Page 70 of When the Stars Rise

I’m here to talk about my music, not dish the dirt on my personal life.

“On that note, we’re going to take a quick break to hear from our sponsors,” Danny says. “If you’d like to donate to a worthy cause, a link will be posted in the comments and on our social media.”

“When we return, the ratherextraordinaryHayley Saint James is going to play an acoustic version of ‘Seeing Stars atthe Drive-Thru,’” Shay says. “Let’s get that song to number one, Nashville.”

After the radio show, I head straight to the arena for my soundcheck. Noah texted earlier to say he and his family would meet me there. I’m slightly nervous but also excited to see the McCallisters again.

I haven’t seen Aiden yet, but I know he flew down with Dean this morning.

Thankfully, Dean caved and agreed to give him another chance, but I wouldn’t have wanted to be Aiden on the flight from Chicago to Nashville. I bet he got an earful from Dean.

I’m on my phone texting Noah as I walk down the hallway when someone calls my name.

“There she is.” Jude beams at me and pulls me into his arms. “Our very own superstar. We are so damn proud of you.”

A compliment from Jude always makes me feel ten feet tall, but at the same time, I feel like a little kid again, eager for his praise.

He’s one of those bigger-than-life characters that people gravitate toward, and I’ve always admired him.

“It’s been too long,” he says when he releases me. “We’re all hoping you’ll come home for Christmas this year.”

A gentle reminder that I haven’t been ‘home’ for Christmas since I left Texas five years ago.

“Jude,” Lila admonishes. “Stop pressuring her.”

“No pressure. We just miss you.”

I don’t have time to respond because Lila pulls me into a hug and squeezes me so tight it feels like she’s trying to squeeze all the oxygen out of my lungs.

I don’t mind, though. I love Lila, so I hug her back, and we sway from side to side.

Growing up, I spent a lot of time at their house, and Jude and Lila always treated me like one of their own.

“I’ve missed you.” Lila holds me at arm’s length before pulling me into another hug, squeezing me tighter if possible. “You’re not allowed to stay away for so long.”

“Now, who’s pressuring her?” Jude comments.

“It’s okay. I’ve missed you too,” I gasp out.

“Let up, Rebel,” Jude says. “The girl can’t breathe, and she has to perform tonight.”

“Oh God, I’m sorry.” Lila releases me quickly. “I got a little carried away. We just love you so much.” She smiles through her tears, and Jude slings an arm around her, pulling her close to his side.

Seeing the McCallisters again is emotional overload. I’m trying not to get choked up, so I cast around for a diversion. “Where’s Levi and Gracie?”

“With Noah and a couple of guys from your band,” Jude says. “They wanted to check out the catering.”

Lila shoots him a look. “I love how you pretend to be so innocent. And at your age,” Lila scoffs. “Maybe Levi went searching for food, but Gracie was checking out Hayley’s guitarist. How did you miss that?” she asks Jude.

He mutters something under his breath that sounds a lot like, “I’ll kill that bastard if he so much as looks at my baby girl,” and works his jaw. “I need to check on Gracie.”

Lila laughs and shakes her head as he charges down the hallway, searching for Gracie. “It’s just too easy.”

I laugh. “Were you joking?”

She shrugs. “I love to wind him up about hisbaby girl. For now, Gracie is more interested in motocross than boys.” Lila smirks. “Although there is one boy who she calls her nemesis.He’s also a motocross racer. Jude keeps a close eye on him in case he tries to pull anything. But it’s not Gracie he should be worried about. Most likely, Gracie will destroy that poor boy.”

We both laugh. Jude has always been overprotective, and while Gracie can be stubborn and willful, she knows who she is and what she wants out of life.