Nashville

I head to bed feeling like I’ve had a good day. I had said I would call Carla today but totally forgot. I have surprised myself with how fast I’ve fallen into the life here.

Tomorrow I will have been here a week, and it feels like a lifetime ago I was in London, driving my Audi and shopping in the designer boutiques. Maybe it’s because it’s my parents’ native land, or perhaps it’s in my blood.

I thought I would miss home more—the food, the people, the ability to access the internet wherever I was. Being here, though, is giving me some form of peace. My head feels less cluttered and I’m even sleeping better.

Frankie still hasn’t told me what his secret is, but he’s been grinning like a Cheshire cat for days. I’m starting to really like the old guy—another surprise on my part. I don’t usually like old people.

“Sara and Lee are heading into Nashville to watch the band tonight,” I say to him as he rocks in his chair, resting his eyes. “I’m going to go, is that okay?”

I’m not really asking, as I will go even if he objects. I like him, but I’m still a grown adult.

“Do you have your ride figured out?” He asks like he’s going to withhold his approval if I don’t.

“Well, we might stay down there, so I might not be back tonight.”

His eyes open wide. “No hanky-panky?” he asks.

I swallow my spit hard.

~What the…~

“Definitely no hanky-panky,” I reply, a scowl forming on my forehead.

Sara and Lee are collecting me in the early evening, and I rush through feeding the animals to be ready on time.

I’m all packed and waiting with my Louis Vuitton bag when they pull up in Lee’s truck.

“Do any of you guys have a normal car?” I ask as I struggle to climb in. I need a lesson on how to climb into a truck with elegance.

“What’s in the bag?” Lee asks.

“Clothes, a bath towel, makeup. Why, was I not meant to bring things?”

Lee laughs. “Yeah, bring what you want. If we can’t get in with the band, we might be sleeping in the truck.”

“You’re joking?”

Lee laughs. “Welcome to Nashville, baby.”

“No, I am a master at blagging my way into places. If I have to sleep with Tanner, I’m getting in that hotel.”

They both laugh. At least with Tanner it would be meaningless sex, no feelings getting in the way. And I’m sure he would be good in bed, especially with that hip thrust he does on TikTok.

The drive goes fast, and Sara tells us about the band and how well they are doing. This gig tonight is at a famous music spot in Nashville, and they are expecting to fill the place.

I’m excited to be in the big city. I have my phone fully charged and can finally do some live streams on my life in Nashville. I also suspect the bars down here will have drinks other than whiskey and beer.

The lights are mesmerizing as we drive into Nashville. I’m impressed and regret not sticking with my decision to live on campus. The uni is so close, and this would be my stomping ground.

People line the streets, and the only difference from London is the clothing. It’s more casual here, and most men wear caps. There are a couple with cowboy hats.

The women seem to be all or nothing—all tarted up and on the hunt or not bothered at all and looking like they have come out in their comfies.

I’m wearing my tight denim Levi’s hot pants and a plain red silk vest top. I have my hair half up with a topknot and, for the first time since being here, I have pulled out the big boys and used my going-out makeup.

Sara looks amazing too in her denim shorts and flannelette shirt tied in a knot. She is wearing cowgirl boots and I actually like them—maybe I’ve been converted.

I link arms with Sara as we head into the bar. It took a while to find a parking spot, and we had to walk quite a distance to the bar.

Luckily, we have already had a few drinks by the time we get to the music venue.

It’s loud and busy when we get in. We push through the crowd and Lee speaks to the bartender, who directs us up some stairs.

When we get up, I see Tanner. He’s leaning over the balcony looking into the crowd below.

“Looking for your next victim?” I laugh.

He smiles and hugs me. “Good to see y’all. Help yourself to drinks. Perks of being famous.”

I join Sara and Lee at the drinks table. Tobias is sitting with what looks like a whiskey and ice in his hand. He’s talking to Nick and the other guy from the band.

A smile draws on his face when I catch his eye, and I turn back to Sara, who is pouring my prosecco.

“Finally, a proper drink,” I laugh.

“They don’t normally have this. I suspect someone ordered this especially for you.” Her eyes go to Tobias as her eyebrows raise.

“Maybe Tanner?” I ask, and she laughs.

“Tanner wouldn’t think about something like that! If you told him, he would, but he wouldn’t think about that all on his own.”

A couple of others join us. One is a cute guy wearing a cowboy hat—he was hanging around outside earlier. Lee notices me admiring him.

“That’s a guy they know from TikTok, another famous cowboy. They did the Nashville calendar with him last year. He’s a good guy.”

“All these famous cowboys,” I laugh. “Did you never fancy any?” I ask Sara.

“I’m not these guys’ type,” she replies. “They tend to go for women who don’t know their own mind. Look good but dumb as shit.”

“Thanks, that says a lot about me, then, according to your theory,” I laugh.

“You know the type I mean. Like Deena, thick as pig shit but’ll stay home and keep the bed warm.”

“Ah, but I think you’re wrong, Sara. They are the girls they fuck. The ones they marry tend to have more about them. Give them time, let them get through their ho phase and you will be marriage material, I guarantee it.”

“Good to see you all made it,” Tobias says as he appears next to me.

His body is so close, I can feel his heat transferring to me. He’s looking good in his light-blue denims and Nashville T-shirt.

He downs his drink, and I suspect that he is nervous. It’s like the negativity is being conveyed to me and I feel my own shoulders tense up.

“You nervous?” I ask.

He shakes his head. “No,” he replies.

Maybe I’m wrong!

“This is really cool,” I beam. “And they have proper drinks.” I lift my glass of prosecco and he smiles.

“That’s all yours, princess.”

“Aw, that’s so nice, thanks. I’ve been craving something other than beer and JD all week.”

He leans into me. “Well, you can thank me later,” he whispers in his low husky voice.

I’m taken aback by his comment.

~Is he flirting with me?~

After a couple of bottles of this, I will no doubt be glad to pay him back in any way he pleases. That’s why I tell Sara she must not leave me alone—no matter what I say, I’m not to be left alone with Tobias.

The band finally comes on, and I think I’m in love with the cowboy on vocals. Tobias’s voice fills the venue, and my heart bursts with pride for him.

After listening and swaying for the first set, I am convinced this will be my future husband.

He is amazing and sexy and… Oh, I think the first bottle of prosecco is taking effect. I pull Sara close.

“Do not leave me alone with Tobias,” I mumble.

The band members head back upstairs while they take a break.

“You guys are on fire,” Lee shouts as he pats Tobias’s back.

I can’t stop watching the sexy cowboy, his voice still ringing in my ears. He is so fucking sexy. Sara turns me away from him and gives me a pep talk.

“I know, I know. I will only get hurt,” I mumble, but as I turn back to him, his eyes are on me, and I want him.