Chapter 47

forty-seven

JACOB

I made my way to the seating area in front of the stage. Even sold-out concerts usually had a few empty seats when people’s plans changed. But not tonight. Each of the chairs and all the platform seating was full of eager fans waiting to hear Tim and Andrew sing.

I glanced at my ticket before squeezing between two rows of seats. It felt strange to overhear parts of conversations about my boyfriend. For me, Andrew was an amazing person with a big heart and a gentle soul. For the people who’d come to hear him sing, he was a country music star, someone they admired and wanted to be like.

By the time I sat down, I began to understand why Andrew valued his privacy so much. Having strangers talk about the clothes you wore, how tired you looked in your photos, and the mystery man you’re dating would be difficult for anyone. But, for Andrew, it was even harder. His previous manager had not only broken the trust between them, he’d shaken his confidence.

I leaned forward and waved at Elijah. Between the two of us sat six excited girls, including Amy.

When Pastor Adam walked onto the stage, an expectant hush fell over the audience.

“Welcome to Sunrise Bay’s first fundraising concert for the tiny home village. I’m Adam McDonald, the pastor at the local church. Each day, The Welcome Center provides meals for up to forty people and accommodation for thirty. Like many towns and cities around the world, finding affordable accommodation is nearly impossible. To help people who can’t find safe and warm housing, the church is building twenty-five tiny homes and remodeling another four houses. The money we raise this weekend will be used to build some of the tiny homes.”

A loud cheer rang out from the audience.

My heart pounded. Loud noise I could deal with. Unexpected loud noises set off my PTSD like a flame in a forest of dry timber. I reached into my pocket and took out a pair of noise-cancelling earbuds. If I dimmed the noise, there was more chance I’d be here for the entire concert. Because no matter what, I’d told Andrew I’d be here for him. And it was a promise I intended to keep.

When the noise lowered enough for Adam to be heard, he continued. “I’d like to send a big thank you to Tim and Andrew for performing here tonight. Without their support, none of this would be possible. Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, I’d like to introduce Tim Evans and Andrew Clarke, two of the country’s most successful country music stars.”

This time the people at the concert went crazy. Even the girls beside me stomped their feet and clapped their hands, cheering loudly.

For the first time, I understood Andrew’s nerves. Standing in front of two thousand screaming fans would be my worst nightmare. Sitting amongst them wasn’t much better.

Andrew and Tim ran onto the stage, smiling and waving at their adoring fans.

Without missing a beat, Andrew’s gaze traveled through the audience, stopping when he saw me. I doubted anyone else would have noticed the relief in his face.

I’m here for you, Andrew. You can do this.

The band played the first notes of a ballad. The music echoed around the lake, drifting through the audience like a blanket of silk.

The crowd fell silent, and Andrew’s voice soared.