Page 12 of Say You Won't Let Go
Damn adult responsibilities.
“Is it crazy that I miss you and I haven’t even left?” I ask and instantly wish I hadn’t.
He’s been open and honest, though. He’s told me clearly how he feels, and as much as I hate being vulnerable, it’s just true. The fact that tomorrow I won’t see him makes me sad.
“I think it would be crazy if you didn’t miss me. I’ve been told that I’m a catch.”
I roll my eyes and grin. “Yes, I guess you’re lucky I’m so good at fishin’.”
Cooper looks down at his watch and groans. “You gotta go, darlin’.”
Darlin’.
I’ve heard it my whole life. Daddy called Mama that, Zach called Presley it, and Lord knows, Southern boys love saying it when they’re trying to blow a girl’s skirt up. When Cooper says it like that, though, I could cry. Two syllables laced with so much emotion that it forces the word to take on a new meaning.
It’s a song and a prayer.
It’s a promise filled with hope.
It’s a sign of something more between two old friends.
If I don’t walk away now, I won’t go. My feet move back, and my fingers hold the fabric, letting it slip from their grasp. “I’ll call you.”
He smiles. “I’ll be here.”
I move backward. “Go learn about cows and shit.”
Cooper shakes his head. “I’ll do my best.”
“I’ll see you soon.”
“I’m countin’ on it.”
I turn my back and get in my car as he stands there with his hand up. I touch the window and smile. “Bye, Coop,” I say, and he winks.
My phone dings with a text from Vince, and I know I can’t wait any longer. I have to go. Putting the car in drive, I try not to look at him, and I move forward, leaving Cooper in the rearview mirror.
* * * *
The bus is parked in the new arena in Houston. We had an issue with Luke’s bus and ended up not leaving Dallas until two in the morning, but I slept restlessly the four hours it took us to get here, wishing I were with Cooper. If I don’t get more rest, I’m going to be a bear for the show. I toss and turn for another thirty minutes before there’s a knock on the door.
Ginny steps in without invitation, saying, “I saw your light on.”
“Yeah, I can’t sleep.”
She moves to the couch, and I rub my eyes. “I’m heading to Nashville in ten minutes. I wanted to check in and see what the plan is when you’re finished with the tour in a month?”
I’m not sure what to say. Before Cooper showing up here, the answer would have been easy—go back to Nashville and bust my ass. Now, I want to maybe visit Bell Buckle a bit. I haven’t seen Grace, Presley, or Angie for a while now. It would be good to catch up.
Sure, Em, that’s the reason.
I can’t even lie to myself.
I’ve learned a lot about Ginny, and the thing I know more than anything is that she likes honesty. That’s what I’ll give her. “I think I’m going to take a few weeks in Bell Buckle. Then I’ll head back to Nashville.”
Ginny doesn’t speak, she just nods slowly. Great. I’m now “that” artist. The one who says she wants it all and then falls for some guy and throws it away.
“So, two weeks there?” she asks.
