Page 11 of Beneath a Tennessee Sky

I force another smile. “I’m happy for you.”

Jack steps closer, taking my hands in his. His touch still sends electricity through me. “I can’t believe this is actually happening! Me! I’m actually going to sing for a living!”

“I’m really happy for you, Jack. Truly. You deserve this. I can’t wait to see how successful you are.”

“Baby, I’m going to make millions!”

I take a deep breath. “I am happy for you. And I’d love to celebrate but I have to shower and get ready for work.”

He frowns. “Can we—”

“I’m sorry, but I need to get ready.”

I’m barely keeping it together. He has to leave or I’m going to lose my shit.

He hesitates, then nods. “This isn’t goodbye, you know.”

I bite the inside of my cheek. Isn’t it?

“Of course, not.” I smile.

He pulls me against him. My heart leaps. I want to throw my arms around him and hold him close. He kisses the side of my face and then pulls back. Our lips brush but that’s it. I can’t kiss him because it will absolutely make me cry.

“I’ll text you later,” he says.

“Okay.”

I close the door behind him, lock it, and then rest my forehead against it.

One week. Seven days. Then he’ll be gone, chasing dreams and immersing himself into a whole new life.

And I’ll be left waiting for the real goodbye.