Stars on Broadway - Morgan Wallen

Chapter 66 - Preparing for Down Under

The Nashville sun was hot, beating down on Georgie and Morgan as they packed up the last of their luggage. The trip to Australia was just days away, and the excitement in the air was palpable. Georgie could hardly believe that in just a few days, she would be on stage in front of 30,000 people at CMC Rocks, her first international headline performance.

The farmhouse was a whirlwind of activity. Georgie's band had been over for rehearsals every day, fine-tuning their setlist and getting everything in order for the festival. Morgan had been helping too, offering advice and even joining in during a few sessions, just to keep the mood light and fun.

Now, though, it was time to focus on the personal side of things—getting everything ready for their journey halfway across the world.

"Are you sure we need this much?" Morgan asked, grinning as he zipped up another suitcase.

Georgie laughed, tossing a few more items onto the bed. "It's Australia, Morgan. I need options! Besides, who knows what kind of weather we'll get."

"Fair enough," Morgan said, shaking his head. "But we might need an extra suitcase just for your shoes."

Georgie playfully rolled her eyes. "You're one to talk. You've packed three pairs of boots."

"Well, you never know when you're gonna need a good pair of boots," Morgan teased.

They both laughed, the lighthearted banter a welcome distraction from the nerves that had been building in Georgie all week. This was going to be the biggest show of her career, and while she was thrilled, there was no denying the pressure that came with it.

As they packed, Georgie's phone buzzed with a new notification. She glanced at it and saw a reminder for their final rehearsal session later that day. Her band would be arriving soon to run through the setlist one last time before they left for Australia.

"You ready for one more run-through?" Morgan asked, noticing the notification too.

Georgie nodded, her heart racing with anticipation. "Yeah. I just want everything to be perfect."

"It will be," Morgan said, walking over to her. He placed his hands on her shoulders, his voice soft and reassuring. "You've worked hard for this, Georgie. And you're going to crush it. I know it."

Georgie smiled, feeling the tension ease a bit. "Thanks, Morgan. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You won't have to find out," he said with a grin, leaning down to kiss her forehead.

Rehearsal went off without a hitch. The band was in sync, the songs sounded perfect, and Georgie's voice was stronger than ever. After they wrapped up, she and Morgan sat down with her manager Anna to go over the final travel arrangements and setlist details for CMC Rocks.

"We're all set for the trip," Anna said, flipping through her notes. "Flights, accommodations, media appearances, everything's in place. You've got a couple of interviews lined up when you land, and the festival organizers are excited to have you."

Georgie nodded, feeling a wave of excitement wash over her. "I can't wait. I've never been to Australia before."

"It's going to be amazing," Anna said, smiling. "And with Morgan coming along, you two should make the most of it. It's not every day you get to travel to the other side of the world."

Morgan leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms with a smirk. "I've got a few ideas of what we could do when we're not working. Australia's got some wild stuff—beaches, wildlife, maybe even a few adventures."

Georgie raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Like what?"

"Well," Morgan began, "I've heard the Great Barrier Reef is a must-see. We could do some snorkeling or diving. And I've always wanted to see those kangaroos up close."

Georgie grinned. "Kangaroos, huh? I think we can make that happen."

"And then there's the food," Morgan added, his eyes lighting up. "We've gotta try some Australian barbecue and see how it stacks up to Tennessee."

Georgie laughed, shaking her head. "Of course you're thinking about the food."

"Hey, it's important," Morgan teased, reaching for her hand. "But seriously, we should make time for some fun. We'll be working hard, but we've gotta enjoy it too."

"I agree," Georgie said, squeezing his hand. "It's going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I want to make the most of it. Maybe we can even sneak in some sightseeing between shows."

Later that night, after the house had quieted down and the last-minute packing was done, Georgie and Morgan sat on the porch, enjoying the peaceful Nashville evening. The excitement of the trip was still buzzing in the air, but there was also a sense of calm—a feeling that they were about to embark on something unforgettable.

"You know," Georgie said, resting her head on Morgan's shoulder, "I never thought I'd be headlining a festival in Australia. It's kind of surreal."

Morgan smiled, pulling her closer. "You deserve every bit of it. And I'm just lucky I get to be there with you."

Georgie looked up at him, her heart swelling with gratitude. "I'm lucky too. Having you by my side makes it all even better."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, watching the stars twinkle above them. The next few weeks were going to be busy, chaotic even, but in that moment, everything felt perfect.

Australia was calling, and Georgie was ready.