Page 27 of Playing With My Heart Strings

baylor

The Battles

A weight has been lifted off my shoulders with the knowledge that Valerie, Sage, and I are all immune for this week’s elimination.

Dare I say, an Aspen-shaped weight? That is, if she’s eliminated.

I’m not going to get my hopes up too high, though, because knowing her, she’ll somehow make it through to the next week.

We were informed this morning that we’ll be able to watch the elimination tonight after the episode airing concludes, so when the producers tell the three of us to follow them after Aspen, Valerie, and Jade are escorted to the stage, it comes as no surprise.

We’re led down the hall into the auditorium.

During the early weeks of the show, there’s no audience, just the camera crew, but the last four weeks will include live concert performances.

Colette had described it as a “mini tour,” as Heart Strings will travel to three different cities and then come back to Nashville for the concert and the final decision at the Ryman Auditorium.

We’re seated near the middle of the theater, so we don’t block the cameras or get in the way of the crew.

“I wonder what’s going to happen this week for the elimination,” Sage murmurs.

It must be something different than the last two weeks. If it’s the same, it seems odd for the producers to allow us to watch.

“I don’t know, but I’m glad we’re not the ones at risk tonight,” Valerie answers. Her voice shakes a little as she reaches the end of her sentence. I know she and Katherine are close, and I’m crossing my fingers that she’s not the one sent home tonight.

“We’re live in ten!” someone calls out, and the crew frantically finds their places.

The stage lights kick on, and Jarrod Stone walks out.

“Welcome back to Heart Strings. Those of you at home just witnessed a heart-hammering fourth episode, but we’re not finished yet.

Unfortunately, tonight is an elimination, and each of the members of the losing team from the escape room challenge are at risk.

” He pauses for effect. “Tonight’s voting is going to operate a bit differently from the past episodes, so don’t get up from your seats quite yet.

Your voting matters more than ever, and this will also be the first time you’ll get to hear three of the six contestants perform live. ”

Sage, Valerie, and I all exchange glances.

“Yes, you heard me correctly, folks. Tonight, each of the ladies at risk of elimination will be performing, but they don’t know what.

” Once he finishes his sentence, a screen on stage shows Katherine, Aspen, and Jade all in different rooms with noise-canceling headphones on.

“All three of the women will perform the same song—the song that earlier this week you all voted for on social media—and America, you will get to decide who moves on based not only on what you’ve seen from tonight’s episode, but also the voices and talent of our contestants. ”

“The same song?” Valerie’s eyes widen like she’s processing what Jarrod just announced.

“Let the battles begin.” Jarrod shoots a smile at the camera, and then the lights go dim.

Jade comes out on stage first. She looks a bit nervous, and even though we’re sitting far from the stage, I can tell she’s gripping the microphone tightly as the curtain behind her rises, revealing a full band who starts to play the introduction to Pam Tillis’s “Maybe It Was Memphis.”

Right off the bat, it’s clear she’s either extremely nervous or doesn’t know the words to the song. Valerie cringes from her seat next to me as she misses the cue to start singing the verse. It looks like she has ears in, too, so she shouldn’t have missed it if she knew the song.

Jade’s voice doesn’t fit the song. I’m not sure what she sang during the auditions, but it must’ve been something in a different genre or something modern.

The song ends, and I let out a long breath. I feel for Jade, because that performance was rough. It’s probably going to take Aspen or Katherine performing horribly for her to make it through the elimination.

Katherine performs next and completely steals the show.

“She was made to sing nineties country.” Sage bites her bottom lip as Katherine exits the stage. “It was like being transported back a few decades.”

“She’s definitely a frontrunner when it comes to performing,” Valerie agrees, nodding.

I think we can all agree that Katherine has secured her spot in the next week.

“Now, Aspen,” I sigh as I train my eyes on the stage. “Is it wrong of me to hope she messes up worse than Jade?” I say it under my breath, but not nearly quiet enough that the others don’t hear. Sage lets out a soft chuckle as Valerie quickly shakes her head.

