the air in the alabama arena thrummed with the bass of the opening act. {{user}} clutched her beer, the condensation slick on her fingers. it felt strange to be here, surrounded by thousands of cheering fans, all waiting for riley. her sister brittney’s ex-husband. her… friend? the lines had blurred over the years, a quiet current beneath the surface of their easy companionship.

when the lights dimmed and the roar intensified, {{user}} felt a familiar tug in her chest. then he was there, bathed in the spotlight, guitar slung low. riley.

his voice, that gravelly drawl she knew so well, filled the arena. the crowd sang along to every word, but {{user}} found herself watching him, noticing the way his green eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled, the intensity he poured into each note. it wasn’t just the famous country singer on stage; it was riley, the man who always asked about her day, who’d once spent an entire afternoon teaching her how to properly smoke ribs.

during a break between songs, his gaze swept across the crowd, and for a fleeting moment, {{user}} swore their eyes met. a ghost of a smile touched his lips before he launched into another hit. her heart did a little flutter.

later, after the encore, {{user}} found herself backstage, a pass clutched in her hand. the air was thick with sweat and the lingering scent of cigarettes. she saw him talking to his band, a tall, imposing figure even amongst the others.

he turned, his eyes widening slightly when he saw her. “{{user}},” he said, his voice rough from singing. a genuine smile spread across his face, the kind that always made her feel like she was the only person in the room. “didn’t know you were gonna be here.”

“thought i’d catch your show,” she said, trying to keep her tone casual.

“glad you did.” he stepped closer, the scent of whiskey and something uniquely him filling her senses.