Page 55 of The Rebel with Broken Strings
“Time is the one thing we don’t have, Gunner,” Hank pressed. “The flight leaves at 11 a.m. Be on that plane or this deal is off the table.”
Gunner closed his eyes, the weight of the decision pressing down on him like a physical force. In his mind’s eye, he saw two paths stretching out before him. One leading to Nashville and all the glitz and glamour of his old life. The other winding through the peaceful streets of Timber Falls with Aubrey next to him.
But Nashville… God, Nashville. The call of spotlights and screaming crowds tugged at his heart, awakening a hunger he thought he’d buried.
He opened his eyes. “I’ll try to make it work,” he said finally, the words tasting bittersweet on his tongue.
“That’s what I like to hear!” Hank exclaimed, his excitement palpable even through the phone line. “Now, let’s talk logistics.”
As Hank rattled off details of tomorrow’s flight, Gunner’s gaze drifted back to the snow-capped mountains outside his window. Even as he nodded along to Hank’s instructions, a nagging voice in the back of his mind whispered doubts. Was hereallyready to dive back into that world? And what about Aubrey? The thought of leaving her behind, of potentially losing the fragile connection they’d built, sent a sharp pang through his chest.
“Got it,” Gunner said, when Hank finished.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”
Hank ended the call, and Gunner let the phone slip from his grasp onto the couch. The silence that followed was overwhelming, filled with the weight of his decision and the countless what-ifs that swirled through his mind.
He crossed his arms, glanced at his framed photo of him and Aubrey on horseback. Her smile in that moment, carefree and genuine, tugged at his heart. “Dammit,” he muttered.
His thoughts raced, painting vivid scenarios of potential futures. In one, he saw himself on stage, bathed in spotlights, the roar of the crowd washing over him. In another, he was here in Timber Falls, building a life with Aubrey, finding peace in the simplicity of small-town living.
What if I lose her?
The sudden familiar rumble of a truck engine outside broke through his thoughts. His shoulders sagged with relief at the distraction.
As he strode to the door, anticipation and trepidation coursed through him. He knew Eli and Jaxon would have opinions on his predicament, and part of him craved their input while another part dreaded facing the reality of his choices.
Gunner swung open the door, forcing a smile onto his face. “You couldn’t have picked a better time to show up,” he called out, his voice carrying a forced lightness.
Eli and Jaxon sauntered in, their smiles easy and postures relaxed. The scent of leather and hay clung to them, a reminder of the ranch life that Gunner adored.
“Figured you could use some company.” Eli’s eyes scanned Gunner’s face with a knowing look. He clapped a hand on Gunner’s shoulder, the gesture both comforting and grounding.
Jaxon followed Eli inside, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “That, and I know you might have some of that fancy bourbon stashed away,” he teased, his voice light but—unless Gunner was imagining it—tinged with underlying concern.
Gunner chuckled, the sound hollow even to his own ears. “I just might,” he said, leading them into the living room. The familiar space suddenly felt claustrophobic, the weight of his decision pressing in on him from all sides.
As they settled onto the worn leather couch, Gunner’s gaze flicked to that framed photo of him and Aubrey. His heart clenched, a physical ache that threatened to overwhelm him.
“Alright, spill it,” Eli prompted, leaning forward, elbows on his knees. “We’ve heard the girls’ version of what’s happened, but you tell us yours.”
Gunner ran a hand across the back of his neck. “I got a call from my agent yesterday, and then the head of the label this morning,” he began. “They want me in Nashville. Tomorrow.”
The words hung in the air, heavy with implication. Jaxon’s eyebrows shot up, surprise and excitement crossing his features. “That’s great news, isn’t it?” he asked, his tone cautious.
Eli remained silent, his intense gaze fixed on Gunner, reading between the lines of what wasn’t being said.
“It should be,” Gunner replied. “But I can’t help feeling like I’m standing at a crossroads, and no matter which path I choose, I’m gonna lose something important.” His gaze drifted back to the photo of him and Aubrey, his heart heavy. “I should be over the moon about this chance, but all I can think about is Aubrey’s face when I told her about the possibility yesterday.” He swallowed hard, his voice raw with emotion. “It was like I could see her building walls right in front of me, protecting herself from the pain she’s sure is coming.”
Eli leaned back, his green eyes softening with understanding. “You’re worried she thinks you’re gonna leave her behind.”
Gunner nodded, running a hand over his face. “It’s more than that. I saw the doubt in her eyes, the fear. It’s like she’s waiting for the other shoe to drop, expecting me to be the same guy that walked away from her before.” His voice cracked slightly. “I don’t know how to convince her I’m not that guy, that I want her in my life no matter what, that I’ve got all the tools now to make sure I don’t slip, that I’ve got the pain under control.”
Jaxon shifted, his expression thoughtful. “Have you told her that? In those words?”
“I’ve tried,” Gunner sighed, frustration evident in his tone. “But it’s like she can’t quite believe it. And now, with this opportunity, I’m afraid it’ll just confirm her worst fears.”
Eli leaned forward, his voice firm but kind. “You can’t control Aubrey’s fears or her past. What youcancontrol is how you handle this situation.” He paused, making sure he had Gunner’s full attention. “You’ve got a shot at your dream again. A second chance that most people don’t get. Don’t throw it away because you’re afraid of what might happen.”
