Page 27 of Echoes of a Southern Song

Chapter Ten

Jinnie

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I STAND IN FRONT OF the mirror, twisting my hair into a messy bun and then immediately pulling it back down. It’s too casual, too me. I always wear my hair up. Tonight feels like it needs something more. I glance at the clock—less than an hour until Jack’s set starts. My stomach flips at the thought of sneaking into Aggie’s bar to hear him play his new song. A song I helped finish.

I rummage through my closet, pulling out a black dress I haven’t worn in forever. It’s simple—knee-length with a fitted waist—but it’s fancier than my usual tank-tops and shorts. I’m not sure if the bar is really a place to wear a dress. But screw it. I slip it on, smoothing the fabric over my hips, and step into a pair of black heels that make me feel taller, more confident. Maybe even a little dangerous.

And definitely a few years older than the eighteen I’ve actually been on this planet.

I swipe on mascara and dab a bit of gloss on my lips. I don’t usually bother with makeup, but tonight feels different. Special. Like I’m stepping into a version of myself I don’t usually let out. I am going to be competing with a lot of other women who are all trying to get Jack’s attention.

I grab my fake ID from the top drawer of my dresser, staring at the name scrawled across it: Samantha Lewis. It’s absurd how much younger I look in the photo, my hair longer, my face rounder. I stuff it into my clutch along with my phone and keys, trying to ignore the flutter of nerves in my chest.

The patio at The Hollow Log is packed tonight, every picnic table filled with people sipping beers and tapping their feet to the music. String lights crisscross overhead. The inside is packed as well. Aggie sees me, giving me a small head shake with a smile.

I walk to the bar to talk to her. “I promise I won’t try and order a drink,” I tell her. “And if by some chance the liquor board or police shows up, I’m legal.”

“Oh yeah?” she asks. “Did your birthday change?”

“I can’t tell you why, but I assure you, your license is safe.”

“Oh honey, your generation isn’t the first one to try and buck the system,” she says. “Go on, get yourself a good spot up front. It’s going to be a good one.”

“Thanks, Aunt Aggie.”

I make my way outside and end up standing near a group of young women all talking about the hot singer. Yeah, I’m trying not to let it go to my head that he’s with me. I glance over, sizing up the competition. One of them has tits the size of my head and another looks like an exotic goddess. But I have to trust it’s me Jack wants to be with.

I hear a bit of commotion and then I see him. Jack waves at a few people as he climbs onto the stage.

“Evening, folks,” he says into the microphone, his voice smooth and easy. The crowd cheers, a few women whistling. I can’t stop staring at him. It’s almost like he’s too good to be true. He’s so damn handsome and beautiful and sexy. Jack’s gaze finds mine immediately, that private smile just for me making my stomach flip.

Then he starts playing, and everything else fades away.

The new song is even better live—catchy and raw. The crowd loves it. Then he plays one of his other songs that is a regular on his set list. Hearing him croon makes the hair on my arms stand up. He plays it like it’s effortless, like the guitar is just another part of him.

A girl nearby leans over to her friend. “Damn, he’s good.”

I bite back a smug smile. You have no idea.

Then the stool comes out and I know he’s about to slow things down. We’ve talked about his set. He’s only human and does need a break. I helped him arrange it with a few of the upbeat ones and then a slower one that gives him a chance to sit down and catch his breath.

My position at the front has mostly been overtaken. I’m standing at the edge of the crowd to the left of the stage. I honestly don’t mind. It’s about listening to him, and unlike all these other people here, I get to hear him when it’s just me and him.

I see him scanning the crowd. Is he looking for me?

Yes.

His eyes find mine and he offers a small smile. “This one is for a special lady,” he says.

He starts the song...my song. Every time I hear it, I can practically feel him touching me. His hands brushing over my skin and his lips on my neck. I gently sway to the song. Neither of us has talked about going public with our relationship. I have a feeling if he does announce it, I’m going to be the most hated woman in town. Jealousy makes people do crazy things.

I don’t mind it being our little secret. It makes it even better.

The song ends and the room is silent. “Guys, I’m going to get a drink. I’ll be back in five.”

Jack steps off the stage and comes to me, hooking his arm around my shoulders and steering me from the crowd. “How’s the view from there?”