Free Restless Heart by Wynonna Judd Page B

not right!” Destiny rolled her eyes. “Nessie, that’s not why I—”
    “It’s getting hotter in here than two possums in a mailbox.” Nessie jammed her thumb over her shoulder. “I’ll just see my way back downstairs and y’all just go back to whatever y’all weren’t doin’.”
    “Go on, tell her,” Seth whispered in Destiny’s ear.
    “Tell me what?” Nessie almost toppled sideways in her mile-high shoes and had to use the broom as a cane. “Destiny, I’m not gonna budge from this here spot until you tell me what’s goin’ on.”
    “Mandy skipped out on her final set tonight and Max said that Ralph fired her. He wants me to take her place!”
    “Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit!” Nessie thrust the broom into Seth’s hands and threw her arms around Destiny. “I’m so happy for you, baby doll!” She turned and hugged Seth as well.
    “What was that for?” he asked with a chuckle.
    “ ’Cause you’re as cute as a sack full of puppies and it was as good an excuse as any.” She turned back to Destiny. “Listen, I’m gonna be there tomorrow even if I have to shut the shop down early.”
    “You don’t have to do that.”
    “Are you kiddin’? I wouldn’t miss this for the world. Let me know what time and I’ll be there with bells on!”
    “I will.”
    Destiny’s wobbly smile didn’t escape Nessie, who patted her shoulder. “I know you’ve got some nerves goin’ on, but you’ll do just fine.”
    “I hope so.”
    Seth gave Destiny a little nudge with the broom .handle. “Excuse me?”
    Destiny rolled her eyes. “Okay, Coach . . . I know so.”
    “That’s more like it.”
    “I knew I liked you.” Nessie gave Seth a wink, then turned back to Destiny. “Girlfriend, I do believe the tide is turning. Okay, I’ll leave you two alone.”
    “That’s all right. I was just leaving. I’ll walk you downstairs,” Seth offered.
    “Are you sure?”
    “Positive.” He gave Destiny a quick squeeze. “See you tomorrow night.”
    “Me, too.” Nessie started down the stairs with him. “Oh, what am I gonna wear?”
    “Something flashy for a change?” Destiny called after her and was rewarded with laughter from both Nessie and Seth.
    As she closed the door after them, she suddenly remembered: She and Seth were supposed to have a date tomorrow night. She hadn’t even given it a thought when Max told her she was scheduled to perform.
    Oh well. Seth had to understand that her music came first.
    And if he didn’t . . .
    Well, she had her shot, and she was going to take it—just like he himself had told her.
    Mike followed her into the bedroom and hopped onto the bed, watching her as if he sensed her inner turmoil.
    “You know what’s weird, Mike?”
    He seemed to tilt his furry head.
    “This started out ordinary, just like any other day. But you mark my words: From this day forward, everything is going to change. I can feel it in my bones.”
    She just wished she knew whether it was because of her career—or Seth Caldwell.

FIVE

    B ack in the Saddle was always packed on Saturdays, and tonight was no different.
    As Destiny wove her way through the tables toward the stage, all of the things that could go wrong flashed into her head. What if she tripped up the steps? Knocked over the microphone? Broke a guitar string? Forgot the lyrics? Hit a sour note? What if they hated her?
    What if Seth was here?
    What if he wasn’t?
    She deliberately kept herself from scanning the room for him as she walked, focusing on the small stage instead. Her light supper felt like lead in her stomach and her mouth was completely dry.
    At least she knew she looked good. After a two-hour wardrobe-changing marathon, she’d settled on jeans and a sexy black button-up shirt. She’d added a little sparkle: a double-stranded turquoise rock necklace with a crystal-studded spur rowel pendant and a matching bracelet.
    Terrific. You look good, but how are you going to sing without saliva?
    She tried to