The same intro of the song starts playing, and while the song doesn’t fit her voice as well as Katherine’s, Aspen still gives an incredible performance.

Not only does she have a great voice, she has great stage presence.

I’m not sure what the producers were trying to do by letting us watch, but if it was to intimidate us, I’m afraid it’s working—even if it is only a little bit.

It’s a bit frustrating. Even though we’re all guaranteed to stay another week, the audience is getting to hear the other three girls sing, which could give them an advantage.

They’ve only heard us sing in the auditions, and potentially any dates I haven’t been on.

If voice and performances play a large role in whether someone wins Heart Strings , then Sage, Valerie, and I are being handed the short end of the stick right now.

Jarrod Stone walks back out on stage, switching places with Aspen.

“Well, folks, there you have it. Those were our performances of the night. Now, you’ll be able to cast your vote for your favorite singer.

Voting will end after this break, when we’ll come back and reveal the results.

And remember, the contestant with the least amount of votes will be eliminated. ”

“I wish we got to vote,” Sage mutters.

“I wish we got to sing,” Valerie says, like she took my thoughts straight from my brain.

“It puts us at a bit of a disadvantage, doesn’t it,” I agree with her, my comment coming out as more of a statement than a question.

“Hopefully we get dates that showcase our musical talent instead of axe-throwing or rollerblading,” Sage remarks.

The group date during the week that Valerie and I had our solo dates must have been rollerblading, then. I chuckle quietly to myself, thankful I wasn’t put on that date.

Our conversation is cut short by music playing and the stage lights kicking on once again.

“We’re back, America!” Jarrod declares. “Before we went to break, you watched three performances. Each woman gave us their own rendition of ‘Maybe It Was Memphis’ by Pam Tillis, but none of them knew they all had to sing it. You’ve now heard three different voices on the same song, and the voting results are in for best performance tonight!

Let’s bring out the ladies! Welcome to the stage Jade, Aspen, and Katherine! ”

I imagine millions of people sitting at home watching their TV screens intently, hearts pounding as they wait to see if their favorite singer is moving on. Makes me wonder if I’m anyone’s favorite, or if my parents know I’m on the show. I can’t imagine they’d be too eager to watch if they do.

“Ladies, it’s the moment of truth. One of you will, unfortunately, be eliminated tonight. How are you all feeling?” Jarrod asks, leaning in like he’s close friends with all of them.

None of them speak at first, but the look on Aspen’s face radiates confidence.

“I’m feeling great, Jarrod, thanks for asking.” She gives a beaming smile as Jade shrinks back a little.

“Jade, how are you feeling?” Jarrod calls her out.

She shifts nervously on her feet. “It wasn’t my best performance… I know that. But I hope the people at home see enough in me and my relationship with Dusty that they want me to stay. I really want to be here, and I hope I’m given that chance.”

Jarrod wastes no time, despite Jade’s heartfelt answer. “Let’s find out, then, shall we?”

A screen drops behind Jarrod and the three girls, displaying a live count of the votes. To no one’s surprise, Aspen leads, with Katherine following closely behind in the polls.

When the votes are all tallied, Katherine ends up being in first place, Aspen in second, and Jade in third.

“Katherine and Aspen, congratulations! You’ve made it through this week’s elimination.” Jarrod turns to Jade. “Jade, I’m so sorry. Unfortunately, you’ve received the least amount of votes and that means you’ll be going home. You can say your goodbyes.”

For supposedly being close friends, Jade and Aspen’s goodbye is short.

I wonder if something happened between them during the escape room challenge and Jade saw Aspen’s true colors.

I’m starting to think everyone’s beginning to see through her, and it comes as temporary relief—until I remember why I’m here.

It doesn’t matter what they think of Aspen. As long as they don’t also see through me.

That night, I’m writing down lyrics in my journal when a light tapping on my door gets my attention. Thinking it’s Daniella, I set my journal down on the bed, not bothering to hide it.

To my surprise, when I open the door, there’s a sticky note attached to it.

Meet me on the rooftop.

- DW

I shake my head in amusement before catching myself smiling because of the note.

What the hell am I doing?

