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When I started singing my part, the entire restaurant went silent, and all eyes were on Simon and me. I belted out the words as if I was performing a concert. When we finished, patrons shouted and clapped. Simon hooked his arm around me and kissed my cheek.
“What the fuck?” He smiled.
We stepped off the platform, and Nick hugged me.
“I’m speechless right now. You were incredible.”
“Thank you.” I grinned.
Stefan walked over. “I knew it. I knew you looked familiar, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. You were on American Idol years ago.”
“Yeah.” I bashfully smiled. “When I was sixteen.”
“You made it to the top five, and then you dropped out,” Stefan said.
“I got really sick and lost my voice. I had no choice but to drop out.”
“Damn.” He shook his head. “I totally would have voted for you. Your voice is amazing.”
“Thanks, Stefan.”
“He’s right, Claire.” Sam smiled. “You nailed that song perfectly. Better than this douchebag.” He gestured at Simon.
“I’m not going to lie.” Simon chuckled. “That was one hell of a performance.”
“You never told me you were on American Idol,” Nick said, handing me another beer.
“I don’t like to talk about it. It was a great experience, and I was grateful I made it as far as I did, but it wasn’t in the cards for me.”
“I’m sorry.” He pulled me into him.
“Thanks, but it’s all good.” I smiled.
“You don’t, by chance, play the guitar, do you?” Sam asked.
“She does. I’ve heard her.” Nick grinned.
“Then you’re invited to our beach bonfires.” Sam smiled.
“Raphael mentioned that you all gather down at the beach and play music.”
Instantly, Sam’s brows furrowed. “You know the Aubert’s?”
Shit.
Shaun heard and quickly came to my rescue.
“Hey, Sammy. I need you over here for something,” he said.
“Who’s Raphael?” Nick asked.
Double shit.
“Uh, a neighbor of theirs. I got turned around the other day and ended up on their street. I was looking for a coffee shop.” I lied. “Raphael was outside, and I stopped and asked him for directions.”
“Why would he tell you about the Kind family playing music down at the beach?”
“I was just commenting on how nice the houses were. He was telling me how the family lives there.”
