Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 72828 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 364(@200wpm)___ 291(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72828 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 364(@200wpm)___ 291(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
“When you called to tell us that you were going to Seattle, you said it was because you needed a vacation and that you’d fill us in on the rest later. It’s later, Sid. What’s up?”
I blow out a breath and glance over in time to see an eagle soar silently over the water, then scoop up a fish for his dinner.
And I fill her in. From the dismal record and tour sales, to coming home to find Annie in my house, and also my time in Seattle.
I tell her everything, even about my relationship with Keaton.
And it feels so good to confide in my big sister.
“You’ll get another contract,” she says, waving that part off. “You’re too good, and you have a huge following, Sid. Your career will survive this.”
“I’m so glad you’re sure of that, because I’m not.”
“It’s scary,” she agrees with a nod. “And it’s always a hit to the ego to be told that you’re no longer wanted. It’s like a bad breakup.”
“Yes, that’s exactly it.” I nod, then tip my head back against the chair and look up at the stars beginning to come out. “It absolutely was a hit to my ego. I’ve worked my ass off since I was seventeen. I graduated early, remember?”
“Of course, I remember. I thought Mom was going to have a stroke at the thought of you driving out to Nashville and making a go of it by yourself. But you’ve always been so sure and so strong that we knew you’d do well.”
“I’m sure they worried about me.” I bite my lower lip and look over at my sister. “Is it possible that my career is already over? It feels like I just got it in my grasp.”
“No.” She shakes her head, leaving no room for argument. “Don’t forget that you’ve made a lot of friends in the industry. You’ve sung with superstars, honey. You start making calls. Maybe you can do a duet album or, hell, I don’t know. Something.”
“That could be fun.” I tap my lips with my finger. “Leo said that if I ever needed anything, I could reach out to him.”
“Ask him for advice,” she says. “He’s been in this business forever. He’ll have thoughts on it. Also? You don’t use social media enough.”
“I hate it.” I stick out my lower lip in a pout. “I know it’s highly unusual for people my age to dislike social media since that’s what we grew up on, but I really do hate it.”
“You don’t have to love it to use it,” she advises me. “Get your fans excited to see you. Have you heard from Annie yet?”
“Not really. She said she’d set me up with some interviews and stuff, but she’s been quiet. I’ve only been out west for a couple of weeks. Maybe she’s still trying to give me a break.”
“Maybe. But that doesn’t mean you can’t start doing some stuff on your own. Get on the apps and sing. Your fans will love it.”
“Ugh.”
Maya laughs and reaches out with a foot to kick me gently on the knee.
“You can do it. You’re charismatic, beautiful, and have the voice of an angel. You’ve got this.”
“You know, I don’t think I realized how much I needed this pep talk until just now.”
“That’s what big sisters are for.” She smiles over at me, and it feels like it did when we were young, and I needed to lean on her for advice and help.
“I don’t think I want to live in Nashville full time anymore, M.”
That makes her eyes widen.
“I’m telling you, this will blow over,” she insists.
“That’s not it.”
“Don’t give up your life in Nashville for a man who’s made it plain as day that he won’t commit to you, Sid. Don’t be that girl.”
“I’m not that girl.” I shake my head and laugh. “No, I just miss the mountains and the Pacific Northwest in general. Plus, I should be closer so I can help out here.”
“Let’s not talk about that tonight,” Maya says. “Let’s have a fun few days together and get a plan for you to conquer the country music world, and then we’ll figure out the rest.”
“Yeah, okay.” I blow out a breath and snuggle down deeper into the blanket. “It gets cold fast here.”
“Hell yes, it does. Why are we outside?”
I laugh and stand to gather my things. “Let’s go see if Mom and Dad want to watch a movie.”
“I’ll pop the popcorn.”
Chapter 10
Keaton
Sidney’s been gone for forty-eight hours, and all I’ve done is bury myself in work. Which is exactly what I did before she walked back into my life less than a month ago.
But now it just feels so…pathetic.
“Knock, knock.”
I poke my head out of the engine of the Jeep that I finally started and see my mom walking into my shop.