Page 107 of Freeing the Wild
“Yep.She’s just working on some last-minute adjustments.”
The guys chat to each other as we climb the steps but I don’t really hear what they’re saying.I’m so grateful to each of them for coming to support me.But I can’t shake the feeling that the only face I wish I could share this with is two time zones away, singing her heart out on a stage and feeling a little less real every morning I wake up without her.
CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE
Cassie
CHERRY
Thank you for recommending Melissa.She’s great.And Cass, we all love you and want you to be happy.
But you better meet us for drinks and food next time we’re passing through your area.
I smile down at my phone.Cherry and the rest of the band took the news well that I was leaving the scene.And even more because I recommended a young singer from Alabama to take my place.
Of course I will always make time for you all!This is bittersweet.
CHERRY
But it was time.You have to follow your heart.
I blow out a breath.She’s right.
I think back to the meeting where I told Dax I was firinghim.I knew he wouldn’t take the news well, which is why I made sure my lawyer was present.What I didn’t expect was for him to blow up and start tossing shit off his desk.Or for me to have to be escorted out of his office with my lawyer by his office security as he yelled at me, telling me that he’d sue me if I talked about this with the press.
Today I received an email from Dax’s PR team.They plan to announce that we split amicably and that he wishes me well.I know Dax well enough to know he would’ve calmed down and realized he didn’t want me telling anyone in the industry how he treated me.He’s nothing if not a man who will protect his livelihood and reputation at all costs.
After I told the band I was leaving, and dealt with Dax, the final thing to do was play my last show, at Wagon Wheel.I left nothing on the table.I sang my damn heart out with my incredible band—my mama and Ivy going wild from the VIP area—and I exited the stage with a sense of peace.I didn’t even overthink it when I filmed a message to my fans after the show, exhilarated and teary.I told them the truth, about my journey through therapy, about my dreams and aspirations to write music, to slow down and live a simpler life.I encouraged them to chase their dreams too, and to always follow their hearts.I’ll be posting it as an announcement tomorrow, and I knew as I was filming with tears running down my cheeks that what I’m doing is the right thing.That everything is going to be okay.
Now, just twenty-four hours after closing that chapter of my life, I climb into the passenger side of Olivia’s silver SUV at the Blue Grass Airport in Lexington with my heart in my throat.My mama, Wade and Ivy flew home this morning, but I had some press to take care of and some documents to sign for Fiona, which means I’m really cutting it fine.
“Thank you so much for coming,” I say.Olivia didn’t hesitate when I called her a few days ago.I knew everyone would bebusy helping CeCe with last-minute details and I was nervous to ask, but she agreed before I even told her what I was coming back for.
“Of course.Welcome back to Kentucky, darlin’.Where hospitality is key.We sure do hope you enjoy your stay,” Olivia says after I put my suitcase in the trunk.It’s then that I notice Ginger in the backseat.
“An entourage to pick me up?!”I exclaim.
“I never turn down a road trip.Plus, I was in the middle of helping Liv move when she needed to leave.”Ginger smiles.“And I wanted all the dirt firsthand.”
“Move?”I ask.
“Small kitchen fire,” Olivia states.“Looks like I’ll be staying in an empty Silver Pines cabin just like you did until my kitchen is fixed.”
“Damn.Is there a lot of damage?”
“Enough that I can’t stay in my house right now.But not enough that I’ll be displaced for long.”
I put my hand on her arm.“If you need anything at all, I’ll be here.”I turn to Ginger.“Because these damn southern cowboys have a way of grabbing hold of your heart and not letting go.”
Ginger laughs.“I’ll let you in on a secret.That happens even when they aren’t cowboys.”
“That’s right,” I say with a wink.“Sheriffs count too.”
“Tell me about it,” Ginger says before moving the conversation on.“It’s nice to see you, Cass.I needed a break from wedding planning and CeCe has been calling me nonstop all day.But I left my phone with Cole, which means he’ll be getting all the calls now.”
I let out a laugh.“Are you guys ready?”
Ginger’s big day is less than a month away.They’re having the whole ceremony and party at Wade’s newly constructed barn at Silver Pines.
