“You’re glued and taped. There will be no ‘wardrobe malfunctions’ tonight. Not on my watch.” Emma gave an emphatic nod.
“Excellent. Let’s get this show on the road.”
Sophie handed her a small gold clutch that paired nicely with the very thin necklace she was wearing. She opened her bedroom door and walked down the hallway into the living room where Danny was waiting for her.
“I’m ready,” she called, as she entered the room.
“Oh, my God.” Danny said, his voice raspy and needy.
“What?” She looked down at her chest to make sure everything was in place.
“You look…words fail me. Beautiful doesn’t cover it.” His tongue darted out between his teeth, and he slowly licked his bottom lip.
“You think?” Abby smiled and walked toward him.
“I don’t think. I know. Exquisite might come close.” He moved closer to her.
“As much as I’d like to stand here and watch you both eye fuck each other, it is time to roll,” Connor said with a laugh. “Plus, I don’t have any popcorn.”
“I guess that’s our friendly reminder that we are about to be late.” Abby kissed Danny and let him guide her to the car.
* * *
“Five minute warning,” King called from the front seat of the limo. They needed to rush through the red carpet because Abby was opening the show. Sophie had prepped everyone earlier that day, but King still took a moment to review his instructions “Remember that we have to wait until the team gets to the car before I’ll let you out. Once you’re out, I know you need to stop for pictures and press, but I’d like to keep things brief. Any questions?”
“Got it,” Abby said. “And Sophie will shut the press down if they try to keep me.”
“I know she will, but I wanted to make sure you were good.”
“I’m good. Thanks, King.”
“Showtime,” King announced and opened his door.
Abby was getting nervous. Not about the performance, but about walking the red carpet with Danny. Once they stepped out of the car together, the entire world would know that they were a couple. It was a lot of pressure. She knew how it felt to be under constant scrutiny, but it would be new to Danny. She waited for King to close the car door before turning to Danny, “Are you ready for this?” She tried to get her voice to sound light but it betrayed her; she was worried.
“Ready for what?” Danny looked confused by the question.
“Going out there. Staying with me.” She shrugged, trying for indifference but not succeeding.
“You ask now?” Danny chuckled. “Of course I’m fine with it. We’re together. Why should we hide it? Right?”
“Yes.” Abby smiled.
“I’d kiss you, but I think Sophie would kill me if I mess up your make-up.”
“She probably would.”
“Nervous?” Danny asked.
“Not anymore. Just excited to see how everyone reacts to the song. I don’t even care if I win anything,” she admitted.
“I think tonight is more about the performance, don’t you? I know I can’t wait to hear it.”
“I agree, and I’m really curious to hear if you like it.” Abby gave him a look.
“What does that mean?”
King opened the door. “Time to move.”
“Saved by King,” she teased and blew Danny a kiss as she stepped out of the car.
Abby and Danny were bombarded with reporters yelling their names and asking them prying questions about their relationship. Camera flashes went off in her face, blinding Abby for a brief moment. Abby loved the red carpet, but between the reporters and fans, it was overwhelming. Everyone was calling her name and begging her to stop. She followed Sophie’s lead with interviews and also paused for photos and signed a few autographs before being ushered inside. Everything after that was a blur. Danny kissed her cheek and left for his seat, and then she was whisked away to prep for her performance.
“Here is your mike pack, Ms. Murphy.”
“Thank you.” She tucked it into the pre-made holder that was sewn into her dress. Sophie helped her set the wires in place and within minutes she was ready for her performance. A producer knocked on her dressing room.
“Ms. Murphy, five minute warning.”
“Thanks.”
“Showtime,” her drummer said, and she followed the band to the stage.
The house lights dimmed. The audience started to scream and chant. They didn’t know who was scheduled to open the show, but the blog-o-sphere was littered with rumors that Abby would be performing tonight. Officially, she was only marked as a guest.
Those butterflies she loved were dancing in her stomach. This was the part she enjoyed the most. Right before the lights went on. It was always rush, rush, rush to get to the stage, but once she was on her marker, the chaos around her simply fell away, leaving her a few precious seconds to take it all in. This was her life. And tonight she would be performing her music and her words. She couldn’t wait for Danny to hear it. She’d let him listen to a few songs from the album but held this one back. The intro to the song started. It was finally time.
