Page 696 of Rock Me All Night

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"You have any doubts?"

"Not one."

"Good." He steps back with a smile. "You've got this."

"Yeah." I'm an entertainer. I know how to put on a show. I know how to act at a party.

Only this isn't a show.

I can't step into thatfun bad boyrole.

I can't hide behind a cocky smile and a clever insult.

I'm defenseless.

Pete chuckles as he taps Mom's shoulder with his. "He's hopeless, huh?"

She nods. "I'll make sure he's standing."

My brother nods goodbye to me. "Good luck."

Fuck, I need it if I want to get through this without floating into the sky. How the hell do other people deal with nerves all the time?

It fucking sucks.

Usually, I hate that emotional honesty shit. But I trust Willow. She sees all of me. And I want her seeing all of me.

Especially today.

I jump when Mom pats me on the shoulder.

"I've never seen you this nervous." She pulls me into a hug. "Are you breathing?"

"Yeah." Barely.

She smiles as she straightens my tie. "Your suit looks good."

"Thanks."

"You can't see any of the tattoos," she teases. "That's a plus."

I want to tell her to fuck off, but I can't. It's Mom. Instead, I laugh.

"You really do look handsome, Tom." Her smile lights up her eyes. "It's a good thing. You don't want to lose her at the last minute."

My laugh brings me back to Earth. Mom teasing me is normal.

"She's the best you'll ever do," she says.

"You think I don't know that?"

"Someone needs to keep you humble."

"This humble?"

Mom chuckles. "Have you seen your ego lately?"

"It's reasonable."

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