Page 89 of Debts and Desires
October 22
Day Fifty-Six
198 Hours to Go
As I prepared to greet the crowd, a movement caught my eye. To my surprise, Carter was joining me on stage. I more than likely looked like a deer caught in headlights.
Carter’s on stage?!
“Case you were wonderin’, sets already planned out,” he said, nodding to the music stand in front of us. I don’t know how I missed it. Four mics were also set up; two for singing, two for picking up the guitars. And when Tyler went to the drums earlier, a recent addition to the stage, I should’ve known. There was never a canceled act before me.Iwas the act all along.
“You just gotta sing, Buttercup,” Carter said, flashing me a wink that made me forget we were in front of an audience. Had we not been, I would’ve gotten on my knees and sucked him off. I managed an awestruck smile before turning back to the crowd.
“How’s everyone doing tonight?” I asked, eliciting cheers from the audience. “In case you missed it, I’m Emmy Rae and I’m so glad to be back at Pete’s,” I said as I retrieved my guitar. I slung it over my shoulder, then motioned to Tyler. “On thedrums tonight, we have our very own Mr. Tyler Ward.” The crowd applauded as Ty stood and gave a mock bow. Then I motioned to Carter. “And beside me here is Mr. Carter Black.” Everyone erupted again as Carter shook his head and smiled. I glanced down at the set list and grinned. “Our first song tonight is one I wrote and sang for you before, called ‘Hole in My Soul’.”
I took a step back, glancing between the two men on stage with me. “Ready?” Both nodded. Tyler counted us off. I’d never imagined how much better it sounded with a rhythm guitar and drums accompanying me.
It was almost surreal being on stage with Carter.
I couldn’t take my eyes off him while we were singing together. His voice was deep and raspy, fitting the songs perfectly. His movements were fluid and confident, showing he was enjoying himself up there. It was intoxicating, and I found myself falling deeper in love with him with each note.
As we reached the chorus, I let myself get lost in the music, forgetting everything else. I knew the words by heart, but hearing them from Carter made them even more beautiful.
When we finished the last verse, applause erupted, and I felt a blush creep into my cheeks. Carter winked at me, his eyes filled with pride. I turned to Tyler, who grinned and gave me a thumbs up. I grinned back at him and moved to the mic, thanking the audience and announcing the next song.
We breezed through the first set without a hitch. The energy between the three of us on stage was electric. Each chord and beat resonated with passion, each lyric delivered with emotion. Carter’s presence beside me was both reassuring and exhilarating. I caught glimpses of him between verses, seeing that he was into it as much as I was.
As the applause erupted at the end of each song, I smiled. To have Carter by my side, sharing this experience with me, was a gift I would never take for granted.
For most of it, Carter sang softly, but what I could hear was amazing. And I told him so in between. He shrugged it off.
During the small break after the second set, Carter asked, “You alright if I sing more on this next one?”
“Are you kidding?! I want you to sing the whole damn thing. Carter, you’re amazing,” I gushed.
“I’m alright,” he blushed, and I rolled my eyes before taking a sip of water. I glanced at the set list, swallowing nervously as I looked at the last song.
“Are you sure?” I asked. “I’m scared it’s not ready…”
“It’s ready, Em. And so are you, baby,” Carter reassured me before Ty joined us, signaling it was time to continue.
As we played and sang the last set, the three of us were damn near perfect despite never practicing together. I wondered how Carter managed it, a question I would ask later.
When we finished the last cover song, Carter gave me a reassuring nod, and I smiled before turning to the crowd.
“I’d like to end the night with a new song I wrote called ‘Sandcastles’.”
SANDCASTLES
Verse 1
Would you set me free,
Before the next dust cloud comes?
I’ve created this mess so willingly.
Now I’m drowning, trying not to succumb.
