Chapter 2 - Caroline

“CC. You still up for doing the anthem at that game?” “As long as I can get that jersey autographed,” she said as her manager smirked. “Of course. I’ll see what I can do. Did you want to take anyone with you?” She shook her head. She finished going through the set list for the next shows and put it aside. She hated seeing shows repeated every night, making them a lot less fun to perform. She needed the change. She could add songs or replace songs and even throw in a random one. “How we doing,” Hailey asked as she sat down beside her. “Here are the variable ones. We can throw them in whenever. We already have them down pat. What do you think?” “I mean, we have the backgrounds. So long as the crew and the band know what we’re changing up, we should be fine.” “What’s this about changing up,” her other guitarist asked as the drummer and the keyboard player came in. She explained the plan. They all agreed. They’d set up 4 options for the list, alternating between the 4. “Who are you going to the game with,” Hailey asked as the band headed off to play around with a new song they’d been working on. “Solo. You know me. I scream through games.” “I could come,” Hailey said. “I’ll think about it. Go ahead and work on the music. I’m gonna relax a little and try to write.” Hailey nodded and headed over to the rest of the band.

CC Heart, better known as Caroline Calhoun, was born and raised in Savannah. The heat, humidity and sunshine had done her good. She was almost 5 foot 9 and had the long blonde tresses and blue eyes of a beach baby. She was no stranger to bikinis and surfing Tybee beach. She’d practically been raised in the water. The golden tan was even perfect, thanks to a perfect spray tan tech. She’d worked out so she could do and wear anything she wanted. She was a health nut and everyone knew it. Three exes had started hating her healthy habits and walked out, leaving her happy, single and loving every minute. Even when she started out in the music industry, she’d worked out and eaten right. Nobody ever had to suggest it. She’d had a stage presence since she was a teen. The first time she’d taken a stage, she was at a talent show in town and she’d picked a Dolly Parton song she loved – Jolene. She was too young to understand it, but she’d loved that song since she was little.

Even then, people had thought she would become something someday. She’d write poetry during lunch in her high school years and had spent every fall Sunday watching the Firestorm team with her dad. It was almost ingrained into her at a young age that the dawgs and the firestorm were a religion, only second to church. They’d gone to church early during the fall season so they wouldn’t miss a minute of the games. Her dad was proud, and her mom was too. She’d become what people dreamed of becoming – a famous country star. She was still grounded mind you, but she could never outgrow her favorite teams and her two biggest fans; her mom and dad.

Two songs in, Caroline stopped for lunch opting to take the band with her. “Where we heading, Hailey asked as she put her guitar in the case. “Name it and we’ll go,” Caroline said. They found just the right place, getting everything to go before they were spotted, and headed back to the rehearsal space. “Do y’all need anything for this week on the bus?” “Am I allowed to say a bigger TV? We need to watch the game without hearing all the yelling,” her drummer said. “Funny. Get used to it. I’ve been a fan for years.” “What are you gonna do about the anthem thing?” “Hell. It means tickets to a game, a jersey and a chance to get a few extras. I’m not about to say no to that stadium.” “Still, I think you need company.” “If you want to, fine, but I’m staying the entire game.” “Fine,” Hailey teased. Before they managed to finish lunch, Hailey got a call and excused herself into the hallway.

Hailey Clark, the best friend and guitarist for Caroline’s band, was also her voice of reason. The dark hair, the green eyes and the golden tan was the norm for a beach baby. That’s where Caroline had met her. She was playing guitar while her friends ran around on the beach. She was almost the same height as Caroline and had those long lanky legs. She was slim and trim but was a heck of a lot stronger than she looked. She also had the attitude to match. She was the furthest thing there was from pushover. She was the mama hen of the entire band. Even when the guys had got married, Hailey was also friends with the girlfriends that became wives. Caroline might have had the fame and the stage name, but she was the mama. The one that cut the guys off when they were drinking too much.

When Caroline started going through her game list for the Atlanta team, she knew there weren’t many chances to be in town to sing at a game. She had at least a week or so. More than enough time to perfect her version of the anthem and find just the right outfit. She went through the uniform schedule then realized it was blackout day at the game. “Perfect,” she thought to herself. She had the black leather leggings, her black wedge sneakers that looked like heels and even had the black jersey. Luckily, it was the Cooper jersey. Her favorite. The one that she looked the best in, and the newest. She made sure her hair and makeup team was booked in and let her folks know the news. Within a matter of what seemed like minutes, her phone buzzed.

