he said.

What he could only describe as despair crossed her face and tears welled in her eyes. It gutted him.

He continued, “I watched you play tonight. You looked gorgeous and you performed a phenomenal show. It’s what you’re meant to do. But I’m not meant to be part of that world.”

She gripped his hand. “What do you mean? We’re so good together. We can make it work.”

Wylder shook his head and pulled his hand away. “I can’t live the touring life and you can’t settle down. I know you’re hoping to be done in a few years, but your record label is going to keep you out there as long as they can. We’d both be miserable with long distance for so long.”

Tears rolled down Maggie’s cheeks. She said, “We’ll be miserable without each other. Long distance is better than being apart.”

“It’s not.” Wylder shook his head. “If we make a clean break now, it won’t be so bad. You can find someone else who makes you happy. Someone who can make a life with you.”

Maggie sobbed. “No. I don’t want anyone else. I want you.” An idea struck her and she excitedly wiped away her tears. “I’ll quit. I won’t have to tour anymore and I’ll be with you.”

Wylder couldn’t help it — he had to touch her. He wrapped her in a hug and stroked her hair. “Maggie. Beautiful. You’re meant to be a rockstar. I can’t let you give up on that.”

She sobbed again and buried her face against his chest. “Don’t leave me. You said you’d try. You promised we’d talk about any issues. Please try.”

An arrow to his heart. Tears flooded his own eyes.

“I’m sorry. I wish things could be different.” He kissed her temple and backed away. “I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”

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