Taylor hooked her arm through Kate’s as they walked. “So Buddy told me he put it all out there for you. You know what to expect over the next couple of months?”

“I think I’m as prepared as anyone can be.”

“You can come here if you ever need to hide out. We’ve got tons of room. It’s loud and busy, but you’re welcome any time.”

“You and Buddy have been so good to me. I’ll never be able to thank you for everything.”

“Well, honey, I’ve got to tell you, when Reid first told Buddy about you, we were skeptical. I mean people are always telling us about this one or that one. But once we saw you perform, we were your biggest fans.”

The world had tilted on its axis. “What?” Kate whispered. “What did you say?”

Taylor stopped walking. “Honey, why do you look like you’ve just seen a ghost?”

“What did you say about Reid?”

“What? That he told Buddy about you? That’s how we found you.”

“No,” Kate whimpered. “No.” Her stomach surged with nausea.

Taylor stared at her, confused. “I don’t understand.”

Kate clutched her stomach. “How does Buddy know Reid?” she managed to ask.

“Buddy’s mother, Miss Martha, was Reid’s housekeeper. They grew up together.”

“Oh, no! Oh my God. No.”

“Sweetheart, you’re scaring me. What’s wrong?”

“I’m sorry, Taylor. I have to go.” Kate fought tears as she ran for the house. She found her purse in the living room and was headed for the front door when Buddy stopped her.

“What’s wrong, darlin’? Are you crying?”

“Reid told you about me. That’s how you found me. Is that true?”

“Shit.” Buddy groaned.

“She didn’t know that?” Taylor cried as she came up behind Buddy. “Why didn’t you tell me, Buddy?”

Certain she was going to be sick, Kate had to get out of there. “I’ve got to go. Thank you,” she said softly. “You were real nice to me.” Blinded by tears, she bolted out the door.

“Kate!” Buddy called. He stopped her before she could open her car door. “Listen to me!”

“There’s nothing you can say. Let me go.”

“Listen! Do you remember when I told you that you can trust everything I tell you?”

Wiping at her face, she nodded.

“Then hear this. Reid told me about you. I won’t deny that. But you sold me. You. Do you honestly think you’d be coming on tour with us or having dinner at my house if I didn’t think you have what it takes to play in the big leagues? Do you?”

She shrugged.

“I love Reid like a brother, but you’re where you are right now because of you. Don’t blow it, Kate.”

“May I go now?”

He stepped back so she could open her car door.