“Hey mom.” “You’re actually doing the anthem? Do you realize how big that is?” “Oh I do. Trust me. It’s kind of big especially since it’s at the game for my favorite team.” “Did you need company?” “Funny. I’ll be fine. I’ll give you a shout when I get home after.” “How are the tour dates looking?” “Busy. I had to add extras on to the Atlanta dates. I’ll be there 3 nights, meaning for a week.” “You could go home and sleep in your own bed. It’s not like you’re 6 hours away.” “I know. It’s just closer. I can try to get into a practice or two while I’m in town.” “I’m proud of you and so is dad. We’re gonna try to get tickets for the day that you’re singing the anthem.” “You’ll have fun regardless. You always do. Just make sure Dad wears the black jersey to the game.” “Will do. Love you baby.” “Love you too.” Caroline hung up and went back to concentrating on the music.

“We’re gonna head out. The wife wants to go look at a few places. We’re moving into a bigger place once we find one,” her other guitarist said. “Alright. I’ll see all of you tomorrow night. We have a tour to do.” They headed out, locking up, and Caroline headed home. Within minutes of stepping inside, she locked up and ensured the gate was closed. She flipped the alarm back on and poured herself a glass of wine, opting to head upstairs and work on lyrics on the balcony.

She looked out at the view that had been her reason for buying the house. It was out of the way and private enough that nobody would disturb her or even know she was there. She had the view of the rivers leading to the marshes and out to the ocean. She’d been told for what felt like forever that the waters had a healing capacity. Any pain that ailed you would fade away when you soaked into the water. She’d dared to test it. Even when she sat out on her dock, she’d worried about gators or something happening. She’d sat out there with her wine watching the sunset over the march on cool fall nights and never regretted the move for a second. Fine, it took longer to get to the airport, but she was happy. It was quiet, sometimes too quiet, but it was all hers. Her style, her design. She’d picked out everything for the entire house. From the pristine white quartz countertops in the kitchen and the bathroom, to the design of the floor, she’d had a hand in all of it. It was exactly the way she wanted, but there was something missing. Something she couldn’t build in or add on.

She’d put a room together to watch the games, put every vintage jersey into shadow boxes and even got autographed items from fans, but there was nobody to share it with. She didn’t mind the quiet but having someone to hang out with and watch games with would’ve been more fun. It would have made it more like a home instead of just a landing pad when she was home from the tour. She relaxed a little on the balcony, watching the sun warm everything and seeing the odd dolphin coming up for air in the marsh. It was just another bonus of the house. Tourists didn’t even know how to find the house.

She curled up and had her wine while she tried to write a little. Her manager sent a note over to her with the updates. He gave her a date. She had a week before the anthem day. It also meant that there was a game on the next day. Luckily, that also meant that they had a day before they were back out. The next stop was Charlotte then Charleston then Greenville. All of it was less than a day worth of bus travel time. Charleston meant she could technically sleep in her own bed. She sent off a reply asking if she would have time to head home after the Charleston show so she could grab extra clothes and within minutes, got a reply email:

If you really want to, I can get a car brought over to the venue so you can head home after the show. Backup option is a boat, but I’m not sure that’s what you want. Just let me know the plan.

She smirked. Maybe not the best plan, but she needed decent sleep if she had to perform at that stadium, and in front of her favorite player on the team. She’d followed Chase Cooper’s career since he’d first signed with the Atlanta team. He was the best quarterback they’d had in the history that she’d seen of the team. She’d watched the games every season with her dad and loved every second. He’d instilled a love of the team in her since she was a baby. Now, she stood by that team. She caught herself looking through her phone, trying to find out if Chase Cooper was single. “Get your mind back on the music,” she said to herself. She didn’t need to get going on that again.