* * *
Danny sat alone with several empty seats around him for Abby and her entourage. Letting someone else take the lead when it came to Abby was still strange, but he was trying and thought he had adjusted quite nicely. At least Abby seemed to feel better about it. Tonight he really wanted to sit back, enjoy her performance, and celebrate with her. He had no doubt she’d nail it.
The room went completely dark, and the announcer’s voice boomed through the speakers. Once Abby was introduced, the place erupted in cheers even louder than before.
When the curtain lifted, he was mesmerized by her beauty and her voice. She was an amazing talent who had been held back by a jealous mother for years. Now she was shining, and he couldn’t have been prouder.
He watched in awe as she sang from her heart. She was hitting every note, and had the crowd cheering and swaying along to the music. He hadn’t heard the song before, but Abby had hinted that the words were significant, so he tried to pay attention to what she was singing and not get swept away by her beauty. He closed his eyes for a moment and let her voice move through him.
He opened his eyes in time to see Abby look over toward their seats. Her happiness was unmistakable. It radiated off her and made it hard to fight the lump in his throat. All around him, the crowd was screaming for more. They were all on their feet, but all he could see was her.
* * *
“Holy shit, that was amazing!” Sophie pulled Abby into a tight hug. Abby’s body was charged with adrenaline, and she needed to move. She managed to extricate herself.
“Ohimgod, did you see them? They gave you a standing ovation.” Sophie cheered.
“Yes.” Abby yelled over the noise and chaos of the people around them backstage. She was overcome with so many emotions. “Sophie, I need to get back to my seat. I want to see Danny.”
“Let me see if we can go now while they are on commercial break.”
Sophie disappeared, and Abby took a few pictures with backstage hands while King stayed close.
“Okay, we got the all clear if we go right now.” Sophie explained.
“Let’s go.” She needed to see Danny.
He was waiting for her with open arms. She ran to him, and he lifted her off the floor and held her tightly.
“That was fucking amazing.” Danny whispered in her ear and gave her a kiss right below it.
They sat down in their seats and finally she had a moment to just breathe and take in what just happened. “What did you think?” she asked Danny.
“Abby, I was blown away. And just so you know I love you too,” he winked.
Abby beamed. The song was about them and their journey. She had been scared to share it, but the look on Danny’s face said it all.
She moved closer to him and whispered, “I can’t wait to get home.”
The night was fil
led with crazy acts and drunken musicians, but Abby didn’t care. It was all par for the course when you were in the music biz. She was up for a few awards, but those things weren’t something she ever really strived to get. Those were things her mother wanted.
“The next award is for video of the year.” Abby looked toward the stage when she heard a familiar voice boom through the speakers.
Aisling.
“The nominees are…” Aisling turned to watch the videos displayed on the stage screens. Abby looked over at Danny and felt overwhelmed with the depth of her feelings for him.
“And the winner is…” Aisling struggled to open the envelope. “Abby Murphy!”
She heard her name, but it sounded like Aisling was in a tunnel. If it wasn’t for Danny’s strong arms helping her from her seat, she would’ve believed she was dreaming. She felt like her feet weren’t even on the floor.
“You won!” he shouted. “Go up there.” He let go of her hand.
“No.” She pulled him along with her. “Come with me.”
“This is your moment. Own it.”
“No. Danny, without you none of this comes true for me.” She pulled him up on the stage with her where she took the award from Aisling and gave her a fierce hug.
“Thank you so much,” she said into the microphone. “I know time is running out so I’ll keep this short. Without the man standing beside me, none of this would be possible. Danny, you taught me to believe in myself again. You gave me the courage to take a chance. You made me feel special and you cared when very few really did. You encouraged me, loved me, inspired me, and I thank God every day that we found each other, because without you, there is no me. Thank you.”
THE END
Saving Us
Sophie and Connor’s story
I started writing Finding Us nearly two years ago. Writing a book was always this dream in the back of my mind yet never talked about. I started a few times, and I stopped soon after. I felt so lost and had no clue what I was doing.
