smoothies to bring with us to the venue that we’ll have between the sound check and the show.
But our time to relax is over. It’s time to get ready.
The crowd sits in absolute silence as the last notes of my song fade into the rafters, everyone holding their breath for one brief, wondrous moment before erupting in applause.
A huge smile bursts onto my face as I loop the neck strap of my guitar over my head and off, elation making me feel like I could float in the air, lifted by the adulation of this crowd and my own joy at the obvious success of this show. “Thank you so much!” I say into the microphone before taking a bow. “Thank you all for coming out tonight. It means so much to Colt and me that you’re here. We appreciate your support!”
The applause grows louder, confirmation that I didn’t need of our nearly-full house, punctuated by ear-splitting whistles and screams that reach me through my in-ear monitors. Turning to face the wings, I wave Colt onto the stage, needing him to share this moment with me. When we were going over the set list, I’d suggested finishing with one of the duets, but he’d declined, saying it was my show more than his, and I should be the closer. But we agreed to hold one duet back as an encore if we need it. And with the way this crowd is carrying on, we’ll definitely need it. It’s really the perfect way to round this out, no matter what Colt might’ve said.
Jogging to my side, he grabs my free hand, and we take a bow together, straightening and grinning at the audience.
They loved the show. Every last second of it. They clapped and sang along on the choruses of the upbeat songs, and they sat in reverent silence for the slow, soulful ballads, treating Colt and me with equal warmth and pleasure. Hearing their reactions to my songs is everything I’ve ever wanted out of being a performer. Sure, selling out Madison Square Gardens is the ultimate goal, but even if I never make it that far, this is what my soul needs. Performing, writing, sharing my music with the world, and surrounding myself with people—both fans and fellow performers—who get it. This right here is the summation of what and how I want my life to be.
Ricky, the venue owner, told us before the show that it was almost a sold-out crowd, better than he would’ve expected. Apparently our pre-show promotion aimed at my fans and Brash’s fans worked like a charm.
A stagehand comes forward and takes my guitar to put it back in its case, and Colt wraps his arms around me, picking me up in a rib-crushing hug, grinning from ear to ear. My smile matches his, and we just bask in this moment together, no need for words, which is good, since we wouldn’t be able to hear each other anyway.
The crowd starts chanting something, and at first I can’t quite make it out, but it eventually resolves itself into a drumbeat of, “Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!”
The grin on Colt’s face changes as he sets me back on my feet, still there, but softening to include more affection rather than just unbridled joy at a well-received performance. This is the look he gives me sometimes when I’m working through problems in a song, this reflective, awe-struck expression that I always pretend not to see. It’s too telling, too real, too raw. Too much of all the things we aren’t supposed to have together. The things I’m not supposed to want with him because it could get too messy.
But now I can’t ignore it. Not when his face is inches from mine. His lips move, and he says something I can’t quite make out, but if I had to guess, I think it’s, “Have to give the crowd what they want.”
His face moves, and I hold my breath, bracing myself for his kiss. Not because I don’t want it, but because I do. Too much.
Then his lips are on mine, firm and demanding, his arms tightening around me again, and he’s not holding back at all. This isn’t just a kiss, it’s a declaration—of lust, longing, pride, and belonging. I’m reeling from all of it, unconsciously responding with all the feelings I’ve been holding back.
His lips part, moving mine along with them, and his tongue slides into my mouth, tasting me as he pulls me closer.