More Than Our Fake Vows by Katie Richard

Author:Katie Richard [Richard, Katie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Katie Richard LLC
Published: 2023-12-11T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter eleven

Natalie

Driving into the venue and finding a place to park is ridiculous. There are cars everywhere. Following the event worker’s directions, I pull into a parking lot a freaking half mile away. This place is packed like a damn sardine can. I shouldn't have taken that last-minute project for Caroline that made me late, but I felt guilty because she doesn’t ask for much, so when she says she’s not feeling up to the task, I take care of it. Glancing at my phone’s screen again, I check the photo Teagan sent me. My cowgirl boots get a layer of mud caked to the bottom as I try to sidestep most of the real muddy spots.

I decided to go for a simple outfit: boots, skinny jeans, and a pink and gray flannel shirt tucked into the front. I figured blending in might make me feel better than I do. Scuffing my boots on the grass, I’m able to get most of the muck off of them. My hands tremble as I walk to the signed backstage area and spot the man from the picture. There’s a huge crowd off to the left of the stage area waiting to be let in to find their seats.

"Natalie, it's great to finally meet you. I'm Hudson," the big burly guy with a forced smile says.

I know, man, I’m faking my smile too. The ultimate faking it challenge is really testing my limits. Today will be the biggest test of the facade. My knees wobble as I stand there debating whether I have time to pull a runaway fiancée move.

"Nice to meet you too," I murmur in a tight voice that wavers only slightly.

"Ah! That's her! That's Teagan's fiancee."

I freeze. Oh god. Not yet. I’m so not ready for this today. Or, if I’m being honest, maybe ever.

"She's so pretty."

I squeeze my eyes together, hoping to drown out their high-pitched voices. My heartbeat thuds just beneath my skin, and a shudder snakes up my back.

"Let me see!"

"Hi! Natalie!"

“Let’s get you out of here before they try to mob you,” he says, face solemn, as he steps aside and holds a hand out for me to pass through.

My eyes widen, and I stammer, “They’ll- they’ll do that?”

“Shit, no, I’m sorry I was trying to crack a joke, you look stressed.”

I blow out a breath. “That obvious?”

”I’m afraid so.”

I wasn't prepared to be immediately recognized. I don't know what I'm supposed to say or do in these situations, so instead, I just smile and wave to the scantily clad women. Then again, they're pretty much wearing the same clothing I wear to work at the bar, just with a cowgirl hat. This is the first time Teagan and I have been anywhere other than the surrounding cities of Hickory Valley together.

My anxiety is at an all-time high with the memories that flood back to me of all the concerts Theo and I went to. The security guard opens a side door and ushers me inside and down a long, dark hallway.

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