“Thank fuck for that,” I sigh, running a hand through my hair.
Abbie laughs and nods. “I can’t imagine what you must’ve felt when Hadley left,” she whispers. “But, I do think you use staying home with her as an excuse to not do the things you used to love, like going out with friends.”
I scratch my beard and stare straight ahead.
“Why?” Abbie’s worried voice catches my attention.
“My mom said something to me earlier, and it struck a chord.”
Abbie places her hand on my arm. “Gav, we all just want what’s best for you.”
“Look!” Penny jumps out of the dressing room, interrupting us. The pink top of the dress has a black and white polka dot collar, and then it flares into a sky blue skirt with a poodle on it and a matching black and white polka dot sash around her waist. She twirls, so the skirt floats around her.
“I love it,” Abbie praises.
“Daddy?” Penny smiles up at me with those big brown eyes.
“You look beautiful, sweetheart.” I kneel in front of her and smile.
“Yippee!” She jumps up and down and then hugs me.
“Go change so we can buy it,” I tell her.
Running into her stall, she expresses how excited she is.
“She’s a great girl, Gavin. You’ve done an amazing job. Maybe it is time to do more of what you love. Take time for yourself.” Abbie’s suggestion isn’t the first I hear.
“Maybe.” Deep down, I know she and my mom are right. However, Penny’s the only link I have left to Hadley, and she’ll always be a permanent link. In a way, holding on to her is like holding on to her mom.
Sutton
This past week I recorded my first music video, and it was such a neat experience to see everything that happens behind the scenes to create the videos I love binge-watching. That gives a deeper meaning to the songs I love. The week flew by between working on the video and writing the songs we need for the movie we are working on. Knox and I will have the majority of the soundtrack with a few other artists participating, including Rebel Desire, a country music band that has also served as inspiration for me.
Although I only saw Gavin that one time I ran into him and Lia at Cup-O-Joe, that didn’t stop me from daydreaming about him. It’s hopeless. I need to ride out this crush and wait until I get over the butterflies that flutter in my stomach every time I see him. Eventually, they’ll get tired of flapping their wings. I hope. Maybe spending this week in Nashville will give me space to think. About what, I’m not sure.
I could focus on my living situation. Most of the money I’m currently making is going to lodging at Everton and rent here in Nashville. Ainsley might be right when she asked me if I’d be moving to Everton. This month, I’ll be paying my share of the rent to come to my apartment for one week. It’s just not adding up.
I sigh and look out at the sun hanging low on the horizon as I lean forward on my elbows on the balcony rail. My cup of coffee warms my hands as I look around. Nashville is so different than Everton. There aren’t looming mountains covered in snow or vast ranch land. While I love this city, I’m questioning if my time here is coming to an end, which is hard to believe considering this is Music City. This is the home of the Grand Ole Opry, where all the big country stars have made a name for themselves. I love working with Knox and Harris, but I wonder if I’ll be making a mistake by leaving this city.
The cool rail hits my skin when I drop my forehead onto it. Confusion washes over me like it always does when I’m back in Nashville.
“Good mornin’, sunshine.”
I turn around to look at Kelsey, my roommate.
“Mornin’,” I grumble and leave the balcony behind me as I make my way into the apartment.
“Uh, oh. What’s got you down?” Kelsey sits on the couch and pats the cushion next to her. I met her when I moved to Nashville and rented the vacant room in her apartment. We became fast friends, and I’m grateful that I got a roommate who isn’t snotty or rude.
“Do you want coffee first?” I lift my eyebrows.
“No. I’m actually on a clean eating kick, and coffee is forbidden. Can you believe the audacity?” Her eyes widen in annoyance.
I laugh and plop on the couch. “Since when have you been on this clean eating thing? I’ve only been gone two weeks.”
“I started this week. We’ll see how long it really lasts, but I bought a book with recipes that should help. No coffee, though…” She eyes my mug with longing. “I don’t know how long I’ll do without that. I did find a good tea substitute, and I’ve been having smoothies for breakfast.”
“Good for you,” I praise.
Kelsey shrugs and rolls her eyes as if it were no big deal. “Tell me what’s going on.”
I take a deep, steadying breath and place the mug on the coffee table. “I’m thinking about my future and what’s best for me. I’ve been spending more time in Everton than here, which makes sense since the label is there, and I’m wondering if it would be smarter on my bank account to move to Everton.”
“Oh.” Kelsey’s eyebrows shoot up on her forehead. “I can’t say it surprises me, though.”
“It just makes no sense to pay rent and hotel when I’m there more often than here, but I don’t know if moving out of Nashville is the smartest choice for my career. I mean, it’s Nashville. I fought so hard to get here.”
“And you did get here. Sutton, Nashville is more of