The next morning, she woke up early, went to church and as soon as she was home, slid into the white jersey and white jeans that she’d put on the bed. She got her snacks together, grabbing her soda and chopped up veggies and walked down to her football room, flipping the fancy tv on and getting comfortable. When her phone buzzed mid-interview on the TV, she knew exactly who it was. “Yes.” “Are you seriously watching the game? It’s Sunday,” Hailey teased. “If you want to watch it, come. You don’t, I’m not taking calls during the game.” “Be there in 15.” Caroline hung up and put her feet up, getting a second soda for Hailey. When she finally showed, Caroline knew that she’d be talking through the game. Deep down, she knew it was Hailey’s way of talking her into letting her come to the game. “If they’re that close, why don’t you just get season tickets for the games?” “One of those things. We’re in town, but not always. Secondly, I can’t just blend in at the stadium. Everyone will know it’s me.” “I guess you have a point, but I’m thinking it’d make a good gift for you for the holidays.” “I wish girl.” When the game started, and the players were taking the field, they centered in on Chase. “Well dang,” Hailey said. “Exactly. Best QB they’ve had.” “No, I mean he’s single.” Caroline shook her head. “Just watch and quit trying to find a way to set me up.”

She watched every move intently, cheering them on and screaming at the players like they could hear her. Hailey just sat back and watched. It was the only time that Caroline really let her real-self show. The die-hard fan that would be cheering them on win or lose. At halftime, they got up and refreshed their drinks. “You really are that much of a fan aren’t you,” Hailey teased. Caroline nodded. “Was born into being a fan. It’s just one of those things.” They finished refreshing the drinks, and the veggie dip, and went and sat back down as Chase was heading back onto the field. “Fine. The guy is hot.” “Understatement,” Caroline replied. They sat down and watched the screen intently. When a commercial came on, Hailey smirked. “Well, at least it's on when you can see it,” Hailey said as the commercial for the tour and new CD came on the screen.

Caroline shook her head, ignoring it and watching the game. As soon as it was done, she was doing her happy dance, that they’d won another game. “You know, they could easily whoop some butt and get to the Super Bowl,” Caroline said. “Then you’d have to do half-time.” “Funny.” “Are you coming home after the show in Charleston?” “Thinking about it. It’s not like it’s that far of a drive, plus everyone would be happy to be at home for a night.” “You sure?” “We can meet up with the bus somewhere and leave from here.” “Works for me. You good or do you want me to head out?” “I’m gonna relax and have dinner. You’re welcome to stay. I think I’m doing a seafood pasta type thing.” “What do you need me to do?”

After a quick dinner, Hailey finally headed home and Caroline cleaned and locked up, then headed upstairs for a long soak in her oversized garden tub. She got changed and drew herself a bath, putting her favorite bath bomb in. She put her cell on the floor beside the tub and slid into the hot water, leaning back and getting comfortable. When her phone buzzed, she dried off her hand and looked, ignoring the call. Her ex had no place in her life. He was probably asking for tickets or something, and she wasn’t about to be a ticket dispenser for him.

She leaned back in and watched the sunset through the oversized window that sat behind the tub. It was the perfect marsh view. It could’ve made one heck of a photo for the wall. She grabbed her phone and took a picture of it, and with a smirk she got the best shot. She saved it in her phone and leaned back. When the water cooled, she slid out, wrapping herself in the oversized fluffy towel and went into her closet, grabbing her Firestorm nightgown and slid it over her head. It had a been a tradition she’d started after every game. She flipped the light off and curled up in bed, making sure that the alarm was on and worked on the music a little more. When she nodded off, she had the lyrics finished and had an idea for what to do at the game. Hailey had a good suggestion about the season tickets. The closer to Chase the better.

She leaned back in the bed and flipped the TV on to an old movie. That’s what she wanted, and it’s what she needed. She wrote a little more and tried to finish up the idea that had been swimming around her mind. Her mind kept drifting and when she finally gave up for the night, she curled up in bed, flipped the movie off and turned the lights off, falling asleep. Doing the anthem was big. Really big. Bigger than anything she’d done. It was an honor to do it, but it was almost nerve wracking. Bringing that up when she had a million other things to do was insane. Almost as insane as playing the Opry in the middle of the tour. She had an insane few months ahead, and luckily it was a few months that were memory making. Ones that she’d hold close for years to come. Now if she could just turn her brain off enough to sleep.