There’s no way I’m actually falling for Dusty Wilder.

I debate whether I should follow the note’s instructions, listing out the pros and cons in my head.

Pros: I can spend more time with Dusty and get to know him. I’m already bored out of my mind, so getting to talk to someone would be nice.

Cons: If I get caught, I could lose my job.

The rational part of me knows I should rip up the note and never speak of it with anyone, but a small part of me wants to take the risk.

I’ve tried for so long to convince myself the only reason I came on the show was to save my job, but in the past few weeks going on dates, both secret and planned, I’ve come to love it.

I never thought I’d have fun being on a reality TV show, but meeting Dusty and the other girls has exceeded my expectations.

I never pictured a career in music for myself, having set my sights on politics in Washington D.C. and making my parents proud. I always thought that was my dream—my life’s purpose—but now I’m not sure.

Pushing away all logical thoughts, I make the decision for myself. Not the decision for Colette St. James or my job or my parents.

I’m choosing myself , I repeat in my head as I sneak out of my hotel room and head to the stairwell.

The night air bites against my cheeks when I open the rooftop access door. I hold the door open as I look around. There’s no one up here.

Dejected, I drop my shoulders. Maybe it was just some sick prank. But then fear settles in at the idea that it could have been a tactic by Aspen to get me caught.

Footsteps approach from around the corner, and my heart drops.

This is it. This is how you go down.

“Baylor?” The voice that calls my name isn’t Aspen’s or a producer’s, and I let out a sigh of relief as Dusty moves into my line of sight.

“Hi. I wasn’t sure if you were really up here.” I stumble over my words, nervous energy pouring out of me.

He steps closer to me and takes my hands in his. “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t do that to you. I just wanted to see you again. How are you feeling after the elimination?”

“I wasn’t on the chopping block, so I feel okay. I can’t believe we’re already down to the final five, though,” I admit.

“It’s flown by. I wasn’t sure how all of this would work in the beginning, but I’m starting to really believe in this process—in all of you here…” His voice trails off, but he recovers quickly. “Come on, I have something to show you.”

He leads me around the corner where a blanket is set up under a small pergola strung up with lights.

“Do you like it?” he asks, his voice a bit unsure.

“This is… You set this all up? For me?” I stare at him, a bit stunned at the gesture.

“I like you a lot, Baylor. You’ve taken up space in my mind, have occupied almost every waking thought, and I want to show you how glad I am that you’re here.”

My mind wanders to whether he’s also planning secret dates for the other girls, and my eyebrows pinch together as I fight my emotions. “Thank you. No one’s ever done something like this for me, so…thank you.”

“You mentioned lyrics last time we spent time together, so I wanted to show you what I’ve been working on. See if you have any thoughts?” He walks over to the blanket and grabs his guitar before sitting and patting the ground.

I follow and take a seat next to him, crossing my legs beneath me.

Dusty starts strumming a slow, soft chord progression. A love ballad. Then he begins singing.

I’ve fallen down, felt my heart slip through my hands. Not the type to write a song so easily.

I close my eyes to let the words wash over me.

I wish I could be where you are. That look in your eyes, the way you smile.

He starts the second verse, and I hum along with him. By the time the chorus begins, I’ve found a way to harmonize with his melody.

A few minutes later, he strums the last chord, letting it hang in the air between us.

“What did you think?” he whispers.

“It’s beautiful. Why don’t you take it to your label?” I ask, turning so I’m facing him and our knees graze.

He huffs out a laugh. “The label wouldn’t go for a song like that. It doesn’t fit my image.” His words come out harsh, biting.

“That’s too bad. It really is a great song. Maybe once this is all over, you can have a conversation with them,” I suggest, but he just shrugs.

“Maybe.” He pauses then quickly changes the subject. “Want to do a song together?”

The corner of my lip rises as my stomach flutters. “Sure.”

He starts strumming another song, a country duet from the nineties. We sing song after song together until we lose track of time. It’s only when thunder rolls in the distance and rain threatens to drench us that we pack up and head back inside for the night.

And it’s in those moments when I can really picture a future with Dusty Wilder.