Page 76 of Perfect Pitch

My nerves have me ready to vomit into the nearest toilet and it has nothing to do with the fact I’ve been tagged in more social media posts by music influencers than I ever have been in my life.

No, I owe my churning nerves to the man I want to spend less time with clothed and more time with horizontal. Mitch texted me a short while ago to let me know he would be hearing me tonight.

Mitch:

I heard a rumor this musical wunderkind was playing at Redemption.

My response was swift.

Austyn:

I told you I was good.

His came back within seconds.

Mitch:

So you did. I guess I’ll get to say I heard you when.

Austyn:

Next time.

I’m still not over my being upset that he forgot, but he could have been pulled away at any time because of his job. I know this.

Mitch:

That would be tonight.

Austyn:

WHAT?!?!?!

Mitch:

My boss knows the owners. Told us to plan to head to Redemption tonight.

It took me a few tries to type the words as overwhelming joy surges through me.

Austyn:

Well, I hope you’ll be entertained.

Mitch:

With you, I always am, Beats.

Now, I can’t find my boot. I bite back a small screech of frustration as I circle the room like an anxious filly, hobbling without all four shoes. My V-neck, black, sleeveless chiffon dress flits around my upper thighs as I search high and low for my combat boot. Stomping back through the living room, I snarl, “It’s a red boot, damn it.”

“You mean the one that’s on the other side of your chair?” my mother points out calmly.

I whirl mid stride and snatch it up. Immediately, I drop into the chair and just sit—clutching it. All I can think is, He’s going to be there, so close I can touch him. How in the hell am I supposed to concentrate knowing Mitch is going to be there?

That’s when my mother’s voice breaks into my thoughts. “Honey, you seem rather anxious. Why is this event so different than all the other shows you’ve played? I might be biased as your mother, but you’re wonderful.”

Wonderful enough to impress the man I’m falling for? I wonder.

“Sweetheart?” she probes.

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