That’s when I realize just how big of a deal it was for Ripley to take this step, and it explains why she never pursued it before.She wasn’t just bogged down with work at the bar—she had an asshole of a father who shoveled years of bullshit on her.
“I’m really fucking proud of you, Ripley.You nailed it.Holly wants to sign you.She said you’re the sound she’s been looking for.”
Ripley’s eyes go wide.“What?”
“This is your shot, if you want it.”
“If I want it,” Ripley repeats in a whisper.“This would change everything.My whole life.”
“Not everything.”
“What do you mean?”
I reach out to take her hand.“What’s happening between us isn’t changing no matter what you decide.I don’t care if you’re Ripley Fischer, hot new country artist, or Ripley Fischer, bartender, as long as you’re mine.”
She swallows, her eyes searching my face.“Are you sure?Because right now, I have no idea what I’m going to decide.”
“Am I sure that I’m crazy in love with you either way?Damn right I am.”
Ripley’s other hand comes up and presses to my lips.“Don’t say that.You can’t be.It’s not—”
I kiss her fingers and move them out of the way.“I can.I am.You’re the most incredible woman I’ve ever met, and I knew that for a fact before I ever heard you sing.It’s okay if you can’t say it back.I don’t want to hear it until you’re ready.”
The door to the break room opens, and the sound of the crowd in the bar filters in.
“Rip, we need you behind the bar.Sorry, girl.Shit’s getting crazy now that the security people have left.Everyone heard that celebrities are here, and they’re wanting inside.”
Ripley looks over my shoulder to whoever is speaking.“I’ll be right out.Just one more minute.”
When the door closes again, Ripley turns back to me.“I gotta go.You should probably get out of here.They’re already on the hunt for you.”
“Don’t worry about me.I’m not going anywhere until it’s time to take you home.”
“You’ll be mobbed.They won’t leave you alone.”
I pull a shirt out of my back pocket.“Hope hooked me up.”
I hold up the black T-shirt.It’s an inverse of Ripley’s white tank top with the White Horse Saloon logo, and when I flip it around to the back, she bursts into laughter.It readsSecurity.
“Really?”
“Consider me your personal security tonight.”
34
Ripley
Irollover in bed to find a note on Boone’s pillow instead of the man I planned to ravage.
Where did he go?My vision still fuzzy from sleep, I blink until the blue ink comes into focus.
Sugar,
Had an early radio station interview and didn’t want to wake you.Expect a call from Homegrown Records this morning.Holly wants to set up a meeting.I’ll be home by noon.
Love you,
Boone