See Her (Turn it Up #1)

Chapter 43

43

MAYZIE

T he two weeks off really helped us reset and gear up for another month of life on the road. We spent a lot of time relaxing, but also mingling our families and getting them to come around. My dad has even spent a lot of time with Jack and his dad, Bill, in his garage, drinking beer and getting to know each other.We weren’t disturbed once by any road managers or producers, and we managed to look at a few potential properties, as much as I hate to leave our little house where we first lived together.

The next month was hard, like the rest of the tour, but we did it. Having the dogs along for the ride made it feel just a little bit more like home.I even bonded individually with the rest of the guys, including Josh, making me feel more like I belonged. Whenever there was down time, we’d watch movies or play cards, shooting the shit.I managed to finish my article and have submitted it to several news sites. Now I just cross my fingers and wait, hoping that maybe it will open the door to a serious writing career.

I did get a call from the producers of America’s Next Top Dancer. It’s a reality dance competition show where aspiring dancers compete for the title by learning and performing dance pieces . The See Her video alone has garnered so much attention, but when I occasionally turned up on celebrity news sites alongside the band, the two were easily put together. The producers asked me how I felt about making guest appearances on the show as one of the choreographers. I think Jack was more excited than I was, and pretty much took the phone away from me and told them that I’d do it.It starts shooting in the spring, and it looks like we’ll be spending a lot of time in L.A.

And now… now I’m trying not to go blind, or grab at the little purple spots floating in front of my face.I blink rapidly against the flashing lights going off all around me like thousands of twinkling, bursting stars. Photographers are shouting out all the guys’ names, and some just shout out the name of the band, trying to get their photo. It’s overwhelming, but it beats being ambushed when you’re just trying to live your life on a normal day.

We’re at the AMAs, and all the guys are dressed up in fashionable suits, all in shiny metallic shades. Jack’s shiny gunmetal looks sharp next to the long-sleeved black lace gown I feel so privileged to wear. Erin wasn’t wrong when she gave me a heads-up that all the big name labels would be scrambling to dress me as I’d be accompanying the hot new band that’s up for two awards: Best Single, and Best New Band.They’re also one of the performing acts of the night.

My short diamond necklace and diamond drop earrings reflect the flashing lights, and my hair is swept to one side in sleek waves that cover one eye a little bit. I feel like this, paired with my eye makeup and bright red lipstick, give me a classic Hollywood look.

I keep my back straight, and my smile unwavering as Jack holds tightly to my hand, keeping his arm straight so that I’m close at his side as we make our way down the long, carpeted entrance, along with all the other musical acts being honored tonight.As instructed, we smile and act like we don’t mind a bit that we have to stop every ten feet or so for photo ops.The camera flashes go especially crazy anytime Jack leans in close to whisper something to me.

Later, after the guys give a riveting performance of Breakthrough, complete with strobe lights, smoke, and pounding beats, they’re seated next to me again, Jack’s fingers laced through mine, as we both hope with everything we have to hear Turn it Up’s name for Best New Band. Unfortunately, Best Single went to the newest teeny bopper boy band.That’s the way of the industry sometimes, and the guys shake it off, but I’m really praying for this one.

“And the award for Best New Band goes too…” I hold my breath as the current hot country star announces, “Turn it Up!”

Jack pumps his other fist and gets to his feet, pulling me with him. Cupping my face and giving me that adoring smile I’ve only ever seen him give me, he lowers his face to kiss me.

“You helped us get here,” he says before leaning away. I give him an admonishing look, but he gives it right back to me before he turns to follow the guys up to the stage. George and Erin, who are seated on the other side of me, huddle close as the guys climb the stairs to accept the award.They all take turns, thanking their loved ones, while Matt cradles the award. Jack goes last, saying thank you to his dad and sisters, and finishing with me.

“And last, my wife, Mayzie.” His eyes find me in the crowd. “Baby, I love you more than any song lyrics could possibly express.”

“I love you,” I mouth, before they’re ushered off the stage, accompanied by roaring applause.