So much for secret relationship. Good.
The world now knew, which was how he’d wanted it anyway.
He glanced ahead of them at Thomas Rhett and his wife, walking the red carpet, hand-in-hand. He’d do the same. He squeezed Taylor's fingers. “I’m looking forward to your performance.”
She laughed as she walked beside him as if the cameras and lights just made her more jubilant when they usually made him more reserved. “And yours. At practice your country version of "The One" was great.”
His body tightened.
Something was off with Taylor. Or it seemed to be. He wasn’t sure, but she usually became more exaggerated when nervous unless that habit of hers had changed.
Hopefully not, as he liked reading her, but the press called for him, “Eddie Williams…”
He ignored any one particular reporter and continued walking with an occasional wave.
He absolutely preferred the rawness of standing in a crowd with his microphone and singing to walking this carpet. He squared his shoulders and continued as someone else screamed at him from the press, “Eddie.”
But he didn’t stop. The faceless crowd who only cared about his clothes seemed… silly to him. Music was what truly mattered. Tam took care of his wardrobe.
Then someone called out, “Taylor!”
She stopped so he did too as she asked, “Yes?”
The reporter with a video camera asked, “Who are you here with?”
She had a twitch in her cheek.
Nerves were clearly racing through her as she said, “My girls the Lipstick Outlaws,” she pointed to the other women but then she pressed her hand on his chest and said, “and of course my oldest friend in the world, Eddie Williams.”
His stomach twisted.
Married meant they were not just friends.
Not anymore.
But she never once she said loved him with her whole heart. It was always just a part.
The words churned in his soul and ignited in a symphony as the female reporter asked, “Friends, Taylor?”
She held up their hands that were tightly clasped and laughed. “Well, he is Eddie Williams, what can I say?”
More cameras zoomed in on them.
Hopefully soon she would tell him that she loved him, completely.
Waiting for Taylor’s career to coincide with his would be easier then.
But for now, he stood like a silent sentinel and that was probably strange considering where they were.
Walk with attitude, when he sang from his heart and soul, seemed contrary but he stood taller and broadened his shoulders.
The reporter asked, “So you two…?”
“Let’s move.” He waved for the camera. The sooner they headed inside the faster they’d be out of the limelight and more prepared to perform.
Stage was always his preference and if he could live with a microphone to sing in to, he’d be happier than being awkward in a suit. Taylor fixed his tie now that they'd made it inside the other door and headed toward their seats as she said, “I wasn’t ready for that.”
Taylor was exactly who the press wanted on the red carpet. Alive, beautiful and photogenic. Being surrounded by her and her girls was almost a cover for his shyness. “It’s fine. I don’t want to hide that I’m into you.”
She inhaled and lowered her lashes so he couldn’t see her blue eyes as she said, “You should.”
“Why?” He traced her finger where her ring should be--he hated that she wasn't wearing it. He whispered into her ear so only she heard, “You’re my wife.”
She sucked in her bottom lip and said as she met his gaze, “Because no one’s supposed to know. We can’t have your fans upset enough not to buy your next album.”
Half of her bandmates were directed toward the side door where the stars would slip in and out to perform as he held her close and said, “I can’t write another song of being invisible to your eyes if you’re now holding my hand. I’m hoping they buy a few love songs.”
She ran a soft finger across his cheek. “You don’t have to write about me.”
No other muse burned in his soul. “I don’t know how not to write about you.”
Rissa waved at them and Taylor let him go. “Eddie, I have to go change for the show. I’ll sit with you once we both finish our performances.”
Tam was at the same door and pointed toward her watch. He needed to get out of his monkey suit and into his signature relaxed with jeans look for the stage. “I’m looking forward to it.”
He changed quickly and watched the Lipstick Outlaws perform from behind the curtain. Katie Lyn wowed the crowd with her sass. Rissa jammed on her guitar. C.C. beat on her drums. Cinnamon worked the stage while playing her fiddle. And Mac trailed behind her with her bass. All six of them maneuvered the stage and ensured everyone in the crowd could see them, but Eddie’s gaze stayed on Taylor. She stormed the melody with her keys, sang backup, and bounced out of her stool pointing to the crowd as she sang along.
Taylor Jones was still the sweetheart he’d always known her to be as she belted out, I came to Nashville to find out; If country life is there for the taking; If a good life is waiting, waiting for me…
The beat and melody seemed like her style. Hopefully she too had a new song in her heart. As she exited the stage, he caught her hands and said, “You were wonderful.”
She kissed his cheek, but then he had to let her go as the announcer called his name. As he took the stage, he turned back for a second.
She was still smiling wide at him with joy.
As he picked up his microphone, he called out, “Can Taylor Jones come back out here for a minute?”
The crowd cheered and he held out his hand for her with the ring around his neck pressing against his bare skin.
Her face was red, but she strode out in her jeans and pink glitter boots, clasping his hand. “What’s going on, Eddie?”
He smiled. The world had to see how she radiated goodness. “I was asked to be here at the Country Music Awards, which I considered an honor though country music isn’t a British art form. I hesitated, but then I said yes--because the woman I have always loved, who never noticed me, might be here tonight. Taylor introduced me to country music years ago, and it is all about a yearning heart.”
