Page 43 of Say You Won't Let Go
The pain is indescribable. It’s like a living thing inside my heart, turning everything cold and dark. I was smart to avoid this shit.
Another knock. “Emily, I’m letting Ginny in,” Wade says.
Great, this should be epically fun.
“Emily Young, you get your skinny ass out of this bed right the hell now!” Ginny says as she throws the door open.
“Go away.” I pull the covers back over my head.
“Get up!” The blanket is gone, and she’s gripping my ankle, yanking me down the bed. “I did not bust my ass to get Luke to put you on this tour, just to have you throw it all away. You’re going to be a goddamn professional and get your ass on that stage, so help me God.”
Doesn’t she see the pain I’m in? There must be a gaping hole where my heart used to be, because it’s gone.
“I can’t sing. I can’t breathe!” I sit up and tears start to form.
“I can see that you’re a mess, but no one gives a shit. You want a chance in this business?”
Right now, I really don’t give a shit.
Wade leans against the door, watching this go down. “You’re some bodyguard. I’m being physically assaulted and you just stand there?”
“Yeah, Ginny is really doing a number on you by making you get up and shower.” He takes a bite of his apple. “That’s a real threat to your safety. Plus, you’re supposed to be paying my salary so you need to work. I’m doing what’s in my best interest.”
Smug cowboy.
He’s telling the truth, though. Yesterday, he told me he’s adding two additional members to the overall team. They’ll be in charge of personal effects and focus on ensuring no one can access my bus especially. While I was hosting my pity party, Wade installed security cameras in my bus so we know if anyone manages to get past outside security. Then, he’s talking about bringing another member from McKay-Taggart since Luke’s security team is clearly a bunch of idiots. His words, not mine.
This all sounds great, but the fact is, it isn’t me I’m worried about. It’s Cooper.
She cups my chin and pulls it toward her. “I get that the man I told you to stay away from hurt you. I’m sorry that you’re broken, but you sing country music, honey. Go out there and tell it in your music.”
“I can’t go on that stage,” I murmur as I look away.
Standing in the same place where he threatened me and the people I love... I’m not strong enough. I glance up to find Wade watching me suspiciously.
“You’re quitting then?” Ginny asks.
I could never. Music is who I am, but I can’t imagine going out there.
“She’ll be ready in an hour,” Wade answers.
“Excuse me?”I don’t think so, buddy. You don’t get to tell me what I’m doing.
“I said you’ll be ready for your show. You want me to stay on as your bodyguard, then you need to actually leave the damn bus. Otherwise, there’s no reason for me to be here. You have your panic button, a security team, as well as cameras installed to keep you safe. Get up, get ready, and sing your pretty little heart out.”
My jaw drops. “You work for me. I’m in charge.”
He laughs and then takes another bite.
“I like him,” Ginny notes. “I’ll see you in an hour.”
Both of them leave the room, and I flop back on the bed.
My phone dings, and I grab it quickly, hoping it’s Cooper.
Grace: What the ever-loving hell have you done?
Disappointment strikes me that it isn’t him. He must hate me.
