Backstage Levi could be found pacing back and forth. His lips mumbled something under his breath as his hands shook nervously. He was never more nervous in his life. He had performed for hundreds of people. Even thousands of people but this was different. This time he was not singing alone. Earlier Levi had been asked to come backstage by his manager because someone wanted to speak to him. Levi didn’t think anything of it so he followed Clayton backstage. Little did he know he would meet one of his all time favorite country stars in the music biz today.
When Levi saw Chris Stapleton he almost died on the spot. He stopped mid step and could do nothing but stare at his idol. His mouth went dry and the wind was knocked out of him. There he was, Chris Stapleton in the flesh. “Howdy Mr, Nash.” He said, holding out his hand to Levi. “Pleasure to meet you.” Levi just stood there still in shock. Clayton cleared his throat to try to knock Levi out of his catatonic state but it didn’t work. He then nudged Levi and that seemed to do it because Levi shook his head, seeing if he was just dreaming or if this was real.
He held out his hand to Chris and shook it. “Hi, Mr. Stapleton. It is a big honor to meet you. I am one of your biggest fans.” He rambled, shaking Chris’s hand. Chris chuckled and shook back before taking his hand away. “Please, call me Chris.” He said. “I was wondering if we could talk for a minute.” He motioned for them to sit on some chairs. Levi followed suit and took a seat across from Chris while Clayton sat next to Levi. “So Levi, your buddy over here was telling me how you are trying to make a comeback in music.” Levi laughed nervously, running his hand through the back of his hair. “Yes, sir. Clayton and I have been working on a new album. Just fiddling with a few songs.”
Chris sat back and rubbed his chin through his beard. “Look kid, I have heard your stuff and it's good. Really good and I think I can help you really make that comeback that you need.” Levi sat there in shock. He had to be dreaming. This was not happening. He was not sitting here with one of his music idols to whom was saying he wanted to help Levi with his music. “I am very honored that you want to help Chris, but I have to ask why?” Chris chuckled and nodded. “Why not? Mr Novak and I think having a big name on your first single would give it the push it rightfully needs.” He held his hands up. “Now we would be singing your own song I would just be helping out.”
Levi laughed in disbelief. “I would be honored for you to sing on my record. It would be a dream come true.” Chris clapped and smiled. “Awesome. I will have my people call your people and perhaps we could hit the studio sometime soon.” Chris stood and held out his hand for Levi. “It has been a pleasure and I look forward to working with you.” Levi stood and shook his hand. “Pleasure is all mine.” Chris took his hand back and smiled. “Now excuse me, I have a set to perform.” He tipped his cowboy hat and off to the stage her went. When he was out of view, Levi turned to Charlie, grabbed his face and planted a bill old kiss on his cheek.
“You my friend are the best manager a guy could have.” Clayton laughed and wiped Levi’s messy kiss off his face. “Hey, I told you I got your back.” Levi hugged his friend hard, patting his back a few time before letting go. “I will contact his crew and we will set up a date for him to come to the studio.” Levi nodded. “I have to go tell Kay, she is going to flip.” Levi patted his friend on the back once more and smiled. “Dude I owe you my life.” He shouted “Wahoo!” As he ran from backstage to where Kay was waiting for him to tell the good news.