When I started blogging, I discovered the indie book world, and my little dream resurfaced. I still didn’t have a clue, but the more I blogged and read indie authors, the more I thought about trying again. I mentioned it to an author friend one day, and instead of laughing, she encouraged me and helped me. Before I knew it, I was writing the story of Abby and Danny.
Since then, I’ve had the help and support of many people, and I’d like them all to know just how thankful I am to have them in my life. Most of them I’ve never met, but we’ve become such great friends I don’t know what I’d do without them in my life.
Mom—You’ve always encouraged me to follow my dreams and supported me in all my crazy ideas. I could never express to you how much that means. I love you so very much.
Dad—I wish you were here to see this, but I know you are up in heaven watching. Thank you for always supporting me in my dreams. You spent countless hours driving me back and forth to voice and piano lessons, rehearsals, auditions, and concerts, and you never complained. I miss you every day.
Vinny and Joanne—Thank you for your encouragement and understanding when I would visit only to disappear for hours to write. Vinny, you’re the best brother a girl could ask for. Thank you for answering my EMT questions and for risking your life daily to save others. I like to tease you a lot, but that really is an amazing job, and you’re awesome at it.
Genna, Vincent, and Vanessa—I love you three more than my own life. I’m so lucky to have you as my nieces and nephew. I love watching you grow and mature into such wonderful people. You make me the proudest aunt in the world.
Sheri—Thank you doesn’t seem to cover it. You encouraged me to try and write. You said you just sit down and do it. You shared your knowledge and never got annoyed with my million and one questions. Your generosity is like none I’ve known before. Without your help and support I wouldn’t have a book or a business. Thank you for all you do. I appreciate you more than I could ever say in a few sentences.
Andi—Thank you for sharing your time and knowledge with me. You answered all my questions, let me work through ideas, and guided me in the right direction when I went totally off track. You didn’t make me feel like I was some newbie that knew nothing. Instead you encouraged me and made me feel like mistakes were okay and rewriting was fun. Thank you for making my first experience with an editor a positive one.
Scriptease Editing—I spent countless hours trying to find a copy and line editor. Every website I looked at made me wonder about why they were editors. You’re answered all my questions and when I reached out to you I was immediately comfortable. I loved how not only edited by book but you shared useful pieces of knowledge with me that I’ll always keep. Thank you for an amazing experience. I can’t wait to work on my next project with you!
Lannah—Thank you so much for the wonderful job you did proofreading Finding Us. I really appreciate everything you did.
Cover Me, Darling—Thank you for the kick ass cover. I love it so much! Also, thank you for being so professional and patient with me. Working with you was effortless.
Brenda Wright – Formatting Done Wright—Thank you for being great and doing a fabulous job. Also, for walking a newbie like me through the process.
To my Street Team—Thank you for all your support. You rock!
Stephanie (of Stephanie’s Book Reports)—Thank you for all your support. I loved your Beta Ghost program and took so much of the feedback I got from that group. Your friendship means so much to me.
Tonya—Thank you for being such a great friend. You started following my blog when it was brand new and somehow we developed a friendship that I truly cherish. Your constant encouragement and enthusiasm has meant so much to me.
All of my co-bloggers on The Book Enthusiast (TBE)—Paula, Kelly, Cindy, Erin, Tami, Cyndi, Anja, Loredana, Nikki, Misha, Dawnmarie and Nicola. Without the help from you all I’d never have been able to keep TBE active while working on promotions and writing. I really appreciate and love you all.
Emma—Thank you so much for all you do. You work tirelessly behind the scenes at Book Enthusiast Promotions and your support and friendship means so much to me.
To my nurses, Beth and Nikki—Thank you for chatting with me and answering my endless questions. Nikki you were also my go to girl for all things Army. Thanks so much to both of you.
Finally, I’d like to thank you for taking the time to read Finding Us. I truly appreciate you taking a chance on a new author like myself.
Table of Contents
About the Author
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Acknowledgements
Finding Us Page 29
