Page 94 of Rulebreaker

Need to see her smile.

“No apologies even when I tell you I watched the next episode of90 Daywithout you?”

She does more than smile.

She laughs–and it’s my Lily again, bright and beautiful andmine.

I sit in that for a moment.

Then I focus.

“Now, what can I do to help?”

THIRTY-TWO

Lily

The thunderand lightning outside is a cruel reflection of how I feel on the inside. Everything is wild and crazy and out of control, which is something I’m not used to.

The press is having a field day with me, and though I have the best PR team, a brand-new crisis management team, and Atlas, it still feels like the sky is falling. Literally, thanks to the weather.

Atlas and I moved from Stan’s house to mine, and it’s a welcome relief but I’m having a tough time navigating the slippery slope of public scrutiny. I have a huge following, who have always been loyal, but infidelity is one of those things someone in my position has to be careful with. And I know how quickly you can be tried and convicted in the court of public opinion.

“Sweetheart.” Atlas comes into my massive walk-in closet and leans against the wall. “Everyone is waiting.”

“I know.” I smooth down my dress and pull in a deep,cleansing breath. It doesn’t help and I stare at my reflection in the full-length mirror. “Is this dress too clingy?”

Atlas arches a brow and then gives me a slow, thorough once-over. “I would say it’s not clingy enough, but I’m going to assume you’re talking about whether or not it’s appropriate for the memorial–and it is.”

“Are you sure?”

“Would you like me to send up one of the ladies to give you a second opinion?”

I’m amazed at his patience and restraint, but I shouldn't be. He’s been a veritable rockstar the last few days. He seems to sense what I need before I need it, and handles whatever it is before I can think to ask.

Today is different, though.

Today’s memorial is public and anyone who’s anyone in country music will be in attendance. If I’m honest, I’m terrified, and the reasons aren’t as simple as whether or not people will believe Harrison’s lies. The truth is–I abandoned my country roots to go mainstream, and more than a few people didn’t like it. Critics, other musicians, radio personalities, and more.

I don’t know what I’m walking into, and I’m used to being in control when it comes to my career. I like to be prepared for any and all contingencies, but I have no idea what I’m going to do if Dolly Parton walks up to me and calls me a slut. Not that Dolly would ever do such a thing, she’s a total sweetheart, but conjuring up the scenario in my head is enough to make me queasy.

“Texas, we’re going to be late. Talk to me.”

I lift my gaze and find warm brown eyes focused on me. Filled with worry but also on alert, like he’s ready to take action. And he has no idea how much I wish he couldfix this part for me.

“What if everyone thinks I’m some kind of two-timing slut who abandoned Stan when he got sick?” I whisper.

“Everyone that matters knows that’s not true,” he says quietly. “And your new crisis management publicist has been inundating the press with stories about all the amazing things you’ve done and continue to do.”

“I know but–”

“Lily.” He walks over to me and gently pulls me against his chest.

“You know how brutal it’s been and…” My voice drops to a whisper. “What if my entire fan base turns on me?”

“They won’t.” He says it so confidently, as if it’s the simplest thing in the world.

“But what if theydo?” I know I sound ridiculous but I can’t seem to help myself.