Page 75 of The Love Chase

I sighed, my patience at an all-time low. “What are you talking about?”

I imagined her pinching the bridge of her nose like she always did as she said, “Did you already forget our conversation this morning? You were supposed to fly out this afternoon, remember? You have a commitment at The Phoenix’s Wing tonight, not to mention several gigs here in California over the next few days. I sent you the details last week. Emma can stay in Iowa this time.”

Dread settled into my bones, sending my stomach through the floor. How had I forgotten that? The Phoenix’s Wing was my most-frequented venue, owned by some of the wealthiest producers in the music industry. Anyone that wanted to be anything played there—as often as possible. I used to love it, but after everything that had been happening with Emma, it was suddenly the last place on earth I wanted to be.

“I forgot,” I admitted. “I’ll head to the airport now.” Regret filled my bones. I hated the thought of leaving Emma again—especially after what had just happened at Dina’s. I’d gotten so used to her presence, the thought of suddenly being without it made a heavy weight sink into my stomach.

“Make sure you pack your nice clothes. Multiple days’ worth,” Bridget ordered as if she were my mother and not my manager.

“Days?”

“Are you even listening? I said you have multiple gigs lined up for the next few days, not just at The Phoenix’s Wing.”

“But I need to be back in Meridel by Saturday.”

“Sorry, Liam. No can do. This is in your contract. This is part of the deal.”

“I have another commitment,” I ground out, my jaw aching from clenching my teeth. “I need to be here for Emma. The rest will have to be rescheduled.” Or canceled.

“The heck you do,” Bridget snapped. “You don’t just bail on these gigs, Liam.”

“I promised Emma—”

“I don’t care what you promised your fake wife. I’m sending the jet for you. Be at the airport in two hours.”

“Bridget—”

“Two hours, Liam,” she repeated. “I don’t think you want to find out what happens if you aren’t at The Phoenix’s Wing tonight.”

The line clicked, ending the call before I could argue any further.

Crap.

I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t want to back out on going to the convention with Emma any more than I wanted to back out on these gigs. This was the type of thing that could make or break my career, and when it was already in a precarious position, it wasn’t a good idea to push the limit any further.

But…Emma.

I knew how much this weather exhibit meant to her, and how much it meant for me to come with her. She had been so hesitant to ask me in the first place. Emma was the one person who had always been there for me when no one else was. I hated the thought of letting her down.

I hated the mental image of her face falling when I told her I couldn’t go with her.

Putting my face in my hands, I sat on the bed. I hated this. I hated having someone else rule my life, being beholden to these rules that I never wanted to follow in the first place. Ever since I’d married Emma, I found myself thinking more and more about what it would be like to break ties with Bridget and do things my own way. Though, I’d be the first to admit how crazy that was, especially after all I’d done to get where I was. It would be foolish to throw it away.

Emma would understand, wouldn’t she? She knew how difficult my life could be and how important something like this was. I mean, the whole reason we had gotten married in the first place was to help my career. Surely, she’d understand that this was another way to help. Right?

Resigned to the fact that I was about to hurt her, I rose from the bed and went downstairs. Emma was chugging a bottle of water in the kitchen.

Her face lit up when she saw me, a smile spreading across her lips when she’d swallowed. I didn’t miss the way her eyes gave me a once over and I automatically stood a little taller.

“Hey,” she said, crossing the space between us and wrapping her arms around me.

My tongue dried up and I couldn’t find any words, so I settled for holding her in my arms. How could I leave her again? How had I ever left her in the first place?

I felt like my heart was at war with itself. My music career was everything I’d ever worked for and wanted. Everything I’d ever dreamed of.

But reality hadn’t been as kind as my dreams.

Sure, I’d gotten to make music and become successful. But I was also alone in one of the busiest cities in the country. I had nobody while I was there, searching for someone in all the wrong places.