Page 45 of Say You Won't Let Go
I know the bus was swept for videos, but I’m completely sure whoever this guy is, he works on the tour in some capacity. Probably sound crew.
“Ten minutes, Emily.” Wade’s voice isn’t condescending for the first time in his countdown.
I unlock the door and stare at him. “Why are you suddenly being nice?”
“Because you’re listening.”
“You’re a complicated man.”
He smiles. “Not really. I’m pretty simple. Tell me the truth, love your family, and do the right thing.”
I sit at the table adjacent to him and the desire to tell him everything bubbles up. I’ve lied to everyone, and I no longer believe putting Cooper through this pain is the right thing.
My lips part, the words on the tip of my tongue, but they stay there. I don’t tell him anything out of fear.
“And what about love?”
Wade shrugs. “Love is an illusion.”
“Love is beautiful,” I counter.
“Until you lose it.”
There’s nothing to say back to that. He’s right. There’s nothing beautiful about what I’m feeling right now. However, he isn’t seeing the whole picture. “Even if I knew how this would go, I’d do it again and again. Because that beautiful part is worth all the ugly I’m feeling right now.”
I grab my guitar and head to the stairs. Wade doesn’t say anything as he follows, and I hope that one day some girl will show him that the reward is only there if you take a risk.
Chapter Sixteen
Emily
Getting on stage was the hardest thing I ever did, but I’m here now.
Music transports me, gives me a sense of relief, and with all the feelings swirling around, I need a release. It’s a gift that I feel my fans give me by allowing me the chance to give them a piece of me. Each song comes from deep in my soul.
“Would y’all mind if I sing something a little different tonight?”
Cheers erupt, and I strum my guitar and head to the edge of the stage. I sit with my legs over the side, and it’s as if I’m with the crowd.
One of the stage crew brings a microphone to me. “Have you ever lost someone you loved?” I play a few chords. “I’ve had a rough few days, and I’d like to sing this song as if we’re all sittin’ in my living room. Tonight, you’re my best friend and we’re going to work out our pain. Is that all right?”
The crowd quiets, and there’s only one song that fits this moment. I start the intro to my favorite Garth Brooks song. The lyrics to “The Dance” pour out of me. With my eyes closed, I imagine Cooper standing in front of me. I tell him how perfect my world was when I had him, and that even though things didn’t work, I wouldn’t change anything.
My voice is filled with my regret, my turmoil, and my anger toward the man who is doing this to me. I sing each note as if it could be my last and feel the tears that stream down my face.
I can almost see his green eyes as I give him this piece of my soul. Each verse speaks the truth regarding what’s inside my heart.
When I finish, I open my eyes and the arena goes nuts. I see people wiping their faces, screaming with their hands in the air, and the clapping is deafening.
“Thank you for listenin’.” I smile through the tears. “I love y’all so much!”
My throat is tight as I get to my feet. I walk back to center stage and pull myself together.
“All right, now I want everyone on their feet!” I shift gears and perform like it’s my life’s mission.
Song after song, I push past any performance I’ve ever given. The sounds coming from the audience let me know I did my job.
“Wow,” Luke says as I head off the stage. “I’ve never seen anything like that.”
