That Was Then, This Is Now

Part 23

"Ladies and gentlemen please welcome to the stage recording country artist Tim McGraw and female vocalist nominee Faith Hill, her to present the duo of the year." Says the big voice over the speakers.
Tim and walk out on to the stage and all the eyes are on us. I feel like I'm about 20 seconds from throwing up on Tim. I've always had bad stage fright but there's this feeling about tonight that's making me uneasy. I feel like every one of Tim and my moves are under intense scrutiny. We walk up to the mic that is front centre stage and look to the TelePrompter.
"Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we are celebrating the years best duo." Reads Tim.
"This award celebrates the people who can work together, collaborate and produce music that is representative of two journeys and not just one." I read from the screen.
"And the ACM goes to.." we say in unity as I open the envelope, "Florida Georgia Lines." As the boys come up on stage Tim and I congratulate them before making our way to the wings for their speeches. Just as we start to navigate the backstage area I catch a few word from their speech.
"...and to have this award presented to us by a legendary duo, Tim and Faith, we love y'all. Thank you."
"We're legends." I say to Tim sarcastically.
"Didn't you hear? I'm getting another greatest hit album! How great." He replies just as sarcastically.
We laugh together as we make our way back to our seats. The night is drawing to a close and the last few awards are coming.
"How are you feeling?" Says Tim putting his hand on my leg.
"Nervous." I sigh.
"It's going to be fine." He reassures me. I'm not really paying attention to my anything, I'm not listening I'm just trying to rational in my head that it won't be the end of the world when Carrie wins, that there's next year. It's fine. Suddenly I feel tim standing up, and pulling me up with him. People are clapping. Tim pulls me in to hug.
"I knew you could do it." He says into my ear. I won. Oh my lord. How the hell? "I'm so proud of you." He says. He walks me towards the stairs as my knees shake.
I hug the presenters and hold the trophy tightly.
"Wow." I say into the mic out of breath. "This really never gets old. I want to start off by thanking my producers, my band and my whole team. It takes a village and I am the product of a very supportive one." I take a deep shaking breath. "And I want to thank my family and Gary, and his whole family who have adopted me into theirs. I love you all, you mean the world to me. And I also want to thank my friend, Tim, who is here with me tonight and whom I care for very deeply. Without these people none of this would be possible. I'm so very lucky to have such great friends." I finish getting off stage. Did I just friend zone Tim on national television? Oops.

Hey guys! Sorry for being slack and not updating! I've been away and have quickly whipped up a chapter, and I'll work on some more now. Idk about y'all but I'm bored of this story, so I'm gonna try wrap it? Idk. We'll see! Thanks for reading :)