Page 84 of Resolve

“Especially since Black women and women of color have historically had disproportionately less access to these resources.”

Barney had a pensive look on his face, but Graham…he didn’t once waver in his support.

“Everyone should have the freedom to control their own lives and futures, but the abortion bans rob them of that choice. Tonight, we’re going to stand up and fight to have our rights restored.”

The music started and Shay had the entire audience in the palm of her hand.

Everyone sang along, their phones out and shining as they swayed and danced to the beat. As expected, she sang “Be My Angel,”but instead of leading into her next song, she motioned to cut the music.

“This is a new song I wrote. It’s called ‘First Happiness.’ I want to thank someone special to me for encouraging me to be myself at all times.”

Shay caught Graham’s eyes as Barney’s face went red.

The lights shone only on her. Her heart sped up as she began to sing about finding her own self-love and worth. She sang just as she did at the national park. She sang loud so Barney and her label knew that the old Shay was gone. A new, stronger version of her was rising from the ashes like a phoenix.

By the time she finished, she was greeted with a deafening roar and demands for an encore. And Shay did just that.

She exited the stage, and Barney was the first to greet her.

“Shay, baby, that was amazing. Look at that crowd! Wow.”

Graham and Shay exchanged looks that said,I told you so.

“That song is just amazing. We want them.”

Shay stared at him for a moment before she decided.

“You’re fired.”

“What?”

She nodded. “You don’t have my best interests at heart, Barney. We’ve worked together long enough, but it’s over now.”

Barney sputtered, but she ignored him, grabbing Graham’s hand. It was only when they were out of sight from the staff and he pulled her into his arms, searing her soul with another spell-binding kiss, did she feel the guilt and fear release.

“Thank you for being my number-one fan,” she murmured to Graham.

He kissed her softly again.

“Always, princess. Always.”

***

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EVERYTHING I DREAMED OF

ALEXA RIVERS

ABOUT ALEXA RIVERS

Alexa Rivers writes about genuine characters living messy, imperfect lives and earning hard-won happily ever afters. Most of her books are set in small towns, and she lives in one of these herself. She shares a house with a neurotic dog and a husband who thinks he’s hilarious. When she’s not writing, Alexa enjoys travelling, baking cakes, eating said cakes, cuddling fluffy animals, drinking copious amounts of tea, and absorbing herself in fictional worlds.

You can keep up with Alexa at:

Website www.alexarivers.com

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