“Thank you for coming with me,” I said, keeping my voice low. “I know you guys are probably exhausted.”
Kylie waved me off. “Please. I live for this. You’re going to an award show, I get to stay in L.A. with four kids, plus yours. It’s like a chaotic slumber party.”
Jason grunted. “More like a war zone.”
“Same thing,” she teased.
The descent into Los Angeles was smooth, the city lights glowing below like they were waiting for me. As we touched down, I felt the nerves start to stir in my chest—not because of the show, but because I knew I’d be walking into that room without Travis beside me. Again.
But I had Kylie. I had Jason. I had my girls. And tonight, that was more than enough.
As we taxied toward the private hangar, I reached over and laced my fingers with Lily’s.
“You gonna be good for Auntie Kylie?”
She nodded seriously. “Are you gonna win?”
I grinned. “I’m gonna try.”
---
The hotel suite was humming with energy—stylists darting in and out, garment bags unzipped across the bed, curling irons warming up on the vanity. I stood barefoot in my robe, sipping lukewarm coffee and trying not to bounce Mira too hard in her wrap sling. She was dozing against my chest, warm and content, completely unaware that I had red carpet cameras waiting for me in just a few hours.
Kylie peeked her head in from the other room, holding a half-eaten protein bar and Finnley on her hip. “Hair and makeup are setting up. Want me to take Mira?”
I hesitated. “She’s good for now. The second I hand her off she’ll wake up like I’m leaving for college.”
Kylie laughed. “Fair.”
Jason wandered past us in socks, holding Lily upside down by her ankles while she screamed in delight. “We’re doing acrobatics in the living room if anyone needs us.”
“Don’t break my kid,” I called after him, smirking.
It was loud, chaotic, and comforting. And honestly? The perfect distraction.
The glam team finally settled in, and I handed Mira off to Kylie, who was already an expert at juggling multiple toddlers. I sat down in front of the mirror, exhaled slowly, and let the transformation begin. Foundation evened out the sleep deprivation. Lashes gave me life. Lipstick gave me confidence. And when they zipped me into my gown—a pale gold number that shimmered with every step—I almost felt like her again. The me I used to be on carpets, before sippy cups and diaper blowouts and baby monitors at 3 a.m.
I turned toward the mirror and studied myself. “Hot mom era,” I whispered under my breath.
“You look amazing,” Kylie said behind me, bouncing Mira now. “Travis is gonna lose his mind when he sees photos.”
I smiled, biting back the ache in my chest. “I wish he was here.”
“He’ll text you the second he sees your pictures,” she promised.
I nodded, grabbing my phone to send him a quick selfie. Wish you were here tonight. I miss you. PS: I look hot, so prepare yourself.
Seconds later, the typing dots popped up.
Travis: You’re not even giving me time to prepare my heart. I miss you. Go win something so I can brag about you at practice.
I clutched the phone to my chest for a second. Then, grabbing my clutch, I turned to Kylie.
“Alright,” I said, inhaling deeply. “Let’s do this.”
YOU ARE READING
Invisible String
FanfictionWe always thought it would be easy - or at least, easier than this. Starting a family was the next chapter we were so ready for. After years of tour buses, locker rooms, sold-out stadiums, and quiet nights tangled up on the couch, we finally looked...
