Stars on Broadway - Morgan Wallen

Chapter 55 - Takin' A Step Back

The air felt heavier than usual as Georgie sat down in the label's office. She had rehearsed this conversation a hundred times in her head, but now that she was here, the words didn't come as easily.

Anna, her manager, sat across from her, the usual business-like demeanor softened with concern. Georgie had told her briefly about needing time for family, but the full extent of what was going on hadn't been revealed yet.

"I'm sorry, Anna, but I need to step back," Georgie said finally, her voice quiet but steady.

Anna leaned forward, brows furrowing. "Georgie, I understand your father's health is the priority right now, but we've pushed back as much as we can. The label—"

Georgie cut her off gently. "I know what you're going to say, and I appreciate everything you've done to buy me time, but this is different now. My dad's being released from the hospital today, but... we just found out that he has cancer. And it's bad. They've told us there's nothing they can do."

Anna's face softened, all business falling away as the weight of Georgie's words sank in. "Oh, Georgie, I'm so sorry."

Tears welled up in Georgie's eyes as she spoke. "I need to be with my family. I'm going to Gatlinburg to stay with them. I don't know how long he has left, but I can't focus on my career right now. I can't split myself in two."

Anna nodded slowly, her expression a mix of empathy and understanding. "I'll talk to the label. We'll put everything on hold for as long as you need. Family comes first."

Georgie let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "Thank you."

Later that afternoon, Georgie packed a few bags and climbed into the passenger seat of Morgan's truck. He was driving her to Gatlinburg, where she would stay with her parents. Morgan had been her steady anchor through it all, and now, as they drove toward her childhood home, she was grateful for the quiet strength he provided.

"You sure you're okay staying behind?" Georgie asked, her voice soft as they wound through the familiar mountain roads.

Morgan glanced over, giving her a reassuring smile. "I'll be close by, just a call away. But I think you need this time with your family, without any distractions."

Georgie nodded, feeling the tightness in her chest ease just a little. "Thank you for understanding. I don't know how I'd be doing this without you."

Morgan reached over, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "You don't have to do it alone."

Arriving in Gatlinburg felt bittersweet. Georgie's childhood memories of this place had always been filled with warmth and joy, but now, there was an underlying sense of dread. Her dad, Hank, was home, but the clock was ticking, and she knew this was borrowed time.

Her mom, Joan, met them at the door, her eyes red and puffy from crying but holding a brave face as always. Georgie stepped into her mom's arms, feeling the familiar comfort and the shared heartache.

Inside, Hank was sitting in his favorite chair, looking frailer than Georgie had ever seen him. He gave her a weak smile, and she rushed to his side, kneeling beside him and holding his hand.

"Hey, Daddy," Georgie whispered, her voice breaking.

Hank's smile grew a little wider. "There's my girl."

They sat together in silence for a while, the gravity of the situation hanging in the air, but neither of them needed to say much. Georgie just wanted to be with him, to make the most of the time they had left.

Over the next few days, Georgie settled into a routine—helping her mom around the house, spending as much time as possible with her dad, and taking in the quiet moments. The world outside felt distant now, and for the first time in a long time, her career didn't matter. This was where she needed to be.