Her blush went all over her face, but she spoke into the microphone, “Eddie loves all music.”
There was no getting out of this. Not for him. He’d lost all hope until he’d seen her again. “But you’re the only woman I ever loved, Taylor.”
She patted his shoulder, embarrassed at being the center of attention. “Eddie, sing your song.”
She tried to go but he didn’t let her, so she whirled back. “Only if you stay right here, beside me.”
She beamed a huge smile as she held up their joined hands. “Can I get my piano?”
He laughed. “Of course. And your band, as we both know you love writing lyrics more than singing.”
She shook her head like she’d scold him, but then turned toward the sidelines and called, “Will the Lipstick Outlaws come on back out?”
Taylor released his hand and hurried back to her piano.
Katie Lyn sauntered to the center stage and joked, “Why Eddie, you missed singing with me?”
He gave her a nod. “You helped make "The One" a crossover hit in Memphis, so let’s do it live.”
She gave him a saucy wink for the cameras as she said, “You’re on, Rock Star. Let’s see what you got.”
He glanced at Taylor who was ready to play as he told her friend on stage, “Been a long time since a woman challenged me with a microphone.”
Katie Lyn motioned with her finger toward Taylor. “Keep making those moon eyes at one of my best friends and we’ll keep this song going longer and longer.”
Then they played his hit.
And in those moments, he just sang like he hoped Taylor might hear him again.
Hopefully this time, now that she was here, she truly underst
ood that she was his everything.
And then it ended, the stage dimmed, and he imagined commercials must be playing on TV.
The crowd cheered as he and the ladies left the stage for the final time.
He followed Tam toward his changing room and put his suit back on before returning to his seat. Within minutes the Lipstick Outlaws were back in their seats, adorned in dresses. Taylor was last to leave the back room, but she took his breath away in her pink gown as she came to sit beside him.
A slight pout was on her face. The show came back on to award the best album. “Taylor, what’s wrong?”
Her eyes were glassy like she might cry as she said, “My parents probably saw that.”
“So? I thought I was winning them over.”
“You are, but we’ll talk about this later. Let’s enjoy now.”
“I still don’t get it.” Her parents liked him. Her mother had texted him about his dinner preferences as they wanted to ensure he enjoyed all the courses. He wished there wasn’t an armrest between them as he whispered, “I’ll be at their house in three days, with you.”
The crowd cheered for Thomas Rhett as he took the stage.
The cheering almost drowned out Taylor’s whispered answer, “I’m just scared to turn into my mother.”
Her art meant she’d never be anyone but herself. Same with him. Yet she was honest and pure and everything he’d ever want or need in this world. Her time with the band didn’t matter as he had a promise for forever. “Don’t be. I can wait for you.”
They both ignored the speech as she reached over the armrest and squeezed his hand. “I don’t want to hurt you like your parents always did when they didn’t show up.”
Was her fear about them? He’d had years of therapy and a lifetime of disappointments he’d talked about…it didn’t change anything, but it had allowed him to move forward. He whispered, “You’re different.”
Another winner was announced, and everyone went onto their feet to clap. He hadn’t heard who or what won, but Taylor had a tear in her eye as she said, “How? I’m with my girls. We have a contract, a number one album, a tour and we’re figuring out our second album with hopes for more. I committed to be in the Lipstick Outlaws and our journey together has been amazing.”
“I can wait.”
“How?”
“Because unlike my parents, you will come.” He wiped her face, so her makeup stayed perfect.
More cheers erupted and then the lights went off.
The show was over. “How are you so sure?”
He walked into the aisle so they could all leave fast as he said, “Because I know you.”
She took a deep breath, nodded and said, “You’re invited for waffles after.”
“I’m honored.” He placed his hand on his heart.
If she invited him into her ritual with her friends after the show that meant that she was open to a true relationship.
Hopefully soon she'd realize that she loved him.
As they headed outside toward the waiting helicopter, Katie Lyn joked and pointed to their small group climbing aboard. “Eddie Williams, do you have any clones out there? We have lots of single women on the tour.”
His mind raced. Taylor was no longer part of that number and he’d ensure it stayed that way--he thought of an answer. “I’m jamming with Indigo Five next week in Miami.”
Rissa asked, “I thought you were heading to Denver, for Taylor?”
“I’ll be there.” He took the last seat, next to Taylor. “After the Denver trip, Indigo Five asked me to write a song for them.”
The helicopter driver lifted off and soon the world grew smaller underneath them as the lights of the city illuminated the darkness below but up here, they could also see the stars. Her friends all laughed at the rush. Katie Lyn loudly said, “C.C., Diesel is one of the hottest drummers in the world.”
Her nose wrinkled. “He’s on top of his game, but he’s too much of a bad boy rock star.”
Rissa laughed as she held Jake’s hand and joked, “Guess we’re not getting to duet with the rock stars, which is fine. Eddie here is enough, as country is in my soul.”
With Taylor the ride over Vegas was more delightful than he imagined. He pointed out the Venetian and she grew quiet until she motioned toward the MGM where they’d just performed. She laughed and stayed beside him, just like they were teenagers again.
