Disclaimer: I do not own Nashville or any of its music, characters, and dialogue.
A/N: Hey everyone! I know it's been SUCH a long time since I've updated this story, but I had most of this chapter already written, and I'm ready to get back into writing. I'm a graduate student with an INSANE amount of responsibilities, so my updates may not be frequent until I have more time over the Christmas break.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter, and please let me know what you think of the story!
Nashville's Sweetheart
12
"Rayna?"
"Hey." Turning left off the sidewalk, Rayna raced over to Deacon and then fell into his arms, kissing his lips swiftly before hugging him tight. "I've missed you."
Things had been ugly since her father discovered her secret life. He'd made it clear to Watty and to everyone else of importance that Rayna was not allowed to perform and would not be signing any kind of label contract. He had also imprisoned Rayna to her bedroom for three weeks straight, keeping a watchful eye on her this time while cutting down the tree outside her window.
She'd missed Randy Travis at the Ryman and missed three entire weeks' worth of gigs. Her spot was probably already given away by now, and as Deacon held her in his arms and kissed the top of her head, it was all she could do to not completely lose it.
He still didn't understand the extent of it, though. He knew that her father had banned her from playing, but he didn't know who her father was and what kind of life she led. Rayna didn't have the heart to tell him, but she knew that she had to do so eventually. Her father did know about Deacon, after all, though Rayna didn't know how.
"It's all gonna work out, Rayna."
"But how?"
"Watty isn't gonna let you down, not after what y'all have been through."
It was embarrassing, really, to have listened to her father shout at Watty on the phone that day, but it would be even more embarrassing to face Watty tonight at the Blue Bird. "You sure he's gonna be here tonight, Deacon?"
"Oh, I'm sure. He's always around on the busiest nights. You ready?"
He took her hand into his, and Rayna felt so incredibly safe. It's true that she hadn't known Deacon for very long, but in the time that she has known him, he'd never broken her heart, trampled her dreams, or made her feel any less than what she was and could be. And that was worth something, even if Rayna didn't know exactly what.
"Yeah," she said, giving his hand a squeeze. He smiled, and she smiled back. "Let's do this."
o-o-o-o-o-o-o
"And now, ladies and gentlemen, a special performance featuring the up-and-coming yougins Deacon Claybourne and Rayna Jaymes!"
People clapped as Deacon and Rayna headed over to the stage. Rayna smiled at them, waving in her usual shy manner, but she felt her insides stir uncomfortably. This was her first time back on stage in three entire weeks, and they were going to perform one of Deacon's new songs. What if she lost her rhythm? What if she absolutely sucked?
"You got this, babe." Deacon put his hand out and helped her onto the stage, his clear blue eyes gazing into hers. "Don't worry about nothin'."
His words were soothing, and as the band began to play and the lights dimmed, Rayna started to feel that fmaiiar surge and peace and confidence. She was doing what she loved, and she was doing something that she was good at. She was doing what she was meant to be doing.
"Don't you try to tell me someone's waitin'. They're not waitin' for you."
It was ironic, really – was anyone waiting for Rayna? Some of the label heads were there, but were they still interested in her? Had her father scared her off?
"Oh and don't you try to tell me that you're wanted, that you're needed, 'cause it's not true. I know why you're lonely." She and Deacon locked eyes, and that spark was there, as it always was. "It's time you knew it, too."
"No one will ever love you, no one will ever love you; no one will ever love you like I do."
It was his turn now, and Rayna stared directly at him, waiting.
"Why're you always lookin' for the limelight?" He was looking at her, and it felt like he was singing directly to her. "Ain't you satisfied with me?"
I am, Rayna thought, feeling her breath catch a little bit. I've never been more satisfied.
"Oh for once why don't you get down off your high heels. You're no big deal. Can't you see?"
They sung the chorus, this time together, and by the time they reached the bridge, it was as if no one else was in the room.
"I'm all you've got," she sang.
"I'm all you'll ever need," he sang back, his eyes again lost in hers.
"I'm all you'll ever have."
"Have," he echoed, moving forward to put a hand on her knee. It was electrifying, and for a moment, Rayna felt like maybe, just maybe, everything would work out after all. She felt safe when she was with Deacon, right when she was with him, and all she had to do was keep it up. Together, they could do anything, be anything. For the first time in what would be her long singing career, Rayna considered the thought that there would be no Rayna Jaymes without Deacon Claybourne.