Chapter 46

forty-six

ANDREW

Taking a deep breath, I focused on relaxing my shoulders, not the sound of thousands of people waiting for the fundraising concert to begin. As I exhaled, the air slowly left my lungs. Another deep breath, then a slow, controlled exhale.

“Knock, knock. Is it all right if I…” Paul stuck his head around the thick curtain. “Sorry. I didn’t realize you were meditating.”

Uncrossing my legs, I sighed. “I was doing some relaxation exercises, but they’re not working. I’m still terrified of going on the stage.”

“For what it’s worth, you don’t look terrified. You seem calm and Zen-like.” Paul helped me to my feet. “I wanted to wish you all the best.”

“Thanks.”

“Don’t worry about the concert. Everyone’s excited to be here.”

I swallowed. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

Paul’s gaze shot around the curtained-off sitting area. With a relieved sigh, he rushed across to a bucket and pushed it into my hands. “Use this. It’ll stop anything from staining your outfit.”

What my trousers and shirt looked like was the least of my problems. Deep inside, I knew I’d be okay. But that didn’t help my nerves or the rush of adrenaline each time I heard the crowd clap and cheer.

Paul frowned. “Where’s Tim?”

“He went to check something with his publicist.”

“On a positive note, you look amazing. Did you buy the shirt for the concert?”

“This is one of the outfits I wore when I was touring.” I touched the black fringe on the sleeve. “I’ll probably get too hot, but it’ll be okay for the first couple of songs.”

“Have you got a bottle of water to take on the stage with you?”

I pointed to a cooler sitting on the ground. “There’s plenty in there.”

If it weren’t for Paul, I’d be shaking like a leaf by now. He knew I was scared of performing. This was his way of making sure I was okay.

“Is Amy with her friends?”

Paul nodded. “She was happy to go with everyone. Especially when they’re sitting in a different area from their parents. Joseph’s at home with Liam.”

Just thinking about Paul’s cute son made me feel calmer. “Thanks for coming. I feel better already.”

“That’s good. Remember, no one will be judging you. They’re here to enjoy themselves.” Paul looked around the curtained-off area. “I’m surprised Pastor Adam created this room for you. It isn’t exactly Caesar’s Palace, but it has a rustic charm.”

I smiled. “As long as the rustic charm gives me some privacy when I need to change, I’ll be happy.”

“I wouldn’t count on it. It might pay to ask someone to hold the curtains closed. Otherwise, someone like me could barge in and catch you half-dressed.”

“I wore my sensible underwear.”

Jacob’s head appeared around the edge of the curtain. “I’m glad to hear it.”

I sighed. “Paul was just talking about the lack of privacy out here. Thanks for coming.”

“I wouldn’t have missed it for anything.” Jacob studied my face. “You look a little pale. Are you feeling all right?”

“He’s nervous,” Paul said on my behalf. “I’m not sure how we can help him.”

Jacob turned to me. “Have you tried any natural remedies? Lavender oil is great if you want to relax.”

“I thought about bringing some with me, but Jenny had already closed the general store by the time I drove past.”

Jacob frowned. “I could always look in someone’s garden. There has to be a few stalks of lavender somewhere in Sunrise Bay.”

After Jacob thought of a few more things I could try, he smiled. “Do you feel better?”

Surprisingly, I did. “I think I do. And the best part is that I don’t need a bucket anymore.”

Jacob grimaced. “My job is done.”

When another burst of applause came from the audience, I only cringed a little.

“I should go back to my seat.” Paul hugged me. “Have a great concert.”

“Thanks.”

After Paul left, Jacob asked, “Do you want me to leave, too?”

That was the last thing I wanted. “No, stay. It’s good to have company.”

“While you’re singing, I’ll be sitting by the front of the stage on the right-hand side. If you need reassurance, just look my way.”

“I’ll remember.”

“Good.”

The curtain opened again and Tim stepped into the changing room. “Hi, Jacob. Are you looking forward to the concert?”

“I am. I’ll be even happier when Andrew’s on the stage.”

Tim studied my face. “I don’t need to ask how you’re feeling.”

“I’m better since Paul and Jacob visited me.”

“That’s good.” Tim pulled out a small gift bag. “I’ve got something that might make you feel even better. Scott said this helps calm his nerves.”

Whatever was inside the bag wouldn’t be illegal. But with Scott’s knowledge about natural supplements, herbs, and spices, anything could be lurking inside the canvas.

I opened the drawstring. Inside was a small sachet tied with a pale purple ribbon. I lifted it to my nose and sighed.

“It’s lavender,” Tim said. “It’s supposed to relax you when you’re stressed.”

For the first time since I’d arrived at the concert, my smile felt genuine. “We were just talking about not having any lavender. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Tim checked his watch. “We’ve got four minutes until the concert starts. I’ll be waiting beside the band.”

“I’ll be there soon.” I grabbed hold of Jacob’s hand, not wanting him to leave my side. With my other hand, I lifted the bag of lavender to my nose and took a deep sniff.

“Is it helping?”

The amusement in Jacob’s voice was even more calming than the lavender. “I think so. You were all thinking the same thing.”

“We were thinking about you.”

A lump formed in my throat. I knew my friends cared about me, but it was nice to hear it spoken out loud. “Sometimes, Jacob Hilary, you say the sweetest things.”

He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me close. “Enjoy the concert and try not to let your nerves get the better of you.”

I stared into his brown eyes. “I’ll look for you.”

He kissed me gently on the lips. “I’ll be there.”

Taking another deep breath, I stepped out of Jacob’s embrace and straightened my shoulders.

I could do this. I had to do this.

The money from the concerts would pay for four more tiny homes. Regardless of how I felt, a lot of people were counting on me. And I wasn’t letting anyone down, least of all myself.