The tour ended and they headed to a hole-in-the-wall diner for waffles. He read the menu and shook his head. “This place doesn’t have ice cream.”
Cinnamon laughed. “You and Taylor really are a perfect match.”
Her bandmate gave him hope as he met Taylor’s sparkling blue eyes and said, “I like to think so.”
She made a face that made him laugh and confirmed the obvious. Today was a perfect day.
Maybe that would be his new song for himself.
13
Taylor’s eyelids felt like leaded weights, but she fought the heaviness and opened her eyes.
Her nose detected the coffee and caramel smell which helped.
As she finally focused, she saw a blue mug with her latte steaming on the table beside her.
She heard water in the shower, so she knew where Eddie was, since he wasn’t beside her. She tossed the sheets aside, comfy in his super long t-shirt she’d borrowed to sleep in, stretched and drank her favorite latte.
Her mind and body were both at ease by the time the shower turned off and she put her cup down, waiting for Eddie.
Rushing into relationships had always been a ticket to disaster, and she’d never thought she'd get married so fast. But… this was Eddie.
She met his sparkling green eyes as he came out dressed in blue cotton lounge pants. He grinned. “Good morning.”
She stood and headed into the bathroom herself as she said, “You are way too chipper in the morning when we’re both up early to travel to our next shows.”
"This from Miss Sunshine?" He sat down to drink some of his own coffee and said, “That’s funny, Taylor. I’ll have another latte for you when you get out.”
He picked up his phone to order and she headed in.
The water washed away the remains of her tiredness, waking her up.
She threw her black and pink leggings on, and a pink shirt with black glittery flowers on the shoulders that would be comfortable on the tour bus.
She added pink flower studs for her ears and went out to join Eddie, who placed another latte and some pastries, eggs and a full spread of food, minus the waffles, on the table.
He must have had enough as he’d fit in wonderfully with her team and their diner traditions.
Eddie took such good care of her. But it was a wife’s job to help and so far, she hadn't done much. She sat at the table for two inside the room and gripped the cushion of the chair. “Okay, so our roles have reversed somehow.”
He winked. “You’re the sweetheart of our relationship. Don’t worry about that.”
He’d tugged on a black t-shirt and blue jeans that probably cost more than her entire wardrobe…she pointed with her nose toward her backpack. “I packed this time so I can just leave from your room, and not worry about checking out from mine.”
He jumped up and went into his duffel and pulled out a plain black bag. “I have another shirt for you.”
They had to create Lipstick Outlaw t-shirts so she could send him one. She opened the package. “What?”
He laughed as she took out a pink shirt with his name and logo. He said, “I’ll get you enough so you can wear an Eddie Williams shirt wherever you go.”
He made her happy and for a moment she forgot anything else. She picked up her coffee and said, “You’re so sporting the Lipstick Outlaws on TV.”
“Done,” he said, like he'd just made her a vow. Taylor knew he’d do it and that she could trust Eddie. He always followed through which was part of why she’d married him.
She turned the shirt over and saw rhinestones around his head like
a halo--she folded it up with a giggle. “How can you have so many pink designs?”
He leaned close and her entire body tingled like he’d kiss her but then he picked up a small raspberry pastry. “I have lots of female fans.” He popped the sweet treat in his mouth.
Today was like old times, but they'd each changed for the better, too. She didn’t know much about his life after he'd shot to fame. She put her coffee down but stared in the cup. “Have any fans… ever?”
He placed his hand on hers causing sparks to fire off in her skin. “You’ve been in my heart since we were teens. There is no one else.”
She let out a sigh. He shouldn’t feel that way. She honestly didn’t deserve him or this or them. Her body tensed. “Eddie, are you sure you want to wait? You’re at the top of the world and I’m just starting my career.”
He licked his lips and his green eyes shone with… love as he said, “It’s worth waiting for the best instead of settling for the easy and available.”
Her stomach twisted. He shouldn’t love her. She pursed her lips--she couldn’t tell him how she felt. If she did, she’d be even more flawed and stupid and mostly unworthy, but she argued and said, “That’s not nice.”
He fixed his plate with some eggs as he shrugged. “It’s something I’ve always believed. Before you left New York, I turned a few labels down. I’d rather wait for a good contract than take the first few offers I had. And my patience paid off.”
“Cause you’re like smart,” she said in her best movie impression and then she shared with complete honesty, “I’m used to messing up my own happiness, so it’s hard to imagine a future where I can be happy, having it all.”
He reached for her hand. “You’re smart, Taylor, and you can have whatever you want if you just figure out what might work for you.”
She finished her yogurt parfait and nodded as she noticed the clock. The bus would leave soon. She sighed and stretched. “I guess, but for now I have to get going.”
He finished his last bite too and stood. She asked, “I assume you’re flying to LA for your next gig?”
She left the table and he opened the closet and checked the drawers in case he forgot anything. “Yeah, the plane is already fueled. It’s easier to get around that way—have fun in Salt Lake.”
Taylor’s Legendary Heart: Sweethearts of Country Music, Book 2 Page 10
