“I was thinking about jumping out of a giant cake,” Sam replies dryly, and Mom and I scowl at him.

Back at Radio City, before I walk into the Roxy Suite, Mr. Logan pulls me aside. “I’m so, so sorry about all this.”

Oh no. That’s it. It’s all over. I sniffle hard to keep my tears at bay. “I’m sorry too.”

Mr. Logan pats my shoulder. Then I go sit on a sofa between Jesse and my mother. Neither can sit still.

Mr. Tyson straightens his tie. “I apologize for keeping you waiting all day, but I believe Charles and our producers have come up with some solutions to our problem.”

“You got me out of the contract?” Jesse asks.

Mr. Logan pats his shoulder. “You know we can’t do that, son.”

“And I won’t let you,” I whisper in his ear. “You said you felt like something was missing from your life, and I’m not letting you give up something that makes you feel good about yourself. I know you like helping other musicians.”

Jesse’s mouth edges into a small smile. He demands, “What about Maya?”

His lawyer turns to me. “Maya, how would you feel about participating in next year’s contest? Mr. Tyson has assured me you could bypass all auditions up through round two of the semifinals.”

Next year? That’s forever away, and I am ready to perform now. Tears flood my eyes, and I start sniffling. I can’t help it. At my reaction, Sam leans over and puts his head between his knees, and my mother covers her eyes. Jesse pulls a handkerchief out of his jeans pocket and passes it to me. I dry my eyes and listen as my boyfriend goes to town.

“That’s not good enough,” Jesse growls. “What else?”

“NBC will reimburse Maya’s travel costs this year and next.”

“And?”

“Footage of Maya during this year’s first three episodes. Even if she doesn’t compete this season, everyone in America will know who she is.”

“What else?” The edge to his voice sharpens.

“I’m prepared to show a three-second clip of her during the opening credits of the show,” Mr. Tyson says with a warm smile.

That would be huge!

“But a whole year?” my mother asks.

“It would be good for her,” Mr. Logan says, pointing at me with his little black notebook. “She could work on getting some solo gigs back in Nashville. Get more experience that’ll give her a leg up for next year.”

“That’s true,” Jesse says to me. “After you take more lessons, you’ll do a lot better in auditions. I’ll help you get the training you need.”

Sam lifts his head from between his knees. He nods once at Jesse with respect, looking grateful. I feel the same way. After today’s auditions, I know I need more practice, but I also know I can become so much more.

I tell everyone I need a moment to talk with Mom and Sam. I lead them out into the grand foyer, where I look around, not quite believing how much confidence I’ve built in myself. How far I’ve come. Wondering how much further I can go. There are always second chances.

We huddle like we’re on a football field. “I’ll come back next year, but only if you come with me,” I say.

“I’m in,” Sam says.

Mom squeezes my hand. “Me too.”

A rush of happiness and love fills me. My family is the best. I lead them back to the Roxy Suite.

“I’ve got an answer for you.” I smile at Jesse. “I’ll compete in next year’s competition. That is, if I don’t have something bigger going on already.”

I might’ve missed a beat, but my performance isn’t over.

Bonus Track

Take Me Home, Country Roads

Saturday, February 13—Annual Hundred Oaks Talent Show

I take a deep bow and wave at the audience. Scanning the crowd, I spot Mom, Dad, Sam, Jordan, and Anna. I blow a kiss at them. My family claps and screams my name. Dr. Salter and Mr. Logan are sitting in the front row, keeping an eye on the reporters. Jesse’s seat is empty.

The reporters he invited are squatting down in front of the seats, holding cameras and waiting to take pictures of the main attraction, which is definitely not my performance of Guns N’ Roses’ “November Rain.” I do think it was pretty awesome though, and the press took lots of pictures of me. I love getting exposure for my music, and not only as “Jesse Scott’s girlfriend.”

The first episode of Wannabe Rocker aired last week, and while I’ve received a billion tweets from viewers about how romantic it was when Jesse leaped off the stage and kissed me, I’ve also received lots of compliments on my audition.