Say You Won't Let Go Google(30)

“That was different,” I defend. Grace left him before she and I had any kind of relationship.

He rolls his eyes as he gets to his feet. “You may not want to hear this, but it wasn’t different for me. Whatever way you spun goin’ after Grace in your head, it wasn’t justifiable to me.”

Grace stands, placing her hand on Trent’s forearm. “That was years ago, and we’ve all long since buried the hatchet.”

Seems someone is ready to chop wood again.

He releases a heavy sigh. “I’m not mad, I’m just clueing him in a little.”

“Thanks for that.” My sarcasm is thick.

“You’re welcome.”

Grace lets out a groan as her head falls back. “Men!”

Trent grips my shoulder and clamps down. “Listen, I’m not tryin’ to drudge up old shit. I got the girl, I’m not pissed.”

Once again, the urge to clock him is real. “Are you always this fucking helpful?”

“Pretty much. My question is this… Do you love her?”

With everything inside me.

“Yes.”

“Would you do anything for her?”

I don’t hesitate. “Yes.”

Trent nods. “Including the fight of your life? Are you willin’ to go to war to get your girl? Will you put all your stupid bullshit aside for her? Because that’s what all this talk has been, Coop. Bullshit. You’re talkin’ about Wade this and that, but when I lost Grace, I went insane. I saw her slippin’ away, and I manned the fuck up.” He wraps his arm around Grace’s waist, pulling her against his side. “I told you that night that you had no idea how I felt, and now you do. The question is... What are you goin’ to do about it?”





Chapter Fifteen


Emily



“You have to get up,” Wade says while banging on my door. “It’s been two days since you’ve gotten out of bed.”

I don’t care. I’ll stay here until I feel like living again. Besides, when we’re driving and waiting for the next show, what does it matter anyway?

My phone lies on my bed with no missed calls. No returned text messages. Nothing from Cooper.

I did exactly what I was supposed to do, and now, I’d like to stay in my little hole. Now I understand why Presley and Grace were so damn miserable. Broken hearts hurt more than broken bones.

The pain is indescribable. It’s like a living thing inside my heart, turning everything cold and dark. I was smart to avoid this shit.

Another knock. “Emily, I’m letting Ginny in,” Wade says.

Great, this should be epically fun.

“Emily Young, you get your skinny ass out of this bed right the hell now!” Ginny says as she throws the door open.

“Go away.” I pull the covers back over my head.

“Get up!” The blanket is gone, and she’s gripping my ankle, yanking me down the bed. “I did not bust my ass to get Luke to put you on this tour, just to have you throw it all away. You’re going to be a goddamn professional and get your ass on that stage, so help me God.”

Doesn’t she see the pain I’m in? There must be a gaping hole where my heart used to be, because it’s gone.

“I can’t sing. I can’t breathe!” I sit up and tears start to form.

“I can see that you’re a mess, but no one gives a shit. You want a chance in this business?”

Right now, I really don’t give a shit.

Wade leans against the door, watching this go down. “You’re some bodyguard. I’m being physically assaulted and you just stand there?”

“Yeah, Ginny is really doing a number on you by making you get up and shower.” He takes a bite of his apple. “That’s a real threat to your safety. Plus, you’re supposed to be paying my salary so you need to work. I’m doing what’s in my best interest.”

Smug cowboy.

He’s telling the truth, though. Yesterday, he told me he’s adding two additional members to the overall team. They’ll be in charge of personal effects and focus on ensuring no one can access my bus especially. While I was hosting my pity party, Wade installed security cameras in my bus so we know if anyone manages to get past outside security. Then, he’s talking about bringing another member from McKay-Taggart since Luke’s security team is clearly a bunch of idiots. His words, not mine.

This all sounds great, but the fact is, it isn’t me I’m worried about. It’s Cooper.

She cups my chin and pulls it toward her. “I get that the man I told you to stay away from hurt you. I’m sorry that you’re broken, but you sing country music, honey. Go out there and tell it in your music.”

“I can’t go on that stage,” I murmur as I look away.

Standing in the same place where he threatened me and the people I love... I’m not strong enough. I glance up to find Wade watching me suspiciously.

“You’re quitting then?” Ginny asks.

I could never. Music is who I am, but I can’t imagine going out there.

“She’ll be ready in an hour,” Wade answers.

“Excuse me?” I don’t think so, buddy. You don’t get to tell me what I’m doing.

“I said you’ll be ready for your show. You want me to stay on as your bodyguard, then you need to actually leave the damn bus. Otherwise, there’s no reason for me to be here. You have your panic button, a security team, as well as cameras installed to keep you safe. Get up, get ready, and sing your pretty little heart out.”