By the time it got to the night before the game, she was nervous. A week of rehearsals and shows and rehearsing the anthem came down to this. She rehearsed it again with the sound system at the stadium. It was completely empty. She was surrounded by empty seats and saw how intimidating it must be for the players. Even on stage, she only had one view and the fans only had one direction to look. This felt like the biggest venue ever. She took a deep breath. “Alright. Whenever you’re ready. We’re really only doing this for sound check purposes,” the pr person said. Caroline took a deep breath and sang through it. When she turned to see the reaction, the cleaning staff were applauding with standing ovations. “I take it that was good,” Caroline asked. “If you sing it like that, we’ll all end up with goosebumps.” She hadn’t even tried that hard. It would be better at the game. At least she hoped it would. When she headed out of the stadium, she peeked down the hall at the locker room. “We have tickets for the game tomorrow for you as well with a guest. You’ll be around the families of the players with extra security. We’ll send a car for you and your guest tomorrow. The players don’t know who’s singing the anthem.” “Not even a hint,” Caroline asked. “Nothing. They’re concentrating on the game.” She smirked. Just imagine if she bumped into a player or two and they got starstruck.

She shook it off and headed out to her SUV and headed back to the house. Hell. If nothing else and she completely screwed up, it was at least another chance to see them play in person. She’d been a fan forever, but was never in town long enough to make it to a game, let alone sitting at the 50 yard line. She leaned back and by the time she got to her hotel, she had everything she needed. There was no point in driving all the way back to Savannah and driving the 3 hours back. She headed upstairs to her suite to see Hailey working on music on her acoustic guitar.

“You know, these lyrics aren’t half bad. I already have a little bit of a tune to go with them,” Hailey said. “Girl, you always have a tune in that head of yours. What else is new?” “And how did the sound check or whatever go?” “Intimidating. We can be on any dang stage and that stadium is intimidating when I’m up there alone.” “I can come and do guitar.” “Nope. Just me. I mean, it helps that I can try to hide behind sunglasses to hide the nerves, but I have to sing it.” “At least we can watch the game after.” “Just do me one favor. Don’t get me more nervous.” Hailey smirked. “No prob. I even figured out what to do for dinner and ordered it.” “And what was that?” “Lobster tails with lobster bisque for you. The pasta version for me.” “Nothing like fresh seafood.” Hailey smirked. “And I sorta thought we needed mani pedis. You up for it?” “Depends. Did you already book it?” “They’re coming up at 5:30. Dinner is coming at 7.” “Whatever you wanna do Hailey.” Caroline went in and changed into her joggers and a t-shirt and came back into the living room area to hear the knock at the door. “Who,” Caroline asked. “Miss Hailey, the nail ladies from downstairs are here,” their security man Samson said. “Thank you,” Caroline replied. They came in and set up and as soon as they started, Caroline and Hailey’s toes were in heaven.

By the time the ladies from the spa were finished, the sparkles from the nail polish could’ve lit up the room. “I’m beginning to think that the sparkle polish is a little much for the game,” Caroline said. “Girl, you’re fine. You have the black and red on there with it.” Caroline shook her head. “Did I really need it on my toes?” “Yes. Sparkle inside and out.” Caroline smirked. “Whatever you say,” she replied as she grabbed her notebook. When there was another knock at the door, Samson came in with two paper bags. “Dinner has arrived for you,” he said handing the food to Hailey.

They walked to the table, putting the food onto the massive table in the suite. Caroline grabbed a glass of wine for each of them with the cutlery and they plated their dinner. “This is huge,” Caroline said noticing the lobster tails. “We deserve something special. It’s a big day tomorrow.” “Thanks for the reminder,” Caroline joked as she took a bite of the perfection on her plate.

Once dinner was done, they cleaned up and Caroline went and had a hot shower. She needed to get rid of the nerves. When she came into the bedroom, she flipped the tv on and saw the journalists talking about the game the following day. They’d all said that if Chase wasn’t playing his best game, they’d lose. She shook her head. They underestimated him. Sorta like the entire music industry had underestimated her until she started winning award after award. She changed into pyjamas and curled up on the bed when she saw Hailey come in with ice cream. “Really?” “Wanted to say goodnight. It is kinda nice that we got two bedrooms.” “Go get some rest. I have to be up at 8 to do hair and makeup and to head over.” “We’re watching church though right?” “Girl, of course. I just want to be rested so I don’t forget the words.”

That last night, she slept, tossing and turning all night. She finally conked out at 2am. When she heard her phone ding with a text, she grabbed her phone and looked:

Be there at 9. We have to be at stadium for 12. See you in morning.

