Page 126 of Places I've Never Been

“Go on. I’ll be right here waiting.”

Adam grabbed her hand. “Oh no, I’m not letting you sit inthe background ever again. You are as much a part of this as we are. Come on.”

She beamed at him, and they ran out to take another bow.

Together.

By the timethe show was over and they’d changed into more comfortable clothes, the after-party was in full swing. The group that managed a dozen labels, including Adam’s, took over one of LA Center’s largest sound stages and transformed it into a one-of-a-kind nightclub complete with live music, plenty of food and drink, and a see-and-be-seen atmosphere.

Twenty thousand feet of space was filled with musicians, their managers, producers, record label executives, and anybody and everybody who was connected in any way with Jupiter Music Group. They were all there to celebrate the stars of the night and to start campaigning for the next award show.

Mattie and Adam were reluctantly separated soon after they arrived. Delusions of Glory’s new manager, Jordanna, hustled them off for interviews and meet and greets, while Kat ushered Mattie to a different corner for more of the same.

Mattie shook hands, hugged, and air kissed so many people she lost track. Her sisters stayed within range, but it was Mattie everybody wanted to see. She wasn’t used to being the center of attention, and she wasn’t sure she liked it. She’d rather Della and Piper handle the schmoozing while she and Lizzie stood behind them making sure nobody got too grabby.

Mattie caught sight of Devon Morales on the far side of the room. He scowled at her, then flipped her off. She offered him her sweetest Southern smile in return, the one that looked polite but really meantbless your heart.The phrasecould mean any number of things, fromI feel so sorry for youtoI hope you die in a fire.Let him sort out exactly what she meant.

The song he’d stolen from her didn’t win. Neither did his album. His next tweet would say he was robbed, she supposed.

Della noticed her watching him and shouted into her ear, “Serves him right. Loser.”

Mattie had mixed feelings about it. The words were hers, even if he’d stolen credit. If he lost, she did too. It was an odd kind of twist to think she’d both lost and won tonight. “You know, I should thank him.”

Della looked at her like she’d grown another eyeball. “Why? He made your life miserable.”

Mattie wiggled her fingers at Devon. “Because of him, I went on that retreat with Adam. I came back with three great songs and a man I love. I ended up with exactly what Devon’s trying to find. Shame he’s going about it all wrong.”

Mattie saw Adam near one of the bars and smiled to herself. “Devon can have the song. I found something a hell of a lot better.”

Della squeezed her arm. “I’m going for a drink. Want anything?”

“Wait.” Mattie grabbed her sister’s hand before she could dart away. “I need to tell you something.”

Della looked at her with curiosity.

“If Piper’s in, so am I.”

“You’re…” Della’s eyes widened. “You sure?”

Mattie put her lips to Della’s ear so she could hear her over the noise of the crowd. “I’ve given this a lot of thought. I want to perform again, but not by myself. I don’t want to go solo. If I’m going on stage, I want it to be with my sisters.”

“You’d be great at it. You know that, right?” Della looked cautiously hopeful. “You never give yourself enough credit.And I guess I never wanted to notice that. But you would own the stage all by yourself.”

“I want to be on stage with you and Piper, or not at all,” Mattie told her firmly. “So if you can convince Piper, I’m in. But it’s not going to be an easy sell.”

Della looked relieved. “With you on board, it’ll be a lot easier. Don’t worry. I’ve been thinking about how to make up with her. I just needed to know that you were ready. We can’t do this without you.”

Della threw her arms around Mattie and squeezed so tight she couldn’t breathe.

“And I won’t do it without you and Piper. I love you Dell Bell.”

“Love you more, Mattie Cake!” Della’s smile could have melted a million hearts. “I’m going to tell Lizzie!”

She darted into the crowd.

Adam made his way back to her, carrying much-needed water for her and a beer for him. He gestured at Della’s receding back. “I take it you told her?”

Mattie nodded. “Yes.”

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