Page 69 of Everything I Crave

Emma and I talked last night, and I’m going to share the show this week on their social media. The cabins are all ready, and someone has been hired tocome clean now that Hunter’s crews are done doing all the work on them.

I booked the biggest cabin for all of the Harper clan. I can’t wait to show everyone Balsam Cliffs and to have them all there for my first show on my own.

None of my family has ever been to a show of mine since I moved to Nashville. Not for lack of trying on their part, I was just being a bitch. But now I can’t imagine not having them with me when I get onto the stage at Rebels. It’s not a huge venue, but this show for me, is huge emotionally.

It’s the first time I’m singing original songs. The first time I’ll have family, and Gunnar’s family, the first time I have control over the show.

I take a deep breath and jot down some notes for the song. Preparing myself for a long day of writing and playing.

By the time I finally stop and look at the window, I see that it’s dark outside.Shit!I’m supposed to be at work! Well before the dark comes.

I text Gunnar quick.

Me:I’m so sorry! Why didn’t you come getme? I’m coming now!

Gunnar:Don’t worry about it, I called in Bennett’s best friend. > Madeline got here a few hours ago. I didn’t want to disturb you.

Me:Oh great, more ammo for her.

I flip him off through the phone even though he can’t see me. Of course he called Madeline in. Ugh.

I slip my feet into my shoes and head down to the bar. The least I can do is keep Bennett company. Plus, my stomach is reminding me that I have been in here since breakfast and haven’t eaten since then either.

I slip through the kitchen door and sneak into Gunnar’s office, closing the door behind me quietly.

I wrap my arms around his neck, and lean over his shoulder to kiss his cheek.

He grasps my arms in his hand. “To what do I owe the pleasure of you in my office?”

My stomach responds before I can.

“Oh, you’re not here for me, you’re here for Mack.” He laughs.

“I mean, you could fill me up with something else.” I wink at him, turning his office chair so he’sfacing me.

“Bossman, need you. Handsy drunk on the patio,” Bennett yells into the office. “Hey Willow!” Then he’s gone.

Gunnar hops up quickly, places a kiss on the top of my head and runs out. So much for that office fantasy happening again.

I shuffle out to the kitchen to find Mack in the throws of cooking. I instantly feel guilty that it’s so busy and I just didn’t show up. Apparently, I need to set alarms.

“Hey Mack, can I help you?” I ask.

“You know how to cook, little red?” she asks gruffly, obviously flustered by the night.

“Basics.”

She thrusts a cutting board and the makings of salad at me. I pull out the stainless steel bowl from below the counter, knowing that she wants me to prep more house salads. It’s about ninety-five degrees today, and I bet people are coming in instead of cooking.

After about half an hour, I have two large house salads prepped, even some packed in to-go containers. I wipe my brow with the back of my forearm.

“Thanks, little red. For your help, here is an order of buffalo wings, and fries.” She winks at me and slides the plate down the counter.

My mouth is watering before it even reaches me. I pick it up and head out to find a spot near Bennett. Now that it’s quieted down I should be able to talk to him about the night.

“Hey, no show.” Bennett scowls, handing me a Pepsi to go with my meal.

“You are a God sent angel.” I take the cold glass of bubbling sweetness.

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