Page 22 of Backup Cowboy
A grim twist pulls at my mouth. “Turns out, my wife only signed up for the good times, not the grit.”
Alex’s hand slides down to cover mine, her delicate fingers intertwining my own. “You don't have to carry that alone, Caspian. When it gets heavy, give some of it to me.”
The weight of her words settles over me.
Why do I get the feeling she's not only talking about the rest of the festival run?
Chapter 11
Alexandra
Nash and Rebecca have outdone themselves because Twisted Whiskey has been transformed into an outdoor wonderland.
Seating areas are sprinkled across the sprawling lawn, each seeming like a private oasis. Vintage Persian rugs define the cozy gathering spaces, each anchored by plush velvet sofas in burgundy, mustard yellow, or dark teal. What I instantly love are the Moroccan-style poufs and embroidered cushions that invite guests to sink down and stay awhile.
True to the ranch’s name, whiskey barrel pub tables also dot the lawn, offering spots for guests to linger with drinks in hand.
The name and dress code for tonight’s party is Boots and Bling. Industry insiders as well as local and national radio personalities have been invited to generate some pre-show buzz. It’s definitely working.
As the VP, I have to be careful to not draw attention away from artists in photo ops while still representing the label with a chic style when pictures hit online. I opt for form-fitting cream leather pants tucked into bone cowboy boots, paired with a loosesilk charcoal blouse. My hair is down in loose waves tonight, topped by a black suede cowboy hat with tiny rhinestones in a leopard print pattern underneath the brim as well as the hat band. Super sassy.
It’s possible I took a little extra care with my looks because Caspian will be here. I saw his sister a few minutes ago, but maybe he hasn’t made it here yet.
“You look gorgeous, woman!” Rebecca links arms with me, her citrusy scent welcoming.
“So do you.” Rebecca’s dark brown hair and tanned skin contrast nicely with the champagne embellished mini dress that’s made to catch every twinkle light strung outside. Her hair is in a boho-style updo underneath a brown cowboy hat. The custom knee-high boots are amazing, their cognac leather stitched with the same flowers as the beads on her dress.
Nash looks over from one of the pub tables to check on his wife and sends me a subtle nod. He’s standing with Cage, who flew back this afternoon. We approach both men, who are laughing about something. Keep our biggest artist happy, Alex. For some reason, seeing them together clarifies my decision about leaving Magnum Records.
Nash wears his signature look, a denim button down shirt, the sleeves rolled up his forearms, with jeans and boots. Tonight, he’s traded his ballcap for a black cowboy hat, it’s braided hat band matching Rebecca’s dress. He reaches for his wife, who steps right into his side embrace.
I’ve known Nash a long time, and I wasn’t sure I’d see the day when he settled down. Not because he was “country’s favorite playboy” as the press liked to say. It was more that I never saw him really date anyone for longer than a month or two. A pang of wistfulness fills me, realization that I’ve lived my life similarly. When Caspian’s face pops into my mind, butterflies take flightinside my stomach, and I'd swear they've multiplied overnight. I haven’t seen him yet, but he’s got to be around somewhere.
“Everything looks incredible, Nash.” I sweep my hand in the air. “Well done.”
“It was a team effort.”
Cage compliments Nash on the festival’s success. In a leather blazer and dark jeans, Cage looks every bit the record executive in his limited edition Stetson. Tomorrow are radio interviews and press, which are the hottest exclusives this concert season. It’s been a lot of work, but it’s also made Magnum Records a lot of money. With percentages of food and beverages as well as merchandise sales, the festival will exceed all revenue projections on our end.
One of Nashville’s top producers greets us, wanting Cage’s opinion about something.
“Thanks for taking a chance on the festival, Alex. I know it was a big ask, but it was your stamp of approval that made this happen.”
“Not true. Like you said, it was a team effort.” I see some of Nash’s friends mingling around and wave to Vanessa and her sister, who are seated on one of the couches. I turn back to Nash and tap the table. “I’ve decided to take you up on your offer.”
He shakes his head a little. “Seriously?!”
“Yes. My contract ends in two months, so I’ll be free after that.”
He goes to shake my hand but pulls me into a hug instead. “We’re going to build something that will change the game.”
“Damn right we are.” We clink glasses. “I’m going to tell Cage at breakfast tomorrow.”
I circulate among the guests, champagne flute in hand, excited about the future. I search for Caspian to share my good news. As I walk, I mentally catalog which industry executives are in deep conversation, taking discreet notes on my smart watch.I compliment Taryn Murphy on her new release, noticing that she’s here with a rugby player from London. Not sure how that happened, but good for her. I make a point of hyping up the rising stars, including Sammie Clarke. They’re the future of our industry.
When I get a moment alone, I look at the sun that’s setting behind the distant hills. It’s a breathtaking view. Nash and Rebecca are lucky to fall asleep here every night. Then it hits me. I want to work with a view like this every day.
My mind wanders to Caspian’s property and his tiny home on the bank of the Blue Canyon. A sense of heat fills me at the way he looked at me that night, like I was the only thing in his sky worth staring at.