Page 71 of Everything I Crave

“What? Really? I mean it looks busy, but you’re turning people away?” My jaw slacks open.

“Yea, darling. People have shown up for you. I’m even streaming it on the TVs at The Bar. Mack and Bennett may have threatened to quit if I didn’t.” He laughs. I can hear them saying that.

“Yea, okay, as long as people aren’t going to be mad.” I shrug, thankful for the extra time to get my nerves under control.

“No angry people, they’re getting free beer. Want your Mom?” He takes my sweaty shaking hands in his, and kisses each knuckle to calm me.

“Yes please,” I whisper.

I take a seat on the extra stools in the storage area that I’m using as a room to get ready. Gunnar leaves through the stage door to get my Mom.

She walks through not a minute later, with all my sisters, Anna and Emma in tow.

They all pile around me in this awkward group hug. Mom and Anna have become quick friends, commiserating about raising too many rowdy and strong willed children.

“You’re going to be amazing.” Addy kisses my cheek and squeezes my shoulder.

“I’m so nervous,” I admit. “I’ve never sung my own songs for anyone before. Only the short snippets in the comfort of my music room for a video.”

“You’ll do great. I promise.” Mom winks at me, and they all share a funny look.

“What was that look? I’m a Harper. I know that look,” I demand they tell me.

“Nothing, baby girl. You’re just so brave, and I wish I was more like you.” My mom hugs me. I don’t believe her, but I’ve got too many nerves and I’m not going to worry about it until after.

Roman and Gunnar come back to the storage room. My belly flip flops instantly.

“Ready for you, Willow. And in case you’re busy later, thank you so much for having this show here. I don’t think my little brewery has ever seen this many people. I’ve already been asked no less than fifty times where people can find my brews.” He’s beaming from ear to ear.

Roman walks the women back to their table. Scarlett is already talking to Roman about marketing his beers to larger stores.

“I am so damn proud of you. You are the strongest, bravest,” Gunnar pulls back to look at me, “sexiest woman I’ve ever met. I’m so lucky that you choose to love me.”

I crawl up his body, wrapping myself around him like a spidermonkey. Which is difficult with my guitar strapped on my back.

“I’m the lucky one.” I hug him tight, not ready to let go. Roman’s voice comes over the speakers, introducing me and it’s time.

I take a deep breath, and step out of the safety of the storage room and Gunnar’s arms, plaster a big smile on my face, and take the biggest leap of my life.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Gunnar

I watch Willow for a few minutes from the side of the stage before sliding out and sneaking to my seat at the tables with my family.

“Your girl is a freaking badass,” Emma yells to me over the crowd.

“I know.” I grin. No one but Mom and Lorelei know what I have planned for tonight after the show. Well, and Roman since he has a role to play.

Her songs are so fucking good. Everyone is screaming for her, dancing, and some even start to sing along to the parts she’s posted on her social media.

There’s a man in the front row, next to the Harper family table, taking notes, and recording parts of the show.

“Who is that?” I ask Lorelei.

“Some music industry executive. He’s here to get Willow to work with his label.” She grins, proud of her youngest daughter. I grin back, equally as proud. I know how hard she’s been working.

“Does she know he’s here?” I ask.

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