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I shake my head. “I can do it.”
He nods, starting the entire progression over. “Go for it whenever you’re ready. I have a feeling you’re way more musically gifted than you let on.”
I laugh, not bothering to tell him that I did take piano lessons growing up. That being said, it’s not a top talent of mine.
Taking a deep breath, he plays the last chord of the musical phrase, and I open my mouth, closing my eyes as I sing the words.
All I wanted out of life was an adventure.
Something greater than the path that I was on.
Then you waltzed in and swept me right off my feet.
I open my eyes and see Wade smiling a mile wide as his fingers pause on the strings, the silence settling in between us. I clear my throat. “How did I do?”
Wade bites his lip, his dark hair glinting under the light of the moon. “You’re amazing, Callie. That was perfect.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Wade
I can’t even get the words out of my mouth as to how Callie’s singing makes me feel. I meant what I said about her, she’s got this deep tone that’s mesmerizing and makes me want more.
“I think you should sing on my album,” I blurt out, her eyes immediately going wide. “You have the kind of voice that’s enchanting on a duet—and it’s not about the range, it’s about the tone.”
“Wade, stop.” She laughs, waving me off, though her cheeks are flushed. “I don’t think I should be on any kind of album—you’re being too nice. I’m not that good.”
“Who told you that you weren't that good?” I ask, leaning in closer to her. I can tell there's a story there, one that's holding her back from her true potential.
She bites her lip and looks back at me, her eyes slightly misty. “Um. Well … I used to sing a lot when I was younger. It was my childhood dream to become a singer, but then … things happened. I lost my confidence."
My heart aches for her, and I desperately want her to feel safe with me. “What happened?” I ask softly.
She takes a deep breath, her gaze steady on mine. “I was in a talent show when I was fourteen,” she begins, her voice barely above a whisper. “I spent weeks practicing and preparing, but when I went on stage, I froze. I couldn't remember the lyrics, and my voice cracked. The audience laughed at me so I ran off the stage, humiliated.”
I feel a flash of rage toward the people who hurt her, but I push it down, trying to keep my voice calm and supportive. “I’m so sorry that happened, Callie. I can only imagine how traumatizing that was for you.”
“It was. I didn't sing for years after that,” she continues, her voice trembling. "I thought I was worthless, that I would never be good enough. I promised myself I'd never sing in front of anyone again, especially not in public. And I've stuck to it ... until now."
My heart stutters in my chest at her words.
She felt safe enough to share her voice with me.
“Well, I’m honored you were willing to sing in front of me, Callie.”
“You should be. My ex-husband didn’t even get the privilege of hearing my singing voice.” She smirks.
"I’m glad he didn’t,” I reply, feeling protective over her.
Callie smiles, her eyes shining with a newfound confidence. "Me too." She pauses, taking a deep breath. "But, Wade, I don't know if I can do it. Singing on your album would mean putting myself out there again. It's scary."
“I get it. But I also believe in you. You have a gift that the world deserves to hear.”
Callie's eyes widen at my words, and I see a glimmer of hope in them. “Do you really think so?”
“Absolutely,” I reply, a smile spreading across my face. “Please believe me when I tell you that if I didn’t think your voice was album quality, then I wouldn’t have offered it up to you.”
She smiles, her cute little nose scrunching up. “Thank you, Wade. That means a lot to me.”
