Hayes Imagines

Nashville

"Are you sure you're going to be fine?" "Yes Mom, I promise. Everything's going to be be great." I gave her a hug to reassure her. She was nervous about leaving me in Nashville. This was the start of my new life. I knew I needed to do this. Her eyes were full of tears, as her voice cracked, "Well ok then girl. Be sure to call me." Her arms wrapped around me as I pulled her in. With one last reset good bye she walked out the door. A wave of realization hit me as the door clicked shut. I was on my own.

I took a deep breath and took everything in. Looking around my room I saw piles of empty boxes from unpacking. If have to get rid of those later. I walked into my room and grabbed my guitar. I knew I was at ground zero with my music. I had a few gigs at some restaurants booked, I had one tonight actually. But besides that, I was completely alone. All my friends either stayed back in my hometown, or moved far away to other states. They didn't understand music like I did. They didn't get into it.

I started playing a few of my originals getting ready for tonight. Strumming a few chords I began humming to myself. I started singing, getting really into it, that it until my phone rudely interrupted me.

"Hello?" I said, trying not to sound to annoyed.

"Hi, this is Demos' Restaurant, we just wanted to know of you're still on for tonight?"

"Oh, yes, yes I am!" I said excitedly.

"Yes, great," they responded, "we have a change of plans.."

"oh?" I asked.

"Yes, we actually have a celebrity booking today. They will be preforming at the Opry later tonight, but they are having dinner there. Is that all right?"

"Yes that's fantastic!"

"Great!" She responded, "We will see you tonight."

"For sure!" I cheered, hanging up.

Whoa, this can't be real. Celebrities?! I wondered who would be there. Carrie Underwood? Tim McGraw? Hunter Hayes? The Band Perry?! I pondered this. My heart started beating really fast. I couldn't screw up tonight.

I started practicing some more. I needed to prefect everything. After practicing for a couple of hours I decided to pick out my outfit. It's 5:30 and my gigs at 7:30, I wanted to get there an hour early. I went with nice skinny jeans, my cowboy boots, and a nice sparkly black shirt.

"Here goes nothing." I murmured, grabbing my guitar case and heading out the door. I thought I was going to crash my car ten times on the way there. I was too distracted to focus on the road. After an interesting drive I finally reached Demos'.

"You the act?" I guard asked me. "Uh-yessir." I stammered. Guards? Really? I was getting more nervous by the second. "Right this way." He led me into Demos'. The place wasn't shabby, but it wasn't 'Celebrity Worthy'. It must have a meaning to someone.

I nearly passed out on the spot. I found a table with everyone who I imagined would be here. Carrie, Hunter, Tim, Brad, and so many more I couldn't even name. I felt a hand on my shoulder to see the guard standing behind me.

"Go ahead." He said, pointing to the stage. "The spot light is yours."

Slowly I worked up to the stage. Every step felt like a lifetime. My legs felt like lead. I walked up to the stage steps. I plugged in the cord to my acoustic. Slowly I walked to the mic.

"Hello everyone. I will be your guest performer for the evening." I saw all the eyes on me. "I will be playing a few of my originals tonight, and a few covers of your choice." I strummed a few chords. "Here we go."

The nerves went away as soon as I started to sing. I didn't see anyone, I was in my own place of peace. I was blind to everything but my guitar. I finished the song with a hum and looked back at the crowd. I saw my idols clapping for me. Clapping. For me. "Thank you!" I smiled broadly. "Is there any requests?"

"Storm Warning!" Carrie yelled out. I saw Hunter push her lightly. "Hey, you wanted it." I hear her say to him. Hunter wanted me to play his song? Awesome.

"Storm Warning it is." I responded. I started playing.

"She rolled in from the west in a summer sundress hotter then the heat in July. With her wind blow hair it, just wasn't fair the way she was blownin my mind." I got really into it. Bobbing my head with the beat. I saw hunter doing the same. I finished the song to more applause. This was going great.

I did a few more originals, and a few more covers. The night just flew by. I finished and walked off the stage. I packed up and went to leave. I didn't quite make it to the door when I felt a hand on my shoulder. Spinning around I saw hunter standing there.

"Hey," he said extended his arm to me, "Nice job out there." I shook his hand. "Awe thank you! It means a lot, really." I said with a smile. "Are you new around here?" "Yes, I moved here today actually."

"No way! Getting a jump on it early?" He asked. "For sure." I said smiling. "Well, actually I was wondering if you would like to collaborate sometime. You have real potential." "Wow- really?!" I asked, shocked. "Yeah," he said rubbing the back of his neck. "If you would like to." "I would love to!" I replied. "Great, here's my number." He said, scribbling down a piece of paper. "Text me so I can get your number. I call you to come down to the studio when we can." "Sounds like a plan!" I said.

"Well, I will see you soon!" He said, shaking my hand. "See ya!" He walked back to his table talking to the others. I walked out of the restaurant. Day one in Nashville? Score.