Page 19 of The Bitter Words

I hold her for a moment, letting her presence calm my nerves. “You’re gonna stay right on the side of the stage tonight. No going anywhere else, okay?”

“Not even your uncle could get me to move.”

“Good. I love knowing I’m gonna find your eyes locked with mine.”

“That’s sweet, Callum.” She steps out of my embrace. “John said the crowd is smaller this time. Are you okay with that?”

“We got the intended results from that story going out. I’m just gonna take this performance like a practice session. I still need to perfect how I wanna be on stage.”

“You’re a rockstar, Callum. You don’t need to prove that or perfect it. Just step into that energy and everything else will fall in line.”

I lean over and kiss her on her forehead. “Is that something you’ve learned from acting?”

“Yes. I find the more I allow my character to come through, the better the filming goes.”

“That’s good advice, Lily.”

She smiles proudly. “Thanks.”

Uncle John opens the door where we’re all mingling. “Show time. Let’s go!”

We file out and take our usual spots. Even though we all sing at different times, I’m always in the center. I have more solo parts than anyone in the group. That’s because Lily’s right.

I am a rockstar. It’s time I let that flow through my bones and out from my lungs. Nothing can stop me if I do.

The concert goes off without a hitch and I’m flying high when I step off the stage.

Livianna beams with pride as she applauds and bounces on her toes. “Oh, Callum. You were on fire! I couldn’t take my eyes off you.”

I swoop her up into a hug. “You were right.”

“About what?” She pulls back.

“Letting myselfbewho I truly am. There was nothing like what I felt out there tonight. It was like I was one with the universe.” I laugh at the realization. “And I haven’t touched alcohol or drugs in months, so I know it was real.”

Someone clapping their hands together in a slow appreciative manner off to the side of us snags my attention. I turn to see a taller man clad in head-to-toe designer duds, grinning like he’s about to claim a prize.

Electricity zings through me. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for.

Record label owner and mega producer Leon Baker steps forward. “Fantastic performance tonight, Cash. Absolutely outstanding.”

“Thank you.” My pulse spikes and I hold out my hand. “Cash Mayze. It’s an honor to have you here tonight, Mr. Baker.”

“The pleasure is all mine.” A strange flicker of something I can’t read flashes in his eyes.

He shakes my hand, holding his other palm over the top so he’s cupping mine between both of his. It’s almost possessive. I toss off the creeping odd sensation in my gut and glance at Livianna.

I break my connection with Leon and gesture to her. “This is my girlfriend, Livianna Hemings.”

“Hi.” She dips her head in a show of respect. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Livianna, what a wonderful surprise.” His gray eyes slide over her as if he’s analyzing her worthiness.

Uncle John strolls up with a wary expression. “Leon, I didn’t know you were coming tonight. Had I known, I would’ve made sure you were?—”

“I like to surprise my potential clients and hang out in the background. That way, I know what they’re really like.” Leon motions to the hallway. “Let’s go discuss where this relationship could lead.”

My heart pumps wildly, so hard it could break right out of my chest. “That would be great.”