Page 97 of Freeing the Wild
“Dylan!”Dax calls out to another artist as he crosses the backstage area.“Hell of a show tonight …”.
I sigh as I turn to head back to my dressing room.
“So, what are we drinking?”Cherry says as she follows.“We’re definitely celebrating.”
“Oh … I’m exhausted,” I tell her.“Tonight really took it out of me.I think I’m just gonna go back to the hotel and take a bath.”
Cherry rubs my shoulder.“I get that.”
“Where we going tonight, gang?”Darren, my drummer, calls as he heads toward us carrying a Corona.
“Boss lady is heading back, but I’m game,” Cherry replies.
Darren grins as he wraps his arms around me.“You did great, Cass.It’s so good to have you back.”
“Thanks,” I tell him with a genuine smile.
I take some time to look around me as they head out for the night.It’s so busy and loud backstage and, as I look down at my phone, I feel the want for Haden crawl over my skin.I wish I could text him.I miss him so much I don’t know if I can bear it.And that’s when it hits me: despite the hundreds of people around me backstage—and the thousands out there who were watching me perform onstage—I’ve truly never ever felt more alone.
Another week passes by in a blur.My producer wasn’t happy with one of the songs I recorded so he made a special time slotfor me to come back in and re-record before he travels to Utah for a week and I head back out onto the road.I’m waiting for him to finish a call when my own phone buzzes.The moment I see a text from Haden, my heart skips a beat.Then sinks like a rock to the pit of my stomach.
COWBOY
She misses you.
A photo follows which takes my breath away.It’s Haden and Marlow.Haden’s face is more scruff-covered, his mustache a little fuller, and he looks tired.But he’s still so gorgeous it almost physically hurts.
She’s looking good.
COWBOY
She actually acknowledged two of the other horses today in the paddock.
She still hadn’t gone near any of the other horses by the time I left the ranch.
She’s trusting a little more then.
COWBOY
Just took her some time.
Kinda like people.
COWBOY
Kinda
How are you holding up?Are you eating out there?Getting your fair share of caramel corn and ice cream?
My stomach growls.I realize I haven’t eaten anything much today.
No.Back on the road diet.The one where caramel corn and ice cream are scarce and I forget to eat half the time.Plus, there are no cowboys here to lure me to their cabins with my favorite treats.
COWBOY
Can’t say I’m sad about that.
But Cass, if someone doesn’t get you some ice cream, I might riot.