Go figure that she’d get a text at 2am. She shook her head and went back to sleep. When she managed to get up, it was almost 8. She did a quick workout, came upstairs and had breakfast then showered, got changed, put her clothes together for the game and pulled on leggings and a tee. When her manager showed, she smirked. “Nowhere to change for the game. We’re getting ready here.” “We?” “You and Hailey. I’m coming with you as well.” She wanted to roll her eyes, but she knew it would be rude. “I can go do this solo. You know that right?” “I’m coming. We’re getting press photos as well. No getting out of it.” Caroline shook her head with a smirk. “Where’s hair and makeup?” “Coming in two minutes.” Hailey came in a few minutes later with a bagel and cream cheese in hand with a coffee in the other. “Jersey,” Caroline asked. “I got one. All handled. I got the Jake Mayne one. The guy is too hot to not have the jersey.” Caroline shook her head and security let hair and makeup in a few minutes later.

By the time they got to the stadium, Caroline’s nerves had kicked in. She had her jersey, her leather leggings, the shoes, the hair, the makeup and had the mic in hand. “You good,” Hailey asked. Caroline nodded, taking a deep breath. She slid her ear monitors in and saw the team taking the field. She was almost impressed seeing them up that close. When they announced Chase’s name, her heart almost skipped a beat. Hell. He was even hotter in person. “You ready,” her manager asked. Caroline nodded. Once the players were settled, she took a deep breath.

“And here to sing the national anthem, the number one country recording artist, a Georgia native through and through and a big fan, CC Heart.” The crowd started roaring and Caroline headed onto the field. Her heart was pounding in her ears and she was almost trembling. She looked over at Chase Cooper and the nerves flew away. She stood in front of the mic and caught a peek at Chase staring at her. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath and started to sing it. She made it through the song without a crack or a missed word. When everyone gave her a standing ovation, she smirked and after a quick look at Chase, she headed off waving to the fans and went back to the tunnel. She slid her ear monitors out and handed off the mic. “Where are the seats,” Caroline asked not wanting to miss a moment. The building manager walked her to the seats and got her a drink.

“Now that was one heck of a dang performance girl,” Hailey said as Caroline sat down. “Well thanks I think.” “Girl, you really were amazing.” “It wasn’t exactly easy, but I faked a good one,” she teased as Hailey gave her a hug and Caroline started watching every move on the field. At half time, the team manager came over to her. “Did you want anything from the store?” “I was gonna get a few jerseys while I was here.” “Just let me know which ones you’d like. I’ll bring them over.” “I appreciate it. I can go.” “It’s a bit of a mad house over there during the games. I’ll bring it over.” Caroline showed her the 4 Chase Cooper jerseys that she’d wanted and with a smirk, the manager headed out and in a matter of minutes returned with the jerseys in hand. “Thank you,” Caroline said. “Let me know if you need anything else. Thank you for today.” “Most welcome. It was my honor.” Once the game was finished, she headed down towards the locker room to head out to the waiting SUV. “I’ll meet y’all there,” Caroline said as she leaned up against the wall by the locker room.

She needed to breathe. They’d won yet another game and she wanted to congratulate the team personally. She saw one or two guys head out then saw the press swarm one of the players. She looked up and saw Chase. She could smell his cologne from there. She could see that smile, that physique. He was in a tee, a sweater and dress pants and she almost wondered if he’d even noticed that she was there. He was swarmed with questions and photographers snapping photos. Once he answered the questions, he walked towards her. That was more than enough to make her heart race. She’d left him a note, guessing that nobody had even given it to him until he was face to face with her.

“I figured you’d be long gone,” Chase said as she handed him a sharpie and got the autograph on her shirt. “You kidding me? Die hard fan. Always have been. Great game today.” “Thank you. Good luck on that big show this week.” “Appreciate it. I heard you might be coming. Now you’ll be a fan on my turf,” Caroline said as she thanked him and headed off. She hopped into the SUV and Hailey looked at her. “What’s with the big ole grin?” “Nothin. Got the jersey autographed. It's a good thing I got a few while we were there.” “Still can’t believe they gave you 4 dang jerseys.” “I think she got a hoot out of me getting Chase Cooper jerseys.” Hailey smirked. They got back to their hotel and headed upstairs to the suite. She went and made a quick post on Instagram with the photos from the performance and a pic of the autographed jersey:

Got an autograph from my top favorite player of the game and the QB of the Atlanta Firestorm. Thanks again @Coop2ATL. See you at the show #ATLFanforLife #ArtistPerks

She posted a recording that Hailey had posted of her doing the anthem and tagged him in it intentionally:

What an insane day. A huge honor to sing that song in front of a ton of fans. Was even better knowing that @Coop2ATL and the team managed to whoop some butt and win the game.

She posted it and a matter of minutes later, she saw a reply from Chase:

Great job on the American Anthem @CCHeartMusic. Great meeting you too! Love meeting new fans! #Footballislife #MeetingFamousPeople

She smirked and Hailey looked at her. “Girl, I know that look. What’s goin on?” “Nothin. He’s following me on Instagram now.” “The QB?” Caroline nodded with a big smirk. “Did you want dinner,” Caroline asked. “What are we ordering?” “Whatever we feel like. Seafood or steak?” “I guess we’re eating in?” “I don’t really feel like crowds tonight. Peace and quiet and a movie on this big ole TV works before we head back out for the shows.” “I’ll find a place. What if we did that seafood place again?” “Girl, I’m up for it.” Hailey went and ordered dinner and Caroline went and washed off the makeup and brushed out the hairspray, sliding into her team joggers and tee. “I swear girl, I knew you were a fan but even that’s a little much.” “Just chill. I’m in a good mood.”

Dinner showed a while later and they had dinner in the room in the peace and quiet. “And what movie did you decide on for tonight?” “I’m thinking something like The Longest Ride or something.” “Girl, you’re reading my mind,” Hailey said. “Pick whatever you want girl. You sat through the game without a single complaint.” “I mean, the guys were kind of good looking.” “And she’s back to normal.” “You did the same over that Chase Cooper guy.” Caroline smirked. “There’s a difference. I’ve talked to him.” “When?” “He autographed the jersey.” “Girl, what did you do?” “Nothin. Just talked for a quick minute.” Hailey shook her head. “So that’s what took you so long to get your butt in the SUV.”

They finished dinner a little while later, flipped on the movie and Caroline smirked. She’d gone through all the positive comments and the photos that others had posted then saw a few pics from the other tour dates. She leaned back and watched the movie a little while then saw a follow request from Chase. When she sent him a quick message, she had no idea what would happen:

Thank you again. I may ask you for a few more jerseys. Got a few to add to the collection at the game. If you wanted to bring your girlfriend to the show with you let me know. I can even get her a backstage pass.

She saw the reply pop up moments later:

You’re most welcome. No girlfriend. My big sister is coming and I’m hoping to lose her in the pit. She may demand to come with me as she’s a big fan. See you at the show.

A few minutes later, she replied with another message:

I’ll see what I can do about making sure she’s distracted. I was about to say all the good guys were taken. PS, you played really well today. Nice to see you making it through the game unscathed. I’m gonna try to head out to a few games this season. Hopefully a SB ring is in your future.

And again, he replied:

I’m hoping so too. I know exactly who they should have at halftime if we make it.

She was flattered. Beyond flattered. “Girl, are you watching or not?” “Just watch the movie girl. I’m good. Just talking to a friend.” “Does this friend wear a number 2 jersey?” “Girl, you’re about to miss the best part.” She replied back to Chase:

Thanks for the compliment. I can just imagine. See you at the show. I have to go watch the movie that my friend is determined to make me watch. Thank you again.

She leaned back and watched the movie with Hailey and maybe a half hour later, she saw a message with a phone number and two words:

Call me.

Caroline saved the number in her phone and was stunned. If she sent back a reply, it would put her at risk if it was a scammer. She couldn’t do it. She excused herself and walked into the bedroom, closing the door behind her. She blocked her number and called Chase.

“Hey,” he said. “Hey yourself. I wasn’t sure if it was a real number or not.” “I know it’s stupid to call, but I kinda needed to know something.” “Which is?” “How many shows are you doing in Atlanta?” “Three. May have to come back and do another one. All three are sold out.” “Are you okay if I come?” “To all three?” “Bye week. I’m off most of the week. I have to do practice, but that’s it.” “You really want to sit through the show three times?” “I know it sounds stupid.” “Chase, that’s not it. I have interviews to do.” “And? We can go do dinner or something before the shows.” “Can I think about it?” “Sure. No pressure. I know you’re busy.” “I’ll talk to my manager and see what I can do. I’ll let you know.” “Alright.” “I’m going to relax and get some sleep before we head out for the tour stops. I guess I’ll see you on Friday.” “Give me a call whenever. I’m off all week.” “Alright. Get some rest. You deserve it after that game.” “Back at you.” They hung up and Caroline shook her head. How the hell did she get herself into this?